Upper Level ISEE Words To Know
Upper Level ISEE Words To Know
Version 2.0
T his document is divided into two parts. The first part provides 300 words with synonyms for definitions.
Below each definition, there is a blank line where students can write their own sentence using the new
vocabulary word. The second part contains synonym exercises to help students test their understanding.
It is highly recommended that students review not only the correct answers but also all of the answer
choices, as many of these words are taken from official ISEE practice tests.
S tudents should create a plan to learn a specific number of new words each week or month. For
example, if a student has 6 months before the exam, they can aim to learn 50 words a month—around
10 to 12 words per week. If there are only 3 months left, they will need to study closer to 25 words a
week. However, students should not feel pressured to learn every word on the list. If a student has only a
few weeks to prepare, they should focus more on learning test strategies, completing timed sections,
and building confidence.
S tudents can also make flashcards using the words found here, or use the Test Innovators flashcards
found on Quizlet: [Link]
T his download is not for multiple students’ use.Distributingthis download or printed versions of this
document to people other than the one student for whom it was purchased is prohibited.
* The Independent School Entrance Examination and ISEE are trademarks owned by the Educational Records Bureau.
**Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are
affiliated with or sponsored by [Link].
Version 2.0
T his document includes the 300 words from our Words to Know list as ISEE-like synonyms. Each question
includes a word in capital letters followed by four answer choices. Students are to pick the answer choice
that is the closest in meaning to the capitalized word.
T hese synonyms are intended to help students to practice the capitalized vocabulary. Therefore, the four
answer choices are intended to be of similar difficulty or easier than the capitalized word. On the real
ISEE, sometimes the answer choices may be more difficult than the capitalized question word. Our
purpose here is to provide a means for students to gauge how many of our Words to Know they have
learned.
T his download is not for multiple students’ use.Distributingthis download or printed versions of this
document to people other than the one student for whom it was purchased is prohibited.
* The Independent School Entrance Examination and ISEE are trademarks owned by the Educational Records Bureau.
*Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are
affiliated with or sponsored by [Link].
( A)illness ( A)conclusion
(B)intensity (B)foreshadowing
(C)manner (C)story
(D)origin (D)twist
( A)approve ( A)agony
(B)consider (B)hostility
(C)examine (C)misfortune
(D)relieve (D)nervousness
( A)detached ( A)abnormal
(B)famished (B)distinct
(C)radiant (C)invisible
(D)unique (D)rebellious
( A)ethical ( A)adversary
(B)hasty (B)ally
(C)probable (C)politician
(D)unclear (D)pupil
( A)concentrate ( A)complimentary
(B)damage (B)former
(C)explain (C)immediate
(D)satisfy (D)obvious
( A)difficult ( A)comfort
(B)unusual (B)gladness
(C)worthy (C)hope
(D)youthful (D)intrigue
( A)dry ( A)bumbling
(B)fragrant (B)energizing
