Heteronym Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Vocabulary Knowledge

So you've read about heteronyms, you've played a few daily puzzles — but how well do you really know these tricky word pairs? This 20-question quiz puts your heteronym knowledge to the test.

Each question gives you a heteronym and two possible meanings. Can you identify which meaning fits which context? Let's find out.

How It Works

For each question, you'll see a heteronym with two possible meanings. Try to guess both meanings and how they're pronounced differently. Write down your answers and check them at the end.

Question 1: Lead

What are the two meanings of 'lead'? Hint: one is a verb, one is a noun.

Question 2: Wind

This word has two pronunciations. What are the two meanings of 'wind'?

Question 3: Tear

Same spelling, completely different meanings. What are the two meanings of 'tear'?

Question 4: Bass

Is it a fish or a low-frequency sound? Actually, it's both! What's the pronunciation difference?

Question 5: Minute

This word can mean '60 seconds' or 'very small'. Which pronunciation goes with which meaning?

Question 6: Bow

A weapon? A ribbon? A gesture of respect? This word has multiple meanings — can you name at least two?

Question 7: Desert

Watch the pronunciation on this one. What are the two meanings of 'desert'?

Question 8: Object

One meaning is a noun, the other is a verb. Can you identify both? Bonus: which syllable is stressed in each?

Question 9: Record

As a noun it's on a shelf, as a verb it's an action. How does the stress shift?

Question 10: Close

One meaning is about distance, the other is about shutting. Do they sound the same or different?

Question 11: Live

This word can mean 'to exist' or 'in real time'. The pronunciation gives it away — can you spot it?

Question 12: Invalid

Two meanings, two pronunciations, one spelling. What are they?

Question 13: Present

A gift? A moment in time? A verb meaning 'to show'? Identify the two main meanings and their pronunciations.

Question 14: Contract

Does it mean 'to shrink' or 'a legal agreement'? Can you use both in a sentence?

Question 15: Wound

This one is tricky — it's the past tense of another heteronym! What are the two meanings?

Question 16: Polish

Watch the capital letter on this one. Is it 'to shine' or 'from Poland'? How is the pronunciation different?

Question 17: Refuse

One meaning is 'to decline', the other is 'garbage'. Same spelling, completely different stress patterns.

Question 18: Dove

Is it a bird or the past tense of 'dive'? The pronunciation tells the story.

Question 19: Sow

One meaning involves a farm, the other involves a garden. Different pronunciations, same spelling.

Question 20: Sewer

A drainage system? Or someone who sews? This final question separates the experts from the beginners.

Answers

Check your answers below. Give yourself 1 point for each correct pair.

Your Score

18-20 correct: Heteronym Master — you could teach a linguistics class! 14-17 correct: Word Expert — you know your heteronyms well. 10-13 correct: Getting There — a few more puzzles and you'll master them. Below 10: Keep Playing — play the daily puzzle at heteronym.online to sharpen your skills.

The best way to get better at heteronyms is to encounter them regularly. Each daily puzzle at Heteronym exercises the same lateral thinking muscles that this quiz tested. Play every day and watch your score improve.