Synonyms and antonyms for 11 plus English

A synonym means the same, or nearly the same. An antonym means the opposite. A question can ask for either, so underline which one it wants. Then put the word in a short sentence and swap each option in. If the meaning stays, it is a synonym. If it flips, it is an antonym. Same or opposite? Underline it first.

This one says the same. A short sentence: the vase is fragile. Swap in sturdy. That flips it. Glass is what the vase is made of. Shattered is what might happen to it. Delicate: the vase is delicate. Same meaning. B.

The trap is the word that belongs with fragile but means the opposite. Sturdy and fragile are a pair, so sturdy jumps out. Glass is a trap too. It goes with fragile, and it does not mean fragile.

• 2.2One word, many meaningsSay what it means here, then match it
• 2.3Prefixes, suffixes and rootsSplit it, then check it
• 2.4Shades of meaning and formal wordsRight meaning, right strength, right setting
• 2.5IdiomsLearn the whole phrase, then use the clues

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