Mastering Synonyms & Antonyms

Elevate your ISEE vocabulary with the power of word relationships!

Why Are Synonyms and Antonyms Vital?

Synonyms—words with similar meanings—and antonyms—words with opposite meanings—are everywhere on the ISEE. You'll encounter them in sentence completion, reading comprehension, and, of course, the all-important Verbal Reasoning section. Mastering these relationships boosts not just your test performance but your confidence and communication skills for life.

Strategies to Master Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. Group Words by Meaning: Build clusters of words with similar meanings or opposites. This mental mapping cements word relationships.
  2. Use Flashcards and Word Games: Practice with interactive flashcards or create synonym/antonym matching games with friends or family.
  3. Study Roots & Prefixes: Recognizing Latin or Greek word parts (like re-, un-, -able) reveals connections between words.
  4. Apply New Words in Sentences: Write sentences using synonyms/antonyms you've learned. This deepens understanding and helps retention.
  5. Read Widely! The more you see words in context, the more intuitively you'll grasp their shades of meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms in Action – Level by Level

Lower Level (Grades 4–5)

Word Synonym Antonym
Brave Courageous Cowardly
Tiny Small Huge
Happy Glad Sad
Begin Start End
Rich Wealthy Poor

Middle Level (Grades 6–7)

Word Synonym Antonym
Acquire Obtain Lose
Reluctant Hesitant Eager
Generous Charitable Stingy
Fragile Delicate Durable
Visible Apparent Hidden

Upper Level (Grades 8–11)

Word Synonym Antonym
Meticulous Precise Careless
Obsolete Outdated Current
Benevolent Kind Malevolent
Elaborate Detailed Simple
Alleviate Relieve Aggravate

Practice Makes Perfect!

For further study, explore materials on Latin & Greek roots, and review ISEE vocabulary flashcards for all levels.