Denotation and Connotation

As snakes continue to grow, they ________ the protective keratinous layer on the surface of their bodies because it does not expand.

• junk

• shed

Oblivious to those around him, the father tenderly ____________ at his newborn baby through the window of the hospital nursery

• smiled

• smirked

During rush hour traffic in a metropolis, cars creep along at agonizingly slow ____________.

• velocities

• speeds

Even the coolest star in the night skies is unbelievably ________ according to astronomers.

• sultry

• hot

Although many locals purchase meat at their local grocery stores, some farmers still _________ livestock to feed their families.

• butcher

• execute

Our trip to the amusement park was _____. Which connotation is more positive?

• fine

• wonderful

Which would you rather be called?

• thrifty

• cheap

Which is more serious?

• problem

• disaster

Which would you be if you hadn't eaten for several days?

• hungry

• starving

I ate a _____ sandwich. Which connotation is more negative?

• soggy

• moist