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Shades of Meaning is a free printable Grade 2 English worksheet on telling apart words that mean nearly the same, aligned to Common Core standard L.2.5. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 4 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Shades of Meaning

L.2.5

NameDate

Tick the right answer.

1.Which word means nearly the same as "scurry"?
  • A.refreshed
  • B.appear
  • C.scamper
2.Which word means nearly the same as "generous"?
  • A.giving
  • B.sturdy
  • C.gentle
3.Which word means nearly the same as "linger"?
  • A.reckless
  • B.selfish
  • C.dawdle
4.Which word means nearly the same as "murky"?
  • A.force
  • B.whisper
  • C.cloudy
5.Which word means nearly the same as "cautious"?
  • A.careful
  • B.alert
  • C.lower
6.Which word means nearly the same as "peculiar"?
  • A.amble
  • B.odd
  • C.cheerful
7.Which word means nearly the same as "hoist"?
  • A.whisper
  • B.raise
  • C.clear
8.Which word means nearly the same as "reluctant"?
  • A.unwilling
  • B.fragile
  • C.pleased

LessonPrint · L.2.5 · Set 4 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Shades of Meaning

Set 4. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.scamper
  2. 2.giving
  3. 3.dawdle
  4. 4.cloudy
  5. 5.careful
  6. 6.odd
  7. 7.raise
  8. 8.unwilling

More practice for L.2.5

Tell apart words with close meanings, like toss, throw and hurl.

Teaching this next? Shades of Meaning in Verbs is the 40-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.

All Grade 2 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to L.2.5 of the Common Core State Standards for English language arts.