Examkin

Context Clues for Synonyms

63 questions

All types63Multiple choice33Matching17Fill in the blank13
Question 21Question →

During the quarterly safety review, the inspector's remarks were entirely desultory, jumping haphazardly from storage protocols to vehicle maintenance without following a coherent plan.

In this sentence, the word desultory most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unfocused

Answer

The word desultory most nearly means unfocused.
The sentence explicitly restates the behavior characterized by the word desultory: the inspector was 'jumping haphazardly from storage protocols to vehicle maintenance' and acting 'without following a coherent plan.' These details describe an erratic, scattered, and unfocused delivery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence for descriptive modifiers and context clues surrounding the target word.
Identified the descriptive phrases 'jumping haphazardly' and 'without following a coherent plan.'
Contextual definitions in Word Knowledge questions are directly established by supporting clauses in the sentence.
2
Determine the semantic relationship and synthesize the intended meaning of desultory.
The target word describes something lacking purpose, direction, or order (erratic and unfocused).
Connecting 'jumping haphazardly' to the description of the remarks shows that the presentation lacked focus.
3
Evaluate the answer choices to identify the option that matches this synthesized meaning.
Matched 'unfocused' as the direct contextual synonym for 'desultory'.
Unfocused precisely mirrors the lack of coherent structure indicated by the context clues.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms
Question 22Question →

Read each sentence below and analyze the surrounding context clues. Match each bolded word from the left column to its correct contextual meaning in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Rather than relying on untested theoretical ideas, the senior technician implemented a pragmatic diagnostic plan focused entirely on proven field methods.
Heavy rainfall had washed away the foundation beneath the retaining wall, leaving the heavy generator in a precarious position near the ledge.
To handle the sudden surge in logistics requests during the operation, the supply division had to augment its transport fleet with commercial vehicles.
During high-traffic flight operations, the tower controller issued terse directives, cutting out all unnecessary chatter to keep the radio clear.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The sentence with 'pragmatic' matches 'Practical and focused on real-world application rather than theory'; the sentence with 'precarious' matches 'Unstable, insecure, and dangerously positioned'; the sentence with 'augment' matches 'To increase, enlarge, or supplement existing resources'; and the sentence with 'terse' matches 'Brief, concise, and stripped of excess words'.
Each pairing is determined by explicit clues in the sentences: 'pragmatic' contrasts directly with 'theoretical ideas'; 'precarious' is supported by 'washed away foundation' and 'near the ledge'; 'augment' is demonstrated by adding commercial vehicles during a surge; and 'terse' is defined by 'cutting out all unnecessary chatter'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze each sentence's context clues (contrast, cause-effect, restatement) to deduce the definition of each bolded word.
Identified 'pragmatic' as practical (contrasting theoretical), 'precarious' as unstable/dangerous (washed-away foundation), 'augment' as supplement/increase (adding vehicles for a surge), and 'terse' as brief/concise (cutting unnecessary chatter).
Contextual clues provide structural evidence of meaning without relying on isolated memorization.
2
Correlate each identified contextual meaning to the matching definition item.
Formed accurate one-to-one matches for all four vocabulary terms.
Each definition corresponds directly to the grammatical category and semantic role of the target term.

Key Concept

Deducing vocabulary definitions using contextual contrast, cause-and-effect, and descriptive cues
Question 23Question →

The commanding officer made it clear that while candid feedback was welcome during planning sessions, leadership would not countenance blatant insubordination during live drills. In this context, "countenance" most nearly means

Show answer & explanation

Answer: tolerate

Answer

tolerate
In this sentence, the target word functions as a verb modified by 'would not' to convey that leadership will not accept or permit insubordinate behavior. The contrast with 'welcome' in the preceding clause confirms that the verb means to tolerate or approve.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical function of the target word within the sentence
The target word follows the auxiliary construction 'would not' and takes the direct object 'blatant insubordination', indicating it functions as a transitive verb rather than a noun.
Identifying the part of speech prevents confusing the contextual meaning with the primary noun definition.
2
Examine the contrast context clue introduced by the subordinate clause
The introductory conjunction 'while' sets up a direct contrast between what is permitted ('welcome') and what leadership will refuse to accept ('would not countenance').
Contrast clues establish the relationship between acceptable and unacceptable conduct.
3
Substitute the synonym candidates into the original sentence
Replacing the target word with 'tolerate' produces 'would not tolerate blatant insubordination', preserving the intended syntax and semantic meaning.
Direct substitution confirms semantic accuracy and grammatical agreement.

