Synonym Selection

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ISEE Lower Level: Verbal Reasoning › Synonym Selection

Questions 1 - 10
1

RELINQUISH

polish

keep

weaken

surrender

Explanation

The word RELINQUISH means to voluntarily give up something. The word 'surrender' also means to give up or hand over something to another. Therefore, 'surrender' is the closest synonym. 'Keep' is an antonym. 'Polish' is a word with a different meaning. 'Weaken' might be a result of relinquishing something, but it is not a synonym.

2

FRUGAL

wealthy

fragile

thrifty

generous

Explanation

The word FRUGAL means being careful and economical with money or resources. The word 'thrifty' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'thrifty' is the correct synonym. 'Fragile' sounds similar but means easily broken. 'Generous' is an antonym. Being 'wealthy' might result from being frugal, but the words do not mean the same thing.

3

PERIL

benefit

safety

danger

pearl

Explanation

The word PERIL means serious and immediate danger. The word 'danger' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'danger' is the correct synonym. 'Safety' is an antonym. 'Pearl' is a word that sounds similar but has a different meaning. 'Benefit' means an advantage, which is unrelated.

4

VEX

annoy

calm

fix

help

Explanation

The word VEX means to make someone feel annoyed or frustrated. The word 'annoy' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'annoy' is the correct synonym. 'Calm' and 'help' are antonyms. 'Fix' is an unrelated action.

5

NIMBLE

simple

clumsy

agile

strong

Explanation

The word NIMBLE means quick and light in movement or action. The word 'agile' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'agile' is the correct synonym. 'Clumsy' is an antonym. A person can be 'strong' without being nimble, and 'simple' is an unrelated quality.

6

PLUMMET

measure

slide

plunge

rise

Explanation

The word PLUMMET means to fall or drop straight down at a high speed. The word 'plunge' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'plunge' is the correct synonym. 'Rise' is an antonym. To 'slide' is to move downward, but not necessarily straight down or at high speed. A plummet is a tool used to 'measure' depth, but this is a different meaning of the word.

7

ORNATE

ancient

strong

elaborate

plain

Explanation

The word ORNATE means highly decorated, often with complex patterns. The word 'elaborate' means detailed and complicated in design. Therefore, 'elaborate' is the closest synonym. 'Plain' is an antonym. An ornate object might be 'ancient' or 'strong', but these words describe different qualities.

8

PROMINENT

noticeable

permanent

hidden

shy

Explanation

The word PROMINENT means easily seen or standing out. The word 'noticeable' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'noticeable' is the correct synonym. 'Hidden' is an antonym. 'Permanent' sounds similar but means lasting forever. 'Shy' is an antonym for a person who is prominent or well-known.

9

ALLEVIATE

solve

elevate

relieve

increase

Explanation

The word ALLEVIATE means to make a problem or suffering less severe. The word 'relieve' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'relieve' is the correct synonym. 'Increase' is an antonym. 'Elevate' sounds similar but means to raise up. To 'solve' a problem is to end it completely, while alleviating it just makes it better.

10

BENIGN

harmless

powerful

cruel

begin

Explanation

The word BENIGN means gentle, kindly, or not harmful. The word 'harmless' is the closest synonym. 'Cruel' is an antonym. 'Begin' sounds similar but has a different meaning. Something can be 'powerful' and also benign, but the words are not synonyms.

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