Words in the News

This Week's Word In The News 

CANVASS

DEFINITION:
A systematic approach to interviewing residents, merchants, and others who are in the immediate vicinity of a crime and may have useful information.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
In a press release, police said Lewisville Fire Department officials pronounced the man deceased on the scene. Police started a homicide investigation immediately, and canvassed the area in search of witnesses.
The Denton Record-Chronicle, 09/14/2026

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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. Jovial

A fungus, usually of the class Ascomycetes, that grows symbiotically with algae,

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.

Enforced isolation or restriction of free movement imposed to prevent the spread of contagious disease.

A form of a verb that in some languages, such as English, can function independently as an adjective.


2. Introspection

The main character in a drama or other literary work.

Exceeding the limits of propriety or good manners; improperly forward or bold

Self-examination.

An alteration or change, as in nature, form, or quality.


3. Typhoon

The supporting and water-conducting tissue of vascular plants, consisting primarily of tracheids and vessels; woody tissue.

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

A weather phenomenon in the Eastern Pacific that is precisely equivalent to a hurricane.

Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.


4. Gargoyle

Relating to a system of writing, such as that of ancient Egypt, in which pictorial symbols are used to represent meaning or sounds or a combination of meaning and sound.

A grotesque ornamental figure or projection.

A schedule of prices or fees.

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


5. Commemorate

To honor the memory of with a ceremony

An ammunition belt, worn over the shoulder, having loops or pockets for cartridges.

A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.

Any of various nonplacental mammals, including kangaroos, opossums, bandicoots, and wombats, found principally in Australia and the Americas.


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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.