Fun with synonyms

By OH TEIK THEAM

EACH sentence below contains a synonym of the italicised word(s), spelt out in consecutive letters. Can you spot it?

Example: The couple continued their walk along the path in silence after he commented that she was not as slim as she used to be.

1. The wood of the shepherd’s hut has swollen, and the door won’t close.

2. “I hope Ning Baizura will let me be the introductory act at her concert.”

3. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are now nearing the mansion of a beautiful lady who won overnight fame with her first novel.”

4. She decided to follow her doctor’s advice to lose a few pounds before Christmas.

5. The cunning fox was lying when he reported to his friends that the chicken coop was empty.

6. The donations of tens of thousands of people helped to alleviate the misery of the flood victims.

7. “Mum, shall I shoo the turkeys off the porch or fire my popgun to frighten them?”

8. The little boy found a bag of greyish rubber bands near the bush.

9. Requesting me to repair a thermometer that he had carelessly dropped, the eccentric man said, “It’s somewhat easy if you concentrate hard on the task.”

10. Her obvious lack of enthusiasm for her work was underscored when the boss hauled her over the coals for being behindhand and negligent in the discharge of her duties.

11. After they had eaten a light meal, the couple had a tiff in the presence of their friends.

12. The big increase in the salary of my supervisor is effectively the result of favouritism.

13. When she entered the salon, the other customers couldn’t help but notice the beautiful shininess of her hair.

14. He was absolutely frank with her when he said to her, “Your only hope now is to accept the offer.”

15. With a supercilious air, the driver boasted that he would win the race, but his dream was shattered when his car smashed into a wall of tyres and sandbags.

Answers

1. shut 2. opening 3. renown 4. shed 5. sly 6. soften 7. shoot 8. shrub 9. rather 10. slack 11. tiffin 12. rise 13. sheen 14. open 15. lofty