Key Concept

Using syntactic role and contrast context clues to determine the contextual synonym of a polysemous word
Question 24Question →

Because the automated inventory database now logs incoming supply crates in real time, filling out handwritten tally sheets has become superfluous.

In this sentence, the word superfluous most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unnecessary

Answer

unnecessary
In this context, 'superfluous' means exceeding what is sufficient or necessary. The sentence establishes a cause-and-effect relationship: because a digital database tracks supplies automatically in real time, doing the same task manually on paper is extra and unneeded. Therefore, 'unnecessary' is the exact contextual synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and context clues
The cause-and-effect clue introduced by 'Because' explains that the automated system tracks everything in real time, making the manual paper records redundant.
Identifying semantic and logical relationships in the sentence clarifies the functional role of the target word.
2
Substitute candidate words into the sentence frame
Replacing 'superfluous' with 'unnecessary' preserves the logical flow: since automated logging is active, manual paper sheets are unnecessary.
Substitution confirms that the chosen synonym maintains correct tone, part of speech, and intended meaning.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms (Cause-and-Effect Relationship)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 25Question →

Fill in the blank with an appropriate one-word synonym for the bolded word based on the context clues in the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

The flight instructor signaled that the training drill would commence at sunrise, requiring every pilot to pre-flight inspections promptly at 0600 hours.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

begin (or start)
In this context, 'commence' means to begin or start an activity. Clues such as 'at sunrise' and 'promptly at 0600 hours' establish that the drill is underway at its initial scheduled time. Therefore, 'begin' or 'start' correctly completes the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target bolded word and examine the surrounding context clues.
The target word is 'commence', framed by context clues such as 'at sunrise' and 'promptly at 0600 hours'.
Contextual time references indicate the starting point of an event.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'commence' and provide an equivalent synonym for the blank.
The word 'commence' means to start or begin.
Inserting 'begin' or 'start' into the blank preserves grammatical structure and semantic meaning.

Key Concept

Using context clues to determine the synonym of a target word
Estimated Time:30s
Question 26Question →

Because visibility was poor during the night patrol, the sentry had to remain vigilant at all times to spot potential threats. In this sentence, vigilant most nearly means:

Show answer & explanation

Answer: watchful

Answer

The word "vigilant" most nearly means "watchful."
In this sentence, the context clues "poor visibility" and "spot potential threats" show that the sentry needed to maintain continuous alertness and observation. Therefore, "watchful" is the most accurate synonym for "vigilant."

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target word and analyze the surrounding context in the sentence.
The target word is "vigilant," describing the required posture of a sentry on night patrol under poor visibility.
Context clues surrounding the word provide semantic evidence of its intended meaning.
2
Examine the cause-and-effect and purpose clues provided in the sentence.
The phrase "to spot potential threats" indicates that the sentry must stay attentive, alert, and on guard.
The stated purpose directly clarifies the action and demeanor required.
3
Match the deduced meaning with the closest synonym among the options.
"Watchful" directly captures the meaning of being alert and observant.
"Watchful" is the precise contextual synonym for "vigilant."

Key Concept

Using context clues to determine the synonym of a word in a sentence
Question 27Question →

Read the sentence below and evaluate the contextual clues. Based on the contrast and defining details in the passage, what single-word synonym best replaces or defines the bolded term?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite repeated diplomatic appeals and third-party mediation urging both factions to reach a workable compromise, the faction leader remained entirely intransigent, refusing to concede any disputed territory or modify his non-negotiable demands. Based on these context clues, an accurate one-word synonym for 'intransigent' is .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