(C)matching (C)noisy
(D)timely (D)plausible
( A)deceive ( A)avoid
(B)forgive (B)endorse
(C)guarantee (C)gratify
(D)hope (D)narrate
( A)natural ( A)baffled
(B)overdue (B)bold
(C)sterile (C)boring
(D)unclean (D)bitter
( A)affection ( A)disaster
(B)alteration (B)capacity
(C)pollution (C)outcry
(D)prejudice (D)ultimatum
( A)glamorous ( A)informal
(B)painful (B)punctual
(C)respectable (C)ruthless
(D)strange (D)satirical
( A)ailing ( A)mutate
(B)critical (B)obfuscate
(C)enchanting (C)prepare
(D)honest (D)secure
( A)activate ( A)inevitable
(B)fascinate (B)modern
(C)originate (C)sparse
(D)resonate (D)unified
( A)assist ( A)continue
(B)highlight (B)contradict
(C)identify (C)cooperate
(D)provide (D)corrode
( A)judge ( A)enormous
(B)label (B)hapless
(C)manage (C)rugged
(D)verify (D)steady
( A)capable ( A)defeat
(B)classified (B)dispel
(C)persistent (C)ignite
(D)piteous (D)include
( A)institute ( A)brief
(B)movement (B)critical
(C)settlement (C)shrill
(D)timeline (D)timely
( A)cryptic ( A)agree
(B)harsh (B)deduct
(C)pure (C)emote
(D)trite (D)intrude
( A)advisable ( A)accessible
(B)disdainful (B)destructive
(C)identical (C)inverted
(D)minimal (D)oppressive
( A)acquit ( A)affirm
(B)blare (B)flinch
(C)mislead (C)invade
(D)perplex (D)recline
( A)endangered ( A)emphasized
(B)mysterious (B)genial
(C)repentant (C)necessary
(D)tarnished (D)temporary
( A)abrupt ( A)absolute
(B)disputable (B)banished
(C)episodic (C)effective
(D)livid (D)mysterious
( A)doubtful ( A)direct
(B)gaudy (B)guilty
(C)intricate (C)lasting
(D)justified (D)traditional
( A)abundant ( A)abundance
(B)flawless (B)chasm
(C)intelligent (C)mosaic
(D)grandiose (D)shortage
( A)gracious ( A)catastrophe
(B)pugnacious (B)improvisation
(C)satisfying (C)persecution
(D)vindictive (D)sportsmanship
( A)disable ( A)cease
(B)distinguish (B)inquire
(C)distrust (C)rebel
(D)disturb (D)strive
( A)facsimile ( A)civilized
(B)intermission (B)dejected
(C)ornamentation (C)pristine
(D)utility (D)ridiculing
( A)design ( A)imagined
(B)inference (B)immersive
(C)mainstay (C)imported
(D)overture (D)impoverished
( A)incentivize ( A)arrest
(B)magnify (B)grovel
(C)petrify (C)hustle
(D)vandalize (D)unleash
( A)definitive ( A)abandon
(B)inadequate (B)loathe
(C)portable (C)muffle
(D)rational (D)pronounce
( A)insidious ( A)defensive
(B)jaded (B)harmful
(C)purposeful (C)triumphant
(D)reassuring (D)unexpected
( A)acceleration ( A)assume
(B)cessation (B)consume
(C)miscommunication (C)presume
(D)representation (D)resume
( A)devoted ( A)conflicting
(B)elaborative (B)prudent
(C)functional (C)reasonable
(D)instructive (D)sudden
( A)impede ( A)beneficial
(B)meld (B)inactive
(C)omit (C)smug
(D)weaken (D)wasteful
( A)abandon ( A)arguable
(B)apply (B)buoyant
(C)assemble (C)cumbersome
(D)conceal (D)superficial
( A)devastation ( A)diverse
(B)insight (B)tangible
(C)nonchalance (C)unruly
(D)scorn (D)vacant
( A)dissimilar ( A)immeasurable
(B)generous (B)laborious
(C)harmonious (C)productive
(D)precious (D)valuable
( A)acquire ( A)contentment
(B)eliminate (B)delight
(C)salvage (C)gratitude
(D)tarnish (D)serenity
( A)banter ( A)benevolent
(B)cringe (B)expressive
(C)exhaust (C)insufferable
(D)warp (D)stimulating
( A)brisk ( A)deteriorate
(B)courageous (B)originate
(C)mysterious (C)reassure
(D)tantalizing (D)submit
( A)commitment ( A)imaginary
(B)legacy (B)famous
(C)restriction (C)ideal
