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Free ISEE Middle Level Vocabulary Flashcards
The 500 words that matter most for the Middle Level ISEE Verbal Reasoning section, turned into 1,500 flashcards that practice the questions the way the real test asks them. Made by Dr. Stuart Donnelly for his own students, and free for every family.
- 500 words
- 1,500 cards
- Audio for every word
- Anki + Quizlet
What’s Inside
Three Cards for Every Word
Each word builds from “I know what it means” to “I can answer it on test day.”
1 · Learn the Word
See the word and hear it spoken aloud, then flip for a kid-friendly meaning, a synonym, an example sentence and any “close cousin” words to keep straight.
2 · ISEE Synonyms
A capitalized word with four choices, just like Part One of Verbal Reasoning. Tap an answer, flip, and see right away whether it was correct.
3 · Sentence Completion
A sentence with a blank and four choices, like Part Two of Verbal Reasoning. The answer side names the context clue, so your child learns how to find the answer, not just the answer.
Why Vocabulary
Why Vocabulary Matters on the Middle Level ISEE
The Middle Level Verbal Reasoning section has 40 questions in 20 minutes: synonyms and sentence completions. That is just 30 seconds per question, so there is no time to puzzle out a word your child has never seen. Knowing the word is usually the whole battle.
Vocabulary also helps on Reading Comprehension, where passages and answer choices use the same kind of words. It is one of the most reliable ways for a middle schooler to raise their score.
- Every word was checked. Each of the 1,500 questions was answered independently and checked against the answer key. Choices that could be argued as a second right answer were replaced.
- Built for 11- to 13-year-olds. Plain-English meanings and everyday example sentences, with no dictionary jargon.
- Spaced repetition in Anki. Each word comes back just before it would be forgotten, so 10–15 minutes a day goes a long way.
The Word List
ISEE Middle Level Vocabulary List: All 500 Words
Every word in the deck, A to Z, with a plain-English meaning and a synonym. Start with the Core 200, then move on to the Extension 300. Prefer paper? Download the printable PDF word list.
Core 200 start here · the most common ISEE Middle Level words
- adamant adj. refusing to change your mind; very firm (firm)
- adept adj. very skilled (skilled)
- adversity n. serious hardship or bad luck (hardship)
- alleviate v. to make pain or a problem less severe (ease)
- amicable adj. friendly and peaceful (friendly)
- anguish n. severe pain or very great sorrow (agony)
- animosity n. strong dislike or hostility toward someone (hostility)
- aptitude n. a natural ability to learn or do something (talent)
- ardent adj. very devoted and enthusiastic (devoted)
- arduous adj. requiring great effort; very difficult (difficult)
- arrogant adj. acting as if you are better than others (conceited)
- assess v. to judge the value, size, or quality of (evaluate)
- astute adj. sharp at noticing and understanding things (sharp)
- attain v. to reach or achieve a goal (achieve)
- authentic adj. real and genuine, not a copy (genuine)
- avid adj. very eager and enthusiastic (eager)
- benefactor n. a person who gives money or help (donor)
- benign adj. harmless; not dangerous (harmless)
- bias n. an unfair preference for or against something (prejudice)
- bland adj. lacking flavor or interest; dull (tasteless)
- blatant adj. very obvious and done openly, without shame (obvious)
- bolster v. to support or make stronger (support)
- brazen adj. bold and shameless (shameless)
- callous adj. not caring about others' feelings (heartless)
- camaraderie n. friendship and trust among a group (friendship)
- catalyst n. something that causes or speeds up change (spark)
- compromise n. an agreement where each side gives up something (deal)
- concede v. to admit something is true, often unwillingly (admit)
- concise adj. brief but clear and complete (brief)
- condemn v. to say strongly that something is wrong (criticize)
- confide v. to tell a secret to someone you trust (share)
- confront v. to face a problem or person directly (face)
- conscientious adj. careful to do your work well and correctly (careful)
- consensus n. general agreement among a group (agreement)
