Name:_____________________ Date:________

Aim: Define antonym

Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Antonyms

1. The rich woman gave a paltry sum to the charity even though she was able to give much
more.

Using the antonym clue, the word paltry in this sentence means
worthy
large
small
equal

2. Brady tried to quell the rumors about his illness, but they continued.

Using the antonym clue, the word quell in this sentence means
spread
began
stop
changed

3. Two new girls started school this week. Beth has a gregarious personality. Jenna is rather
quiet.

Using the antonym clue, the word gregarious in this sentence means
outgoing
timid
shy
bashful

4. The mammoth footprint wasn't made by a tiny animal.

Using the antonym clue, the word mammoth in this sentence means
baby
huge
little
small

5. Jack didn't think through the problem. He used conjecture to come up with the answer.

Using the antonym clue, the word conjecture in this sentence means
logic
skills
math
guess

6. We didn't sleep at all at her slumber party.

Using the antonym clue, the word slumber in this sentence means
birthday
sleepover
surprise



Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Name _____________________________
Date ___________________
(Answer ID # 0418696)
Context Clues: Antonyms

7. While Lily was careful not to be seen as she peeked out the window, Phil was not as cautious
and was seen!

Using the antonym clue, the word cautious in this sentence means
trouble
risky
not careful
careful

8. Flight 281's departure time from Dallas is 8:45 a.m., and its arrival in Chicago is set for
10:30 a.m.

Using the antonym clue, the word departure in this sentence means
crash
leaving
wing
meal

9. If you don't conquer your fears, they will beat you.

Using the antonym clue, the word conquer in this sentence means
talk about
forget
win
lose

10. The cat scuttled quickly around the room without lying down at all.

Using the antonym clue, the word scuttled in this sentence means
sneaked
walked
crawled
ran

11. It takes several people to get the job done - not just one.

Using the antonym clue, the word several in this sentence means
no one
more than one
one
smart

12. Although the princess is familiar to those in London, she is unknown to the rest of the
world.

Using the antonym clue, the word familiar in this sentence means
pretty
old
well-known
smart

Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Context Clues: Antonyms

1. The lead dog was so incompetent that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to
the pack.

Using the antonym clue, the word incompetent in this sentence means
useless
intact
accurate
adventurous

2. Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a
good idea.

Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means
brave
relieved
doubting
social

3. Had Tommy been wiser, he would not have pulled the inane prank on Mrs. Harris while she
was in the teacher's lounge.

Using the antonym clue, the word inane in this sentence means
foolish
masculine
sardine
adequate

4. Because of an accident, we were forced to take a circuitous route rather than the most direct
way.

Using the antonym clue, the word circuitous in this sentence means
shortest
roundabout
straight
direct

5. Kara was an astute learner and did very well her music theory classes. Her sister, Mary,
found music theory difficult and felt foolish being in the class.

Using the antonym clue, the word astute in this sentence means
unwise
sharp
dull
foolish

6. Some people are reticent, while others talk about their feelings freely.

Using the antonym clue, the word reticent in this sentence means
secretive
talkative
open



Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Name _____________________________
Date ___________________
(Answer ID # 0511200)
Context Clues: Antonyms

7. Becky had an innate ability to play the piano. She had never taken a lesson, yet she was able
to play the most complicated songs.

Using the antonym clue, the word innate in this sentence means
unnatural
learned
trained
natural

8. Some people actuate a discussion, while others like to sit and listen to what is being said.

Using the antonym clue, the word actuate in this sentence means
halt
start
stop


9. The eccentric old woman lived in a house that was anything but normal.

Using the antonym clue, the word eccentric in this sentence means
odd or bizarre
average
regular
normal

10. During the emergency, Don was so upset he was inarticulate, but Cathy remained clear
enough to tell us what had happened.

Using the antonym clue, the word inarticulate in this sentence means
clear
easily comprehended
unclear
easy to understand

11. Ann's room was beautiful and reflected her personality while George's room was the
opposite, so nondescript.

Using the antonym clue, the word nondescript in this sentence means
descriptive
recognized
decorated
of no recognized type

12. The sight of the ominous clouds told us that clear weather was far from our area.

Using the antonym clue, the word ominous in this sentence means
bright
clear
fluffy
stormy or dark


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Antonyms

1. Since bats are nocturnal mammals, they do not sleep at night.

Using the antonym clue, the word nocturnal in this sentence means
firm
by night
defeated
nature

2. Mary always brought a sense of serenity home with her because of her calm ways, while
Max brought a sense of chaos with him.

