ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #281 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APPETIZING

Possible Answers:

Repulsive

Tempting

Agitating

Aggravating

Redundant

Correct answer:

Tempting

Explanation:

Something that is "appetizing" is something that makes one want to eat. The answer choice closest in meaning to "appetizing" is "tempting," which means enticing or appealing, even though enjoying it might be a bad idea or wrong, so "tempting" is the correct answer.

Example Question #282 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Ubiquitous 

Outrageous 

Circumstantial 

Surrogate 

Tasty 

Correct answer:

Tasty 

Explanation:

"Delectable" means tasty or delicious, so "tasty" is the correct answer. To help you, "circumstantial" means accidental or owed to circumstance, "outrageous" means ridiculous, "ubiquitous" means ever-present or everywhere, and "surrogate" means substitute, stand-in, or replacement.

Example Question #283 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMBUSTIBLE

Possible Answers:

Chronic

Combative

Serious

Chemical

Volatile

Correct answer:

Volatile

Explanation:

"Combustible" means explosive, while "volatile" means liable to change or explode. Thus, "combustible" is closest in meaning to "volatile."

Example Question #284 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ROBUST

Possible Answers:

Shy

Strong

Introverted

Weak

Timid

Correct answer:

Strong

Explanation:

Someone or something that is "robust" is strong and sturdy, so "strong" is the correct answer. To help you, "timid," "shy," and "introverted" are all loose synonyms of one another. Someone who is "timid" is shy and weak, and someone who is "introverted" is shy, reserved, and quiet.

Example Question #285 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PALLID

Possible Answers:

pale 

pigmented

weak 

flavorless 

calm

Correct answer:

pale 

Explanation:

"Pallid" means pale in appearance, often due to being sick. "Pale" means lacking vibrancy of color. Therefore, "pale" is closest in meaning to the word "pallid." While pallid people are sometimes weak because they are sometimes sick, "weak" does not have the same meaning as "pallid," and so it is a tempting wrong answer. "Pigmented" means having color as opposed to not having color, which is the opposite of "pallid."

Example Question #286 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUMINOUS

Possible Answers:

Numerous

Rainy

Cloudy

Bright

Cold

Correct answer:

Bright

Explanation:

"Luminous" means bright and shining. The best choice is "bright" as it is a part of the definition of "luminous." 

Example Question #287 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MELLIFLUOUS

Possible Answers:

Enraged

Dulcet

Flulike

Melted

Correct answer:

Dulcet

Explanation:

The word "mellifluous" means sweetly flowing or sounding. The best choice is "dulcet," which also means sweetly sounding. Considering the other choices, "flulike" means resembling symptoms of the flu, "melted" means having become liquid, and "enraged" means angry.

Example Question #288 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Sensible

Malleable

Visible

Despicable

Nocturnal

Correct answer:

Malleable

Explanation:

Something that is "ductile" is very malleable, easily shaped into something different, or easily influenced. So, for example, clay is ductile. So, "malleable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "ductile": "despicable" means wicked; an animal that is "nocturnal" is awake at night and asleep during the day; "visible" means able to be seen; and "sensible" means proper, considerate, or not foolish.

Example Question #289 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DURABLE

Possible Answers:

Indestructible

Flimsy

Dainty

Impermanent

Transitory

Correct answer:

Indestructible

Explanation:

Something that is "durable" is long-lasting and thus, the best fit is "indestructible" which indicates something that is unable to be broken or damaged easily. "Impermanent" means lasting only for a short amount of time; "dainty" means fragile; and "flimsy" means delicate.

Example Question #290 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POROUS

Possible Answers:

Holey

Passive

Rakish

Elegant

Utter

Correct answer:

Holey

Explanation:

"Porous" means full of small holes or capable of absorbing liquids, so "holey," which also means full of holes, is the best choice here. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "porous": "passive" means not active; "utter" means absolute when used as an adjective; "elegant" means graceful or sophisticated; and "rakish" means dashing but disreputable.

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