Synonyms and Antonyms

• A synonym is a word that means almost the same as another word (happy = glad).
• An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word (happy vs sad).
• Use synonyms to avoid repeating the same word too often in writing.
• Use antonyms to describe contrasts and differences clearly.

Level 1 — Synonyms

Level 2 — Antonyms

Level 3 — Spotting the odd one out

If three words mean the same thing and one word means the opposite, the opposite word is the odd one out. Example: happy, glad, cheerful, sad — sad does not belong.

NCERT anchor: Marigold 4 (CBSE English reader) — word meanings and vocabulary building exercises.

Find the synonym of 'brave' from: courageous, fearful, weak, tired.

Step 1 — 'Brave' means not afraid, ready to face danger.
Step 2 — Check each option's meaning: courageous = brave; fearful = afraid; weak = not strong; tired = sleepy.
Answer: courageous

Find the antonym of 'begin' from: start, commence, end, open.

Step 1 — 'Begin' means to start something.
Step 2 — The opposite of starting is finishing.
Answer: end

• Give a synonym for 'small'.
• Give an antonym for 'clean'.
• Which word is the odd one out: quiet, silent, hushed, noisy?
• Stretch: Write one sentence using a synonym of 'happy', then rewrite it using an antonym of 'happy'.

Revision tip: Keep a small notebook of new words — write one synonym and one antonym for every new word you learn.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Synonyms and Antonyms.