ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #441 : Synonyms

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

FINESSE

Possible Answers:

Originality

Approval

Dedication

Optimism

Refinement

Correct answer:

Refinement

Explanation:

Finesse means refinement or a polished way of speaking or acting, so "refinement" is the correct answer.

Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

METTLE

Possible Answers:

Novice

Courage

Iron

Timidity

Fleet

Correct answer:

Courage

Explanation:

"Mettle" is defined as strength of spirit, so "courage" is the best match. "Timidity," which means lack of courage, is the opposite.

Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CALAMITY

Possible Answers:

Competence

Catastrophe

Hoax

Boon

Frenzy

Correct answer:

Catastrophe

Explanation:

"Calamity" is defined as catastrophe or disaster, so the best choice would be "catastrophe." "Boon," which means benefit or blessing, is an opposite.

Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

MANDATE

Possible Answers:

Day

Chronicle

Decree

Breach

Correct answer:

Decree

Explanation:

A "mandate" is an order. The best choice is "decree" because it shares the same meaning. Considering the other choices, "day" is the period of time during which the sun is above the horizon, a "chronicle" is a record of events from start to finish, and "breach," when used as a noun, means an act of breaking a rule or agreement or a gap in a wall.

Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AUDIO

Possible Answers:

Wise

Audience

Audacious

Sound

Correct answer:

Sound

Explanation:

"Audio" is another word for sound. "Sound" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "audio." Considering the other options, an "audience" is a group of people who are watching or listening to a particular event, "audacious" means daring or reckless, and "wise" means characterized by having knowledge and good judgement.

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Parched

Equality

Part

Problem

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

The word "parity" means equality. "Equality" is the best choice as it is a part of the meaning of "parity." Considering the other options, "part" means a piece of something larger, a "problem" is a difficulty or a question to be solved, and "parched" means excessively dry or very thirsty.

Example Question #86 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

OBLOQUY

Possible Answers:

Censure

Quiz

Oblivious

Local

Correct answer:

Censure

Explanation:

An "obloquy" is abusive language aimed at a person or thing. The best choice is "censure," as it shares the same definition as "obloquy." Considering the other choices, "quiz" means an examination or test, "local" means having to do with or originating in a particular areaand "oblivious" means unknowing.

Example Question #87 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EPIDEMIC

Possible Answers:

Illness

Widespread

Harm 

Outbreak

Disaster

Correct answer:

Outbreak

Explanation:

An "epidemic" is a widespread outbreak of a certain disease. Therefore, "outbreak" is the word most similar in meaning to "epidemic."

Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Mystery

Problem 

Surprise

Frustration 

Evil 

Correct answer:

Mystery

Explanation:

An "enigma" is a mystery or puzzle. For example, one might write, "No one is sure whether Bigfoot actually exists: it is quite the enigma." So, "mystery" is the correct answer.

Example Question #89 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AMBIANCE

Possible Answers:

Atmosphere 

Opulence

Virtuoso 

Stark 

Intelligence 

Correct answer:

Atmosphere 

Explanation:

"Ambiance" means the atmosphere of a place. So for example, one might say, “The quiet café had such a peaceful, serene ambiance.” So, because "atmosphere" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "ambiance," "atmosphere" is the correct answer. To help you, "opulence" means wealth and luxury, a "virtuoso" is someone who is highly skilled at something, often to do with music, and "stark" means barren, harsh, or bleak.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors