All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #232 : Synonyms
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
DROSS
nonchalance
sybarite
referendum
contusion
dregs
dregs
"Dross" and "dregs" both mean remains or refuse. "Nonchalance" means apathy or indifference. "Contusion" means a bruise or injury. "Referendum" means a popular vote on an issue. "Sybarite" means a hedonist or someone who loves luxury.
Example Question #241 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRECIPICE
Deference
Crag
Plethora
Misanthrope
Precursor
Crag
"Precipice" and "crag" both mean a cliff or bluff. "Deference" means obedience or compliance. "Misanthrope" means someone who hates people. "Plethora" means excess or overabundance. "Precursor" means something that indicates an outcome or event beforehand.
Example Question #242 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PYRE
Bonfire
Stratagem
Quarry
Gambol
Galleon
Bonfire
"Pyre" and "bonfire" are both synonyms. "Stratagem" means a trick or gimmick. "Quarry" means goal or aim. "Gambol" means to tumble playfully. "Galleon" means a large sailing ship.
Example Question #243 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HOVEL
Shanty
Residue
Infection
Prophesy
Prodigy
Shanty
A "hovel" is a shanty or a small and run-down cabin, so "shanty" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "hovel": "infection" means disease or the process of being infected with a disease; a "prodigy" is a young person with extraordinary abilities or skills; "prophesy" is a foretelling about what will happen in the future; and "residue" is whatever remains or is left.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABODE
Enemy
Residence
Traveled
Indicated
Presaged
Residence
In an older usage, the word “abode” also functions as the past tense of “abide,” which means (in addition to its most common meanings today) “to continue, remain, or dwell.” Here, it is used in its more accepted sense of meaning “house” or “residence.”
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEARTH
Lack
Mirth
Enmity
Excess
Moroseness
Lack
“Dearth” means lack or state of not having much or enough of something, so "lack" is the correct answer. “Excess” is an antonym of "dearth" and means the part of a quantity that is more than what is needed;“mirth” means joy, celebration and happiness; and “sulkiness” is petulance and a state in which one is disgruntled; and “enmity” means mutual dislike or hatred.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CACOPHONY
Prudence
Din
Asset
Instrument
Parity
Din
A “cacophony” is a harsh mixture of noise that is not pleasing to hear, also known as a “din” or a “racket.” As for the other answer choices, “asset” means something useful that offers some advantage, "prudence" is the ability to make smart, careful decisions in order to avoid future problems, and "parity" is equality.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CHICANERY
Deception
Erudition
Accountability
Edification
Remonstration
Deception
“Chicanery” is getting something from someone using dishonest trickery, so "deception" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “edification” is moral improvement; “erudition” is knowledge and learning; “accountability” means responsibility; and a "remonstration" is complaint or protest.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EMBELLISHMENT
Fragment
Outcast
Perjury
Adornment
Repartee
Adornment
An “embellishment” is something added to decorate something else; this is very close in meaning to an “adornment.” As for the other answer choices, a “fragment” is a portion or a part of a greater whole; “perjury” is lying in court under oath; an “outcast” is someone who is rejected by a social group; and “repartee” means witty conversation.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LAURELS
Ideas
Grievances
Sentiments
Homages
Praise
Praise
“Laurels” are literally leaves from a laurel tree formed into a crown for a victor, but metaphorically, "laurels" can also mean praise for some accomplishment. The phrase "resting on one's laurels" uses this definition; it means not really trying very hard, but instead, coasting on the fame of one's previous successes. So, "praise" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sentiments” are one’s attitudes and opinions; “grievances” are things one disagrees with and takes issue with; and “homages” are things that are dedicated to someone or something.
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