Identifying Synonyms - ISEE Middle Level: Verbal Reasoning

A "nuisance" is an irritant or annoyance, so "annoyance" is the correct answer.

"Aghast" is defined as struck with terror, amazement, or horror, so "shocked" is the best match.

"Gape" means stare with mouth open in surprise or wonder, so "stare" is the best match.

"Bilk" is a verb that means cheat or swindle, so "defraud" is the best match, as it means deprive of something by trickery or fraud.

A "bulletin" is an announcement. To help you, a "rebuttal" is a speech given in reply during an argument or debate; "resignation" means notice given when quitting a job; "abdication" means to give up the throne; "resettlement" is a name given to somewhere people used to live that people are now moving back to.

A "façade" is an illusion; something not true, designed to hide the truth. For example, behind the façade of a beautiful innocent-looking young woman was the soul of a calculating and merciless criminal.

"Brevity" is shortness, specifically either shortness of a duration of time or shortness of a written text.The best choice is "shortness" because it is a part of the definition of "brevity." Considering the other choices, "hostile" means not friendly, "strangeness" means the quality of being weird or unusual, and a "clamor" is a loud outcry.

"Temerity" is another word for reckless courage or boldness. The best choice is "boldness" because it is a part of the definition of "temerity." Considering the other choices, "harmony" is agreement, "loose" means free or released from attachment, and "visible" means possible to see.

The word "kismet" means fate or destiny. The best choice is "fate," as it is a part of the definition of "kismet." Considering the other choices, "faith" is confidence or trust in something, "shun" means avoid, and "secret" means done without the knowledge of others when used as an adjective, or certain information kept from others when used as a noun.

A "platitude" is an overused saying.The best choice is "cliché," which means an overused phrase or saying.

A "portent" is a sign that something is about to happen. The best choice is "omen," as it shares the same definition as "portent." Considering the other choices, a "portal" is a passageway, "portable" means able to be carried, and "journey" means trip when used as a noun, or travel from one place to another when used as a verb.

The word "stoic" means not showing emotion. The best choice is "unemotional," which means not demonstrating emotions or not having emotions. Considering the other choices, a "stove" is a machine that generates heat for use, "cooked" means prepared by use of heat, and a "chair" is a seat.

The word "irate" means angry. The best choice is "angry," as it is a part of the definition of "irate."

The word "tranquil" means peaceful. The best choice is "peaceful" because it is a part of the definition of "tranquil." Considering the other choices, "cozy" means warm and comfortable, a "quilt" is a bedspread, and a "bed" is a piece of furniture designed to be slept on.

A "nemesis" is an opponent, enemy, or adversary, so "opponent" is the correct answer. An "archaeologist" is a person who studies prehistoric people and their lifestyles. A "candidate" is a person who applies for a job or is nominated for a position. An "occurrence" is an event or happening. A "receipt" is a document that shows that a bill has been paid.

The word "maw" is another word for mouth. The best choice is "mouth" because it is a part of the definition of "maw."

Although there is a verb form of "lavish," this question refers to the adjectival form of the word "lavish." Thus, the word "lavish," as used in the phrase "lavish spending," is closest in meaning to the word "extravagant_."_

"Fragile" is the best synonym of "delicate," as they both mean easily breakable, while the rest of the answers bear little relation to the word in question: "durable" means longlasting and "sturdy" has a similar meaning, while "contentious" means producing controversy or debate.

The word "ravenous" means very hungry or starving, so "starving" is the correct answer.