Lesson 5: Synonyms, Antonyms, and Homonyms

🟦 Introduction

Words can have partners, opposites, or tricky twins. These relationships are known as sense relations — the way words connect through meaning. WASSCE often tests your ability to find synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms, especially in Paper 1 (objective questions).

This lesson helps you build a better vocabulary by recognizing:

• Similar words (synonyms)

• Opposites (antonyms)

• Words that sound or look the same but differ in meaning (homonyms)

🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations

1. Synonyms

Words with similar meanings. They aren’t always perfect matches but often can be used in the same context.

Examples:

• Big → large

• Fast → quick

• Begin → start

2. Antonyms

Words with opposite meanings.

Examples:

• Hot → cold

• Tall → short

• Win → lose

3. Homonyms

Words that sound the same or are spelled the same, but have different meanings.

Types:

• Homophones: same sound, different spelling/meaning (e.g. two, to, too)

• Homographs: same spelling, different meaning (e.g. bat = animal or sports tool)

🟨 Practice Exercises

✏️ Exercise 1: Synonym Match

Match each word with its synonym.

1. Quick → ______

2. Silent → ______

3. Angry → ______

4. Smart → ______

5. Purchase → ______

A. Quiet
B. Clever
C. Buy
D. Mad
E. Fast

✏️ Exercise 2: Antonym Match

Choose the opposite of each word.

6. Empty →

7. Full →

8. Laugh →

9. Rise →

10. Accept →

Options:
A. Decline
B. Fall
C. Cry
D. Empty
E. Fill

✏️ Exercise 3: Homonym Fun

Choose the correct meaning for the underlined word.

11. He saw a bat flying over the tree.
    A. Sports bat
    B. Animal

12. She had to lead the class.
    A. Be in charge
    B. A type of metal

13. He couldn’t bear the noise.
    A. Carry or endure
    B. Animal

14. The right answer was obvious.
    A. Correct
    B. Direction

15. Please close the door.
    A. Near
    B. Shut

✅ Answers and Explanations

Exercise 1: Synonyms
1 → E. Fast
2 → A. Quiet
3 → D. Mad
4 → B. Clever
5 → C. Buy

Exercise 2: Antonyms
6 → E. Fill
7 → D. Empty
8 → C. Cry
9 → B. Fall
10 → A. Decline

Exercise 3: Homonyms
11 → B. Animal
12 → A. Be in charge
13 → A. Carry or endure
14 → A. Correct
15 → B. Shut

🔁 Recap

You now know how to:

• Spot and use synonyms and antonyms correctly

• Recognize confusing homonyms

• Apply word relationships to WASSCE-style questions

🪞Reflection Prompt

Write three sentences:

1. One using a synonym

2. One using an antonym

3. One with a homonym

Underline the key word in each and explain what it means in that context.