USE SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS

DESCRIBING PERSONALITY

Imagine for a moment how dull the world would be if there were only one
word to voice a particular thought. If every person, place, or object could only be
expressed with the same word over and over again, then reading, writing, and
speaking would be extremely boring. Luckily, we have synonyms and antonyms to
add spice and flavor to our communication skills.

So enjoy this manual and then get around for preparing your own list of
Synonyms and Antonyms. There is no better way of boosting your words power. I
have tried my best to make this manual as informative as possible. It will certainly
help in broadening the horizons of your vocabulary knowledge.
 Importance of Learning Synonyms and Antonyms

Language learners need to study a lot of words, including synonyms and

antonyms, in order to understand English speech and writing. If you want to
understand native speakers in conversation, watch films, read books, newspapers
and magazines, you need to know as many words as possible. It is easier to
understand and memorize words when they are organized in groups of related
words, and synonyms can be arranged in groups easily

Synonyms are words that are similar or have a related meaning to another
word. They can be lifesafer, especially when you want to avoid repeating the same
words over and over. Also, sometimes the word you have in mind might not be the
most appropriate word, which is while finding the right synonym can come in
handy. Luckily, we do not have to go searching the recesses of our of our mind to
come up with a list of synonyms.

There is a certain skill involved in choosing the most appropriate synonym,

as not all are created equal. It is important to consider the connotation of the word
because some synonyms can inject a different meaning that one intended.

For example, one synonym of “sad” is “gloomy”, however, this word

carries a negative connotation. Depending on the circumstance you can use it, but
if you just want to say that someone is “down”, then another synonym such as
“blue” or “unhappy” would be more applicable.

Here is a list of adjectives and their synonyms that are commonly used to
describe people:

fair – just, objective, impartial, unbiased;

funny – humorous, comical, hilarious, hysterical;

intelligent – smart, bright, brilliant, sharp;

positive – optimistic, cheerful, starry-eyed, sanguine.

Synonyms Test

Below there is a list of synonyms related to the adjectives above. Match

the right synonym with one of the adjectives

1. Loaded a) sad

2. Disconsolate b) beautiful

3. Fit c) rich

4. Clever d) mean

5. Cute e) strong

6. Truthful f) funny

7. Beneficent g) intelligent

8. Convivial h) happy

9. Virulent i) honest

10. Reserved j) outgoing

11. Languid k) kind

12. Jocular l) hardworking

13. Benevolent m) lazy

14. Assiduous n) fair

15. Blissful o) introverted

Keys: 1-c, 2-a, 3-e, 4-g, 5-b, 6-I, 7-k, 8-j, 9-d, 10-o, 11-m, 12-f,13-n, 14-l, 15-h.

Strictly speaking, there are no synonyms that have completely the same
meaning and can be interchangeable, at least in some meaning: big-large.

But there are always some shades of meaning to that of another word. Like
synonyms, antonyms may have several meanings, and antonyms of some word
may or may not be synonyms among themselves. For example, the opposites of the
word “friendly”, the adjectives “unfriendly, hostile”, are synonyms, while the
opposites of the word “short”, the adjectives “long, tall” are not synonyms.
 Antonyms are easier to substitude than synonyms. In the case of adjectives,
if you want to express the opposite you can often use the structure not+adjective as
a substitude for an antonym: young-not young, fragile-not fragile.

Using an extended vocabulary can have many advantages. It may improve

communication and self-confidence, as well as your relationships with people.

Not all words from a word group are perfect synonyms, so when you
replace a word, make sure the synonym you use fits the context.

Vocabulary List
Use These Adjectives to Describe Personality

1. Abusive – violent, brutal, cruel, harsh, oppressive.

Opposites: polite, kind.

