Synonyms: Determining Part of Speech - ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning

A "reproach" is an expression or act of disapproval, and to "reproach" someone is to express disapproval of them or their actions. "Scorn" is the best match because it is a feeling of disapproval resulting in criticism of someone or something.

When used as a verb, "desert" means to leave or abandon a group one has previously committed oneself to, such as an army. So, "leave" is the correct answer.

As a noun, "blend" refers to a combination or mixture; as a verb, it means mix substances together. In any case, "mixture" is the best choice here. "Separation," or the act of moving parts away from each other, is the opposite of the correct synonym. "Progress" and "activity" are unrelated.

"Influence," when used as a noun, means impact or sway, and when used as a verb, means impact or have an effect on. So, "impact" is the correct answer. "Debate" means argue about the different sides of an issue in an organized manner. "Seize" means grasp or take control or possession over. "Support," when used as a verb, means back or assist. "Pause," when used as a verb, means stop temporarily or take a break.

"Resolve," when used as a verb, means solve or f_ind a solution to a problem or issue_. So, "solve" is the correct answer. "Confuse" means baffle or perplex. "Exercise" means do some sort of physical activity, often for the purpose of improving or maintaining one's health. "Repair" means fix or make functional or correct. "Deny" means refuse or turn down.

"Consent," when used as a verb, means accept or agree to something, so "agree" is the correct answer. None of the other answers is close in meaning to "consent": "reject" means say no to or deny; "simplify" means make something simpler or easier to understand; "adapt" means change in order to be suitable to new conditions or requirements or adjust to a new condition or environment; and "focus," when used as a verb, means concentrate or put all of one's effort into doing one thing.

"Supplement" is something additional or extra, so "addition" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "supplement": a "vacation" is a break from work, often specifically indicating a trip taken during this break; an "examination" is a test or an evaluation; a "ferry" is a boat used to move people or things; and a "pharmacy" is a place that dispenses medication.

A “feud” is a fight, argument or dispute between two or more people, so "dispute" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "feud": “over the top” is an English idiom that means too much or exaggerated; “renew” means return something broken to its former state; “nag” means harass, badger, or pester; and “will” can mean many things, but when used as a noun, "will" means desire to do something or strength of character.

“Forge” means create, particularly with regards to metalwork, so "create" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "forge": “administer” means manage, supervise, or direct; “damage” means hurt or break; “wharf” means quayside or dock; and a “raft” is a flat boat made of any available materials.

To “veto” something means to reject something. To provide further help, “amend” means fix, edit; “approach” means move toward; “respond” means answer; “repose” means relax, rest.

"Pull" is a verb that means_exert force on something to move it towards you_. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "pull" is "haul", a verb that means_pull something with force_. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "pull": "push" is an antonym of "pull" and means exert force on something to move it away from you ; "steer" means control the movement of a motor vehicle; and "play" means engage in a recreational activity.

"Tower" is a noun that means a tall, narrow building. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "tower" is "skyscraper," a noun that means a very tall building with many stories. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "tower": "house" means a building for family habituation ; "cave" means a large underground chamber; and "office" means a building used for professional work .

A “contract” is a formal agreement drawn up between two or more parties, so it is closest in meaning to "agreement."

Many of these options may be tempting, for a house is a building, a piece of property, etc. In fact, many people live in apartments just like they live in houses. However, the best word on the list is "abode," which means place where someone lives or even, more simply, house. Probably the most tempting wrong answer is "apartment," but since "abode" can mean "house," it is a better option among those provided.

It is always best to choose the word that is closest in meaning to the word used in the question itself. The word "trace" is most frequently used to describe the activity of drawing the outline of someone or something while the person or thing is actually present. It also can be used in the figurative sense of "outlining" some activity. (You can say, "I will trace what he said in the discussion." This would mean that you would outline it—that is, present it in a brief form.) Although tracing could be a type of "portraying" or "rendering," it is best said to be "outlining." This is the correct answer.

When multiple people "consent" to something, they literally "feel" or "sense" that thing together. Therefore, the expression "consent to" often means agree to something being generally proposed. Often, the word can be used to describe the agreement itself, as in "The consent of the group established the law." This means, "The agreement of the group established the law." Therefore, the best option is "agreement." Although "diplomacy" works for consent and while some consents are registered by signatures, these are far too specific examples for our synonym question.

The word "dupe" can be used either as a noun or as a verb. In both cases, it deals with fooling or tricking someone or being the person tricked. A "dupe" is someone who has been deceived or is easy to deceive. Often we use the word negatively to imply that the tricked person was stupid (and hence able to be tricked). It does not need this negative sense, though. The verb use would be found in a sentence like, "The merchant duped the buyer into thinking the metal was real gold when it was in fact nothing more than painted clay." Therefore, the best option among the answer choices is "trick," as in "to trick," meaning to fool.

The word "shield" is often used as a noun to describe the object used to protect a soldier from darts, arrows, swords, and so forth. However, remember that the word can also be used as a verb to describe the act of protecting. I can "shield" my little sister with my hand to protect her from something. Therefore, although the word "to shield" might seem to mean "battle" or even "parry" because it is involved in battling and in protective actions like parrying, it is best described by the word "protect."

Do not confuse the word "assault" with "insult." A number of the wrong options are meant to tempt you to make this mistake. Do not fall for it! The word "assault" means to attack physically, or merely to attack. An army can assault a city, and a person can assault another person. In both cases, we are referring to some kind of physical attack. Sometimes, the word is used in a secondary sense to describe any kind of attack, like a "verbal assault." Still, the general meaning that is retained is that of attacking. Therefore, the best option among those provided is "attack."