Using the antonym clue, the word serenity in this sentence means
calmness
chaos
disorder
confusion

3. Gilbert was nonplussed about being called to the office, but once he got there, he understood
that he was being awarded for his attendance.

Using the antonym clue, the word nonplussed in this sentence means
urged
affected
confused
nauseated

4. The hypothetical version of the story was far from what really occurred.

Using the antonym clue, the word hypothetical in this sentence means
true
actual
made up or uncertain
real

5. After Julius Caesar was assassinated, a triumvirate ruled Rome. The three men in charge
were Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus. It was felt that this was best for Rome
because the people did not want a dictator or emperor.

Using the antonym clue, the word triumvirate in this sentence means
president
a group of three
a group of two
king

6. We should be careful not to ostracize those who are different from us. It is much better for
all if we are welcoming to everyone.

Using the antonym clue, the word ostracize in this sentence means
welcome
embrace
exclude
include


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Name _____________________________
Date ___________________
(Answer ID # 0438339)
Context Clues: Antonyms

7. Becky had an innate ability to play the piano. She had never taken a lesson, yet she was able
to play the most complicated songs.

Using the antonym clue, the word innate in this sentence means
unnatural
natural
trained
learned

8. Had Tommy been wiser, he would not have pulled the inane prank on Mrs. Harris while she
was in the teacher's lounge.

Using the antonym clue, the word inane in this sentence means
adequate
foolish
sardine
masculine

9. John started out as my friend but quickly became an antagonist during our basketball game.

Using the antonym clue, the word antagonist in this sentence means
helper
friend
enemy or opponent
supporter

10. In the play, the actor was spirited but the other actor was almost inanimate.

Using the antonym clue, the word inanimate in this sentence means
animate
spirited
spiritless
full of life

11. The lead dog was so incompetent that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to
the pack.

Using the antonym clue, the word incompetent in this sentence means
accurate
intact
useless
adventurous

12. Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a
good idea.

Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means
doubting
social
relieved
brave


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Antonyms

1. In court, Carl defended himself against spurious accusations that he had robbed the local
bank. The truth was revealed when the real crook was arrested.

Using the antonym clue, the word spurious in this sentence means
genuine
false
true
correct

2. Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a
good idea.

Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means
social
brave
relieved
doubting

3. The council members decided to rescind the order for a new fire truck. After reviewing the
budget, they found they could no longer allow the purchase to continue.

Using the antonym clue, the word rescind in this sentence means
begin
replace
cancel
return

4. Gilbert was nonplussed about being called to the office, but once he got there, he understood
that he was being awarded for his attendance.

Using the antonym clue, the word nonplussed in this sentence means
affected
confused
urged
nauseated

5. The miasma of cigarette smoke caused me to step outside for a breath of fresh air.

Using the antonym clue, the word miasma in this sentence means
thick smoky air
clarity
clearness



Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Name _____________________________
Date ___________________
(Answer ID # 0488003)
Context Clues: Antonyms

6. When the sun set, the bright day turned into a caliginous rainy night.

Using the antonym clue, the word caliginous in this sentence means
happy
bright
dark or gloomy
clear

7. The audience appreciated the brevity of the final speech. Many of the others were quite
lengthy.

Using the antonym clue, the word brevity in this sentence means
entirety
extended
dullness
shortness

8. Because of an accident, we were forced to take a circuitous route rather than the most direct
way.

Using the antonym clue, the word circuitous in this sentence means
straight
direct
roundabout
shortest

9. Using certain body language is illicit in some countries, but allowed in others.

Using the antonym clue, the word illicit in this sentence means
forbidden
dumb
cool
awkward

10. Sheila's incredulous attitude frustrated the rest of us because we were trying to tell her the
truth about her best friend.

