Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, and Sensory Imagery - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

You might think of the word strident as meaning “strong” or “determined.” The word is often used in this manner and loosely can mean this, merely presenting an opinion in a forceful manner. The first meaning of the word is “rough” or “grating,” as in a “grating and loud sound.” Thus, someone who defends a position very strongly and with much passion might become strident in voice, that is, harsh sounding in vocal tone.

"Ossified" and "petrified" both mean hardened or bony. "Pliable" means bendable or adaptable. "Nefarious" means heinous or sinful. "Prodigal" means wasteful or reckless. "Tortuous" means twisted or complicated.

"Unctuous" and "oleaginous" both mean oily or slick. "Blunt" means straightforward or candid. "Ingratiating" means fawning or servile. "Tendentious" means biased or prejudicial. "Tortuous" means twisted or complicated.

"Gossamer" and "translucent" both mean luminous or see-through. "Opaque" means clouded or muddy. "Brusque" means curt or surly. "Assiduous" means hard-working or diligent. "Abrogate" means to formally put an end to.

"Sinewy" and "brawny" both mean tough or stringy. "Germinal" means budding or initial. "Irksome" means annoying or irritating. "Mutinous" means rebellious or defiant. "Personable" means friendly or sociable.

"Impervious" means not able to be penetrated, so "impenetrable," which also means unable to be penetrated, is the correct answer. "Porous" is an antonym of "impervious"; it means having holes through which things can pass. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "impervious": "conceited" means self-centered or full of oneself; "incessant" means continual or without pause or break; and "delectable" means tasty or delicious.

"Alluring" is an adjective that means beautiful or attractive. The best choice is "cute," since it means attractive. Considering the other choices, "concerning" means causing worry, "unstable" means constantly changing states of being, "responsible" means able to be relied upon to complete tasks, and "deliberate" means done on purpose or working carefully.

The word "dulcet" is an adjective that means sweet and calming and is used to describe sounds and music_._ The best choice is the word "mellifluous," as it means sweet-sounding. Considering the other choices, "simple" means not complicated, "delicious" mean tasting very good, "soft" means having a fuzzy texture, and "ambiguous" means having multiple ways in which the meaning of something could be interpreted.

"Shiny" is an adjective that means bright or glossy in appearance. "Glossy" is therefore the best choice, since it is a part of the definition of "shiny." Considering the other choices, "dull" is an antonym of "shiny" that means lacking polish or color, "alluring" means very attractive, "abhorrent" means detestable, and "persistent" means dogged and resolute when referring to a person lasting for a long time when referring to things.

“Palpable” means able to be felt or sensed. This is very similar to “tangible,” which means able to be touched. As for the incorrect answer choices, “explicable” means able to be explained; “invulnerable" means not open to being attacked or damaged; “repressible” means able to be repressed or hidden; and “malleable” means able to be manipulated or able to be changed and molded.

“Gaudy” means bright and colorful, although it is usually used in a negative way to suggest something is so uncomfortably bright and colorful as to be tasteless. So, "colorful" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “shameful” means embarassing or causing shame; “meaningful” means important, significant, or containing meaning; “suspenseful” means causing anxiety due to not knowing what will happen; and “awful” means terrible. (Note how the suffix "-ful" generally means full of.)

“Garish” means tastelessly showy and flashy and thus not having good taste. Thus, "tasteless" is the best synonym amongst the given answer choices. As for the other answer choices, “furtive” means secretive or trying to avoid notice; “implacable” means unable to be appeased; “fruitless” means completely unsuccessful; and “essential” means necessary.

“Noxious” means toxic or "poisonous." “Innocuous” means harmless; “hospitable” means welcoming; "habitable" refers to areas and means able to support life; and "fragrant" means having a pleasant smell.

“Odious” means disgusting, repulsive, or "repellent." As for the other answer choices, “endearing” means causing others to feel affection for one in one's interactions with them; “attractive” means good-looking; “coherent” means able to be understood and making sense; and “meddlesome” means interfering or getting in the way.

“Opulent” means luxurious, extravagant and very fancy, or financially rich. As for the other answer choices, “foreboding” means ominous; “disconcerting” means troubling or worrying; “penitent” means showing regret and wanting forgiveness; “indiscriminate” means done at random, aimless, and arbitrary.

“Austere” means severe and grim, so "dour," which means stern and solemn, is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “dire” means serious or terrible; “livid” means furious; “loyal” means faithful to a person, group, or cause; and “lucid” means clear and understandable.

“Incongruous” means out of place or "inappropriate." As for the other answer choices, “apt” means appropriate and right and is an antonym of "incongruous." “Discontinuous” means intermittent and containing gaps; “self-serving” means doing something to benefit only oneself; and “winsome” means charming.

Several of the proposed answers attempt to get you to confuse "furtive" with "fervent." The latter word means passionate and fierce. The word _"_furtive" actually comes from the Latin word for "thief". A thief acts under the cover of darkness and behaves secretively. Thus, when something is "furtive" it is secret or hidden. Therefore, the best option among those provided is "hidden."

Something that is "garish" is showy and generally quite tasteless. Think of a coat that is painted neon green with bright orange lines and a lot of sequins. Now, such a thing might be ugly or even revolting, but the primary meaning of "garish" is showy. The word "gaudy" is a good synonym for such showiness.

The word "dismal" describes someone or something that is depressing, downcast, or gloomy. It can also describe something that appears dreary or gloomy—as when we say on a rainy day, "This is certainly some dismal weather!" Thus, the only appropriate option among those given is "dreary."