- conserve v. to protect something from waste or loss (save)
- conspicuous adj. easy to notice; standing out (noticeable)
- contempt n. a feeling that someone is worthless (scorn)
- contradict v. to say the opposite of (dispute)
- controversy n. a public disagreement that many people argue about (dispute)
- credible adj. believable; able to be trusted (believable)
- cryptic adj. mysterious and hard to understand (mysterious)
- cumbersome adj. large, heavy, and hard to carry or use (bulky)
- decisive adj. able to make choices quickly and firmly (firm)
- deficiency n. a lack or shortage of something needed (lack)
- deplete v. to use up the supply of (use up)
- deprive v. to take away or keep something needed from (deny)
- desperate adj. feeling hopeless and ready to try anything (hopeless)
- despondent adj. very sad and without hope (discouraged)
- devious adj. sneaky and dishonest (sneaky)
- discern v. to notice or tell apart, often with difficulty (detect)
- disclose v. to make known information that was secret (reveal)
- discord n. disagreement and lack of harmony (conflict)
- disdain n. a feeling that something is beneath you (scorn)
- dispel v. to make a doubt, fear, or belief disappear (banish)
- dissent n. disagreement with an official or popular opinion (disagreement)
- diverse adj. showing great variety; made of different kinds (varied)
- divulge v. to reveal private or secret information (reveal)
- dubious adj. doubtful; not to be trusted (doubtful)
- dynamic adj. full of energy and new ideas (energetic)
- eccentric adj. odd or unusual in a harmless way (odd)
- elaborate adj. having many detailed parts; complicated (detailed)
- elicit v. to draw out a response or reaction (draw out)
- embellish v. to decorate or add details to (decorate)
- emulate v. to copy someone you admire (imitate)
- endorse v. to publicly support or approve (support)
- enthusiastic adj. showing great excitement and interest (eager)
- entice v. to attract someone by offering something pleasant (tempt)
- envy n. wanting what someone else has (jealousy)
- eradicate v. to destroy completely; wipe out (eliminate)
- evoke v. to bring a feeling or memory to mind (summon)
- exasperated adj. very annoyed and frustrated (frustrated)
- exert v. to use strength, effort, or influence (apply)
- expel v. to force someone or something out (eject)
- exuberant adj. overflowing with energy, joy, and excitement (joyful)
- fabricate v. to make up something false (invent)
- facade n. a false outward appearance that hides feelings (front)
- feat n. an achievement that takes great skill or courage (achievement)
- ferocious adj. extremely fierce or intense (fierce)
- fervent adj. showing very strong and sincere feeling (passionate)
- finesse n. great skill and grace in handling something (skill)
- fluctuate v. to rise and fall in an irregular way (vary)
- folly n. a foolish act or idea (foolishness)
- formidable adj. impressive and very hard to beat (daunting)
- fortify v. to make stronger, especially for protection (strengthen)
- foster v. to encourage the growth or development of (encourage)
- frantic adj. wild with worry or hurry (panicked)
- fraud n. dishonest trickery used to gain money (scam)
- frivolous adj. silly and not serious or important (silly)
- gregarious adj. liking to be with other people; sociable (outgoing)
- grievance n. a complaint about something unfair (complaint)
- hamper v. to slow down or get in the way of (hinder)
- heritage n. traditions and culture passed down from ancestors (tradition)
- hoax n. a trick meant to fool people (trick)
- hospitable adj. friendly and welcoming to guests (welcoming)
- hypocrite n. someone who does what they tell others not to (phony)
- illusion n. something that looks real but is not (deception)
- imminent adj. about to happen very soon (approaching)
- impeccable adj. perfect; without any flaws (flawless)
- impede v. to slow or block progress (delay)
- impetuous adj. acting quickly without thinking first (hasty)
- imply v. to suggest something without saying it directly (suggest)
- incentive n. something that encourages you to act (reward)
- incite v. to stir up or provoke (provoke)
- incredulous adj. unable to believe something (disbelieving)
- indignant adj. angry about something unfair (offended)
- indulge v. to allow yourself or others a special pleasure (treat)
