ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIM

Possible Answers:

Tendency

Energy

Boredom

Generosity

Opinion

Correct answer:

Energy

Explanation:

"Vim" is a noun defined as "robust energy and enthusiasm." So, "boredom" cannot be the correct answer because it is an antonym of "vim." "Energy" is the closest synonym to "vim" amongst the listed answer choices, so "energy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #82 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BLUNDER

Possible Answers:

Fool

Condemn

Slice

Error

Stumble

Correct answer:

Error

Explanation:

A "blunder” is a mistake that is often foolish. For this reason, we often imply a number of other secondary meanings when we use the term. For instance, we think of things like “a blundering fool.” While this is fine, the general point is that a blunder is a mistake; therefore, the best option here is “error.”

Example Question #83 : Identifying Synonyms

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

KERFUFFLE

Possible Answers:

Ignition

Ruin

Fluff

Material

Disagreement

Correct answer:

Disagreement

Explanation:

"Kerfuffle" is a noun and is another word for a disagreement or fight. The best choice here is "disagreement" because it shares the same meaningConsidering the other choices, the word "ignition" means the act of setting something on fire or the act of starting an engine. "Fluff" means light, soft particles, and "ruin," when used as a noun, means a state of decay or disrepair.

Example Question #84 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RITE

Possible Answers:

Correct

Ability

Wrong

Same

Ceremony

Correct answer:

Ceremony

Explanation:

The word "rite" is a noun that means a ceremonial act. "Ceremony" is the best choice because it is related to the word rite, meaning a formal observance. Considering the other choices, "wrong" is an adjective that means not correct, "correct" means true, and "same" means identical.

Example Question #85 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCHTICK

Possible Answers:

Staff

Prologue

Insult

Stream

Act

Correct answer:

Act

Explanation:

A "schtick" (also spelled "shtick") is a routine or act done to gain a laugh or draw attention to oneself. The best choice here is "act," since it is a part of the definition of "schtick." Considering the other choices, "staff" means a group of people charged with carrying out the work of a particular establishment or a rod used to support one's weight when walking, "stream" means a flowing body of water or liquid, "insult" means a statement that offends, and "prologue" means a distinct introductory section in a literary work.

Example Question #86 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRUCE

Possible Answers:

Scroll

Honesty

Armistice

Armor

Battlefield

Correct answer:

Armistice

Explanation:

A "truce" is an agreement to delay fighting for a set period of time. "Armistice," which shares the same meaning, is therefore the best choice. Considering the other choices, "armor" is any item warn for protection in a fight, "honesty" means truthfulness, "battlefield" is the area in which a battle takes place, and a "scroll" is a rolled up piece of paper or parchment either written on or able to be written on.

Example Question #87 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IDIOSYNCRASY

Possible Answers:

Authority

Vagrant

Peculiarity

Foreshadowing

Defection

Correct answer:

Peculiarity

Explanation:

An "idiosyncrasy" is a manner of behavior unique to one person, or a “peculiarity.” “Defection” is the act of deserting one’s country or party in favor of the direct opponent or desertion; “authority” means power or the person or entity who is in charge; “foreshadowing” means an act of warning of something that will happen in the future; a “vagrant” is a tramp or someone who wanders from place to place begging to survive.

Example Question #88 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MANDATE

Possible Answers:

Duress

Directive

Authority

Calculation

Succor

Correct answer:

Directive

Explanation:

A “mandate” is an official directive, so "directive" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “succor” means aid or assistance; “duress” means stress or pressure to do something.

Example Question #89 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESTRAINT

Possible Answers:

Self-control

Illusion

Participation

Consideration

Defiance

Correct answer:

Self-control

Explanation:

"Restraint” means a physical restriction that keeps one from moving normally or the ability to control oneself and not just act on emotion, so the best answer choice is "self-control." 

Example Question #90 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHAGRIN

Possible Answers:

Mortification

Privilege

Antipathy

Ferocity

Fusion

Correct answer:

Mortification

Explanation:

“Chagrin” is acute personal embarrassment or irritation at how a situation resulted, so "mortification," which means extreme embarrassment, is the answer choice closest in meaning to "chagrin." As for the other answer choices, “fusion” means blend; “privilege” means a special right or advantage granted to someone; “antipathy” means a deep-feeling of hatred or dislike; and “ferocity” refers to fierceness and cruelty. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors