Identifying Synonyms - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

Abortive means failing to produce the intended result, or thwarted.

Arresting means striking, eye-catching, or impactful.

Because "wanton" means immoral or sexually promiscuous, the best answer choice is "dissolute," which means lax in morals or licentious.

Someone who is "affable" is easy to talk with and pleasant to be around. "Genial" best conveys this sense (a likable pageant contestant might be named "Miss Congeniality"—a related word).

The adjective "adamant" is etymologically related to the word "diamond"—the hardest stone. Someone who is "adamant" is "hard" in the sense of being relentless, unyielding, or insistent.

If you extol someone or something, it means you praise that person or thing_._ For instance, if you extol a dancer, it means you admire or praise the dancer.

A good example of discerning something is when you discern the difference between your perceived financial situation (which may be higher in your mind) and the reality of your situation.

If something is ascertained such as a fact, it means that it is deduced or surmised.

The word obfuscate means to confuse. Thus, the best fit answer choice is perplex.

“Ecstasy” is a feeling of deep joy and happiness, so "joy" is the best answer. As for the other answer choices, “sorrow" is an antonym of “ecstasy” and means deep sadness; and "demeanor" means manner or appearance.

"Irascible" means cantankerous or crabby. "Tenacious" means strong-willed or determined. "Wary" means careful or cautious . "Opaque" means clouded, muddy, or hard to understand. "Mirthful" means merry or playful.

If someone vacillates between two choices, it means they waver or are indecisive.

"Usurp" and "supplant" both mean to take over. "Recant" means to take back something said. "Relinquish" means to give up or let go. "Repine" means to complain or fret. "Stipulate" means to decide on condition s.

"Mitigate" and "assuage" both mean to diminish or lighten. "Aggravate" means to annoy or irritate. "Rouse" means to wake or stimulate. "Anodize" means to gild or encrust. "Inure" means to accustom or acclimate.

To "stymie" something is to hinder it, to prevent something from developing. To provide further help, "assist" means help; "suspend" means pause; "discern" means recognize and notice; "sanction" means approve.

"Kindle" means to light on fire, to ignite. To provide further help, "ridicule" means mock, make fun of; "defer" means postpone, put off, allow someone else to take charge; "abscond" means run away, usually run away with.

"Reverberate" means to echo, to rebound and re-sound. To provide further help, "recoil" means step back from in fear or disgust; "formulate" means come up with; "scrutinize" means carefully examine.

To "cleave" something means to cut in half, to split something. To provide further help, "enhance" and "augment" are synonyms, both words mean to make something better by adding to it.

To "pilfer" something means to steal, to plunder. To provide further help, "comprehend" means understand; "acquire" means get.

"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling.