Words that mean the same thing
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Words that mean the same thing - National Thesaurus Day" is written for 1st Grade (Ages 6-7), and it covers Common Core L.1.1. If your little one is a year younger but already steady on synonyms, the page still works. You may just need to read the instructions out loud. And if they are older and words that mean the same thing never quite stuck, this is a short review rather than busywork.


Free printable words that mean the same thing (national thesaurus day) worksheet for 1st grade students. Part of our words that mean the same thing synonyms collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Introduce the skill with a brief whole-class activity, such as calling out examples and asking students to give a thumbs up when they hear words that mean the same thing in a sentence. Then let students work through the first item together as a class, then finish the rest independently or with a partner, referring to a class anchor chart if one is available. When reviewing answers, ask students to explain why an answer is correct rather than just confirming it. These words that mean the same thing worksheets work well as a focused practice activity, a homework assignment, or a warm-up at the start of a language arts lesson.
What students will practice
- Students will identify and correctly use words that mean the same thing in sentences and short passages.
- Students will distinguish words that mean the same thing from related language concepts and apply rules consistently.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of words that mean the same thing through guided and independent decoding, in both reading and their own writing.
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Grammar & Writing · 1st Grade
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FAQ
How do I use this words that mean the same thing worksheet?
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Introduce the skill with a brief whole-class activity, such as calling out examples and asking students to give a thumbs up when they hear words that mean the same thing in a sentence. Then let students work through the first item together as a class, then finish the rest independently or with a partner, referring to a class anchor chart if one is available. When reviewing answers, ask students to explain why an answer is correct rather than just confirming it. These words that mean the same thing worksheets work well as a focused practice activity, a homework assignment, or a warm-up at the start of a language arts lesson.
What does this worksheet teach?
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These words that mean the same thing worksheets for 1st grade give students the targeted language arts practice they need to master this important grammar skill. Students identify, sort, complete, and write using words that mean the same thing through a variety of exercises designed to reinforce both recognition and application. Our synonyms worksheets connect grammar practice to reading and writing so students see how words that mean the same thing works in real language. Building a solid understanding of words that mean the same thing in 1st grade sets students up for stronger writing and clearer communication in every subject.
Can I use this words that mean the same thing worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 1st Grade synonyms, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with words that mean the same thing. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.
What are synonyms and when should first graders learn them?
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Synonyms are words with similar meanings (big/large, happy/glad, fast/quick). First graders are introduced to synonyms as part of vocabulary development (CCSS L.1.5d), which asks students to distinguish shades of meaning among related words. Learning synonyms helps first graders expand their writing vocabulary beyond basic sight words.
How do you teach synonyms to first graders?
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Introduce synonyms by showing how word choice affects writing: The big dog barked vs. The enormous dog barked. Use word walls organized by synonyms for common overused words like said, went, and big. Worksheets that ask students to replace a dull word with a more interesting synonym in a sentence are engaging and practical.
Why are synonyms important for first-grade writers?
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Synonym knowledge helps first graders avoid repetition in writing and choose words that more precisely express what they mean. CCSS L.1.5d focuses on shades of meaning, helping students understand that whisper is quieter than talk, which is quieter than shout. This vocabulary precision supports both reading comprehension and writing quality.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 1st Grade |
| Subject | Grammar & Writing |
| Topic | Synonyms |
| Standard | L.1.1 |
| Pages | 1 page |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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