ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

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

REMEDY

Possible Answers:

Sicken

Deteriorate

Worsen

Fix

Correct answer:

Fix

Explanation:

You might already know that the word "remedy" can refer to a treatment for an ailment or injury. In that case, however, "remedy" is used as a noun. When this word is instead used as a verb, its meaning becomes slightly different. Here, to "remedy" something means to correct it, and "remedy" generally is used to refer to a situation that has gone wrong. Our clear answer, then, is "fix." The three answers that remain are antonyms, since they refer to the act of making a condition worse.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

AVERT

Possible Answers:

Desist 

Abrasive

Suppress

Irate 

Prevent 

Correct answer:

Prevent 

Explanation:

“Avert” means turn away or prevent. To provide further help, “desist” means stop; “abrasive” means rude; “irate” means angry; “suppress” means hold down, conceal

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

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

APPROVE

Possible Answers:

Ruin

Bash

Ignore

Accept

Correct answer:

Accept

Explanation:

"Approve" is a verb that means accept or agree to, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "accept," a verb that means agree to. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "approve": "reject," when used as a verb, means refuse to accept or deny; "bash," when used as a verb, means hit or pummel, especially in the case in which an object is used to do the hitting; and "ruin," when used as a verb, means destroy.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

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

BARTER

Possible Answers:

Rent

Borrow

Exchange

Sneak

Sidle

Correct answer:

Exchange

Explanation:

To "barter" is to trade or "exchange" one thing for another. The other words do not match the connotation of "barter" as well. "Renting" indicates borrowing; "sneaking" is stealthily lurking around; and "sidling" is moving secretly.

Example Question #1181 : Synonyms

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

SQUANDER

Possible Answers:

Waste

Cease

Flourish

Quell

Tamper

Correct answer:

Waste

Explanation:

"Squander" means waste or spend unwisely, so "waste" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "squander": "flourish" means succeed or thrive; "quell" means crush or suppress; "cease" means finish or stop; and "tamper" means interfere or disrupt.

Example Question #1182 : Synonyms

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

ACQUIRE

Possible Answers:

Reverse

Obtain 

Ask 

Abstain 

Release 

Correct answer:

Obtain 

Explanation:

To "acquire" means to get, obtain, or buy, so "obtain" is the synonym.

Example Question #1183 : Synonyms

A synonym of "usurp" is . . .

Possible Answers:

approve

mandate

oversee

seize

handle

Correct answer:

seize

Explanation:

"Usurp" is a verb that means "take a position of power or importance illegally or by force." While "oversee," "approve," and "mandate" might all look like potentially correct answers because they all have to do with positions of power, only "seize" ("take hold of suddenly and forcibly" or "take forcible possession of") is close in meaning to "usurp," so "seize" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1184 : Synonyms

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

RATIFY

Possible Answers:

endorse

invalidate

goad

prototype

embark

Correct answer:

endorse

Explanation:

"Ratify" means to give legal or official approval to, so "endorse" is the best choice. "Invalidate" actually has the opposite meaning, while "prototype" means a preliminary model of an invention built before the actual invention; "goad" means encourage or prod; and "embark" means set of on a trip, usually one made by ship.

Example Question #1185 : Synonyms

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

DRUDGE

Possible Answers:

Begrudge

Play

Dig

Pull

Toil

Correct answer:

Toil

Explanation:

"Drudge" means work diligently at a task, often for a prolonged period of time. "Toil" means work hard as well. Therefore, "toil" is the correct answer.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

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

SPEARHEAD

Possible Answers:

Trample

Follow

March

Lead

Correct answer:

Lead

Explanation:

To "spearhead" something, like a project, means to lead it. Imagine the tip of a spear piercing its target; the rest of the spear follows the head's lead. So, "lead" is the correct answer.

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