uncompromising (or valid synonyms such as unyielding, inflexible, obstinate, or stubborn)
The sentence provides clear contrast and elaborative clues. While mediators urged a 'workable compromise,' the leader demonstrated the opposite behavior by 'refusing to concede... or modify his non-negotiable demands.' This direct definition demonstrates that 'intransigent' describes someone who is completely unwilling to yield or compromise. Therefore, 'uncompromising' (along with synonyms like 'unyielding', 'inflexible', and 'obstinate') is the correct response.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target vocabulary word and its grammatical role in the sentence.
The target word is 'intransigent,' functioning as a predicate adjective modifying 'the faction leader.'
Establishing the part of speech ensures that the replacement synonym agrees grammatically and syntactically.
2
Analyze the contrast and elaborative context clues in the surrounding clauses.
The initial clause establishes an expectation of 'compromise' and 'mediation,' which is contrasted by the leader's action: 'refusing to concede any disputed territory or modify his non-negotiable demands.'
Contrast clues signaled by 'Despite' combined with direct explanatory descriptions define the leader's complete refusal to change his position or make concessions.
3
Select a precise synonym that captures the meaning of rigidly refusing to compromise.
Terms such as 'uncompromising,' 'unyielding,' and 'inflexible' directly match this contextual definition.
A precise synonym must align with both the denotation of stubborn refusal to yield and the formal register of the sentence.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 28Question →

Unlike the lavishly decorated administrative offices at headquarters, the remote operating outpost was strictly austere, containing only bare concrete walls and basic field gear. In this sentence, the word austere most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: plain

Answer

plain
The word 'plain' is the correct synonym because the sentence contrasts the outpost with 'lavishly decorated' offices and describes it as having 'bare concrete walls and basic field gear.' In this context, austere means unadorned and simple.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast clue in the sentence structure.
The opening dependent clause 'Unlike the lavishly decorated administrative offices' sets up an antonym relationship with 'austere'.
The contrast transition 'Unlike' signals that the target word describes the opposite of lavish ornamentation.
2
Analyze the descriptive context following the target word.
The phrase 'containing only bare concrete walls and basic field gear' provides direct context describing an unadorned physical environment.
Syntactic elaboration confirms that 'austere' in this setting refers to physical simplicity and lack of luxury.
3
Match the contextual clues to the appropriate synonym.
The word 'plain' precisely means simple, unadorned, and without decoration.
The word 'plain' satisfies both the contrast with lavishness and the definition provided by the bare walls.

Key Concept

Using contrast markers and descriptive restatements as context clues to determine word meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 29Question →

Match each target word used in the sentence context to its correct synonym or contextual definition.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Novice (in: "Although he was a novice who had just joined the maintenance crew, he quickly mastered the daily routine.")
Hazardous (in: "Wearing protective gloves is mandatory because handling the corrosive solvent is hazardous to skin.")
Reluctant (in: "The technician was reluctant to flip the main switch without double-checking the wiring diagram first.")
Thrive (in: "With regular irrigation and fertile soil, the newly planted seedlings will thrive throughout the spring.")

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Novice matches 'Beginner or inexperienced person'; Hazardous matches 'Dangerous or posing risk of harm'; Reluctant matches 'Hesitant or unwilling to proceed immediately'; Thrive matches 'Flourish or grow vigorously'.
Each word is matched to its definition through distinct context clues: 'novice' connects to having 'just joined' (beginner); 'hazardous' connects to 'protective gloves' and 'corrosive solvent' (dangerous); 'reluctant' connects to pausing before action (hesitant); and 'thrive' connects to ideal growing conditions (flourish).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze context clues for 'novice' in the first sentence.
The phrase 'had just joined' signals that the subject is new to the job, identifying 'novice' as a beginner.
Time-based and situational clues clarify experience level.
2
Analyze context clues for 'hazardous' in the second sentence.
The requirement for 'protective gloves' around 'corrosive solvent' indicates that 'hazardous' means dangerous.
Safety precautions directly correlate with dangerous conditions.
3
Analyze context clues for 'reluctant' in the third sentence.
Pausing to verify diagrams before acting indicates hesitation, identifying 'reluctant' as hesitant or unwilling.
Cautious behavior reflects a state of hesitation.
4
Analyze context clues for 'thrive' in the fourth sentence.
Fertile soil and water provide optimal conditions for plants to grow vigorously, meaning 'thrive' matches flourish.
Favorable environmental conditions lead to flourishing growth.