(D)scavenger (D)obscure
( A)distribute ( A)affix
(B)oppose (B)expel
(C)overwhelm (C)nullify
(D)pilfer (D)saturate
( A)attempt ( A)banish
(B)betrothal (B)elicit
(C)cancellation (C)obviate
(D)dialect (D)pander
( A)expression ( A)assorted
(B)hostility (B)embellished
(C)intelligence (C)paraphrased
(D)perfection (D)simplified
( A)excursion ( A)anguished
(B)fairness (B)cherished
(C)gratification (C)restrictive
(D)isolation (D)vindictive
( A)decrease ( A)extensive
(B)eliminate (B)harmonious
(C)isolate (C)numerous
(D)rupture (D)unnatural
( A)please ( A)understandable
(B)rejoice (B)undiscerning
(C)shiver (C)unnatural
(D)tolerate (D)unreasonable
( A)illuminate ( A)abandoned
(B)praise (B)frail
(C)ruminate (C)soothing
(D)rush (D)useful
( A)emerge ( A)entitled
(B)materialize (B)hardy
(C)remove (C)intense
(D)stagger (D)glowering
( A)crumble ( A)catastrophe
(B)exchange (B)essence
(C)hasten (C)implication
(D)invent (D)liaison
( A)analogy ( A)fabled
(B)dexterity (B)contradictory
(C)generalization (C)symbolic
(D)misconception (D)transformative
( A)flatten ( A)careless
(B)purge (B)extravagant
(C)rush (C)immature
(D)stumble (D)sanctioned
( A)careful ( A)decorative
(B)maddening (B)inquisitive
(C)squeamish (C)outstanding
(D)terse (D)simplistic
( A)contaminate ( A)disparaging
(B)meander (B)judicious
(C)observe (C)listless
(D)prosper (D)useless
( A)approve ( A)authentic
(B)oppose (B)childlike
(C)predict (C)intriguing
(D)reveal (D)successive
( A)cautious ( A)boast
(B)intimidating (B)exclaim
(C)rambling (C)ignore
(D)versatile (D)restrict
( A)dynasty ( A)besiege
(B)egotism (B)clarify
(C)relation (C)restrain
(D)strength (D)wrestle
( A)frantic ( A)cluttered
(B)helpless (B)elegant
(C)impassive (C)handsome
(D)patriotic (D)serious
( A)cluttered ( A)disorderly
(B)grandiose (B)elevated
(C)ruthless (C)grouchy
(D)trivial (D)outgoing
( A)economical ( A)connoisseur
(B)fixated (B)passenger
(C)macabre (C)rebel
(D)pungent (D)socialite
( A)adaptable ( A)classified
(B)anxious (B)delirious
(C)fragile (C)resistant
(D)naive (D)wretched
( A)coordinated ( A)abnormal
(B)enchanted (B)beneficial
(C)random (C)neutral
(D)secret (D)negative
( A)autobiography ( A)glorified
(B)background (B)insolent
(C)customization (C)stealthy
(D)dichotomy (D)temperamental
( A)constellation ( A)foolish
(B)idolization (B)fortunate
(C)ranking (C)materialistic
(D)subordination (D)unbecoming
( A)combination ( A)direction
(B)distribution (B)invention
(C)duplication (C)motivation
(D)emancipation (D)observation
( A)advertisement ( A)destroy
(B)deformity (B)engrave
(C)establishment (C)provoke
(D)insincerity (D)remember
( A)frantic ( A)immaculate
(B)observant (B)indestructible
(C)private (C)unmemorable
(D)understanding (D)unspeakable
( A)animated ( A)evaluate
(B)native (B)frighten
(C)puzzling (C)impact
(D)studious (D)pacify
( A)clumsy ( A)complicated
(B)ethereal (B)damaging
(C)lively (C)foregoing
(D)thoughtless (D)taboo
162. INTROSPECTION:
155. INFERENCE:
( A)competition
( A)deduction (B)contemplation
(B)offer (C)experience
(C)statement (D)measurement
(D)transmission
163. INUNDATE:
156. INITIAL:
( A)advise
( A)familiar (B)expel
(B)first (C)follow
(C)hollow (D)overwhelm
(D)legal
164. IRATE:
157. INNATE:
( A)curious
( A)afraid (B)furious
(B)cluttered (C)mysterious
(C)intrinsic (D)repulsive
(D)productive
165. JEER:
158. INSOLENT:
( A)hurl
( A)disrespectful (B)ridicule
