Words in the News

This Week's Word In The News 

PLOY

DEFINITION:
A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage.

FOUND IN THE NEWS:
“First of all, I think it’s important to recognize that the majority of the American people find this behavior deeply troubling,” said the 44th president, conceding that it does serve as an effective distraction and ploy for attention.
The Boston Herald, 02/16/2026

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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. Exult

To rejoice greatly; be jubilant or triumphant

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

The drawing of a conclusion by reasoning; the act of deducing.

Inspiring awe, admiration, or wonder


2. Symbiosis

A relationship of mutual benefit or dependence.

To take in by elaborate methods of deceit

An unstable, poisonous allotrope of oxygen.

One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.


3. Solstice

Either of two times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator.

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

A treeless area between the icecap and the tree line of Arctic regions, having a permanently frozen subsoil and supporting low-growing vegetation


4. Phloem

The food-conducting tissue of vascular plants, consisting of sieve tubes, fibers, parenchyma, and sclereids.

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

To proclaim publicly

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


5. Exponent

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

In a deplorable state of distress or misfortune; miserable.

One that speaks for, represents, or advocates

Grossly offensive to decency or morality.


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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.