ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #871 : Synonyms

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

PECKISH

Possible Answers:

Parched

Hungry

Full

Famished

Mottled

Correct answer:

Hungry

Explanation:

The word "peckish" is an adjective that means slightly hungry. The best choice is "hungry" because it is part of the definition of "peckish." "Famished" (incredibly hungry) is too strong of a word to be a better synonym of "peckish" than "hungry" is, and "parched" (extremely thirsty) is too distant in meaning to be the correct answer. Considering the other answer choices, "full" means abundant and "mottled" means spotted.

Example Question #253 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LABORIOUS

Possible Answers:

Overt

Mediocre

Simple

Difficult

Mundane

Correct answer:

Difficult

Explanation:

"Labor" means work, so it makes sense that “laborious” means involving hard work, or "difficult." “Mundane” means boring or ordinary; “mediocre” means average when higher quality was expected; and "overt" means obvious or easy to notice.

Example Question #254 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Which of the following is a synonym of "impervious?"

Possible Answers:

Exposed

Susceptible

Sensitive

Resistant

Nervous

Correct answer:

Resistant

Explanation:

Resistant. Impervious most nearly means, impenetrable and impassable. Something that is "impervious" is resistant to certain or all things. For instance, a sentence using the word would be "He was impervious to her reasoning."

Most of the other choices are antonyms, with the exception of "nervous" which is unrelated.

Example Question #255 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DISPARATE

Possible Answers:

Uneven

Cold

Bombastic

Delayed

Correct answer:

Uneven

Explanation:

The word "disparate" means unequal or uneven. The best choice is "uneven," as it is a part of the definition of "disparate." Considering the other choices, "delayed" means put off to a later time, "cold" means having a relatively low temperature, and "bombastic" describes language and means sounding impressive but not actually meaning much.

Example Question #875 : Synonyms

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

CONSPICUOUS

Possible Answers:

Watchful 

Observant

Prominent

Conscience

Careful 

Correct answer:

Prominent

Explanation:

Conspicuous means easily noticeable, or "prominent."

Example Question #261 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONTRARY

Possible Answers:

Similar

Different

Canary

Composite

Contradictory

Correct answer:

Contradictory

Explanation:

"Contrary" is defined as opposite in nature. "Contradictory" is defined as asserting the opposite. Therefore, the two words are synonyms. 

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

CONTRARY

Possible Answers:

Distraught

Constant

Complimentary

Outrage

Opposite

Correct answer:

Opposite

Explanation:

"Contrary" means opposite of, so "opposite" is the synonym. 

Example Question #262 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

COMPATIBLE

Possible Answers:

Well-matched 

Poorly-matched 

Comparative

Poorly-expressed 

Well-spoken 

Correct answer:

Well-matched 

Explanation:

"Compatible" means well-matched; two things that are compatible go well together. So, "well-matched" is the correct answer.

Example Question #263 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONGRUENT

Possible Answers:

Compatible

Hardworking

Paired

Denied

Correct answer:

Compatible

Explanation:

The word "congruent" means agreeable or compatible. The best choice is "compatible" because it shares the same definition as "congruent." Considering the other choices, "paired" means put together in a pair, "hardworking" means dedicated, and "denied" means rejected.

Example Question #264 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OBTUSE

Possible Answers:

Obtrusive

Unintelligent 

Angry 

Rude

Correct answer:

Unintelligent 

Explanation:

"Obtuse" is an adjective that means lacking mental acuity. Someone who is "unintelligent" is not very bright, and hence lacks mental acuity. Therefore, unintelligent is the correct answer. The other answer choices, "obtrusive," "rude," and "angry" do not mean this: "obtrusive" means conspicuous or getting in the way; "rude" means impolite or crass; and "angry" means irate or mad.

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