Synonyms and Antonyms

They are called synonyms. Some words mean the same thing, or nearly the same thing. They are called synonyms.

What are some words that mean the same thing? kind and nice warm and hot little and small mean and nasty No “how about”… pictures very important.

How do you find synonyms? First, think of a common word, like cold. Next, try to think of other words you have heard that mean cold, or are close to meaning cold, like chilly or icy. Now, you try it. What other words mean cold?

They are called antonyms. Some words mean the opposite of each other. They are called antonyms.

What are some words that mean the opposite? nice and mean hot and cold little and big wet and dry

How do you find antonyms? First, think of a common word, like shiny. Next, try to think of other words you have heard that mean the opposite of shiny, like dull or lifeless. Now, you try it. What other words mean the opposite of shiny?

To remember the word synonym, think Hint To remember the word synonym, think synonym = same

To remember the word antonym, think about the a in antonym Hint To remember the word antonym, think about the a in antonym a for against Something that’s the opposite of something is against it. For example: Bad is the opposite or antonym of good.

Why is knowing about synonyms and antonyms helpful? Can you think of some reasons? What did you come up with?

You can write more interesting sentences. A dark cloud covered the sun. A gloomy cloud hid the sun. After being pecked by the hen, the mad rooster walked across the barnyard. After being pecked by the hen, the furious rooster stormed across the barnyard.

You can use antonyms and synonyms to figure things out while reading. The large coyote looked down at the small armadillo.

They can tell you the meanings of words. You may not know about coyotes or armadillos, but the antonyms tell you that one is large, and one is small. Clues like this will help you figure things out when you read paragraphs and longer passages.

How do you find antonyms and synonyms? Use your own experience. Look up a word using a handy reference tool called a thesaurus which gives you examples of both synonyms and antonyms for that word.

Example of thesaurus entry for old Synonyms aged elderly mature previous last Antonyms young little immature new fresh

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