ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #671 : Synonyms

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters. 

BENIGN

Possible Answers:

benevolent

injurious

unkempt

stygian

malignant

Correct answer:

benevolent

Explanation:

"Benign" and "benevolent" both mean kindly or favorable. "Unkempt" means shabby or sloppy. "Injurious" means hurtful or destructive. "Malignant" means diseased or cancerous. "Stygian" means dark or shadowy.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters. 

WILLFUL

Possible Answers:

obstinate

noisome

nonplussed

abysmal

arboreal

Correct answer:

obstinate

Explanation:

"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

idealistic

cynical

demure

pragmatic

cogent

Correct answer:

idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

FORBEARING

Possible Answers:

impotent

tolerant

intrepid

garish

stolid

Correct answer:

tolerant

Explanation:

"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

GARRULOUS

Possible Answers:

Considerate

Talkative

Imminent

Bizarre

Pleasurable

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.

Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DOUR

Possible Answers:

grim

ecstatic

banal

impartial

dilapidated

Correct answer:

grim

Explanation:

"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.

Example Question #72 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

deceptive

critical

judicious

sly

judgmental

Correct answer:

judicious

Explanation:

The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”

Example Question #73 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Insolent

Ephemeral

Fickle

Reverent

Dreary

Correct answer:

Fickle

Explanation:

"Capricious" means changing one's mood in a fickle, unpredictable manner, so the answer choice that is its best synonym is "fickle," or changing frequently.

Example Question #74 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

JUDICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Legal

Illicit

Tribunal

Rhetorical

Prudent

Correct answer:

Prudent

Explanation:

The word “judicious” is related to “judgment,” but do not let that lead you to the law-related words like “legal,” “illicit,” and “tribunal.” When someone is “judicious,” he or she has and exercises “good judgment.” Such a person could be called “prudent,” meaning he or she is wise in a practical manner.

Example Question #75 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Amusing

Impulsive

Predictable

Condescending

Planned

Correct answer:

Impulsive

Explanation:

"Capricious" means unpredictable, so both planned and predictable are incorrect, because they are antonyms for capricious. "Condescending" means to lower in position, and "amusing" involves humor, so the best answer choice is "impulsive."

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