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Synonym Selection
Words That Mean the Same

Learn how to choose a word that means the same thing as another word. A key skill on the ISEE Verbal Reasoning section.

ISEE Lower Level: Verbal Reasoning

What Is a Synonym?

A synonym is a word that means the same thing, or almost the same thing, as another word. Writers use synonyms to make their words more interesting and clear.

Same Idea, Different Words

BIG (the idea) large huge giant enormous vast massive

All of these words share the same idea: something is big. They are all synonyms for one another.

Why Synonyms Matter

Better Writing
Synonyms help you avoid repeating the same word over and over.
Bigger Vocabulary
Learning synonyms teaches you many new words quickly.
Test Success
The ISEE asks you to pick the synonym closest in meaning.

The Synonym Question

A synonym question gives you one word in capital letters, then four answer choices. Your job is to find the choice that means most nearly the same.

RAPID (A) slow (B) fast ✓ (C) loud (D) heavy

Synonym vs. Antonym

Be careful! A synonym means the same. An antonym means the opposite. Test makers often add an antonym to trick you.

Synonym = SAME
cold and chilly
begin and start
Antonym = OPPOSITE
cold and hot
begin and end

A Step-by-Step Plan

1
Read the word in capital letters and think of its meaning.
2
Say it in your own words before looking at the choices.
3
Cross out choices that are opposites or unrelated.
4
Pick the closest match to your meaning.

Helpful Tip

If you are unsure, put the word in a sentence. Then try each answer choice in the same sentence. The synonym should still make sense!

Worked Example 1

JOYFUL most nearly means:
(A) sad   (B) tired   (C) cheerful   (D) quiet

Worked Example 2

ENORMOUS most nearly means:
(A) tiny   (B) huge   (C) shiny   (D) round

Worked Example 3

WEARY most nearly means:
(A) tired   (B) angry   (C) curious   (D) friendly

Common Mistakes

✕ Picking the Opposite
Choosing an antonym instead of a synonym. Same, not opposite!
✕ Rushing
Picking the first choice you see without checking the others.
✕ Same First Letter
A word that looks or sounds alike is not always a synonym.

Quick Reference

WordSynonymAntonym
happygladsad
fastquickslow
biglargesmall
beginstartend
braveboldtimid

Let's Recap

1
A synonym means the same as another word.
2
Think of the word's meaning before reading the choices.
3
Watch out for antonyms hidden in the choices.
4
Use a sentence to test the best fit.

Question 1 of 5

GLAD most nearly means:

Question 2 of 5

QUICK most nearly means:

Question 3 of 5

SHUT most nearly means:

Question 4 of 5

BRAVE most nearly means:

Question 5 of 5

WEARY most nearly means:

Great Work!

You now know how to choose the synonym that means the same thing. Keep practicing new words to grow your vocabulary!