Using the antonym clue, the word incredulous in this sentence means
formal
innocent
unbelieving
violent

11. Mark was pretty diffident when he was younger, but he's one of the most outgoing kids in
class now.

Using the antonym clue, the word diffident in this sentence means
painful
shy
dumb
terrible


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Antonyms

1. Tara was always obedient in school while her twin, Tommy, was constantly insubordinate.

Using the antonym clue, the word insubordinate in this sentence means
following
disobedient
well-behaved
obedient

2. Some people are reticent, while others talk about their feelings freely.

Using the antonym clue, the word reticent in this sentence means
talkative
open
secretive


3. The eccentric old woman lived in a house that was anything but normal.

Using the antonym clue, the word eccentric in this sentence means
regular
odd or bizarre
normal
average

4. Since bats are nocturnal mammals, they do not sleep at night.

Using the antonym clue, the word nocturnal in this sentence means
defeated
nature
by night
firm

5. Because of an accident, we were forced to take a circuitous route rather than the most direct
way.

Using the antonym clue, the word circuitous in this sentence means
shortest
direct
roundabout
straight

6. Mary always brought a sense of serenity home with her because of her calm ways, while
Max brought a sense of chaos with him.

Using the antonym clue, the word serenity in this sentence means
disorder
chaos
calmness
confusion


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Name _____________________________
Date ___________________
(Answer ID # 0932477)
Context Clues: Antonyms

7. Had Tommy been wiser, he would not have pulled the inane prank on Mrs. Harris while she
was in the teacher's lounge.

Using the antonym clue, the word inane in this sentence means
foolish
adequate
masculine
sardine

8. Mark was pretty diffident when he was younger, but he's one of the most outgoing kids in
class now.

Using the antonym clue, the word diffident in this sentence means
dumb
shy
painful
terrible

9. The lead dog was so incompetent that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to
the pack.

Using the antonym clue, the word incompetent in this sentence means
adventurous
accurate
intact
useless

10. The hypothetical version of the story was far from what really occurred.

Using the antonym clue, the word hypothetical in this sentence means
actual
real
true
made up or uncertain

11. In the play, the actor was spirited but the other actor was almost inanimate.

Using the antonym clue, the word inanimate in this sentence means
full of life
animate
spiritless
spirited

12. In court, Carl defended himself against spurious accusations that he had robbed the local
bank. The truth was revealed when the real crook was arrested.

Using the antonym clue, the word spurious in this sentence means
genuine
true
correct
false


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.

Context Clues: Antonyms

1. Sheila's incredulous attitude frustrated the rest of us because we were trying to tell her the
truth about her best friend.

Using the antonym clue, the word incredulous in this sentence means
innocent
formal
violent
unbelieving

2. Some people are reticent, while others talk about their feelings freely.

Using the antonym clue, the word reticent in this sentence means
open
talkative
secretive


3. Tara was always obedient in school while her twin, Tommy, was constantly insubordinate.

Using the antonym clue, the word insubordinate in this sentence means
disobedient
well-behaved
following
obedient

4. I could not fathom why the Seattle Seahawks lost to the worst team in the league, but I guess
football can be a little confusing at times.

Using the antonym clue, the word fathom in this sentence means
win
boast
understand
increase

5. Ann's room was beautiful and reflected her personality while George's room was the
opposite, so nondescript.

Using the antonym clue, the word nondescript in this sentence means
recognized
of no recognized type
descriptive
decorated

6. The audience appreciated the brevity of the final speech. Many of the others were quite
lengthy.

Using the antonym clue, the word brevity in this sentence means
shortness
entirety
extended
dullness


Name:_____________________ Date:________
Aim: Define antonym
Use antonym context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word.


Context Clues: Antonyms

7. Had Tommy been wiser, he would not have pulled the inane prank on Mrs. Harris while she
was in the teacher's lounge.

Using the antonym clue, the word inane in this sentence means
foolish
masculine
adequate
sardine

8. Although she was skeptical about our plan at first, she finally believed that it would be a
good idea.

Using the antonym clue, the word skeptical in this sentence means
doubting
social
brave
relieved

9. The lead dog was so incompetent that he had to be replaced by one that was more useful to
the pack.

Using the antonym clue, the word incompetent in this sentence means
useless
adventurous
accurate
intact

10. Janice thought the man was friendly, but Casey though he was malicious.

Using the antonym clue, the word malicious in this sentence means
friendly
spiteful
sweet
kind

11. In the play, the actor was spirited but the other actor was almost inanimate.

Using the antonym clue, the word inanimate in this sentence means
full of life
spirited
animate
spiritless

12. After Julius Caesar was assassinated, a triumvirate ruled Rome. The three men in charge
were Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus. It was felt that this was best for Rome
because the people did not want a dictator or emperor.

Using the antonym clue, the word triumvirate in this sentence means
president
king
a group of two
a group of three