ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #234 : Synonyms: Verbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

THWART

Possible Answers:

Thaw

Defeat

Pimple

Toady

Correct answer:

Defeat

Explanation:

"Thwart" is a verb that means defeat. The best choice is "defeat," as it is a part of the definition of "thwart." Considering the other choices, a "pimple" is an inflammatory swelling of the skin, "thaw" means become warm enough to melt, and "toady" means a person who flatters their superiors dutifully; a kiss-up.

Example Question #235 : Synonyms: Verbs

Choose the best synonym for the following word:

ABOLISH

Possible Answers:

Construct

Destroy

Absolute

Relish

Avoid

Correct answer:

Destroy

Explanation:

Abolish means to completely ruin or tear down. Destroy means to destruct or annhilate something. Given that abolish and destroy have such similar meanings, they are synonyms for one another. Construct is an antonym. Relish and absolute are tricks, as they sound like abolish but are not synonyms. 

Example Question #236 : Synonyms: Verbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

GENERATE

Possible Answers:

Improve

Tolerate

Deny

Create

Dress

Correct answer:

Create

Explanation:

The word "generate" means create. The best choice is "create," as it is a part of the defnition of "generate." Considering the other choices,  "dress" means put on clothing"deny" means refuse, and "tolerate" means endure or permit.

Example Question #237 : Synonyms: Verbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CREATE

Possible Answers:

Make

Alter

Loosen

Correct

Augment

Correct answer:

Make

Explanation:

When you “create” something, you make or generate it.

Example Question #238 : Synonyms: Verbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DECIMATE

Possible Answers:

Oversee

Create

Obliterate

Obscure

Observe

Correct answer:

Obliterate

Explanation:

To "decimate" means to completely wipe out. To "obliterate" means to destroy. Given that these two words both signify the end or annihilation of something, they are synonyms.

Example Question #239 : Synonyms: Verbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

VANQUISH

Possible Answers:

Inspire

Desert

Recede

Defeat

Propose

Correct answer:

Defeat

Explanation:

To “vanquish” means to defeat or overcome something. “Recede” means to go back or to move away from; “desert” means to leave behind or to abandon when used as a verb; and “propose” means to suggest or to share an idea with someone.

Example Question #240 : Synonyms: Verbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DEVISE

Possible Answers:

Eject

Describe

Construct

Inquire

Permit

Correct answer:

Construct

Explanation:

"Devise" means create or design and is often used to refer to plans or strategies. "Construct" is thus the best answer choice, as it means create and can refer to ideas or physical things. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "devise."

Example Question #911 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

COMPLETE

Possible Answers:

Desire

Concede

Finish

Recede

Function

Correct answer:

Finish

Explanation:

“Complete,” when used as a verb, means conclude or "finish." As for the other answer choices, “concede” means give up or admit that an opposing point is correct; “recede” means back away; “desire” means want; and "function" means work as expected to.

Example Question #912 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DISRUPT

Possible Answers:

Dismay

Disparage

Displease

Discover

Disturb

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

"Dis-" is a negative prefix that often means not, and "rupt" is a Latin root that means to break—think of English words like "rupture" (a tear or break in something or to tear or break) and "interruption" (the act of breaking into someone else's conversation or something that breaks into someone else's planed activity). Given this, it makes sense that "disrupt" means to break the progress something, or to "disturb," a verb that can mean to interrupt the progress of

As for the other answer choices, “discover” means find; “dismay” means sadden and disappoint; “disparage” means make fun of and say that that person or thing is not worth anything; and "displease" means to anger or annoy.

Example Question #913 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CONCLUDE

Possible Answers:

Finish

Suspend. 

Confuse

Measure

Commence

Correct answer:

Finish

Explanation:

To “conclude” means to bring to a close, to end, or to "finish." “Commence” means begin, and “suspend” means pause or stop.

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