ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #311 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ATROPHY

Possible Answers:

Strengthen

Wither

Jettison

Plunder

Pilfer

Correct answer:

Wither

Explanation:

To "atrophy" means to weaken, to waste away, to wither. It is generally used to describe the weakening of muscles, as in "muscle atrophy." To provide further help, "jettison" means discard; "plunder" and "pilfer" both mean to steal

Example Question #312 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STYMIE

Possible Answers:

Discern

Assist

Hinder

Sanction

Suspend

Correct answer:

Hinder

Explanation:

To "stymie" something is to hinder it, to prevent something from developing. To provide further help, "assist" means help; "suspend" means pause; "discern" means recognize and notice; "sanction" means approve

Example Question #313 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FESTOON

Possible Answers:

Reinforce

Reside

Hinder

Decorate

Exculpate

Correct answer:

Decorate

Explanation:

To "festoon" something means to decorate, to adorn. To provide further help, "reside" means live; "exculpate" means acquit, free from guilt; "reinforce" means provide support for; "hinder" means get in the way of, make something more difficult

Example Question #314 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPUNGE

Possible Answers:

Permit

Acquit

Remove

Create

Forbid

Correct answer:

Remove

Explanation:

To "expunge" something means to remove it, to remove it from the record. To provide further help, "acquit" means pardon; "permit" means allow; "forbid" means say something is not allowed

Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

PILFER

Possible Answers:

Delay

Comprehend

Recognize

Acquire

Steal

Correct answer:

Steal

Explanation:

To "pilfer" something means to steal, to plunder. To provide further help, "comprehend" means understand; "acquire" means get

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

CLEAVE

Possible Answers:

Multiply

Split

Subtract

Augment

Enhance

Correct answer:

Split

Explanation:

To "cleave" something means to cut in half, to split something. To provide further help, "enhance" and "augment" are synonyms, both words mean to make something better by adding to it

Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

KINDLE

Possible Answers:

Ridicule

Abscond

Ignite

Read

Defer

Correct answer:

Ignite

Explanation:

"Kindle" means to light on fire, to ignite. To provide further help, "ridicule" means mock, make fun of; "defer" means postpone, put off, allow someone else to take charge; "abscond" means run away, usually run away with

Example Question #64 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

REVERBERATE

Possible Answers:

Recoil

Echo

Formulate

Complain

Scrutinize

Correct answer:

Echo

Explanation:

"Reverberate" means to echo, to rebound and re-sound. To provide further help, "recoil" means step back from in fear or disgust; "formulate" means come up with; "scrutinize" means carefully examine

Example Question #65 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

RUFFLE

Possible Answers:

Encourage

Disturb

Imply

Recreate

Postpone

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

To "ruffle" means to disarrange, to disturb, to mess up. To provide further help, "imply" means suggest. To "postpone" something is to put that thing off for later. To "encourage" is to support or pump up.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

SATE

Possible Answers:

Drawl

Abstain

Gratify

Quaff

Vindicate

Correct answer:

Gratify

Explanation:

"Sate" and "gratify" both mean satisfy. As for the other answer choices, "abstain" means hold back from doing; "quaff" means drink down or gulp; "drawl" means lengthen or draw out; and "vindicate" means prove one's innocence.

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