LS.CCS.4/5/6 Grades 3-12: Students are asked to determine the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words through multiple choice vocabulary quizzes. Quizzes are designed to help students demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in words, acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words, and gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression. Students are then asked to find the words within the newspaper and copy the sentence for context to its overall meaning or function in a sentence.
Words in the News Quiz
5 High School Words
Click on the correct answer in the quiz below.
Then see if you can find the word in your newspaper -- the print edition, the website or the digital edition and copy the sentence for context. NOTE: High School words are much harder to find!
1. Omnipotent
► To seize another’s place, authority, or possession wrongfully.
► To endow with the rights of citizenship, especially the right to vote.
► Having unlimited or universal power, authority, or force; all-powerful.
2. Unctuous
► Mournful, dismal, or gloomy, especially to an exaggerated or ludicrous degree.
► Characterized by affected, exaggerated, or insincere earnestness.
► Deception by trickery or sophistry.
3. Acumen
► A product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away; debris.
► Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight.
► To modify, as by shortening or simplifying or by skewing the content in a certain manner.
4. Gauche
► Of or relating to a holding of something in trust for another.
► Lacking social polish; tactless.
5. Incognito
► A place or situation regarded as drawing into its center all that surrounds it.
► The art or study of correct spelling according to established usage.
► Having one’s true identity concealed.
©2025 Boston Herald in Education and Online Publications Inc. and NIEonline.com




