ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #241 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MUNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Mordant

Pervasive

Obtuse

Political

Magnanimous

Correct answer:

Magnanimous

Explanation:

"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 #242 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PARCHED

Possible Answers:

Maudlin

Tired

Thirsty

Hungry

Energetic

Correct answer:

Thirsty

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Formerly

Faithfully

Completely

Seldom

Gingerly

Correct answer:

Completely

Explanation:

“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

Possible Answers:

Modern

Continual

Measurable

Exuberant

Outdated

Correct answer:

Outdated

Explanation:

"Passé" is an adjective that means "no longer fashionable; out of date," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "no longer fashionable" or "out of date."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 "Outdated," however, is an adjective that means "out of date; obsolete," and because it is the answer choir that is closest in meaning to "passé," "outdated" is the correct answer.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

Possible Answers:

Contentious

Deliberate

Importune

Impromptu

Premeditated

Correct answer:

Impromptu

Explanation:

"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 #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement

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

YOUNG

Possible Answers:

Excessive

Juvenile

Ill

Belligerent

Idyllic

Correct answer:

Juvenile

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Foreign

Expedited

Impermanent

Nomadic

Explosive

Correct answer:

Impermanent

Explanation:

“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

Possible Answers:

Lofty

Aged

Serene

Haughty

Sage

Correct answer:

Aged

Explanation:

“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 #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement

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

WANTON

Possible Answers:

Predictable

Mercurial

Random

Overzealous

Dormant

Correct answer:

Random

Explanation:

“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 #252 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters. 

EXTANT

Possible Answers:

contemporary

ephemeral

diffident

equivocal

extinct

Correct answer:

contemporary

Explanation:

"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

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