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:

burn

climb

start

choose

Correct answer:

burn

Explanation:

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

Example Question #3 : Synonyms

"Agile" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

calculating

tricky

sloppy

devious

quick

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 #4 : Synonyms

"Lethargic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

slow

agile

lucid

frigid

dextrous

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:

thoughtful

unspecific

careful

evil

sluggish

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 #6 : Synonyms

"Avarice" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

anger

laziness

passion

greed

hunger

Correct answer:

greed

Explanation:

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

Example Question #5 : Synonyms

"Lucid" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

relaxed

understandable

reflective

unintentional

useless

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 #6 : Synonyms

"Archaic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

meaningless

frustrating

new

old

useless

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 #7 : Synonyms

"Tenuous" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

empty

early

weak

rough

strong

Correct answer:

weak

Explanation:

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

Example Question #8 : Synonyms

"Frugal" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

thrifty

easy

lavish

melancholic

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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