Confused Words Exercise (758)

In each sentence, choose the correct word from the pair of similar terms. (If both words possibly can be correct, choose the more plausible one.)

  • I am not prepared to make predictions as _________ as his.

  • In loud sounds, such as a _______ of thunder from a near flash, or the report of a gun, the effect may be considerable.

  • The smile instantly faded, and a _______ expression took its place as he began to doubt her intentions.

  • __________ flashed around them, and thunder rumbled.

  • The stories are __________ with episodes of the most tragic and stirring character.

Answers and Explanations

1. I am not prepared to make predictions as dramatic as his.

dramatic: attracting attention, rousing emotions, or extreme. "It reminded me of that feeling you get when you’re standing in a spot where you know something really dramatic occurred."
drastic: serious or severe. "Drastic measures were necessary to limit expenditure and to provide new sources of revenue."

2. In loud sounds, such as a peal of thunder from a near flash, or the report of a gun, the effect may be considerable.

peal: a loud sound or series of sounds, especially the ringing of bells. "She burst into a peal of merry laughter. "
peel: the rind or skin of a fruit. "He leaned over and brushed away the scraps of orange peel."

3. The smile instantly faded, and a wary expression took its place as he began to doubt her intentions.

wary: cautious. "She tiptoed toward the desk, keeping a wary eye on the door."
weary: tired. "They were weary of the conflict, and wished to be done with it."

4. Lightning flashed around them, and thunder rumbled.

lightening: becoming more light or upbeat. "Jane relaxed as she noticed his mood lightening."
lightning: flashes of light produced during a storm. "A jagged bolt of lightning pierced the angry black clouds."

5. The stories are replete with episodes of the most tragic and stirring character.

replenished: refilled or resupplied, or built up again. "The rains replenished the numerous tanks and irrigation channels."
replete: full, or well provided. "The book is replete with full-color illustrations, featuring several in each chapter."

Related Articles

Subscribe to our articles and exercises