Antonyms & Synonyms
Demonstrate understanding of words by relating them to their antonyms (opposites) and synonyms (words with similar meanings), using synonym and antonym relationships to refine vocabulary and improve precision in writing
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is developing sophisticated language skills — understanding figurative language like metaphors and similes, learning word relationships through synonyms and antonyms, and using Greek and Latin word parts to figure out unfamiliar words.
Evidence of understanding
- Generate synonyms and antonyms for given words and explain subtle differences between synonyms, e.g. happy/joyful/ecstatic differ in intensity
- Use a thesaurus to find synonyms and select the most precise word for a given context, e.g. choosing 'sprinted' rather than 'ran' to convey speed
- Replace overused words in writing with more precise synonyms and explain how the substitution changes the tone or emphasis
Assessment prompt
When Antonyms & Synonyms is writing, can they swap out a basic word for a more precise one — for example, replacing "happy" with "elated" or "said" with "whispered" — to make their meaning clearer?
Standards alignment
L.4.5c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 4
L.5.5c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 5
Synonyms and antonyms
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2