All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #303 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESTRAIN
Attempt
Damage
Contain
Locate
Toil
Contain
The word "restrain" comes from roots that mean to tie back. It is related to words like "restrict," "restrictions," and "stricture." When we restrain our words, we hold them back so as not to say something nasty. When we physically restrain someone (with "restraints"), we hold them in place so they can't move. In this case, we contain them within a given space or locale. Thus, the best option is "contain."
Example Question #304 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFIX
Correct
Harm
Include
Attach
Bloat
Attach
"Affix" means to fasten something to something else and closely matches the common word "attach." "Correct" means right or proper. "Include" means to add something to a group, "bloat" means to make something unduly large, and "harm" means to hurt.
Example Question #305 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TRUNCATE
Shorten
Deviate
Augment
Relocate
Extrapolate
Shorten
"Truncate" means to shorten, to abbreviate. To provide further help, "deviate" means go away from, turn away from; "augment" means enhance, make better; "relocate" means move; "extrapolate" means to take further, to think beyond.
Example Question #311 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ATROPHY
Strengthen
Wither
Jettison
Plunder
Pilfer
Wither
To "atrophy" means to weaken, to waste away, to wither. It is generally used to describe the weakening of muscles, as in "muscle atrophy." To provide further help, "jettison" means discard; "plunder" and "pilfer" both mean to steal.
Example Question #312 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
STYMIE
Discern
Assist
Hinder
Sanction
Suspend
Hinder
To "stymie" something is to hinder it, to prevent something from developing. To provide further help, "assist" means help; "suspend" means pause; "discern" means recognize and notice; "sanction" means approve.
Example Question #313 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FESTOON
Reinforce
Reside
Hinder
Decorate
Exculpate
Decorate
To "festoon" something means to decorate, to adorn. To provide further help, "reside" means live; "exculpate" means acquit, free from guilt; "reinforce" means provide support for; "hinder" means get in the way of, make something more difficult.
Example Question #314 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXPUNGE
Permit
Acquit
Remove
Create
Forbid
Remove
To "expunge" something means to remove it, to remove it from the record. To provide further help, "acquit" means pardon; "permit" means allow; "forbid" means say something is not allowed.
Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PILFER
Delay
Comprehend
Recognize
Acquire
Steal
Steal
To "pilfer" something means to steal, to plunder. To provide further help, "comprehend" means understand; "acquire" means get.
Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLEAVE
Multiply
Split
Subtract
Augment
Enhance
Split
To "cleave" something means to cut in half, to split something. To provide further help, "enhance" and "augment" are synonyms, both words mean to make something better by adding to it.
Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KINDLE
Ridicule
Abscond
Ignite
Read
Defer
Ignite
"Kindle" means to light on fire, to ignite. To provide further help, "ridicule" means mock, make fun of; "defer" means postpone, put off, allow someone else to take charge; "abscond" means run away, usually run away with.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
