Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, and Movement - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

"Nascent" is an adjective that means "just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential," and is especially used to refer to a process or organization. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something lie "just coming into existence." "Experienced," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "experienced" means "having knowledge or skill in a particular field, especially a profession or job, gained over a period of time," making "experienced" an antonym of "nascent," not a synonym. "Incipient," however, is an adjective that means either "in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop," or when used of a person, "developing into a specified type or role." Because "incipient" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "nascent," "incipient" is the correct answer.

The word “indigenous” means “native to a given location” or at least coming from that place. For instance, one can speak of the “indigenous people” living in Australia as opposed to the British settlers who later arrived there. Do not confuse the word “indigenous” with “indigent,” which means “poor” or “needy.”

Antiquated, while it sounds like antique, refers to something being old or outdated, not beautiful and detailed. So in this set, the best answer would be outmoded, which means worn out or old.

When people become weak as they age, they reach a point at which they are often called “senile.” This often implies not merely physical weakness but more often imply mental weakness and disability. While the options “insane” and “crazed” might tempt you, the best option is the simple “feeble.” The other two options are more than mental feebleness but could indicate a pathology that is unrelated to aging. In the American system of government, “senators” are given that name because they are supposed to be the “old men,” wiser than more youthful representatives.

Perhaps you have heard of “salsa verde,” or green salsa. The word “verdant” is related to the word for green in Latin as well as Spanish ("verde") and French ("vert"). It means green with plant growth, usually describing the countryside. In some translations of the Bible, one finds the expression, “in verdant pastures,” describing the location of the shepherd’s work. This means in green, lively pastures. Thus, among the options provided, “lush” is the best, as it means growing to a great degree.

There may be many meanings that come to mind when thinking of the word “eternal,” but only the idea of “timelessness” is most appropriate. It literally means “having no beginning or end in time.” This is the only acceptable answer among those provided.

"Derelict" means deserted, vacant or abandoned. "Sparse" means very few or scattered. "Somber" means sad or depressing. "Gaudy" means flashy or tastelessly showy. "Dauntless" means bold or courageous.

"Extant" and "contemporary" both mean existing in the present. "Extinct" means dead or obsolete. "Diffident" means hesitant or unconfident. "Ephemeral" means momentary or passing. "Equivocal" means doubtful or uncertain.

"Bucolic" and "pastoral" both mean agrarian or rural. "Metropolitan" means urban or municipal. "Counterfeit" means fake or simulated. "Recondite" means mysterious or obscure. "Mettlesome" means brave or spirited.

"Spontaneous" and "impromptu" both mean impulsive or unplanned. "Deliberate" means intentional or calculated. "Premeditated" means planned or intended. "Contentious" means quarrelsome or combative. "Importune" means to demand or insist.

"Agrarian" is an adjective that means pertaining to the countryside or farmers. The best choice is "rustic" because it shares the meaning of pertaining to the countryside. Considering the other choices, "angry" is not appropriate because it means expressing anger, "trite" means meaningless due to overuse . "Growing" and "natural" may each seem like good answer choices because they have connotations related to farms and farming, but "rustic" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "agrarian," so it is the correct answer.

The word "young" is an adjective that means being in the early stages of growth or immature. The best choice here is "juvenile" since it shares the same definition as "young"—immature. Considering the other choices, "ill" is an adjective that means physically sick, "excessive" means being in too large of a quantity or more than is needed, "idyllic" means ideally charming or romantic, and "belligerent" means eager to fight.

“Transitory” means impermanent or not lasting, so "impermanent" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “nomadic” means living a lifestyle in which one wanders and does not live in one place; "expedited" means hastened; "foreign" means originating in a country different from one's own; and “explosive” means volatile or likely to explode like a bomb.

“Wizened” means very old and wrinkled with age, so "aged" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sage” means wise when used as an adjective; “serene” means quiet and peaceful; “lofty” means high and proud; and “haughty” means arrogant.

“Wanton” means random, but it also can mean cruel and malicious. Most commonly it is used to mean random and destructive, so "random" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “mercurial” means changing emotions, decisions, or plans on a whim; “predictable” means easily anticipated; “dormant” means inactive or asleep; and “overzealous” means too passionate or overly enthusiastic.

"Accustomed" means established, regular, or"habitual." “Habitual” means done often as a habit. As for the other answer choices, “orthodox” means conforming to traditionally accepted truth, usually political or religious; “unorthodox” means unconventional and non-conformist. “Heretical” is similar to “unorthodox,” but is specifically related to religion; it means practicing religion that is against the religious authorities, but can also be used more generally to mean believing or thinking something that is not believed or thought by most people. "Melancholy" means sad in a contemplative way.

“Bleak” means desolate, bare, lifeless, and depressing. A situation can also be “bleak,” which means hopeless. As for the other answer choices, “fertile" can mean able to produce lots of vegetation and crops; "abundant" means found in large numbers; “perceptive” means insightful, sensitive, and noticing many things; and "flagrant" means overt and brazen and is often used to describe instances in which someone purposely breaks rules.

Likely, knowledge of the word "quip" is a matter of vocabulary. Its roots are rarely used in other words. In general a quip is a witty joke. The word can also be used as a verb to indicate the act of making such a joke. Thus, the best option among those given is the simple word "joke."

The word "terminal" comes from the Latin word _"_terminus," meaning end or limit. At the airport, the "terminals" are the corridors at which fliers catch their planes. They are called "terminals" precisely because they are on the ends of the main buildings, thus being approachable by incoming and outgoing planes. A "terminal illness" is an illness that is likely to be fatal. It is one that will lead to the terminus of life—that is, to the end of life. Thus, among the options provided, the best option is "final." Something that is "terminal" is final. Do not be tricked into thinking that "ill" or "medicinal" are correct just because of their relation to health issues. That is not the same as being a terminal illness.

The word "archaic" describes something that is very ancient. Often, this also implies that the given thing is out of date. The word "obsolete" best describes something of this sort. Do not be tricked by "historical". Things that are not very ancient can still be historical. Likewise, something archaic might be tedious to deal with, but this is not necessarily the case.