Synonyms: Verbs - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

The word "allude" is a verb that means to refer to or imply, and is often used to talk about references to works of art contained in other works of art. For instance, if a book begins with lines that sound like a famous poem, but aren't a direct reference, you could say the book "alludes" to the poem. You can also "allude" to things in regular conversation—if you and your friend know a secret, you may allude to it around other friends instead of directly talking about it.

The best choice is "hint" since when you "allude" to something, you "hint" at it. Considering the other choices, "play" means to do something for personal amusement, "instruct" means teach , and "agree" means to have a similar opinion.

The word "implicate" is a verb that means to show involvement in something, especially in regards to a crime. The best choice is "incriminate" since it shares a similar meaning—to suggest guilt by relating someone to the perpetration of a crime. Considering the other choices, "ignore" means to write off and purposely pay no attention to , "beg" means to plead, "create" means to make, and "herald" means to announce the beginning of.

"Defeat" is a verb that means to win against. "Conquer" is the best choice because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "placate" means to make peace with by making someone angry happier, "ruin" means to destroy, "evade" means to avoid, and "manage" means to oversee or to be able to deal with something.

“Applaud” means clap in approval of or praise something or someone. “Criticize” means point out someone or something's flaws; “condemn” means criticize harshly; “accommodate” means allow or provide a home for; and “resolve” means decide or finish.

To “announce” means to declare publicly, often letting information be known for the first time. “Whisper” means to speak softly and quietly; “conceal” means hide; “deceive” means trick or lie to; and “mar” means ruin or spoil.

“Bellow” means yell forcefully or "shout." As for the other answer choices, “whisper” means speak quietly; “atone” means make up for something bad you have done; and “demean” means put down and make to feel of less worth.

“Ruminate” means to think over with care and consideration or to "contemplate." As for the other answer choices, “propose” means suggest; “overwhelm” means overpower and take over by excessive strength or emotionally devastate; "rumble" means produce loud, low sounds; "simulate" means create an imitation of.

“Ponder” means think about, consider, or spend time thinking about, so "think" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, "leap” means jump high and far; “sprint” means run very quickly; “outlaw,” when used as a verb, means ban or prohibit; and "condense" means make something smaller without losing any of its information or density.

“Delude” means trick, deceive, or lie to, so "deceive" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “depict” means show or represent someone or something in a work of visual art or a written work; “acknowledge” means give your attention to or admit is present; "uncover" means reveal or discover; and “preview” means show something before it is officially released.

To “covet” something means to really want it, or to"desire" it. As for the other answer choices, “detest” means hate; “intimidate” means scare or frighten someone into doing something they do not want to; “postulate” means posit or put forward as a beginning point for an argument without any proof that what you say is indeed the case; “terrorize” means purposely scare people repeatedly.

“Vex” means "annoy." As for the other answer choices, “protect” means look after; “support” means help; “accede” means agree; “secede” means leave a group.

“Meddle” means get in the way of or"interfere." As for the other answer choices, “obscure” means hide; “avert” means stop from happening or turn away; “reprimand” means scold or admonish; and “implore” means beg or urge.

“Ratify” means "approve," more specifically approve an official document. Historians can discuss the ratification of the United States Constitution, for example. As for the other answers, “remonstrate” means argue with; “demonstrate” means show how something is done by doing it oneself; and "forge" can mean either make something out of metal using high temperatures or make something that looks like it is authentic but is not, such as a document or someone else's signature.

"Castigate" is a verb. To castigate is to reprimand or criticize harshly. Therefore, the best answer is "reprimand." "Praise" is an antonym to "castigate."

Perhaps you know the word "ratify" from history class. You may talk of the "ratification of the Constitution." This refers to the approval of the Constitution of the United States. When we "ratify" something, we approve or endorse it. By accident, you might think that the word has to do with asserting things or arguing/contending. Do not be tricked like this! Likewise, just because the Constitution was ratified, this does not mean that the best word is "constitute." (It is not too terribly wrong, but still is not as correct as is the option "approve.")

The word "endorse" is often used in political seasons when people are running for office. A given newspaper might "endorse" a given candidate, meaning that the paper approves of that candidate and expresses this approval to the readership. Likewise, when someone stops running for office, that person might endorse someone else so as to tell his or her own supporters to vote for the other candidate now. (This often is done to help support a political party.) Thus, the best option presented here for synonym for the word "endorse" is the word "recommend".

Of the options provided, two of the wrong ones are likely quite tempting. When someone disputes something, he or she is questioning whether or not that thing is true. This is not, however, mere questioning like asking a question of someone about anything whatsoever. A dispute usually indicates an argument. Thus, the options "inquire" and "examine" really do not fit well. The correct answer is "quarrel", which means to disagree often with the added implication of angrily (or at least in a way that is not passive).

The word "advocate" comes from roots that mean to call upon. You likely know the root "-voc-" as found in words like "vocal" or "vocation." An advocate is usually someone who comes to the help of someone else or for a group. Thus, a person might advocate the teaching of philosophy in high school. Such a person would support the arguments made on behalf of philosophy teachers to gain such positions. When used as verb, this means to support in public. Thus, a sentence using the word might be, "Harvey advocated the teaching of logic in high school."

"Shriek" means a sharp, high-pitched cry. For example: "When the little boy lost his candy, his shriek could be heard throughout the store." "Screech" also means a sharp, high-pitched cry. These are very directly synonymous words.

If you mimic someone, you imitate them, usually in a mocking fashion. Comedians often mimic other celebrities. Students may do "imitations" of their teachers or parents. A "recitation" is public speech, usually memorized. To "irritate" someone is to annoy them.