Which statement best describes the relationship between synonyms and antonyms?

• A. Synonyms share meaning; antonyms express opposite meanings.
• B. Synonyms are always longer than antonyms.
• C. Antonyms are words with similar spellings.
• D. Synonyms and antonyms have no relation.

Answer: (A)

Synonyms share meaning; antonyms express opposite meanings. This captures the essential relationship: synonyms are words with similar or same ideas, so they can often substitute for one another in context. For example, quick and fast convey the same idea of speed. Antonyms describe opposite ideas, helping to show contrast, like hot and cold or happy and sad. The statement fits this blend of similarity versus opposition. The other options miss this core distinction—length isn’t a defining factor, spellings aren’t what makes something an antonym, and there is a real connection between synonyms and antonyms in how we understand word meaning.