ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #346 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMELIORATE

Possible Answers:

Improve

Carry

Antagonize

Infer

Disprove

Correct answer:

Improve

Explanation:

To “ameliorate” a situation means to improve it, or to make it better, so "improve" is the correct answer. To “disprove” something means to prove that it is wrong or incorrect; "infer" means to come to a conclusion that requires a logical jump from one point to another that may not immediately be obvious; "carry" means transport by picking up in one's arms and walking around; and "antagonize" means provoke.

Example Question #347 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONFORM

Possible Answers:

Aggrandize

Justify

Justify

Aggrandize

Match

Forget

Demean

Demean

Correct answer:

Match

Explanation:

"Conform" means adhere to a set standard just as others do or match and agree, so "match" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "forget" means lose the memory of; "aggrandize" means make seem more important or powerful than something or someone really is; "justify" means explain one's reasons for doing something; and "demean" means insult and degrade.

Example Question #348 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NECESSITATE

Possible Answers:

Ascertain

Aspire

Desire

Fasten

Entail

Correct answer:

Entail

Explanation:

When one thing “necessitates” another, it requires that the latter thing happen. One event is said to “entail” another when the latter is a necessary consequence of the former. For instance, “Because it requires a good deal of mathematical thought, learning to program a computer almost always entails becoming proficient at certain types of mathematics as well.”

Example Question #351 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIVEST

Possible Answers:

beguile

goad

deprive

maintain

wane

Correct answer:

deprive

Explanation:

"Divest" and "deprive" both means to dispossess or take off. "Maintain" means to care for or keep up. "Wane" means to diminish or lessen. "Goad" means to egg on or incite. "Beguile" means to fool or charm

Example Question #352 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONCOCT

Possible Answers:

instill

poison

fabricate

boil

stir

Correct answer:

fabricate

Explanation:

The word “concoct” most generally means to make by combining together a number of parts or ingredients. For instance, one could refer to a stew or a potion as a “concoction.” The word can take on the further meaning of something that has been put together untruthfully, as when someone concocts a story to cover up the truth. The word “fabricate” does literally mean to make, but it also can have the same negative sense of to come up with a false tale.

Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

CONFER

Possible Answers:

foreshadow

meddle

grant

simulate

Correct answer:

grant

Explanation:

Confer means to grant or bestow something.

Example Question #353 : Identifying Synonyms

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

 

ABDICATE

Possible Answers:

manifest

relinquish

dissemble

assuage

arbitrate

Correct answer:

relinquish

Explanation:

"Abdicate" means to relinquish or give up power, position, or authority. "Manifest" means to make clear or obvious. "Assuage" means to soothe or relieve. "Dissemble" means to disguise or pretend. "Arbitrate" means to achieve a settlement or straighten out

Example Question #354 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABSTAIN

Possible Answers:

incite

forgo

fathom

garner

abscond

Correct answer:

forgo

Explanation:

"Abstain" means to forgo or hold back from doing something. "Abscond" means to run away or depart secretly. "Garner" means to collect or accumulate. "Incite" means to encourage or provoke. "Fathom" means to discern or understand

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

PROVOKE

Possible Answers:

incite

halt

ruin

increase

promote

Correct answer:

incite

Explanation:

"Provoke" means to start, and the word closest in meaning to that is incite.

Example Question #355 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ENGENDER

Possible Answers:

pilfer

induce

mitigate

juxtapose

repress

Correct answer:

induce

Explanation:

"Engender" and "induce" both mean to cause to happen or to cause an action. "Repress" means to keep back or hold in. "Juxtapose" means to place side by side. "Mitigate" means to diminish or lighten. "Pilfer" means to steal or embezzle

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