Synonyms and Antonyms
Expand vocabulary by exploring a range of synonyms and antonyms, and using words encountered in a range of sources.
Read this first
A better word makes writing sharper. Not longer, sharper.
Words you need
- Synonym
- A word with a similar meaning.
- Antonym
- A word with the opposite meaning.
- Shade of meaning
- Two synonyms are close, but not the same. Warm is not hot.
Worked example
e.g. Improve this: The dog was big and the man was sad.
- Find the weak words. Big and sad are vague.
- List synonyms for big: large, huge, enormous.
- Pick the one that fits. A guard dog is enormous.
- Now list synonyms for sad: upset, miserable, heartbroken.
- Pick by shade. If his dog is missing, heartbroken fits.
- Result: The dog was enormous and the man was heartbroken.
Pick the word that fits the shade. The longest word is not the best word.
Practice
Pick for shade, not for length.
1Give a synonym for happy.with a picture
AnswerGlad, cheerful or delighted.
2Give an antonym for hot.with a picture
AnswerCold.
3Which fits better for a light rain: poured or drizzled?with a hint
Need a hint?
Think about the shade.
AnswerDrizzled.
4Give an antonym for ancient.with a hint
Need a hint?
Think of the opposite of very old.
AnswerModern or new.
5Replace nice in: It was a nice day.on your own
AnswerWarm, bright or perfect, depending on the day.
6Why is the longest synonym not always the best?on your own
AnswerIt may not fit the meaning. It can also confuse the reader.
Think about it
1
Why do writers avoid words like nice and good?
One good answerThey are vague. They tell the reader almost nothing.
2
Are two synonyms ever exactly the same?
One good answerAlmost never. Slim and skinny are the same size. They feel different.
Common mistakes
Any synonym can swap in.
Not quite. Cheap and affordable are close. But one sounds like an insult.
Using long words makes writing better.
Only if they fit. A short word in the right place wins.