(B)eager (C)signal
(C)nervous (D)stumble
(D)spiteful
166. JOCULAR:
159. INSTIGATE:
( A)defective
( A)convince (B)hereditary
(B)decline (C)innocent
(C)disappoint (D)playful
(D)initiate
( A)cheerful ( A)complex
(B)melodic (B)lethargic
(C)obscene (C)lovely
(D)zealous (D)unkempt
( A)active ( A)extravagant
(B)eager (B)gallant
(C)frigid (C)monotonous
(D)prideful (D)prominent
( A)creation ( A)hazardous
(B)inquisition (B)neutral
(C)relationship (C)reactive
(D)strangeness (D)tolerant
( A)cubicle ( A)discreet
(B)faction (B)tired
(C)maze (C)trite
(D)ruse (D)vulgar
( A)dull ( A)appeasing
(B)irksome (B)rough
(C)polluted (C)superior
(D)prim (D)wasteful
( A)brief ( A)limber
(B)lazy (B)misleading
(C)petite (C)profitable
(D)swift (D)stagnant
( A)admire ( A)approve
(B)embarrass (B)develop
(C)mourn (C)navigate
(D)signal (D)perform
( A)advanced ( A)alteration
(B)average (B)disqualification
(C)delectable (C)inquiry
(D)exceptional (D)rationale
( A)assortment ( A)clumsy
(B)canvas (B)gullible
(C)pact (C)joyous
(D)satchel (D)squeamish
( A)ambitious ( A)adversary
(B)precise (B)advocate
(C)rambunctious (C)interloper
(D)truthful (D)prodigy
( A)kindly ( A)unconcerned
(B)offbeat (B)understanding
(C)silent (C)unerring
(D)tiny (D)unforgiving
( A)collage ( A)dilemma
(B)design (B)exasperation
(C)occupation (C)sentimentality
(D)sentiment (D)tangent
( A)distant ( A)competent
(B)substantive (B)infamous
(C)varied (C)malicious
(D)wasteful (D)reverential
( A)momentous ( A)coordinated
(B)ordinary (B)intrepid
(C)questionable (C)original
(D)receptive (D)profuse
( A)apparatus ( A)contemplative
(B)impression (B)elaborate
(C)relation (C)judicial
(D)subtlety (D)precise
( A)afterthought ( A)extravagant
(B)inconvenience (B)fatalistic
(C)elation (C)inept
(D)sorrow (D)lamentable
( A)inflexible ( A)agitate
(B)righteous (B)appease
(C)shocking (C)bestow
(D)wistful (D)bewitch
( A)irritable ( A)avoid
(B)luminous (B)claim
(C)murky (C)touch
(D)sluggish (D)vow
( A)lopsided ( A)argument
(B)outdated (B)contradiction
(C)resonant (C)conversation
(D)uptight (D)refusal
( A)abiding ( A)congregate
(B)educated (B)impersonate
(C)luxuriant (C)summarize
(D)stubborn (D)transpose
( A)aquatic ( A)graft
(B)cloudy (B)leech
(C)tangible (C)organism
(D)vast (D)stigma
( A)capable ( A)awkward
(B)insightful (B)fathomable
(C)luminous (C)immediate
(D)refined (D)practical
( A)amplify ( A)partition
(B)expand (B)possibility
(C)smite (C)projection
(D)uphold (D)protection
( A)antagonize ( A)cure
(B)confiscate (B)dispense
(C)endure (C)prevent
(D)propel (D)reflect
( A)annoy ( A)advanced
(B)employ (B)bored
(C)fasten (C)comical
(D)suspect (D)deceptive
( A)fragile ( A)amicable
(B)hospitable (B)domestic
(C)irresistible (C)fruitful
(D)miniature (D)grateful
( A)actualize ( A)fallacy
(B)legitimize (B)heirloom
(C)realize (C)idiom
(D)stabilize (D)text
( A)appreciate ( A)honorable
(B)consider (B)jovial
(C)stress (C)successful
(D)tempt (D)virtuous
( A)diplomat ( A)acceptance
(B)fan (B)advisory
(C)hero (C)allowance
(D)nemesis (D)atrocity
( A)connect ( A)diverse
(B)decide (B)hungry
(C)irritate (C)inert
(D)receive (D)wily
( A)civility ( A)applaud
(B)closeness (B)decay
(C)predicament (C)detect
(D)tactfulness (D)withdraw
( A)destroy ( A)borrow
(B)escape (B)correct
(C)fail (C)deserve
(D)order (D)satisfy
( A)alternative ( A)aspirational
(B)example (B)hypothetical
(C)dilemma (C)repetitive