2. Acceptable – adequate, reasonable, fair, good enough, sufficient, tolerable,

passable.
Opposites: unacceptable.
3. Accomplished – skilled, skilful, talented, gifted, (informal) mean, nifty,
crack, ace.
4. Addicted – dependent, obsessed, fanatical, passionate, (informal) hacked.
5. Adverse – harmful, dangerous, hostile, unfavorable, unfriendly, negative.
Opposites: favorable, beneficial
6. Affluent – wealthy, rich, prosperous, well off, well-to-do, of means,
(informal)well heeled, made of money, loaded.
Opposites: poor.
7. Aggressive – violent, confrontational, antagonistic.
Opposites: peaceful, laid-back.
8. Agile (she was as agile as a monkey) – nimble, lithe, acrobatic.
An agile mind – sharp, acute, perspective, quid.
Opposites: stiff, clumsy, dull.
9. Agreeable(man) – likeable, amiable, pleasant, nice, friendly, good-natured,
sociable, genial.
Opposites: unpleasant.
10.Ailing – ill, sick, weak.
Opposites: healthy.
11.Aimless – purposeless, directionless, undirected.
12.Alert – 1) watchful, attentive, observant, (informal) keeping one’s eyes open;
2) mentally alert – quick-witted, sharp, bright, quick, perceptive.
Opposites: inattentive, dull.
13.Ambitious – aspiring, determined, motivated, energetic, committed,
purposeful, (informal) go-ahead, go-getting.
Opposites: laid-back, easy.
14.Amusing – funny, comical, humorous, lighted-hearted, witty, entertaining.
Opposites: solemn, boring.
15.Angry – furious, enraged, infuriated, outraged, cross.
Opposites: good-humoured.
16.Antisocial – unsociable, unfriendly, uncommunicative, reclusive.
Opposites: acceptable, sociable.
17.Anxious- worried, fearful, uneasy, disturbed, nervous.
Opposites: confident, unconcerned.
18.Apathetic – uninterested, indifferent, unmoved, uninvolved.
Opposites: interested, involved, enthusiastic.
19.Appreciative – grateful, thankful, obliged, indebted.
Opposites: ungrateful.
20.Artistic – creative, imaginative, expressive, sensitive.
Opposites: unimaginative.
21.Attentive – (pupil) 1)alert, perceptive, observant, acute, aware, needful,
focused, studious, diligent, conscientious, earnest. 2)the most attentive of
husbands: considerate, thoughtful, kind, caring, solicitous, understanding,
sympathetic.
Opposites: inattentive.
22.Attractive – good-looking, beautiful, pretty, handsome, lovely, stunning,
striking, gorgeous,(English)bony.
Informal: (Brit.)fit, (Amer.)cute.
Attractive career – appealing, inviting, tempting, pleasing, interesting.
Opposites: unattractive, ugly, uninviting.
23.Austere(man) – severe, stern, strict, harsh, grim, cold, unfriendly.
Opposites: easy-going, friendly, extravagant.
24.Authoritarian – strict, autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannical, illiberal,
undemocratic.
Opposites: bossy.
25.Avid – keen, eager, enthusiastic, ardent, passionate, devoted.
Opposites: apathetic.
26.Babyish – childish, infantile, juvenile, immature.
Opposites: mature.
27.Backward – (he was not backward displaying his talents )hesitant, reticent,
reluctant, shy, diffident, timid.
Opposites: progressive, confident.
28.Bad – (bad guys) 1) wicked, evil, sinful, criminal, immortal, corrupt.
Informal: crooked, bent.
2) you are bad girl – naughty, badly behaved, disobedient, undisciplined,
unruly.
Opposites: good, well behaved.
29.Bad-tempered – irritable, moody, ill-tempered, cross, grumpy.
Opposites: good-humoured, affable.
30.Bald – hairless, smooth, shaven, depilated.
Opposites: hairy.
31.Banal – unoriginal, unimaginative, stereotyped, boring, obvious.
Informal: corny.
Opposites: original.
32.Bare – (he was bare to the waist) naked, unclothed, undressed, nude.
Opposites: dressed.
33.Bashful – shy, reserved, timid, retiring, reluctant.
Opposites: confident, bold.
34.Beautiful – attractive, pretty, handsome, elegant, good-looking, lovely,
charming, graceful, appealing, gorgeous, stunning, glamorous, stunning,
(Engl.) bonny.
Informal: (Am.) cute.
Opposites: ugly.
35.Bedraggled – disheveled, disordered, untidy.
Opposites: neat.
36.Benevolent - kind, kind-hearted, good-natured, caring, altruistic,
philanthropic.
Opposites: unkind.
37.Big – (a big man) well-built, tall, huge, fat, stout,
(my big brother) grown-up, adult, mature, grown, elder, older.
Opposites: small, little, younger.
38.Blind – sightless, unsighted.
Opposites: sighted.
39.Bloodthirsty – murderous, violent, savage, brutal.
40.Bluff – plain-spoken, straightforward, frank, open.
Informal: upfront.
Opposites: guarded, secretive.
41.Boastful – bragging, bumptious, cocky, conceited.
Opposites: modest.
42.Bony – skinny, thin, underweight.
Opposites: plump.
43.Boring – tedious, dull, unimaginative, characterless, unexciting, tiresome,
soul-destroying.
Opposites: interesting, exciting.
44.Bossy – pushy, imperious, dictatorial, authoritarian.
Opposites: submissive.
45.Brash – self-assertive, pushy, cocky, self-confident, arrogant.

