RETEACH

Name:       Date:      

SYNONYMS AND NUANCES

Words that are synonyms have the same general meaning. For example, the
words certain and sure are considered synonyms because both words generally
mean “established beyond doubt.” However, even words that have similar
meanings possess different shades of meaning, or nuances. While sure suggests a
lack of doubt based on intuition or feeling, certain indicates a lack of doubt based
on facts or evidence.
Consider the following synonyms for permanent:
perpetual: never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly
stable: firmly established; not likely to change or fail

eternal: lasting forever

While each word would be considered a synonym of permanent, their subtle

nuances give each word a different weight and feel.
A. DIRECTIONS: Choose which of the following synonyms for permanent best
completes each sentence below. Write the correct word in the provided space.
perennial    constant    durable    immovable    abiding

1. Flooding in spring is a             problem around here: it happens

every year.
2. The             drum beat of change affects us all.
3. Harry was            ; he absolutely refused to change his opinion.
4. World peace has been an             concern of mine since I was a child.
5. This spatula is very well made and            .

B. DIRECTIONS: Choose the synonym from the brackets that best completes each item.
Use a college-level dictionary to help clarify the nuances of each word.
1. Marcy’s quick                 saved her from a potentially awkward
situation. (wit, humor)
2. Joe’s shirt was                 but Lily had seen another like it long ago.
(unique, unusual)
3. The                 of the telephone changed the way people communicate.
(discovery, invention)

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 PRACTICE

Name:       Date:      

SYNONYMS AND NUANCES

A. DIRECTIONS: Write two synonyms for each of the words below. Then write a
sentence using each word. Challenge yourself to write sentences that demonstrate
the subtle nuance of each word.
1. leave:       
     
     

2. fear:       
     
     

3. obvious:       
     
     

B. DIRECTIONS: Explain the differences in nuance between each of the synonyms in

the pairs below. Use a college-level dictionary to help clarify the nuances of each
word.
1. pride, vanity
     

2. clothing, costume
     

3. silent, taciturn
     

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