Words in the News

This Week's Word In The News 

INSPECTOR

DEFINITION:
An official employed to ensure that official regulations are obeyed, especially in public services.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are federal employees, and misconduct allegations are typically investigated by the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility or by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of inspector General.
The Key West Citizen, 03/16/2026

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Words in the News Quiz
5 Middle 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. Despondent

One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.

Either of two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator.

Being without or almost without hope

Sharing the same opinions or views; being in complete harmony or accord.


2. Strategy

The science and art of using all the forces of a nation to execute approved plans as effectively as possible during peace or war.

Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.

Any of several rod-shaped bacteria, of the genus Salmonella, that cause food poisoning and other diseases.

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms.


3. Zoology

Any of several rod-shaped bacteria, of the genus Salmonella, that cause food poisoning and other diseases.

A poisonous substance, especially a protein, that is produced by living cells or organisms.

To stress or emphasize; intensify

The branch of biology that deals with animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals.


4. Repose

To move in waves or with a smooth, wavelike motion.

The distribution of energy emitted by a radiant source, arranged in order of wavelengths.

The act of resting or the state of being at rest.

To have a great ambition or ultimate goal


5. Enthusiastic

One who rejects a religion, cause, allegiance, or group for another; a deserter.

A cult or religious movement, a group sharing particular (often unorthodox) political and/or religious beliefs.

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

Having or demonstrating enthusiasm


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Common Core State Standard
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.