Opposites: meek.

46.Brave – courageous, heroic, fearless, daring.

Opposites: cowardly.

47.Brilliant(student) – clever, bright, intelligent, smart, talented, gifted, skilful.

Opposites: stupid, undistinguished.
48.Calm(she seemed very calm) – relaxed, untroubled, unexcitable,
unemotional.
Opposites: excited, nervous, stormy.
49.Capable – able, competent, effective, proficient, accomplished, experienced,
skilful, talented, gifted.
Opposites: incompetent.
50.Capricious – unpredictable, fickle, wayward.
Opposites: consistent.
51.Carefree – unworried, untroubled, relaxed, free and easy, easy-going.
Opposites: troubled.
52.Careful – cautious, alert, attentive.
Opposites: careless, extravagant.
53.Careless – inattentive, irresponsible, reckless.
Opposites: careful, attentive.
54.Charismatic – charming, glamorous.
55.Charitable – 1) generous, open-handed, munificent,2) (he was charitable in
his judgements) liberal, tolerant, sympathetic, understanding, forgiving.
Opposites: mean, harsh.
56.Charming – delightful, lovely, adorable, attractive, good-looking.
57.Cheerful – (he arrived looking cheerful) happy, jolly, merry, bright, sunny,
good-humoured.
58.Churlish – rude, ill-mannered, discourteous, impolite, inconsiderate.
Opposites: polite.,
59.Clumsy – (she was terribly clumsy) awkward, uncoordinated, graceless,
inelegant, unskillful.
Opposites: graceful, handy.
60.Cocky –arrogant, self-important, boastful, egotistical.
Opposites: modest.
61.Compassionate – sympathetic, understanding, caring, sensitive, loving, kind.
Opposites: unsympathetic, uncaring.
62.Congenial – (very congenial people) sociable, hospitable, friendly.
Opposites: unpleasant.
63.Conscientious – diligent, industrious, dedicated, hard-working.
Opposites: casual.
64.Courteous – polite, well-mannered, respectful, behaved, considerate.
Opposites: rude.
65.Cowardly – fait-hearted, timid, fearful.
Opposites: brave.
66.Crazy – 1) mad, insane, unbalanced,2) (he is crazy about her) passionate,
very keen, enthusiastic, fanatical.
Opposites: sane, sensible, apathetic.
67.Creative – inventive, imaginative, original, inspired.
Opposites: unimaginative.
68.Cruel – (a cruel man) brutal, savage, ruthless, inhumane.
Opposites: compassionate.
69.Cute – endearing, adorable, lovable, sweet, lovely, delightful, dear.
Opposites: ugly.
70.Cynical – doubtful, suspicious, disbelieving, pessimistic.
Opposites: idealistic, optimistic.
71.Deceitful – dishonest, untruthful, insincere, two-faced, double-
dealing,(informal)sneaky, tricky.
Opposites: honest.
72.Defiant – disobedient, resistant, obstinate.
Opposites: cooperative.
73.Delicate – (his wife is very delicate) sickly, unhealthy, frail, weak.
74.Delightful – charming, appealing, sweet, cute.
75.Depressed – (he felt lonely and depressed) sad, unhappy, miserable, gloomy.
Opposites – cheerful.
76.Desirable(a very desirable woman) – attractive, beautiful, pretty,
irresistible,(informal) sexy.
Opposites – ugly.
77.Determined – purposeful, persistent, dedicated.
Opposites – irresolute.
78.Devoted – dedicated, committed, faithful, loving.
79.Difficult (child) – troublesome, tiresome, demanding, fussy.
Opposites – easy, simple.
80.Dignified – noble, majestic, impressive.
81.Disabled – handicapped, incapacitated.
Opposites – able-bodied.
82.Disappointed – upset, dissatisfied, discouraged, downhearted.
Opposites – delighted.
83.Disobedient – naughty, unruly, troublesome.
Opposites – obedient.
84.Dubious(businessman) – suspicious, unreliable, questionable.
