40 Verbal Reasoning questions — Part 1: 20 synonym, Part 2: 20 sentence completion — in the ISEE's own four-option format. Every answer is explained, and every question links to its word's full study page.
Choose the synonym for the word “sardonic” in the following sentence: His sardonic grin made it clear that he wasn''t impressed.
B — sarcastic. “sardonic” means Adj. mocking; cynical; scornful. Study “sardonic” →
In historical discussions, the term antiquity often refers to ______.
B — ancient times. “antiquity” means n. ancient times; old age. Study “antiquity” →
What is a synonym for “persevere”?
A — persist. “persevere” means v. to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult. Study “persevere” →
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “biased”:
B — Partial. “biased” means adj. prejudiced; unfair; partial. Study “biased” →
Which word is the best synonym for “incorporate”?
B — include. “incorporate” means v. to include or absorb as part of a whole. Study “incorporate” →
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “atrophy”:
A — diminish. “atrophy” means n. wasting away; decline; deterioration. Study “atrophy” →
Select the best synonym for the word “pantomime”:
C — mime. “pantomime” means N. silent performance; mime; theatrical show. Study “pantomime” →
Which word is a synonym for “radiate”?
A — Emit. “radiate” means v. emit spread shine. Study “radiate” →
Which of the following is the best synonym for the word “dubious”?
B — Questionable. “dubious” means adj. questionable uncertain suspicious. Study “dubious” →
In his editorial, the journalist offered a trenchant analysis of the government''s economic policies.
C — incisive. “trenchant” means Adj. sharp; incisive; penetrating. Study “trenchant” →
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “introverted”:
A — Shy. “introverted” means adj. shy; reserved; withdrawn. Study “introverted” →
Choose the best synonym for the word “nostalgic”:
B — wistful. “nostalgic” means adj. having a sentimental longing for the past. Study “nostalgic” →
Which of the following words is a synonym for “query”?
C — Inquire. “query” means n. question; inquiry; doubt. Study “query” →
Choose the synonym for “immeasurable”: The amount of love she gave was _____, beyond what words could express.
B — immeasurable. “immeasurable” means adj. impossible to measure or calculate. Study “immeasurable” →
Which of the following is a synonym for the word “listless” as used in the sentence: “After a long day at the amusement park, the children were listless and ready for bed”?
C — Lethargic. “listless” means Adj. lacking energy; lethargic; apathetic. Study “listless” →
Select the word that is most similar in meaning to “commensurate”.
B — proportionate. “commensurate” means adj. corresponding in size or degree; proportionate. Study “commensurate” →
Which word is a synonym for “venerable” as used in the following sentence? The venerable professor was admired not just for his knowledge but also for his integrity.
A — Esteemed. “venerable” means adj. respected; revered; ancient. Study “venerable” →
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “volition”:
B — Willpower. “volition” means n. Free will; choice. Study “volition” →
In the world of art collectors, Diane was known for her persnickety attention to detail, often spending hours inspecting each piece for flaws. Which word best describes Diane''s approach?
A — Careful. “persnickety” means adj. fussy; particular; finicky. Study “persnickety” →
Which of the following is a synonym for bolster?
A — Support. “bolster” means V. to support; strengthen; reinforce. Study “bolster” →
His ______ remarks offended the guests before dinner had even begun.
D — brash. “brash” means adj. rash; impudent; hasty. Study “brash” →
The ______ lawyer would argue endlessly about almost anything, big or small.
D — disputatious. “disputatious” means adj. fond of or causing heated arguments. Study “disputatious” →
The witness stood up to ______ that the whole story was completely true.
B — affirm. “affirm” means v. to confirm; assert; declare. Study “affirm” →
The expedition struggled hard to ______ enough supplies for the long journey.
A — procure. “procure” means v. to obtain; acquire; secure. Study “procure” →
Deeply ______ of adventure, she eagerly signed up for the long expedition.
B — desirous. “desirous” means adj. Wanting and eager; longing. Study “desirous” →
A good coach should encourage players, not ______ their honest efforts.
D — belittle. “belittle” means v. To diminish; disparage. Study “belittle” →
The government moved quickly to ______ the sudden armed rebellion.
C — quash. “quash” means v. to suppress; annul; crush. Study “quash” →
Winning the ______ award opened many doors for the young scientist.
A — prestigious. “prestigious” means Adj. having high status; esteemed; renowned. Study “prestigious” →
The fans were absolutely ______ when their team won the championship.
D — ecstatic. “ecstatic” means adj. Joyful and elated; euphoric. Study “ecstatic” →
Dark clouds and howling wind clearly warned of the ______ storm.
A — impending. “impending” means adj. approaching; imminent; forthcoming. Study “impending” →
The explorer needed to ______ his supplies before continuing the journey.
C — replenish. “replenish” means v. to fill something up again. Study “replenish” →
Thick black clouds of smoke began to ______ from the burning warehouse.
A — billow. “billow” means v. surge; swell; roll. Study “billow” →
Buy your medicine only from a ______ pharmacy that you can truly trust.
B — reputable. “reputable” means adj. respectable; trustworthy; reliable. Study “reputable” →
Students came from far away to learn from the ______ old professor.
D — venerable. “venerable” means adj. respected; revered; ancient. Study “venerable” →
The careful lawyer kept every detail of the case strictly ______.
D — confidential. “confidential” means adj. meant to be kept secret or private. Study “confidential” →
Great companies must constantly ______ in order to stay ahead of their rivals.
D — innovate. “innovate” means v. to create; introduce; modernize. Study “innovate” →
She gave a deeply ______ speech that brought the entire crowd to its feet.
B — impassioned. “impassioned” means adj. Passionate and fervent; emotional. Study “impassioned” →
In this new environment, the plants started to ______ and grow rapidly.
B — flourish. “flourish” means v. to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way. Study “flourish” →
With no real evidence at all, the jury had no choice but to ______ the man.
B — acquit. “acquit” means v. declare innocent; perform well. Study “acquit” →
A ______ referee cannot be trusted to judge the match fairly.
D — biased. “biased” means adj. prejudiced; unfair; partial. Study “biased” →
Score:
Every question below is now marked up: the correct answer is highlighted in red, and any option you picked that was wrong is highlighted in blue.
No. These are original synonym and sentence-completion questions written from the iSEE Vocab word bank, in the ISEE's own four-option Verbal Reasoning format. No retired or copyrighted ISEE/SSAT questions appear anywhere on this site.
40 — Part 1 is 20 synonym questions, Part 2 is 20 sentence-completion questions, the same roughly-even split the real ISEE Verbal Reasoning section uses.
No. Every Upper Level practice test on this site draws from a disjoint slice of the word bank, so Test 1, Test 2 and every other numbered test at this level use entirely different questions.
Yes. The ISEE gives no penalty for a wrong answer — a blank scores the same as a wrong guess, which is zero — so answer every question even when you have to guess.