Homograph Worksheets - Free Printable

Let’s go through each sentence one by one. For each, we need to find a synonym (a word with the same or similar meaning) for the underlined homograph — that’s the word that can mean different things depending on how it’s used.

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1. I got a ticket, so I had to pay a fine.
→ “Fine” here means a penalty you pay for breaking a rule.
Synonym: *penalty* or *fee* → Let’s use penalty

2. We are going down South this summer.
→ “Down” here is part of a direction — “down South” just means heading southward. But in this context, “down” doesn’t really have a direct synonym — wait! Actually, in this case, “down” is being used as part of a phrase meaning “toward the south.” But since we’re looking for a synonym for the homograph “down,” and here it’s not about height but direction… Hmm. Actually, maybe the intended meaning is “southward” — but let’s think again. Wait — perhaps the homograph is “down” as in “going downward”? No — in this case, “down South” is idiomatic. Maybe the test expects us to treat “down” as meaning “southward”? Or maybe it’s a trick? Let’s look at other examples first.

Actually — rethinking: In many worksheets like this, “down” in “going down South” is treated as meaning “southward” — so synonym could be southward. But let’s check if there’s a better fit. Alternatively, maybe they want “headed” or “traveling”? No — the homograph is “down,” so we must replace “down” with a synonym that fits the meaning. Since “down” here implies movement toward the south, southward works.

But let’s hold off and come back if needed.

3. Kenneth is a very learned man.
→ “Learned” here means knowledgeable or well-educated.
Synonym: *knowledgeable*, *educated*, *scholarly* → Let’s pick knowledgeable

4. Jenny mopped all afternoon.
→ “Mopped” here means cleaned the floor with a mop.
Synonym: *cleaned* (but more specific?) → Actually, “mopped” is already specific. Synonym could be *wiped* or *scrubbed* — but best fit is cleaned (if we keep it simple). However, since “mop” is the action, maybe swabbed? Too fancy. Let’s go with cleaned — it’s accurate enough for school level.

Wait — actually, “mopped” specifically means using a mop. A good synonym might be dusted? No — dusting is different. Maybe washed? Not quite. Perhaps the worksheet expects cleaned as the general term. We’ll go with cleaned.

5. I will have a minute slice of cake.
→ “Minute” here means very small (not 60 seconds!).
Synonym: *tiny*, *small*, *little* → Let’s use tiny

6. The trash washed down into the sewer.
→ “Sewer” here is the underground pipe system for waste.
Synonym: *drain*, *pipe*, *waste line* → Best common synonym: drain

7. There’s Susie. Let’s wave.
→ “Wave” here means to move your hand to greet someone.
Synonym: *greet*, *signal*, *beckon* → Most natural: greet

8. Hank wound the clock too tight.
→ “Wound” here is past tense of “wind” — meaning to twist or turn something (like a clock key).
Synonym: *twisted*, *turned*, *cranked* → Best fit: twisted

9. I am never content in one place for long.
→ “Content” here means satisfied or happy staying somewhere.
Synonym: *satisfied*, *happy*, *pleased* → Let’s use satisfied

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Now let’s double-check #2: “We are going down South this summer.”

In some contexts, “down” can mean “south” — especially in American English (“down South,” “up North”). So replacing “down” with a synonym — what word means “southward”? The word southward is perfect. It’s a bit formal, but correct.

Alternatively, if the worksheet expects a simpler word, maybe “headed”? But “headed” isn’t a synonym for “down” — it’s a synonym for “going.” So no — we must replace “down” with a word that means the same thing in this context. Since “down” = “southward” here, southward is correct.

Final list:

1. penalty
2. southward
3. knowledgeable
4. cleaned
5. tiny
6. drain
7. greet
8. twisted
9. satisfied

Let me verify #4 again: “Jenny mopped all afternoon.” Is “cleaned” too vague? Maybe. What’s a better synonym? “Swabbed”? Too technical. “Wiped”? Could work. But “mopped” specifically involves a mop and water — so “cleaned” is acceptable for elementary level. Some might say “scrubbed,” but that’s stronger. I think cleaned is fine.

Also #8: “wound” — yes, past tense of wind (as in winding a clock). Synonym: twisted — yes, because you twist the key.

All set.

Final Answer:
1. penalty
2. southward
3. knowledgeable
4. cleaned
5. tiny
6. drain
7. greet
8. twisted
9. satisfied