85.Efficient(secretary) – competent, capable, skilful, organized.
Opposites – inefficient, incompetent.
86.Energetic – active, lively, dynamic, tireless, enthusiastic.
Opposites – gentle, half-hearted.
87.Faithful – (assistant) loyal, true, devoted, dedicated, trusty, dependable,
reliable.
Opposites – disloyal, inaccurate.
88.Famous – well-known, prominent, famed, popular, noted, distinguished.
Opposites – unknown.
89.Frank – (he was quite frank with me) candid, direct, open, plain, honest.
90.Friendly –amiable, companionable, sociable, hospitable, affable.
Opposites – unfriendly, hostile.
91.Furious – (he was furious when we told him) very angry, enraged, outraged,
infuriated.
Opposites – pleased, calm.
92.Generous – liberal, lavish, unselfish, open-handed.
Opposites – mean, selfish.
93.Gloomy – (Joanna looked gloomy) depressed, downhearted, dispirited.
Opposites – cheerful, optimistic.
94.Glamorous – beautiful, elegant, chic, stylish, fashionable.
95.Gorgeous – good-looking, attractive, beautiful, pretty, handsome, lovely,
stunning.
Opposites – ugly.
96.Gracious – courteous, polite, tactful, kind, hospitable.
Opposites – ungracious.
97.Grateful – thankful, appreciative, obliged.
98.Handsome – (a man) good-looking, attractive, striking.
Opposites – ugly.
99.Happy – cheerful, merry, joyful, carefree, content, mirthful, unbeatable.
100. Healthy – (baby) well, fit, strong.
101. Honest – upright, honourable, principled, scrupulous, trustworthy, fair.
Opposites – dishonest.
102. Honourable – (man) honest, moral, respectable, noble, fair.
103. Hospitable – welcoming, friendly, sociable, gracious.
104. Humorous – amusing, funny, comic, witty.
Opposites – serious.
105. Ignorant – (an ignorant country girl) uneducated, illiterate, unsophisticated.
Opposites –educated.
106. Imaginative – creative, original, innovative.
107. Impatient – nervous, anxious.
Opposites – patient, calm.
108. Impolite – rude, bad-mannered, ill-mannered, cheeky.
Opposites – polite.
109. Insecure – (an insecure young man) unconfident, uncertain, unsure,
hesitant.
110. Intellectual –(man) learned, erudite, scholarly, bookish.
Opposites – stupid.
111. Intense – (a very intense young man) passionate, eager, committed.
Opposites – apathetic.
112. Intimate- (an intimate friend) close, dear, cherished.
Opposites – distant, formal.
113. Irresponsible – careless, unwise, foolish, unreliable.
Opposites – responsible.
114. Jealous 1) (lover) – suspicious, distrustful.
2) (jealous of his brother) – envious, green with envy.
Opposites – trusting, proud.
115. Jolly – happy, cheer, merry, sunny, joyful.
Opposites – miserable.
116. Kind(a kind and caring person) – good-natured, kind-hearted, affectionate,
warm, considerate, sympathetic, amiable, thoughtful.
Opposites – unkind.
117. Lazy – idle, indolent, work-shy, shiftless.
Opposites – industrious.
118. Loving – affectionate, devoted, tender, passionate.
Opposites – cold, cruel.
119. Mad – 1) (He was killed by his mad brother) insane, deranged, crazed,
lunatic. 2) (informal) (I am still mad at him) – angry, furious, enraged.
120. Mature(woman) – adult, grown, fully grown.
Opposites – immature
121. Mean 1) (he is too mean to leave a tip) – miserly, niggardly, cheese-paring.
2) unfriendly, unpleasant, bad-tempered, difficult.
Opposites – generous.
122. Merry – cheerful, sunny, smiling, lively, carefree, joyful.
Opposites – miserable.
123. Naïve – innocent, inexperienced, immature.
Opposites – worldly.
