Nelson-Denny Reading Test Reading Vocabulary: Synonyms in Context 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The committee's TENTATIVE plan was subject to change before final approval. TENTATIVE means most nearly:
- definite
- provisional (Correct answer)
- ambitious
- expensive
Correct answer: provisional
TENTATIVE means not certain or fixed; provisional is the closest synonym.
Question 2: The child's INCESSANT chatter made it difficult for anyone to concentrate. INCESSANT means most nearly:
- occasional
- quiet
- ceaseless (Correct answer)
- cheerful
Correct answer: ceaseless
INCESSANT means never stopping; ceaseless is the closest synonym.
Question 3: The diplomat sought to MEDIATE between the two disputing nations. MEDIATE means most nearly:
- ignore
- escalate
- arbitrate (Correct answer)
- publicize
Correct answer: arbitrate
MEDIATE means to intervene and help reach an agreement; arbitrate is the closest synonym.
Question 4: The PROMINENT scientist was invited to speak at conferences worldwide. PROMINENT means most nearly:
- obscure
- distinguished (Correct answer)
- retired
- controversial
Correct answer: distinguished
PROMINENT means well known and respected; distinguished is the closest synonym.
Question 5: The old bridge was PRECARIOUS, and engineers warned locals to avoid it. PRECARIOUS means most nearly:
- sturdy
- narrow
- unstable (Correct answer)
- ancient
Correct answer: unstable
PRECARIOUS means not safe or secure; unstable is the closest synonym.
Question 6: His AFFLUENT background gave him access to opportunities others lacked. AFFLUENT means most nearly:
- disadvantaged
- foreign
- wealthy (Correct answer)
- educated
Correct answer: wealthy
AFFLUENT means having a great deal of money; wealthy is the closest synonym.
Question 7: The COHERENT argument the lawyer presented convinced the jury easily. COHERENT means most nearly:
- logical (Correct answer)
- emotional
- lengthy
- surprising
Correct answer: logical
COHERENT means clearly expressed and easy to understand; logical is the closest synonym.
The committee's TENTATIVE plan was subject to change before final approval.
TENTATIVE means most nearly: