Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning

An "excursion" is a noun that means an outing or a journey, so the answer choice closest in meaning to "excursion" is "trip," which when used as a noun means a journey or a voyage. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "excursion": "file," when used as a noun, means a collection of records or a digital document; "pantry" is a noun meaning a storage closet; and "exercise" is a series of physical activities done in order to maintain one's health.

"Wealth" is a noun that means a large amount of money, or when referring to other things, plenty. That means that the answer choice closest in meaning to "wealth" is "abundance," which is a noun meaning a large quantity of something. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "wealth": a "need" is a necessity, a "lack" is the absence of something; and a "portion" is a piece of a greater whole.

An “accent” is a type of speaking distinct to a regional group of people or a mark placed over a vowel to indicate emphasis. However, when used as a verb, “accent” means emphasize the importance of something, so "highlight" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "accent": a "mentor" is an advisor; a "niche" is a suitable role; "refute" means to prove that an argument or point is incorrect; and "dangle" means swing or be suspended in midair.

“Alacrity” is a noun used to describe enthusiasm, readiness and eagerness, so "enthusiasm" is the correct answer. To provide further guidance, "dread" is another name for deep fear.

A “windfall” is an unexpected bonus amount of money, usually won in a game or received due to luck. To provide further guidance, "exotic" means foreign, from abroad; "apt" means appropriate, fitting; "banished" means sent away; "stance" means opinion on an issue or the way someone is standing.

A “vocation” is an occupation, a job, or a career. To provide further guidance, a "diatribe" is an angry speech; "admonish" means to tell off, to condemn; "quarantine" is where something or someone is placed in isolation to prevent a disease from spreading.

A “breach” is a failure to maintain something, like a law or a promise. To “breach” is to break a law or a promise. To provide further guidance, "construe" means interpret; "comprehend" means understand; "terminate" means end, and "commence" means begin.

An “affront” is an insult, an offense. To provide further guidance, "allay," soothe and mollify are all synonyms. All three words mean to calm, to ease. Finally, malice is a feeling of hatred, an intent to do harm.

A “plethora” is an excess of things; having more of something than you need. To provide further guidance, "scarce" means little or rare; "nullify" means cancel, render void, invalidate; "gumption" is confidence and bravado; "obliterate" means completely destroy.

"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.

The word "trepidation" comes from Latin roots meaning to tremble. Whenever we say that someone is "full of trepidation," we are indicating that the person is disturbed and hence is likely trembling with fear or anxiety. The word can also be used to indicate the feeling of dread that causes such shaking. This is how it is being used in this question.

Perhaps you know the adjective "tumultuous." This describes someone or something that is very agitated and not at peace. The word "tumult" describes this state of affairs. In a rather obvious way, we can say, "A tumultuous person lives in a state of tumult." The word "unrest" is a combination of the prefix "un-", meaning not, and "rest." Whenever something is in a state of unrest, it is not at peace for sure! Hence, this word is a good synonym for "tumult."

A "gale" is a strong wind, so you must look for a word that adequately expresses this idea of being a strong windstorm among the options provided. Two of the options deal with strong rains, namely "deluge" and "downpour." The options "wind" and "breeze" do not indicate a strong enough sort of windstorm. Only "squall" describes a kind of sudden and very strong wind.

The term "disparity" refers to a difference or gap with respect to some quality. For example, if one room contains a large group of third-graders and a neighboring room contains several elderly adults, an age disparity exists between the rooms. "Difference" is the correct choice. "Similarity" is an antonym of the given word, "victory" refers to an event of winning and is therefore unrelated, and "congeniality" means pleasant or friendly agreement.

The prefix "brev-" comes from "brief" and means short or quick. “Brevity” means shortness, briefness. To provide further help, “pompous” means proud and arrogant; “preeminent” means highly regarded, in charge, most distinguished; “sanctimonious” and “pious” are synonyms of one another and both mean self-righteous.

An “epigram” is a concise, witty saying which is most similar in definition to “axiom.” To provide further help, a “motif” is a repeated design or theme; the “thesis” is where the main argument of an essay is stated; “sarcastic” means ironic, mocking; “dialogue” means conversation between two people.