124. Naughty – disobedient, bad, delinquent, undisciplined, disruptive.
Opposites – well-behaved.
125. Nervous – anxious, tense, excitable.
Opposites – relaxed, calm.
126. Nice – pleasant, agreeable, charming, sympathetic.
Opposites – unpleasant.
127. Noble – aristocratic, blue-blooded, high-born, titled.
Opposites – humble.
128. Obedient – complaint, good, law-abiding.
Opposites – rebellious.
129. Outgoing –extrovert, unreserved, affectionate, sociable, friendly, warm.
Opposites – introvert.
130. Outstanding – excellent, marvelous, wonderful, exceptional.
131. Patient – tolerant, long-suffering, understanding.
132. Persuasive – convincing, effective, forceful, powerful, impressive.
Opposites – unconvincing.
133. Pleased – happy, glad, grateful, thankful, satisfied.
Opposites – unhappy.
134. Plump – fat, round, stout, overweight.
Opposites – thin.
135. Polite – well-mannered, courteous, respectful, well behaved, gracious,
tactful.
Opposites – rude.
136. Prominent – important, well known, distinguished, notable, noted,
celebrated, famous.
Opposites – unknown.
137. Qualified (engineer) – professional, certified, chattered.
Opposites – unqualified.
138. Realistic – (you’ve got to be realistic) practical, pragmatic, sensible, down-
to-earth.
Opposites – idealistic.
139. Rebellious (adolescent) – defiant, disobedient, unruly.
Opposites – loyal.
140. Reckless – careless, thoughtless, impulsive, irresponsible.
Opposites – cautious.
141. Refined(lady) – cultivated, elegant, sophisticated, polite, gracious, well-
bred.
142. Reliable - dependable, faithful, true, loyal, unfailing.
Opposites – unreliable.
143. Religious(person) – devout, reverent, godly, God-fearing, churchgoing.
Opposites – atheistic.
144. Reluctant – unwilling, resistant, opposed, hesitant.
Opposites – willing, eager.
145. Remarkable – extraordinary, outstanding, notable, unusual.
Opposites – ordinary.
146. Reserved – (Steve is rather reserved) uncommunicative, shy, timid.
Opposites – outgoing.
147. Respectful – dutiful, polite, courteous, gracious.
Opposites – rude.
148. Responsible – in charge of, in control of, liable for.
Opposites – irresponsible.
149. Restful – calm, peaceful, undisturbed.
Opposites – exciting.
150. Restless – (Maria was restless.) uneasy, nervous, anxious.
151. Restrained – (Julia was quite restrained.) self-controlled, steady,
unemotional.
152. Retired – (retired teacher) former.
153. Revolting – disgusting, nasty, offensive.
Opposites – attractive, pleasant.
154. Rich(people) – wealthy, well off, affluent, well-to-do.
Opposites – poor.
155. Rude – ill-mannered, impolite, abusive, discourteous.
Opposites – calm.
156. Ruthless – merciless, cruel, heartless, cold-blooded, cold-hearted.
Opposites – merciful.
157. Sad – unhappy, sorrowful, miserable, gloomy, heartbroken.
Opposites – happy, cheerful, fortunate.
158. Safe (driver) – cautious, prudent, careful, conservative.
159. Sceptical – doubtful, cynical, distrustful, suspicious, disbelieving,
unconvinced.
Opposites – certain, convinced.
160. Secretive – uncommunicative, secret, close to one’s chest, tight-lipped.
Opposites – open, communicative.
161. Selfish - obsessed, wrapped-up in oneself, mean, greedy.
Opposites – altruistic.
162. Sensational – (She looks sensational.) gorgeous, stunning, wonderful,
excellent, (informal) great, terrific, fantastic, fabulous.
Opposites – unremarkable.
163. Senseless – pointless, useless, foolish, insane, stupid, illogical.
Opposites – wise.
