ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Virtuous

Recondite

Gloomy

Conventional

Prolific

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!

Example Question #462 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Broken

Irritable

Grandiose

Ephemeral

Shimmery

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FATUOUS

Possible Answers:

Bright

Dull

Brazen

Portly

Worrisome

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.

Example Question #684 : Synonyms

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

GLIB

Possible Answers:

Pivot

Smooth-talking

Crass

Portable

Dumbfounded

Correct answer:

Smooth-talking

Explanation:

A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.

Example Question #685 : Synonyms

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

COMBATIVE

Possible Answers:

Battle

Disruptive

Masterful

Torrid

Obedient

Correct answer:

Disruptive

Explanation:

"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.

Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Approachable

Careful

Elegant

Eloquent

Demonstrative

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

“Diligent” means careful, hard-working, and taking care to do something well, so "careful" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. “Approachable” means friendly and thus easily approached; “demonstrative” means demonstrating something or openly showing feelings or affection; “eloquent” means well-spoken; and “elegant” means having grace, sophistication, and good taste.

Example Question #686 : Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Wanton

Humane

Flexible

Reliable

Changeable

Correct answer:

Changeable

Explanation:

“Capricious” means changing in response to the slightest whims, so "changeable" is the correct answer. Being “reliable” is the opposite of being “capricious”; “flexible” means bendable; “humane” means compassionate or treating something like a human should be treated; and "wanton” means random.

Example Question #691 : Synonyms

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

DISSOLUTE

Possible Answers:

Imperious

Vulnerable

Laudable

Meddlesome

Depraved

Correct answer:

Depraved

Explanation:

“Dissolute” means of poor moral character, depraved and debauched. “Depraved” means lacking moral character or doing sinful or immoral things, so it is the correct answer. “Imperious” means arrogant and controlling; “laudable” means deserving of praise; “meddlesome” means interfering or prone to getting involved in situations in which one is not supposed to; “vulnerable” means able to be hurt or damaged.

Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONTEMPTUOUS

Possible Answers:

Docile

Surreptitious

Remorseful

Scornful

Impregnable

Correct answer:

Scornful

Explanation:

“Contemptuous” means showing scorn and hatred for something, so "scornful" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “remorseful” means full of guilt and sadness over something one did wrong; “docile” means calm and compliant; “impregnable” means unable to be captured or broken; and “surreptitious” means secret and sneaky.

Example Question #92 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GREGARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Complementary

Supplementary

Domineering

Implacable

Sociable

Correct answer:

Sociable

Explanation:

“Gregarious” means friendly and sociable, so "sociable" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “implacable” means unappeasable, unable to be placated, or not forgiving; “domineering” means controlling; “complementary” means something that works well with something else; and “supplementary” means additional.

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