ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #831 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABOLISH

Possible Answers:

Cease

Surrender

Seize

Correct

Eliminate

Correct answer:

Eliminate

Explanation:

"Abolish" means get rid of or eliminate, so "eliminate" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "abolish": "seize" means grasp or take control of; "surrender" means give up and stop fighting; "cease" means stop completely; and "correct" means make right or fix.

Example Question #832 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SUBDUE

Possible Answers:

Distort

Squalid

Save

Hoary

Restrain

Correct answer:

Restrain

Explanation:

"Subdue" means quiet someone down, hold someone back or restrain someone, so "restrain" is the correct answer. To help you, "distort" means twist out of shape, "hoary" means light grey or overused and stale, and "squalid" means filthy, especially as a result of having little or no money.

Example Question #1193 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

EMBRACE

Possible Answers:

Kiss

Turn away

Shout

Hug

Correct answer:

Hug

Explanation:

An "embrace" is a hug, and to "embrace" someone means to hug them. So, "hug" is the correct answer.

Example Question #833 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

REVEAL

Possible Answers:

Ask

Waver

Expose

Rescind

Correct answer:

Expose

Explanation:

"Reveal" is a verb meaning make known, so the answer choice closest in meaning to "reveal" is "expose," a verb that means uncover something that was secret. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "reveal": "waver"  means shake or hesitate between two possible options; "rescind" means repeal; and "ask" is verb that means present a question.

Example Question #834 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ENHANCE

Possible Answers:

Engorge

Increase

Improve

Incur

Diminish 

Correct answer:

Improve

Explanation:

"Enhance" means improve, or make better or clearer. For example, one might write, "The powerful lens enhanced the quality of the photos." So, "improve" is the correct answer.

Example Question #835 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PRECLUDE

Possible Answers:

Start 

Stop 

Cancel 

Suggest 

Pause 

Correct answer:

Stop 

Explanation:

To "preclude" something means to stop or prevent it. "Preclude" is an antonym of "start," but quite similar in meaning to "cancel." "Stop" is the best possible answer, however. 

Example Question #836 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DEFILE

Possible Answers:

Taint

Fidget

Enhance

Cripple

Correct answer:

Taint

Explanation:

"Defile" means to make something dirty or to compromise its original character. Similarly, "taint" means to compromise something's purity or to adulterate something, so "taint" is the correct answer.

Example Question #837 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.

DETAIN

Possible Answers:

Recommend 

Arrest

Counsel 

Teach 

Liberate 

Correct answer:

Arrest

Explanation:

"Detain" means to hold back or to arrest. To further help you, "counsel" means give advice; "recommend" means suggest; "liberate" means help to free someone.

Example Question #838 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ABJURE

Possible Answers:

Notable

Avoid

Educate

Tell

Correct answer:

Avoid

Explanation:

The word "abjure" means avoid. The best choice is "avoid" because it is a part of the definition of "abjure." Considering the other choices, "notable" means worthy of notice, "educate" means provide training, and "tell" means inform, usually in a verbal manner.

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ENHANCE

Possible Answers:

Weaken

Strong

Improve

Powerful

Correct answer:

Improve

Explanation:

To "enhance" means to make better or improve, so "improve" is the correct answer.

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