Same and Opposite Chart
Some words mean almost the same thing. Some words mean the opposite. Read each pair out loud.
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How to do it
- Read each synonym pair and say how the words are alike.
- Read each antonym pair and say how the words are different.
- Look at the shades of meaning and say which word is strongest.
Teaching tip
Make up a sentence for a pair, then swap in the other word. Did the meaning stay the same or flip? This sheet is aligned with Common Core L.2.5.
About this chart
Synonyms and antonyms on one page, with picture examples, 16 word pairs, and a shades-of-meaning bar (warm, hot, boiling).
What kids practice
Synonyms are words that mean almost the same thing, like big and large. Antonyms are words that mean the opposite, like hot and cold. Shades of meaning are words that are alike but stronger or weaker, like warm, hot and boiling. Knowing these word relationships helps kids understand what they read, explain their ideas, and pick the best word when they talk and write. In 2nd grade, kids also start comparing how strong similar words are (aligned with Common Core L.2.5b).
Watch for
- Thinking synonyms always mean exactly the same thing. Huge is bigger than big, even though both mean large.
- Mixing up synonyms and antonyms. Ask, "Do these words mean the same thing or the opposite?"
- Picking a synonym that doesn't fit the sentence. Always read the sentence again with the new word in it.
- Ordering shades of meaning backwards. Ask the question first, like "How hot?", then start with the weakest word.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full same and opposite words guide for 2nd grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Match the SynonymsSix synonym pairs to match with lines, plus two Swap It! sentences where kids write a synonym on big writing lines. Includes an answer key.
3. Write the OppositeEight words with a word bank of their opposites and big writing lines. Includes an answer key.
4. Same or Opposite?Ten mixed word pairs, half synonyms and half antonyms, in a different order each time. Includes an answer key.
5. Shades of MeaningSix groups of three words, like warm, hot and boiling, with a question that tells kids what is changing (How hot? How loud?). Includes an answer key.