ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #303 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESTRAIN

Possible Answers:

Attempt

Damage

Contain

Locate

Toil

Correct answer:

Contain

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Correct

Harm

Include

Attach

Bloat

Correct answer:

Attach

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Shorten

Deviate

Augment

Relocate

Extrapolate

Correct answer:

Shorten

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Strengthen

Wither

Jettison

Plunder

Pilfer

Correct answer:

Wither

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Discern

Assist

Hinder

Sanction

Suspend

Correct answer:

Hinder

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Reinforce

Reside

Hinder

Decorate

Exculpate

Correct answer:

Decorate

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Permit

Acquit

Remove

Create

Forbid

Correct answer:

Remove

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Delay

Comprehend

Recognize

Acquire

Steal

Correct answer:

Steal

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Multiply

Split

Subtract

Augment

Enhance

Correct answer:

Split

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Ridicule

Abscond

Ignite

Read

Defer

Correct answer:

Ignite

Explanation:

"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

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors