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. Maneuver

An intricate structure of interconnecting passages through which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze.

The repetition of the same sounds or of the same kinds of sounds at the beginning of words or in stressed syllables

Conversation between characters in a drama or narrative

A movement or procedure involving skill and dexterity.


2. Plateau

A member of an irregular, usually indigenous military or paramilitary unit operating in small bands in occupied territory to harass and undermine the enemy

An elevated, comparatively level expanse of land; a tableland.

Having or demonstrating enthusiasm

Incorrectness of reasoning or belief


3. Quandary

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

A state of uncertainty or perplexity.

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

A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.


4. Jovial

A person with masterly skill or technique in the arts.

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

A characteristic rate or rhythm of activity; a pace

Marked by hearty conviviality and good cheer.


5. Omnivore

One that takes in everything available, as with the mind.

In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.

To pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust.

The method or result of concealing personnel or equipment from an enemy by making them appear to be part of the natural surroundings


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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.