Words in the News

This Week's Word In The News 

WILDFIRE

DEFINITION:
An unplanned and uncontrolled fire in an area of combustible vegetation.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
It was not yet clear how the wildfires started, but a long drought, low humidity and strong winds were fueling them.
The Key West Citizen, 04/27/2026

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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. Cower

Being without or almost without hope

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

To cringe in fear

Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles


2. Hologram

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates

The pattern produced on a photosensitive medium that has been exposed by holography and then photographically developed.

A teacher and guide in spiritual and philosophical matters.

A drawing consisting of the outline of something, especially a human profile, filled in with a solid color.


3. Gargoyle

A drawing consisting of the outline of something, especially a human profile, filled in with a solid color.

Having a buoyant or self-confident air; brisk.

An embankment built to prevent flooding

A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.


4. Parasite

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

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

Appropriateness of behavior or conduct


5. Delegate

The quality or state of being tranquil; serenity.

Using or marked by the use of few words; terse or concise.

A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen.

A person authorized to act as representative for another; a deputy.


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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.