Key Concept

Using surrounding sentence clues to determine the precise synonym or contextual meaning of a word.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 30Question →

During the severe winter storm, highway crews spread salt and gravel across the roadways to mitigate hazardous travel conditions.

In this sentence, what does the word "mitigate" most nearly mean?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: lessen

Answer

lessen
In the provided sentence, road maintenance crews apply salt and gravel to decrease the danger of winter driving. Therefore, the word 'mitigate' most nearly means 'lessen'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the surrounding context clues and the action performed in the sentence.
Highway crews are spreading salt and gravel on roads during a storm to deal with hazardous driving conditions.
Understanding why road crews spread salt and gravel clarifies the intent to reduce risk and make the roadway safer.
2
Determine the precise synonym that matches the contextual goal.
The word 'mitigate' means to make something less severe, painful, or harmful, which corresponds directly to 'lessen'.
Replacing 'mitigate' with 'lessen' preserves the logical flow and intended meaning of the sentence.

Key Concept

Using cause-and-effect contextual clues in a sentence to determine word meaning and identify synonyms.
Estimated Time:35s
Question 31Question →

Although the vendor's presentation offered specious arguments that seemed plausible at first glance, a detailed technical audit revealed fundamental architectural flaws and deceptive benchmarks. In this sentence, the word specious most nearly means:

Show answer & explanation

Answer: misleading

Answer

misleading
The correct answer is 'misleading' because the context contrasts arguments that 'seemed plausible at first glance' with the audit's discovery of 'deceptive benchmarks.' In vocabulary usage, 'specious' means superficially plausible but fundamentally wrong or deceptive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and identify contextual transition markers.
The subordinating conjunction 'Although' sets up a contrast between how the arguments appeared ('seemed plausible at first glance') and what they actually were.
Contrast clues signal that the true quality of the arguments is the opposite of superficial plausibility.
2
Examine the restatement and consequence clues in the main clause.
The technical audit uncovered 'fundamental architectural flaws and deceptive benchmarks.'
These descriptive phrases define the underlying nature of the arguments as false and invalid.
3
Select the option that matches the meaning of appearing correct on the surface while being deceptively flawed.
'Misleading' accurately captures the definition of 'specious' in this context.
Replacing 'specious' with 'misleading' preserves the logical flow and meaning of the sentence.

Key Concept

Using contrast and descriptive context clues to deduce contextual synonyms
Estimated Time:45s
Question 32Question →

Because the municipal budget was tight, the committee adopted a frugal approach, spending money only on essential repairs and avoiding any wasteful purchases.

In this sentence, frugal most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: thrifty

Answer

thrifty
The context clues 'spending money only on essential repairs' and 'avoiding any wasteful purchases' directly describe an economical, prudent approach to managing money. Therefore, 'thrifty' is the synonym that most nearly matches the meaning of 'frugal'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence for definition and explanatory context clues.
The sentence states that the budget was tight, funds were spent only on essential repairs, and wasteful purchases were strictly avoided.
Surrounding phrases explain the exact practical behavior associated with the target word.
2
Select the option that matches the meaning of practicing strict financial economy and avoiding waste.
The word 'thrifty' directly means being economical and spending money with caution.
Matching the contextual definition to the correct synonym identifies the precise intended meaning.

Key Concept

Using definition and example context clues to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word
Estimated Time:35s
Question 33Question →

