ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #761 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "avert" is __________.

Possible Answers:

stop

watch

notice

bungle

avoid

Correct answer:

avoid

Explanation:

"Avert" is a verb meaning "turn away one's eyes or thoughts," or "prevent or ward off an undesirable occurrence." Neither "notice" nor "watch" can be the correct answer because "avert" specifically means to "turn away one's eyes or thoughts," and "bungle" ("mess up") has nothing to do with "avert." "Stop" might look like a good answer, but "avert" means "prevent," not "stop," so it cannot be correct either. "Avoid" is the closest synonym to "avert," as one meaning of "avoid" is "prevent from happening." So, "avoid" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1121 : Synonyms

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

DEPLETE

Possible Answers:

promote

exhaust

rotate

terrify

display

Correct answer:

exhaust

Explanation:

"Deplete" means to use up or exhaust a supply of something.

Example Question #762 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "resuscitate" is __________.

Possible Answers:

map out

revive

survive

bring

execute

Correct answer:

revive

Explanation:

"Resuscitate" is a verb that means either "revive (someone) from unconsciousness or apparent death," or "make (something such as an idea or enterprise) active or vigorous again." So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "revive" or "make active again." That means that "execute" cannot be the correct answer, because one meaning of "execute" is "carry out a sentence of death on (a legally condemned person)." So, "execute" is an antonym, not a synonym, of "resuscitate." "Revive," however, is a verb that means "restore to life or consciousness," and because "revive" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "resuscitate," "revive" is the correct answer.

Example Question #763 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of “abate” is __________.

Possible Answers:

diminish

harden

understand

augment

frighten

Correct answer:

diminish

Explanation:

“Abate” is a verb that can mean “to become less intense” when referring to something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “become less intense.” That means that “augment” cannot be the correct answer, because “augment” means “adding to something; increase,” making it a near antonym, not a synonym, of “abate.”“Diminish,” however, is a verb that means “make or become less,” and because “diminish” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “abate,” “diminish” is the correct answer.

Example Question #764 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

EMIT

Possible Answers:

Condescend

Verify

Tarnish

Include

Give off

Correct answer:

Give off

Explanation:

When something (like light) is "emitted," it means that it is given off. So, "give off" is the correct answer.

Example Question #765 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

IMPALE

Possible Answers:

Stitch

Explore

Lance

Prance

Collapse

Correct answer:

Lance

Explanation:

"Impale" means pierce with something pointed, so "lance," which means pierce, is the best choice.

Example Question #766 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

EXPEDITE

Possible Answers:

Impale

Erode

Hinder

Behoove

Hasten

Correct answer:

Hasten

Explanation:

"Expedite" means to speed up the process or progress of, so the best choice for a synonym is "hasten," which means speed up or go somewhere quickly.

Example Question #767 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DECIMATE

Possible Answers:

Dice

Cavort

Obliterate

Amass

Correct answer:

Obliterate

Explanation:

The word "decimate" means destroy. The best choice is "obliterate" because it means completely destroy. Considering the other options, "dice" means chop up into cubes, "amass" means gather, and "cavort" means act merily or prance about.

Example Question #768 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

JUXTAPOSE

Possible Answers:

Justify

Contrast

Judge

Put

Correct answer:

Contrast

Explanation:

The word "juxtapose" means to put two things next to each other or combine them in order to highlight a certain difference between them. The best choice is "contrast" as it means consider the differences between two or more thingsConsidering the other choices, "justify" means show to be right, "put" means place, and "judge" means decide.

Example Question #769 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ENCUMBER

Possible Answers:

Calamity 

Desolate

Build

Burden 

Repurpose 

Correct answer:

Burden 

Explanation:

"Encumber" is a verb that means burden. To "encumber" someone means to put a burden upon him or her. To help you, a "burden" is a physical or metaphorical load that is difficult to carry. To help you further, "calamity" means disaster, "desolate" means bleak and isolated, and "repurpose" means find another use for

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