SYNONMYS

Words with similar meaning help the word detective figure out a word’s meaning.

Since this tape you gave me doesn’t stick, I can’t get a single poster to

adhere

to the wall.

So adhere means to stick.

ANTONYMS

Words with the opposite meaning help the word detective figure out a word’s meaning.

The boxes weren't exactly heavy, just

cumbersome

, unlike the easy-to-carry bags with handles.

So cumbersome means hard to carry

EXPLANATION

The unknown word is explained within the sentence or in a sentence immediately preceding or following.

“I will stand down,” Shigeru said simply. “I will

abdicate

if that is the only way to stop this madness. Appoint another emperor.” So abdicate means to step down and leave a position of power

EXAMPLE

Specific examples are used to define the term.

The decision Veronica made to study instead of going out for pizza with her friends was

prudent

. She got an A on the exam, while her friends all got D’s.

So prudent means smart or good judgment

WORD WALL

Which two words are new? Add them to your word wall.

Cumbersome = hard to carry Prudent = smart or good judgment