164. Sensible – practical, realistic, responsible, reasonable, logical, wise.
165. Sensitive – (she’s sensitive to changes in temperature) reactive to, aware of,
affected by.
166. Sensual – (a very sensual woman) passionate, sexual, physical.
Opposite – passionless.
167. Shy – bashful, timid, reserved.
Opposite – confident.
168. Simple – (simple country people) unpretentious, unsophisticated, ordinary.
Opposite – sophisticated.
169. Sincere – (a sincere person) honest, truthful, frank, direct.
170. Single – unmarried, a bachelor, a spinster.
Opposite – married.
171. Skinny – thin, underweight, bony.
172. Slim – slender, thin.
173. Sluggish – lacking in energy, lifeless, inactive, slow.
Opposite – vigorous.
174. Sly – (she’s very sly) cunning, tricky.
Opposite – open.
175. Smart – 1)well-dressed, stylish, chic, fashionable, elegant.
2 (He is very smart.) clever, bright, intelligent, quick-witted, shrewd.
Opposites- 1) untidy, 2) stupid.
176. Sneaky- sly, crafty, cunning, deceitful.
Opposites – honest.
177. Sociable – friendly, companionable, warm.
Opposites – unfriendly.
178. Solemn – (He looked very solemn) –serious, unsmiling, humourless.
Opposites – light-hearted.
179. Sophisticated – (a sophisticated woman) worldly-wise, experienced,
cultured, refined.
Opposites – naïve
180. Special – (a very special person) exceptional, unusual, outstanding, unique.
Opposites – ordinary.
181. Sporty – athletic, fit, active, energetic.
Opposites – unfit, lazy.
182. Strict – (strict parents) stern, severe, harsh.
Opposites – liberal.
183. Strong –powerful, athletic, stable, secure, solid, tough.
Opposites –weak.
184. Stubborn –obstinate, strong-willed, inflexible, uncompromising, informal.
Opposites – compliant, removable.
185. Stunning – beautiful, lovely, glorious, wonderful, fine, delightful.
Informal – fantastic, terrific, divine, gorgeous.
186. Stupid- unintelligent, foolish, slow, idiotic.
Opposites –intelligent, sensible.
187. Successful – (a successful designer) prosperous, affluent, wealthy, rich,
famous, respected
188. Sympathetic –(a sympathetic listener) compassionate, caring, concerned,
understanding, sensitive, supportive.
Opposites – unsympathetic, unfeeling, unlikeable.
189. Talented – gifted, skilful, accomplished, brilliant..
Opposites – untalented, inept.
190. Talkative – chatty, voluble, communicative.
Informal - mouthy
Opposites – taciturn.
 191. Tedious- boring, dull, repetitive, lifeless, uninteresting, unexciting,
uninspiring.
Informal – deadly.
Opposites – exciting.
192. Thankful –grateful, pleased, glad.
193. Tidy –(a very tidy person) organized, neat, methodical.
Opposites – messy, disorganized.
194. Timid – fearful, faint-hearted, nervous, scared, shy.
Opposites – bold.
195. Tolerant – open-minded, broad-minded, patient, long-suffering, charitable,
easy-going.
Opposites – intolerant, strict.
196. Ugly – unattractive, ill-favoured, plain, horrible.
Opposites – beautiful, pleasant.
197. Ungainly – awkward, clumsy, graceless, inelegant, uncoordinated.
Opposites – graceful.
198. Upset – distressed, troubled, disturbed, anxious, shaken, saddened, grieved,
unsettled.
Opposites – calm.
199. Worthy – (a worthy citizen) good, righteous, virtuous, moral, upright,
respectable, principled, reputable.
Opposites – disreputable.
200. Young – 1) (young people) youthful, juvenile, junior, adolescent, teenage.
2) (she is very young for her age) immature, childish, inexperienced, naïve,
green.
Opposites – old, mature.