(D)insight (D)tentative
( A)applaud ( A)consensus
(B)attach (B)rebirth
(C)inject (C)spectacle
(D)isolate (D)zenith
( A)aroma ( A)cancel
(B)factoid (B)compete
(C)inquiry (C)injure
(D)visualization (D)support
( A)attempt ( A)confess
(B)change (B)indict
(C)create (C)provoke
(D)refill (D)suppose
( A)package ( A)abashed
(B)parable (B)discerning
(C)rest (C)fervent
(D)variety (D)incredulous
( A)company ( A)emotional
(B)flexibility (B)impressive
(C)mission (C)incurable
(D)remembrance (D)grateful
( A)contagious ( A)displeasing
(B)determined (B)expanded
(C)diplomatic (C)mutual
(D)tactful (D)undisturbed
( A)adjusted ( A)depreciate
(B)equitable (B)frighten
(C)particular (C)revere
(D)unstable (D)separate
( A)protect ( A)alternative
(B)revive (B)example
(C)suspect (C)outline
(D)tempt (D)restoration
( A)admire ( A)educate
(B)mourn (B)imitate
(C)reflect (C)suspend
(D)share (D)typify
( A)blunt ( A)avid
(B)clever (B)furtive
(C)docile (C)lithe
(D)slippery (D)overt
( A)alone ( A)ambiance
(B)puzzling (B)generalization
(C)regretful (C)itinerary
(D)spiteful (D)reverberation
( A)display ( A)expand
(B)entreaty (B)harass
(C)faction (C)suppress
(D)obligation (D)usurp
( A)cynic ( A)argue
(B)observer (B)delay
(C)ringleader (C)overcome
(D)vandal (D)wrest
( A)center ( A)amenable
(B)entirety (B)experienced
(C)epitome (C)gloomy
(D)range (D)irrational
( A)belligerent ( A)assume
(B)deceitful (B)diffuse
(C)impulsive (C)rebuff
(D)startled (D)terminate
( A)faulty ( A)flexible
(B)harsh (B)minute
(C)quick (C)precarious
(D)supported (D)unnecessary
( A)cooperation ( A)burgeoning
(B)dejection (B)insistent
(C)growth (C)placid
(D)heresy (D)systematic
( A)artificial ( A)contagious
(B)emancipated (B)deadly
(C)poignant (C)hesitant
(D)stimulated (D)impatient
( A)affable ( A)distraught
(B)inclined (B)genial
(C)tawdry (C)laudatory
(D)unspoken (D)unenthusiastic
( A)accentuate ( A)acclaimed
(B)cause (B)bashful
(C)interfere (C)content
(D)possess (D)dispersed
( A)boring ( A)insurrection
(B)elated (B)mishap
(C)proud (C)outburst
(D)rotten (D)simulation
( A)adept ( A)communal
(B)exuberant (B)fleeting
(C)moderate (C)measured
(D)pompous (D)preliminary
( A)duplication ( A)belligerent
(B)fallacy (B)calm
(C)rhythm (C)candid
(D)torpor (D)reprehensible
( A)amicable ( A)diligent
(B)fetid (B)exhilarated
(C)insignificant (C)hostile
(D)whimsical (D)respectable
( A)arbitrary ( A)confirm
(B)disorderly (B)emphasize
(C)primitive (C)linger
(D)zealous (D)quench
( A)uncomprehending ( A)aloof
(B)uncontested (B)excessive
(C)unoriginal (C)lively
(D)unrestrained (D)torrid
( A)balance ( A)attentive
(B)cheat (B)majestic
(C)fabricate (C)wretched
(D)weaken (D)zealous
( A)agreement ( A)conclusion
(B)improvisation (B)exhaustion
(C)stagnation (C)foray
(D)verification (D)power
( A)empty ( A)decisive
(B)foreign (B)hesitant
(C)initial (C)offensive
(D)limited (D)vague
( A)dissipate ( A)chagrined
(B)fluctuate (B)erratic
(C)revolve (C)hypocritical
(D)strengthen (D)vigorous
( A)belligerent ( A) clever
(B)insatiable (B) coy
(C)morose (C) stealthy
(D)undermining (D) vogue
( A)allot ( A) aggravation
(B)diminish (B) felicity
(C)mend (C) malice
(D)wander (D) sorrow
( A)cautious ( A) anger
(B)frenzied (B) honor
(C)lethal (C) inspiration
(D)pained (D) vivacity
( A)cynical ( A) criticism
(B)obtuse (B) enthusiasm
(C)playful (C) humor
(D)routine (D) redundancy
Answer Key