Read the following sentences and analyze the context clues around each bolded word. Which definition correctly matches each bolded word as used in its sentence?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The technician implemented an expedient method to patch the generator, choosing speed over a permanent repair.
Known for his meticulous inspections, the mechanic checked every wire connection twice before signing off.
The team leader remained resolute despite mounting setbacks, refusing to abandon the mission protocol.
Cargo deliveries were hampered by the heavy snowstorm, causing severe delays across the supply depot.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Expedient matches 'Practical and suitable for immediate needs'; Meticulous matches 'Extremely thorough, precise, and attentive to details'; Resolute matches 'Firm, unwavering, and steadfast in purpose'; Hampered matches 'Obstructed, slowed down, or hindered'.
Each pair is matched based on explicit syntactic and semantic clues: prioritizing quick action over a permanent fix defines 'expedient', double-checking components demonstrates 'meticulous', refusing to yield under setbacks defines 'resolute', and weather-induced delays illustrate 'hampered'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues for 'expedient' in the first sentence.
The contrast between a rapid patch and a permanent fix reveals a focus on immediate practicality and speed.
Contextual contrast isolates the practical, short-term meaning of the word.
2
Evaluate the behavioral description associated with 'meticulous' in the second sentence.
Verifying every single connection twice demonstrates extreme thoroughness and care.
Descriptive action clues directly demonstrate the underlying definition.
3
Identify the attitude described by 'resolute' in the third sentence.
Refusing to abandon the protocol under adverse conditions signals steadfast determination.
Reaction to adversity indicates an unwavering mindset.
4
Examine the cause-and-effect relationship involving 'hampered' in the fourth sentence.
A storm causing significant operational delays shows that the movement was obstructed.
Cause-and-effect clues clarify how an external obstacle impedes progress.

Key Concept

Using contrast clues, descriptive behaviors, and cause-and-effect relationships within sentences to deduce precise contextual synonyms.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 34Question →

Contrary to the historically popular belief that the adult human brain is rigid and unchanging, modern neuroscientists have demonstrated that neural pathways remain highly plastic throughout a person's life, constantly rewiring and adapting to new experiences.

Which of the following most nearly means the word plastic as it is used in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: malleable

Answer

The correct answer is malleable.
The sentence uses the contrast phrase 'Contrary to' to oppose the idea of a 'rigid and unchanging' brain. Furthermore, it defines the target word by stating the pathways are 'constantly rewiring and adapting'. Therefore, the word describes something that can change shape or function. The word that best matches 'adaptable and changeable' is 'malleable'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure for context clues.
The sentence begins with the contrast phrase 'Contrary to', which sets up an opposition to the idea that the brain is 'rigid and unchanging'.
Identifying contrast transitions helps determine whether the target word is a synonym or antonym of surrounding descriptions.
2
Examine the direct defining clues provided after the target word.
The phrase 'constantly rewiring and adapting to new experiences' acts as a direct explanation of what it means for the pathways to be highly 'plastic'.
Authors often provide an explanatory phrase immediately following a difficult or domain-specific vocabulary word.
3
Evaluate the answer choices against the established meaning of 'adaptable and changeable'.
The word 'malleable' means capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces, which perfectly matches the context of a changing, adaptable brain.
Matching the synthesized contextual meaning with the correct synonym eliminates distractors based on secondary meanings.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms (Contrast and Restatement)
Question 35Question →

Read the sentences below and evaluate the contextual clues provided in each scenario. Which definition correctly corresponds to each target word?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Assiduous — "Through assiduous maintenance and continuous inspections every shift, the technicians prevented equipment failure."
Circumspect — "Navigating the narrow channel required a circumspect approach, forcing the helmsman to double-check depth soundings at every buoy."
Deleterious — "Prolonged exposure to chemical solvents had a deleterious impact on the rubber seals, causing them to degrade rapidly."
Perfunctory — "Rather than conducting a thorough structural audit, the supervisor gave only a perfunctory glance at the scaffolding before signing off."

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Assiduous matches 'Diligent and attentive', Circumspect matches 'Cautious and prudent', Deleterious matches 'Harmful and damaging', and Perfunctory matches 'Superficial and routine'.
Each word is matched to its definition by analyzing syntactic and semantic clues: 'assiduous' relates to continuous diligence; 'circumspect' relates to careful navigation and double-checking; 'deleterious' relates to rapid degradation and damage; and 'perfunctory' is contrasted with a thorough audit to indicate superficiality.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues for 'assiduous'
The phrase 'continuous inspections every shift' highlights persistent care and thoroughness.
Contextual elaboration reveals that 'assiduous' describes diligent devotion to duty.
2
Analyze the context clues for 'circumspect'
The need to 'double-check depth soundings' in a high-risk area indicates deliberate care and wariness.
Situational reasoning identifies 'circumspect' as cautious and prudent behavior.
3
Analyze the context clues for 'deleterious'
The outcome 'causing them to degrade rapidly' indicates a destructive effect.
Cause-and-effect clues directly connect 'deleterious' to harmful or damaging consequences.
4
Analyze the context clues for 'perfunctory'
The contrast transition 'Rather than conducting a thorough structural audit' signals a minimal, superficial check.
Contrast clues show that 'perfunctory' represents a superficial, hasty action.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms using contrast, elaboration, and cause-and-effect indicators
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 36Question →

Read the sentence below and use the context clues to identify the correct synonym for the bolded word. Which word best completes the sentence to restate the meaning of candid?

