All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
A synonym of "toxic" is __________.
poisonous
prepared
fulsome
complete
industrial
poisonous
"Toxic" is an adjective that means "causing or capable of causing death or illness if taken into the body" when used of a plant or substance, "producing poison as a means of attacking enemies or prey" when describing an animal or insect, or "extremely unpleasant or malicious." While "fulsome" might look like a good answer choice, "fulsome" actually means "complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree" or "of large size or quantity; generous or abundant," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Poisonous" however, is a synonym of "toxic," so "poisonous" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
TURBULENT
Tranquil
Tempestuous
Peaceful
Calm
Tempestuous
"Turbulent" means characterised by agitation or chaos. "Tempestuous" means stormy, so it is a synonym of "turbulent." "Calm," "tranquil" and "peaceful" are all antonyms of turbulent that mean untroubled.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
WANTON
Implausible
Suspicious
Credible
Random
Demeaning
Random
"Wanton" can mean random, so "random" is the correct answer. To help you, "implausible" means almost impossible or hard to believe, "credible" means reliable, "demeaning" means humiliating or undignified, and "suspicious" means doubtful.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
VIRULENT
Lazy
Harmful
Wrong
Virus
Harmful
The word "virulent" means harmful. "Harmful" is the best choice, as it is a part of the definition of "virulent."
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
AUSPICIOUS
Promising
Austere
Oust
Howl
Promising
The word "auspicious" means promising success. The best choice is "promising," as it shares the same definition as "auspicious." Considering the other choices, "austere" means strict, "oust" means overthrow or remove from a position, and "howl" means cry out.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
PRONE
Unlikely
Inclined
Cautious
Objective
Subjective
Inclined
"Prone" means to be inclined towards doing something. For example, if you are "prone" to lying, then you lie often. To further help you, "cautious" means careful and wary; "objective" means subject to logic instead of personal opinion; "subjective" is an antonym of "objective" and means subject to personal opinion instead of logic.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
AUSPICIOUS
Mayhem
Carnage
Favorable
Audible
Potential
Favorable
"Auspicious" means fortunate, promising, favorable; a lucky start or omen. To provide further help, "audible" means able to be heard; "carnage" refers to large scale slaughter and pillaging; "mayhem" means chaos; "potential" means the possible ability of something.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.
DESTITUTE
Comely
Ominous
Menacing
Penniless
Ostentatious
Penniless
Someone who is “destitute” is broke and penniless. To provide further guidance, "ostentatious" means defined by luxury and wealth; "comely" means cute; "ominous" and "menacing" are synonyms that both mean threatening, suggesting that danger is imminent.
Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
PRONE
Susceptible
Cunning
Portly
Wily
Comely
Susceptible
The word “prone” means likely to suffer from something specific. This is closest in meaning to “susceptible,” which means at risk from something specific. To provide further help, “wily” and “cunning” are synonyms that both describe someone who is smart and tricky, someone with lots of guile. Additionally, “portly” means fat and “comely” means cute.
Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CAPABLE
incompetent
effective
handy
educated
effective
The word "capable" comes from the Latin meaning able to take in. If you look at its roots, it is like "able to capture." Someone who is described as being "capable" is able to "take in and accomplish a task." This person has a certain ability and could be said to be "effective," which means able to bring something about. The options "handy" and "educated" are tempting, though they are not necessarily synonyms. A capable person is probably handy, since they can do something. Likewise, being educated can (but not necessarily) lead to capabilities. However, neither of these are as close in meaning to "capable" as is "effective."
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