HSPT Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

"Abhor" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

enhance

instigate

desire

covet

despise

Correct answer:

despise

Explanation:

To "abhor" something is to loathe, despise or hate it. You might "abhor" violence and refuse to watch TV shows that promote violence. "Covet" and "desire" both mean to want something, so these are antonyms of abhor. "Instigate" means to start something and "enhance" means to make better.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs About Rules, Decisions, And Progress

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

CURTAIL

Possible Answers:

Duration

Evolve

Accelerate

Contaminate

Decrease

Correct answer:

Decrease

Explanation:

"Curtail" is a verb meaning to reduce or limit and sometimes impose a restriction on. The word closest in meaning to this is "decrease" which also means to reduce

"Accelerate" means to increase. This is the opposite of "curtail." 

"Contaminate" means to make impure

"Duration" is the time in which something happens.

"Evolve" means to gradually become more complex.

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