All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #291 : Synonyms: Verbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SHIRK
Render
Manage
Reprimand
Propose
Avoid
Avoid
To "shirk" means to avoid, usually to avoid a responsibility or duty. To provide further help, "render" means give to; "reprimand" means yell at or punish; "propose" means suggest.
Example Question #871 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FEUDING
Fighting
Disliking
Questioning
Forgetting
Disagreeing
Fighting
Whenever we "feud" with someone, we argue and are likely at "war" with him or her. In general, a "feud" is a fight against another party. Now, this can be a kind of disagreement, but the best option will be one that captures the sense of fighting. A "feud" is a fight, not merely a disagreement.
Example Question #872 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LURK
Hide
Startle
Avoid
Forge
Frighten
Hide
Words like "lurk" are likely very familiar; however, to get such questions correct, it is helpful to think of expressions that you know. For instance, have you ever said, "It was lurking just under the surface of the water?" This means that the thing was hiding just under the water's surface. Sometimes, we also say that someone's ideas, plots, or emotions are "lurking" under the surface of his or her demeanor. In general, the idea of "lurking" is that of hiding.
Example Question #873 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SNARE
Gaze
Harm
Wound
Trap
Trace
Trap
The word "snare" can be used either as a noun or as a verb. As a verb, it means to trap. As a noun, it just describes a kind of trap, in particular one for animals, though it could apply to any kind of trap.
Example Question #874 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUCCUMB
Delay
Yield
Perish
Rupture
Forge
Yield
Perhaps you have used the word "succumb" with regard to illness. You can say that someone "succumbs" to a disease that is infecting others. Also, we talk of "succumbing to temptation," meaning that we give in to the pressure of a temptation. To "yield" to something means to give in to it. When someone is driving, a "yield" sign means that you need to let the other cars have their way on the road. For instance, if you are turning on to a road, you need to "give in" to the other traffic. Hence, "yield" is a good synonym for "succumb."
Example Question #875 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUBSIDE
Attack
Retreat
Calm
Deteriorate
Quake
Calm
The word "subside" comes from roots that literally mean to sit under. Whenever something "subsides," it decreases or lessens. This is not a matter of retreating, however. Instead, think of something like, "The earthquake slowly subsided, the tremors becoming less and less with passing minutes." The essential meaning for "subside" is to decrease in intensity. This is a good synonym for "subside."
Example Question #876 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WORSEN
Demolish
Destroy
Deteriorate
Mangle
Damage
Deteriorate
For this question, be careful about tempting options. The words "damage" and "mangle" might be tempting. Whenever you "damage" or "mangle" something, you certainly do make it worse. This is not, however, the same as being synonymous with "worsen." Likewise, the same holds for "destroy" and "demolish." Instead, the word "deteriorate" is the best. Whenever something "deteriorates," its condition worsens.
Example Question #877 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WAGER
Gamble
Choose
Nominate
Agree
Deliberate
Gamble
The word "wager" can be used either as a verb or as a noun. The noun merely indicates the outcome of the verb usage. Whenever we wager on something, we make a bet on that thing. Therefore, the noun "wager" just means the bet itself. The options given here all indicate that the question is asking for the verb form. The word "gamble" is the only option that expresses the general idea of betting on something.
Example Question #878 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXUDES
Withdraw
Depart
Imply
Radiate
Digress
Radiate
The word "exude" comes from roots that literally mean "to sweat out." The general idea of "exuding" is that something "oozes" or steadily releases something into its environment. The word can be used, however, to describe people in a metaphorical manner. Here the "oozing" is more like the idea of beaming or radiating some kind of character trait. For example, you could say, "Thomas was so sure of himself that he exuded confidence."
Example Question #879 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABET
Support
Wager
Congregate
Enforce
Gamble
Support
The word "abet" is likely rarely used by you; however, perhaps you have heard the expression, "aid and abet." For example, in a movie, someone might be accused of "aiding and abetting the enemy." This basically means aiding and encouraging the enemy to do wrong. The only option that expresses this idea of aiding or encouraging is the word "support."
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