ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #681 : Synonyms

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

WARY

Possible Answers:

Garrulous 

Rakish 

Cautious 

Enchanting

Witty 

Correct answer:

Cautious 

Explanation:

"Wary" means cautious, worried, or careful, so "cautious" is the correct answer. To help you, "garrulous" means talkative, "enchanting" means charming, "rakish" means dashing and attractive, and "witty" means quick with words and clever.

Example Question #682 : Synonyms

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

GLOOMY

Possible Answers:

Depressed

Passionate

Jubilant

Argumentative

Compatible

Correct answer:

Depressed

Explanation:

"Gloomy" means sad and depressed, so "depressed" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "gloomy": "jubilant" means extremely happy and joyful; "passionate" means having strong feelings and great energy; "compatible" means able to work together, able to get along, or able to coexist peacefully; and "argumentative" means inclined to fight or disagree.

Example Question #683 : Synonyms

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

IRATE

Possible Answers:

Wonderful

Worried

Delighted

Angry

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

"Irate" is an adjective that means enraged, so the answer closest in meaning to "irate" is "angry," which is an adjective that means showing strong resentment. Considering the other answer choices, none are as close in meaning to "irate" as is "angry": "delighted" is an adjective meaning very pleased; "worried" is adjective meaning concerned; and "wonderful" is an adjective meaning great or marvelous.

Example Question #684 : Synonyms

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

SOMBER

Possible Answers:

Happy

Irritated

Tired

Sad

Correct answer:

Sad

Explanation:

"Somber" is an adjective meaning dull, depressing, and/or dark, so the answer closest in meaning to "somber" is "sad," which is an adjective meaning unhappy and sorrowful. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "somber": "happy" means pleased and glad; "tired" means somewhat exhausted; and "irritated" means annoyed.

Example Question #685 : Synonyms

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

SULLEN

Possible Answers:

Hopeful

Bashful

Angry

Reserved

Gloomy

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

If something is sullen, it means it is gloomy.  For instance, teenagers are quite sullen and moody to the dismay of their parents.

Example Question #686 : Synonyms

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

CRESTFALLEN

Possible Answers:

Bored

Cheerful

Dejected

Afraid

Careful

Correct answer:

Dejected

Explanation:

"Crestfallen" is an adjective that means downhearted, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like sad. "Cheerful" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "cheerful" means happy, so it is an antonym of sad. "Dejected," however, is an adjective that means sad, and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "crestfallen," "dejected" is the correct answer.

Example Question #687 : Synonyms

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

ENERGETIC

Possible Answers:

Timid

Exuberant

Concise

Diligent

Courageous

Correct answer:

Exuberant

Explanation:

"Energetic" means lively or exuberant, so "exuberant" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "energetic": "concise" means short and to the point; "timid" means fearful or easily scared; "diligent" means industrious or hard-working; and "courageous" means brave and bold.

Example Question #688 : Synonyms

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

POIGNANT

Possible Answers:

Memorable

Hurtful

Pointed

Distorted

Correct answer:

Memorable

Explanation:

"Poignant" means evoking a keen emotion. Therefore, something that is "poignant" is "memorable," as it has the ability to evoke keen emotions. "Pointed" means sharp or filed and is not a synonym of "poignant." "Distorted" means warped, which is also not a synonym of "poignant." While something that is "hurtful" might have the potential to be "poignant," the words are not synonyms because they do no mean the same thing. "Poignant" refers to evoking emotions, while something that is "hurtful" alludes to physical or emotional pain.

Example Question #689 : Synonyms

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

APPREHENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Immaculate

Stubborn

Dutiful

Anxious

Pacific

Correct answer:

Anxious

Explanation:

"Apprehensive" means anxious or worried about something, so "anxious" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "apprehensive": "pacific" means peaceful and non-violent; "stubborn" means unwilling to change's one mind despite contrary evidence; "immaculate" means extremely clean; and "dutiful" means responsible and willing to fulfill one's duties and tasks.

Example Question #690 : Synonyms

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

TURBULENT

Possible Answers:

Blunt

Repetitive

Tumultuous

Meandering

Orderly

Correct answer:

Tumultuous

Explanation:

"Turbulent" is an adjective that can mean either "characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm," or when speaking of air or water, "moving unsteadily or violently." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "characterized by disorder" or "moving violently." "Orderly," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "orderly," which means "neatly and methodically arranged" or "of a person or group: well behaved; disciplined," is an antonym of "turbulent," not a synonym. "Tumultuous," however, is an adjective that means either "making a loud, confused noise; uproarious," or "excited, confused, or disorderly." Because "tumultuous" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "turbulent," "tumultuous" is the correct answer.

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