Fill in the blanks below

During the post-operation debrief, the commander requested a candid report from the squad, asking them to provide a completely and straightforward account of what occurred.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

honest (or accepted synonyms: truthful, frank, direct, sincere, open)
In this context, 'candid' is paired with 'straightforward' to describe a debrief report that is truthful and direct. Therefore, 'honest' (as well as 'truthful' or 'frank') accurately completes the sentence by matching the intended definition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context around the target word 'candid'.
The commander is asking for a 'straightforward account' during a post-operation debrief where clear, unvarnished facts are needed.
Context clues such as paired descriptions and setting reveal the intended meaning of the vocabulary word.
2
Identify a precise synonym that matches the context clue 'straightforward'.
The word 'candid' means truthful, frank, or honest.
Substituting 'honest' into the blank preserves the sentence's original meaning and aligns with the parallel descriptor.

Key Concept

Using restatement and parallel context clues to determine the exact synonym of a target word.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 37Question →

Read the sentence and determine the synonym for the bolded word based on the context clues. Which word correctly fills in the blank to complete the restatement?

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than debating theoretical concepts, the maintenance supervisor implemented a pragmatic schedule; her crew focused on a approach that resolved urgent equipment failures.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

practical (or acceptable synonyms such as realistic, sensible, or functional)
The word 'pragmatic' means dealing with problems in a sensible, realistic, and practical manner rather than through theoretical speculation. The contrast clue 'Rather than debating theoretical concepts' paired with the focus on resolving actual equipment failures indicates that 'practical' is the exact contextual synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast clue in the introductory clause.
The phrase 'Rather than debating theoretical concepts' sets up an explicit contrast between the target word and abstract, unapplied ideas.
Contrast clues indicate that the target word possesses the opposite meaning of the contrasted element.
2
Analyze the elaboration and cause-effect clues in the second clause.
The outcome 'resolved urgent equipment failures' demonstrates a focus on concrete, real-world results and hands-on utility.
Elaboration clues provide concrete evidence of how the target word functions in context.
3
Synthesize clues to determine the precise synonym.
The word 'pragmatic' means dealing with things sensibly and realistically; thus, 'practical' fits the context exactly.
Combining the contrast with theory and the focus on actionable results confirms that 'practical' is the direct synonym.

Key Concept

Using contrast and elaboration context clues to deduce word synonyms
Question 38Question →

Match each bolded word in the sentence on the left with its correct contextual synonym on the right, using the clues provided in each sentence.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

After operating continuously for forty hours, the auxiliary generator became dormant when its fuel supply ran completely dry.
The inspection crew noted that the hydraulic cylinder was flawed, pointing out a hairline fracture that permitted fluid leakage.
Rather than relying on haphazard guesswork, the flight technician followed a systematic routine, methodically verifying each dial in sequence.
Dense fog and fallen debris threatened to impede the convoy's progress through the mountain pass, slowing their advance to a crawl.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The bolded words match their synonyms as follows: 'dormant' matches 'Inactive', 'flawed' matches 'Defective', 'systematic' matches 'Orderly', and 'impede' matches 'Hinder'.
Each target word is paired with its precise contextual synonym deduced directly from textual clues: 'dormant' is shown to mean 'Inactive' by the generator ceasing operation after fuel depletion; 'flawed' is shown to mean 'Defective' through the presence of a structural fracture; 'systematic' is defined as 'Orderly' through the contrast with haphazard guessing and the sequential checking process; and 'impede' is defined as 'Hinder' by the resulting deceleration of the convoy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues for 'dormant' in the first sentence.
The phrase 'when its fuel supply ran completely dry' indicates a transition from running continuously to being in an inoperative state, meaning 'Inactive'.
Cause-and-effect relationships in a sentence clarify the resulting state of a machine or system.
2
Analyze the context clues for 'flawed' in the second sentence.
The description 'hairline fracture that permitted fluid leakage' gives a specific physical defect, showing that 'flawed' means 'Defective'.
Appositives and descriptive clauses directly define the condition of the noun being modified.
3
Analyze the context clues for 'systematic' in the third sentence.
The contrast phrase 'rather than relying on haphazard guesswork' and the descriptive phrase 'methodically verifying each dial in sequence' establish that 'systematic' means 'Orderly'.
Contrast words combined with descriptive adverbs define the precise method being utilized.
4
Analyze the context clues for 'impede' in the fourth sentence.
The phrase 'slowing their advance to a crawl' shows an obstacle that restricts or slows movement, which means to 'Hinder'.
Outcome clauses highlight the restrictive effect of external conditions.

