Synonyms: Adjectives - ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning

The prefix "mis-" means done wrong or badly, so something that has been “misplaced” has been placed incorrectly. This is closest in meaning to “lost.” To provide further help, “limpid” means clear; “morose” means very sad and serious; “supreme” means best or highest; “searched” means looked for.

The word "firm" is an adjective used to describe something that is physically solid. For example, a firm pillow is one that is somewhat hard—as opposed to a very soft pillow. Sometimes, too, this word is used to describe someone's actions. For example, to say, "He was firm about his wish to have at least eight hours of sleep," means that the person did not give up his desire for the sleep (even if others protested).

The word "compact" comes from root words meaning joined together. When we compact our garbage, we compress it into a small space. When we describe the garbage as being "compact," we are indicating that it is very densely packed together. "Dense" things do not have much air space. The same is true for compact materials.

"Devious" is defined as showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.

This is closest in definition to "sneaky." Although someone who is devious may be "reprehensible," meaning deserving censure or condemnation, is not a close match.

The word eloquent is often used in regards to eloquent language or writing. It indicates that someone is expressive or well-spoken.

Something that is "wily" is sneaky. "Sneaky" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "wily." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "wily": "weary" means tired; "different" means deviating from the norm or unusual; and "uninterested" means not interested, as you might be able to infer from the word's use of the negative prefix "un-," which means not.

"Timid" means lacking in courage or shy. "Shy" is the best answer choice since it is a part of the definition of "timid." Considering the other choices, "pallid" means pale or faint in color, "serene" means calm, and "atone" means make up for an offense or crime.

The word "blaring" is used to describe a very loud sound. Notice that several options have to do with being loud—"loud," "noisy," and "deafening." It is only the last option that is acceptable. When something is "deafening," it is _so loud that it makes you lose your ability to hea_r. This is much better than the rather standard "loud" and "noisy." If there were no other options, these would be fine; however, it is best to match the intensity and pick "deafening."

The word "obtuse" is an adjective which means slow-witted or not very smart. "Dumb" is the best choice, as it means not smart. Considering the other choices, "clever" is an antonym of "obstuse." The meaning of "chaotic" is not related to the meaning of "obtuse." The choice "angle" refers to mathematical terminology (i.e. an obtuse angle) but is not relevant as we do not use "obtuse" this way in everyday speech.

The correct answer is "honorable." Both words mean having good principles and ideals. All of the other answer choices are antonyms, or opposites, of "noble."

The word "optimistic" means expecting a positive outcome. The best choice is "hopeful" because someone who is optimistic has hope that things will turn out well in the future.

The word "noble" means praised for character or excellence. The best choice is "distinguished" which means well-known, typically for excellence.

The word "callous" means harsh or insensitive. The best choice is "insensitive," as it is a part of the definition of "callous." Considering the other choices, "verdant" means green or covered in plants,"abject" means hopeless,and "talkative" means talking a lot.

The word "exquisite" means of special beauty or charm or extraordinary. The best choice is "refined" which means showing good taste. Considering the other choices, "ask" means offer a question to, "extolled" means praised, and "conjoined" means joined together.

"Courteous" means polite and well-mannered, so "polite" is the correct answer. "Frigid" means extremely cold. "Identical" means exactly alike. "Outdated" means obsolete or out of fashion. "Trustworthy" means reliable or dependable.

Regal can be defined as something befitting a king, while grand can be defined as something noble or revered. These two words are synonyms. None of the other answer choices have similar meanings.

"Scathing" means harsh or critical, so "harsh" is the correct answer. To help you, "bashful" means shy, "apparent" means obvious, and "talkative" means talking a lot.

Someone who is "obnoxious" is rude and irritating, so "irritating" is the correct answer. To help you, "jolly" means happy and cheerful, and "vulnerable" means in danger from something specific.

Whenever something is an "illusion," it appears one way, though the reality is really something else. For example, you could say, "Peter's many books gave the illusion that he was very intelligent, when he in fact did not know much at all!" The only option that expresses this idea is "appearance." This is not always going to be a synonym for illusion, but in this case, it functions well enough, given that no other options are as good as this one.

"Timid" means showing a lack of confidence or courage, therefore "shy" would be the word most like "timid."