Using an extended vocabulary can have many advantages. It may improve

communication and self-confidence, as well as your relationships with people.

Not all words from a word group are perfect synonyms, so when you
replace a word, make sure the synonym you use fits the context.

Synonyms are words that have the same meaning as one another, ”robust”
is a synonym for “fat”. A good way to reinforce synonyms for children and help
them critically expand their vocabulary is to have them play synonym games.
These games will encourage them to think independently and apply their English
knowledge in a fun way.
 Learn Synonyms and Antonyms Playing Games

1. SYNONYM TEAMS

Divide your class in two or more team. These teams can be any size you
want; the smaller the teams, the more of them will be. Indeed, you can even have
children work independently. Give each child a piece of paper and a pen and
callout a word. The children need to write down as many synonyms for that word
as possible in the timeframe given. The more (correct) words they can write down,
the more points they get. Repeat for a few different words.

2. ROUNDABOUT

Take as many pieces of paper as there are students and write a word on
each one. Place each word on a desk and have the children stand up. Blow a
whistle, sound a buzzer, or otherwise indicate the start of the round , and give the
students 10 to 15 seconds(depending on their proficiency) to write down a
synonym for the word on the card. Blow the whistle at the end of the round and
have every student move in the same direction to the next card, where they need to
write a new synonym if they can.

3. SYNONYM STORIES

Read a short story to your class, but pause and choose words for them to
change the synonyms – do not pause on “is” as this is sure to result in blank stares.
As they change words, write the new word on a Post-It note and paste it over the
old one. Once you finish the story, re-read it with the synonyms in place. This will
inspire discussion as to how synonyms can often have similar meanings to one
another but not necessarily exactly the same meaning.

4. SYNONYM PARTNERS

Write synonyms on 3 by 5 index cards, again with the same number of

cards as you have a match, so one card could say ‘screen ‘ while another says
‘monitor’ and so on. Give each child a card and have them mill around the room,
looking for their partner, have them sit down. Once everyone is seated, all of the
children should come up to the front with their partner and read their words out
one at a time.

5. SYNONYM CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Prepare a synonym crossword puzzle and allow students to work with a

group. List the clues for ‘Across and Down’ as the synonym of ‘For example ‘, the
synonym of ‘start’ would be ‘begin’ and the synonym of ‘throw’ would be ‘toss’.
Include a word bank of words that are in the crosswords. This activity can be set
up as a contest, with the group that finds the correct solution first the winner.

6. SEDENTARY ACTIVITIES
While activities done in the seat may not be as much fun as others, children
can still learn about synonyms and antonyms by sitting quietly. Make a worksheet
for your students, giving them a list of words and asking them to come up with an
antonym and synonym for each one. If you feel this may be too difficult, include a
word bank. You can ask students to match words by a column of words column of
antonyms and asking students to draw lines between the words and their antonyms.
Repeat this with a list of words and synonyms.

7. SYNONYM GO FISH

Write a list of synonym pairs on the board, and have students copy each
word on an index card. Word pairs might be ‘big, large’, ‘close, near’, and ‘quick,
fast’. Continue until you have at least 15 pairs (30 cards). Ask the students to work
with a partner; instruct the students to place the index cards to his partner. Students
play the game like Go Fish, by matching synonyms in their hand and putting aside
the synonym pairs. If a student has no more pairs, he picks a card. The partner with
the most pairs at the end of the game wins.

8. SYNONYM WEB
Graphic organizers are a good way for students to visualize curriculum
material. For second graders, a ‘star’ synonym web graphic organizer by putting a
circle in the center of a letter-sized sheet of paper. The vocabulary word is then
written in the circle. Have students draw lines radiating from the circle with
another, smaller circle at the end of each line. Synonyms for the center word are
placed in the circles surrounding the center Vocabulary word. For example, if the
center word is ‘little’ surrounding words might be ‘tiny’, ‘small’ and ‘miniature’.
Students may know ‘tiny’ and ‘small’, but you might have to suggest ‘miniature’
for second graders.

9. SYNONYM PAIRS
This takes a little time to set up but lasts for a long time-especially if you
can laminate the work.
Based on the card game pairs, write a selection of synonyms on separate
pieces, e.g. big, large, happy, jolly etc. In pairs or small groups the children place
all the cards face down on the table. The first player pick a card and reads it, he or
she then picks the second card. If it is the correct synonym, the child keeps both
cards and has another go. If the word is not a synonym, they put both cards back
on the table face down and the next child has a go. The child with the most cards at
the end wins.
This encourages the child to think about words and use a dictionary to look
up the ones he or she doesn’t know. Obviously the more able the child is the more
difficult the words are.