Key Concept

Using sentence context clues—including cause-and-effect, contrast, and descriptive elaboration—to determine the precise synonym of a target word.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 39Question →

While the morning shift was chaotic and disorganized, the afternoon shift proved to be remarkably tranquil once all shipments were processed. In this sentence, tranquil most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: peaceful

Answer

peaceful
The sentence contrasts the 'chaotic and disorganized' morning shift with the afternoon shift using the transition word 'While.' Therefore, 'tranquil' describes an environment that is calm and orderly, making 'peaceful' the correct synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast clue in the sentence
The introductory transition 'While' establishes a direct contrast between the morning shift ('chaotic and disorganized') and the afternoon shift.
Contrast signal words show that the target word possesses the opposite meaning of the reference description.
2
Determine the opposite of chaotic and disorganized
The opposite state of chaos and disorganization is calm, orderly, and quiet.
Finding the opposite meaning provides the working definition for the target word in this context.
3
Select the option that matches this meaning
'Peaceful' directly corresponds to calm and undisturbed conditions.
This confirms 'peaceful' as the accurate contextual synonym.

Key Concept

Using contrast context clues to identify synonyms
Question 40Question →

Analyze the context clues in each sentence below. Which contextual synonym correctly corresponds to each underlined word?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

After completing a sixteen-hour patrol in the heat without a break, the guards felt completely fatigued and struggled to stay alert.
Crops could not survive in the arid valley, where rainfall had been completely absent for nearly eight months.
The technician gave a lucid explanation of the system fault, allowing even brand-new apprentices to understand the repair immediately.
The logistics unit decided to augment its transport fleet by leasing six additional cargo trucks for the busy summer season.

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pairings match 'fatigued' with 'Exhausted and lacking energy', 'arid' with 'Extremely dry and barren', 'lucid' with 'Clear and easily understood', and 'augment' with 'Increase or expand in size or amount'.
Each target word is directly supported by surrounding contextual evidence: physical strain and lack of rest define 'fatigued' as exhausted; absence of rain defines 'arid' as dry; instant comprehension by beginners defines 'lucid' as clear; and adding extra vehicles defines 'augment' as increasing or expanding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context clues surrounding 'fatigued' in the first sentence.
Working sixteen hours without a break resulting in struggling to stay alert points to severe exhaustion.
Cause-and-effect clues indicate physical exhaustion, matching 'Exhausted and lacking energy'.
2
Analyze the environmental clues for 'arid' in the second sentence.
The total absence of rain for months and failing crops indicate severe dryness.
Descriptive detail establishes climate conditions, matching 'Extremely dry and barren'.
3
Evaluate the outcome clue for 'lucid' in the third sentence.
Inexperienced workers understanding a complex system fault right away indicates clarity.
The consequence of the explanation reveals that 'lucid' means 'Clear and easily understood'.
4
Identify the action clue for 'augment' in the fourth sentence.
Adding six leased trucks to an existing fleet represents an addition or expansion.
The phrase 'leasing six additional cargo trucks' demonstrates the meaning 'Increase or expand in size or amount'.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
PreviousPage 2 / 4Next
Context Clues for Synonyms Practice Questions — Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) — Page 2 | Examkin