Depending on how old you are, where you live, and whether or not you watch reruns of old broadcasts on cable television, you may or may not have seen episodes of “Password” or “Pyramid,” word-guessing game shows that were most popular in the 1970s and 1980s, but which still survive today in various formats around the world. On these shows, contestants try to guess specific target words by listening to the clues that their partners give them. In the Password-type games, the partner can only use one-word clues, while in the Pyramid-type games, they are allowed to use phrases; however, they can never use a word that is too close to the target word (they can’t say whiteness if the target word is white).

As you might imagine, synonyms and antonyms are very useful in these games! For example, if the target word were blue the partner might give clues like sapphire, cerulean, and indigo, or they might try a different tack and say sad, depressed, and down. Since these games are timed, the most descriptive synonyms will give the best clues and allow the contestant to guess the correct word in the shortest amount of time. That’s particularly true in the word games that allow the partners to use descriptive phrases instead of single words, because the fewer words the partner has to say, the less time it will take the contestant to guess. Rather than trying to elicit the answer mountain by saying “a land formation that rises high above the surroundings, often with snow on the top” the one-word synonym peak might do the same job, in a fraction of the time. Antonyms are also useful: “not a valley” might get the right answer too.

You can practice your synonyms and antonyms and sharpen your word skills by playing these games with other people, or you can test yourself. Create a set of cards with words written on them, and use them to quiz your partner or test your own memory. Write four or five synonyms and antonyms on the back of the card, and use that side to see if you can deduce the original target word. If you know other people who are studying for the GRE or SAT examinations, this would be an enjoyable way to review your words – keep score, and treat the winner to lunch!