ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for People

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "rabble" is __________.

Possible Answers:

lies

debris

rocks

pleasantries

crowd

Correct answer:

crowd

Explanation:

"Rabble" is a noun that means "a disorderly crowd; a mob," or when used as "the rabble," "ordinary people, especially when regarded as socially inferior or uncouth." While "rabble" may sound like "rubble," a noun that "rocks" or "debris" could be considered synonyms of, "rubble" does not mean the same thing as "rabble," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Crowd," however, when used as a noun, is the answer choice closest in meaning to "rabble," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "insurgent" is __________.

Possible Answers:

loyalist

overseer

king

rebel

employee

Correct answer:

rebel

Explanation:

"Insurgent" is a word that when used as an adjective, means "rising in active revolt" or "of or relating to rebels" and when used as a noun, means "a rebel or revolutionary." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "rebel." "Loyalist" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "loyalist" means "a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government, especially in the face of a revolt," so it is an antonym of "rebel." "Rebel" is an available answer choice, and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "insurgent," "rebel" is the correct answer.

Example Question #3 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLUTTON

Possible Answers:

Benefactor

Curmudgeon

Abstainer

Overeater

Correct answer:

Overeater

Explanation:

A glutton is someone who eats or consumes too much, so "overeater" is the correct answer. "Curmudgeon" means a grumpy or bad-tempered person, "benefactor" means donator, and "abstainer" means someone who holds themself back from doing something.

Example Question #4 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GUERRILLA

Possible Answers:

Beast

Soldier

Master

Chef

Correct answer:

Soldier

Explanation:

A "guerrilla" is a soldier who uses surprise tactics, not to be confused with "gorilla," the animal. So, "soldier" is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BUFFOON

Possible Answers:

Genius 

Youthful 

Fool 

Ancient 

Miser 

Correct answer:

Fool 

Explanation:

A "buffoon" is someone who makes a fool of themselves. To help you, "youthful" means young, "ancient" means very old, and a "miser" is someone who saves all the money that they can.

Example Question #6 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NEMESIS

Possible Answers:

Archaeologist

Receipt

Opponent

Candidate

Occurrence

Correct answer:

Opponent

Explanation:

A "nemesis" is an opponent, enemy, or adversary, so "opponent" is the correct answer. An "archaeologist" is a person who studies prehistoric people and their lifestyles. A "candidate" is a person who applies for a job or is nominated for a position. An "occurrence" is an event or happening. A "receipt" is a document that shows that a bill has been paid.

Example Question #7 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESPOT

Possible Answers:

Depot

List 

Tyrant

Store

Correct answer:

Tyrant

Explanation:

A "despot" is a tyrant. The best choice is "tyrant," which means an oppressive or unjust ruler. Considering the other choices, a "store" is a place where people go to make purchases, "list" means a group of things that are written down, and a "depot" is a warehouse. 

Example Question #8 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

PROGENY

Possible Answers:

Children

Ancestors

Professionals

Amateurs

Adults

Correct answer:

Children

Explanation:

"Progeny" is another word for offspring or someone's children. To provide further help, a "professional" is someone paid for their work, whereas an "amateur" is someone not paid for work. We call the people that came before us our "ancestors," so for example, your grandfather is one of your ancestors. 

Example Question #9 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CULPRIT

Possible Answers:

Guilty person

Bystander

Thief

Crime

Innocent person 

Correct answer:

Guilty person

Explanation:

A "culprit" is the person responsible for doing something wrong or the guilty person. So, "guilty person" is the correct answer.

Example Question #10 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.

TURNCOAT

Possible Answers:

Financier

Traitor

Supporter

Enemy

Ally

Correct answer:

Traitor

Explanation:

A “turncoat” is a traitor; someone who betrays his allies and helps his former enemies. Almost every American school child has heard of Benedict Arnold, the famous turncoat from the Revolutionary War. To provide further guidance, an "ally" is someone on your side; an "enemy" is someone who you are fighting against; a "supporter" is a fan; a "financier" is someone who provides the money to make something happen.

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