All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #621 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MUNIFICENT
Political
Mordant
Magnanimous
Pervasive
Obtuse
Magnanimous
"Munificent" is an adjective meaning overly generous or philanthropic. "Magnanimous" is a close synonym meaning especially kind or generous. "Obtuse" means stubborn or foolish, "mordant" means biting, or critical and is often associated with dry humor, "political" means having to do with government, and "pervasive" means common or deeply ingrained.
Example Question #622 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARCHED
Maudlin
Energetic
Hungry
Thirsty
Tired
Thirsty
"Parched," when used to describe a person means very thirsty. "Parched," when used to describe the land means dried up, lacking water. To provide further help, "maudlin" means overly sentimental.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UTTERLY
Faithfully
Formerly
Seldom
Gingerly
Completely
Completely
“Utterly” means completely and is often heard in the redundant phrase “completely and utterly.” As for the other answer choices, “faithfully” means loyally; "gingerly" means with delicacy and care; "seldom" means infrequently; and "formerly" means previously.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PASSÉ
Outdated
Exuberant
Modern
Continual
Measurable
Outdated
"Passé" is an adjective that means "no longer fashionable; out of date," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "no longer fashionable" or "out of date." "Modern," then cannot be the correct answer because "modern" is an antonym of "passé," not a synonym. "Outdated," however, is an adjective that means "out of date; obsolete," and because it is the answer choir that is closest in meaning to "passé," "outdated" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SPONTANEOUS
Contentious
Impromptu
Deliberate
Importune
Premeditated
Impromptu
"Spontaneous" and "impromptu" both mean impulsive or unplanned. "Deliberate" means intentional or calculated. "Premeditated" means planned or intended. "Contentious" means quarrelsome or combative. "Importune" means to demand or insist.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
YOUNG
Excessive
Juvenile
Belligerent
Idyllic
Ill
Juvenile
The word "young" is an adjective that means being in the early stages of growth or immature. The best choice here is "juvenile" since it shares the same definition as "young"—immature. Considering the other choices, "ill" is an adjective that means physically sick, "excessive" means being in too large of a quantity or more than is needed, "idyllic" means ideally charming or romantic, and "belligerent" means eager to fight.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TRANSITORY
Impermanent
Nomadic
Explosive
Expedited
Foreign
Impermanent
“Transitory” means impermanent or not lasting, so "impermanent" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “nomadic” means living a lifestyle in which one wanders and does not live in one place; "expedited" means hastened; "foreign" means originating in a country different from one's own; and “explosive” means volatile or likely to explode like a bomb.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WIZENED
Serene
Lofty
Aged
Haughty
Sage
Aged
“Wizened” means very old and wrinkled with age, so "aged" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sage” means wise when used as an adjective; “serene” means quiet and peaceful; “lofty” means high and proud; and “haughty” means arrogant.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WANTON
Dormant
Mercurial
Overzealous
Predictable
Random
Random
“Wanton” means random, but it also can mean cruel and malicious. Most commonly it is used to mean random and destructive, so "random" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “mercurial” means changing emotions, decisions, or plans on a whim; “predictable” means easily anticipated; “dormant” means inactive or asleep; and “overzealous” means too passionate or overly enthusiastic.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
EXTANT
extinct
diffident
contemporary
ephemeral
equivocal
contemporary
"Extant" and "contemporary" both mean existing in the present. "Extinct" means dead or obsolete. "Diffident" means hesitant or unconfident. "Ephemeral" means momentary or passing. "Equivocal" means doubtful or uncertain.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