10.UNDERSTAND THE MEANING

The following activity develops the children’s understanding the meanings
of the synonyms and antonyms, while increasing their range of vocabulary.
1) Begin by explaining the two terms, giving examples to illustrate the point.
2) Have a list of words which have lots of synonyms or antonyms. Some are listed
here:
STRONG BIG HAPPY SHORT SOFT FAST EASY
FAT NICE NEW GOOD QUIET BRIGHT WARM.
3) Split the class into an even number of groups “Synonyms” and half of the
groups “Antonyms”.
4) Say one of the words on your list. Each group then has to think of as many
synonyms and antonyms for that word as possible (depending on the group’s
label given earlier).Children can have a fixed time limit to do this, or can
continue until they run out of words.
5) Now count up the number of words each group has produced and award points
to the group with the longest list.
6) Repeat using different words. You could also swap the groups, so the
“Synonyms” groups now find antonyms and vice versa.
 Do Some Exercises

You can suggest your students to do some exercises to improve their skills.

Directions: choose the best synonym for each word.

Kind Difficult
A. Nice A. Hard
B. Wild B. Simple
C. Funny C. Easy
D. Best D. Short

Glad Fast
A. Broken A. Quick
B. Happy B. Kind
C. Open C. Heavy
D. Round D. Small

Tiny Great
A. Very soft A. Very soft
B. Very happy B. Very loud
C. Very thick C. Very hard
D. Very small D. Very good

Tired Unhappy
A. Kind A. Playful
B. Worn out B. Alive
C. Ready C. Sad
D. Angry D. Safe

Choose the correct synonym from four options:

1. He is a fast runner.
1. Quick
2. Energetic
3. Slow
4. Calm
 2. I am terrible at Maths.
5. Good
6. Awful
7. Great
8. Fantasti

3. Do you think I am stupid?

9. Dumb
10.Brilliant
11.Intelligent
12.Fast

4. My girlfriend is very pretty.

13.Ugly
14.Beautiful
15.Strange
16.Stupid

Choose the correct antonym from the four options:

1. He is tall.
17.Short
18.Huge
19.Big
20.Hungry

2. She is foolish.
21.Dumb
22.Brainy
23.Idiotic
24.Wise

3. Why are you being so arrogant?

25.Snooty
26.Humble
27.Stupid
28.Cunning
Choose the correct synonym for each term.

1. Necessary
29.Ineffable
30.Needed

2. Independent
31.Autonomous
32.Alone

3. Just
33.Envious
34.Honorable

4. Deceitful
35.Untruthful
36.Clemency

5. Jealous
37.Envious
38.Peril

6. Joyful
39.Sad
40.Carefree

7. Youthful
41.Aged
42.Juvenile

8. Amusing
43.Funny
44.Tolerant

9. Creative
45.Inventive
46.Hard-working
 10. Attractive
47.Ugly
48.Pretty

How many of these personality adjectives do you know? Match the word to its
closest synonym:

1. Neat 2. Intelligent

tasty dumb

scruffy dark

slim boastful

tidy bright

3. Stingy 4. Happy

generous kind

angry morbid

quiet cheerful

tight-fisted affectionate

5. Loving 6. Brave

friendly aggressive

sexy courageous

feminine cowardly

affectionate active

7.Boring 8. Easy-going

dull laid-back

sleepy moronic
 dark rich

serious honest

9. Delicate 10. Chatty

sensitive reserved

dry talkative

romantic loud

honest busy

The Synonyms and Antonyms form an integral part of the English

Language. Acquaintance with the vocabulary of the English Language is a
necessity for effective expression your opinion.

Learning synonyms and antonyms should be a part of all vocabulary

building processes.

Why? Well, there are a number of reasons.

First, it increases the number of words we retain.

Second, they are easier to learn and remember than other non-related words due to
the relationship they have with each other.

Third, knowing many different synonyms and antonyms can help you improve
your writing skills. The trick is known to choose the right word unless you actually
know it.

So you need to be familiar with many words, and know how and when to use each
of them.