HSPT Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

Modify most nearly means

Possible Answers:

force

alter

stop

soothe

Correct answer:

alter

Explanation:

"Modify" means "to change or alter", so alter is the best answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms

Incinerate most nearly means

Possible Answers:

choose

climb

burn

start

Correct answer:

burn

Explanation:

"Incinerate" means to "cause to burn to ashes". 

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

"Agile" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

devious

tricky

quick

sloppy

calculating

Correct answer:

quick

Explanation:

Someone who is "agile" is able to move quickly and with great coordination. Therefore, "quick," or speedy, will be our best synonym.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms

"Lethargic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

dextrous

frigid

lucid

agile

slow

Correct answer:

slow

Explanation:

"Lethargic," coming from the noun "lethargy," means someone who is being slow or sluggish, or does not want to move or do anything. It could mean lazy or just tired. In this case, "slow" is our best choice.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms

Vague most nearly means:

An antonym of "precise" is __________.

Possible Answers:

sluggish

thoughtful

unspecific

evil

careful

Correct answer:

unspecific

Explanation:

"Precise" means exact, so we need to pick out a word that means not exact. A synonym of "exact" is "specific," so "unspecific," which means not specific, is the correct answer.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms

"Avarice" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

laziness

passion

anger

hunger

greed

Correct answer:

greed

Explanation:

"Avarice" means greed, so "greed" is the correct answer.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms

"Lucid" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

understandable

useless

relaxed

reflective

unintentional

Correct answer:

understandable

Explanation:

"Lucid" comes from the Latin root "lux" meaning light. It means clear, understandable, or bright. So, "understandable" is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms

"Archaic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

frustrating

new

useless

meaningless

old

Correct answer:

old

Explanation:

Something that is "archaic" is very old and usually no longer in use. For instance, there are some words in Old English that are still technically English but are never used; these words would be considered archaic. Therefore, "old" is our best choice.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms

"Tenuous" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

rough

weak

empty

early

strong

Correct answer:

weak

Explanation:

"Tenuous" usually means thin or weak, so "weak" is the correct answer. 

Example Question #7 : Synonyms

"Frugal" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

melancholic

thrifty

easy

lavish

generous

Correct answer:

thrifty

Explanation:

Someone who is "frugal" does not like to spend money—they hunt for deals and get the most out of every penny. While they're not necessarily greedy, they would definitely be "thrifty."

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