- inept adj. lacking skill; clumsy (unskilled)
- infer v. to figure out from clues or evidence (conclude)
- ingenious adj. very clever and original (clever)
- inhibit v. to hold back or prevent (restrain)
- inquisitive adj. eager to learn and full of questions (curious)
- insolent adj. rudely disrespectful, especially toward someone in charge (rude)
- instigate v. to deliberately cause something to start (start)
- integrity n. honesty and strong moral principles (honesty)
- intrepid adj. fearless and adventurous (fearless)
- intuition n. knowing something without proof; a gut feeling (instinct)
- irate adj. very angry (furious)
- jeopardize v. to put at risk (endanger)
- justify v. to give a good reason for (defend)
- legacy n. something handed down from the past (inheritance)
- listless adj. lacking energy or interest (sluggish)
- lucrative adj. producing a lot of money or profit (profitable)
- ludicrous adj. so silly it is laughable (ridiculous)
- mediate v. to help two sides settle a disagreement (referee)
- mediocre adj. only ordinary or average; not very good (average)
- melancholy adj. sad in a quiet, thoughtful, lasting way (gloomy)
- mentor n. an experienced person who guides someone (guide)
- misconception n. a mistaken belief or idea (error)
- morale n. the spirit and confidence of a group (spirit)
- motive n. a reason for doing something (reason)
- mundane adj. ordinary and dull; everyday (everyday)
- nonchalant adj. calm and seeming not to care or worry (casual)
- notorious adj. famous for something bad (infamous)
- oblivious adj. not aware of what is happening around you (unaware)
- obnoxious adj. very annoying or unpleasant (annoying)
- obsolete adj. no longer used because something newer exists (outdated)
- obstruct v. to block a path or view (block)
- omen n. a sign of something to come (sign)
- opulent adj. rich, expensive, and showy (luxurious)
- ordeal n. a very painful or difficult experience (trial)
- ornate adj. decorated with lots of fancy detail (fancy)
- pacify v. to calm someone who is upset (calm)
- painstaking adj. done with great care and effort (careful)
- paradox n. a true statement that seems self-contradictory (contradiction)
- passive adj. accepting what happens without taking action (inactive)
- perceive v. to notice or become aware of (notice)
- perplexed adj. completely confused; puzzled (puzzled)
- petty adj. small and unimportant; mean about little things (trivial)
- plummet v. to fall straight down very fast (plunge)
- pompous adj. showing off how important you think you are (self-important)
- precarious adj. unsafe and likely to fall or fail (unstable)
- prejudice n. an unfair opinion formed without knowing the facts (bias)
- prestige n. respect earned through success or high rank (status)
- prevail v. to win or succeed after a struggle (win)
- pristine adj. perfectly clean and untouched (spotless)
- prodigy n. a young person with exceptional talent (genius)
- proficient adj. skilled from practice (skilled)
- profound adj. very deep or meaningful (deep)
- prolong v. to make something last longer (extend)
- prominent adj. important and well known (famous)
- prospect n. the possibility of something happening in the future (chance)
- protagonist n. the main character in a story (hero)
- quell v. put an end to; calm or crush (calm)
- rapport n. a friendly, understanding relationship (bond)
- rational adj. based on clear thinking and reason (logical)
- reassure v. make someone feel less worried (comfort)
- refute v. prove that a statement or idea is wrong (disprove)
- relentless adj. never stopping or easing up (nonstop)
- relinquish v. give up or let go of something (give up)
- renowned adj. famous and widely admired (famous)
- replenish v. fill up again after being used (refill)
- reprimand v. scold someone formally for doing wrong (scold)
- resolute adj. firmly determined (determined)
- resourceful adj. good at finding clever ways to solve problems (inventive)
- retaliate v. strike back after being harmed or insulted (strike back)
- retrieve v. get something back; bring back (fetch)
- rigorous adj. very strict, thorough, and demanding (demanding)
- rivalry n. competition between two people or groups (competition)
- ruthless adj. showing no mercy or pity (merciless)
- sarcastic adj. saying the opposite of what you mean to mock (mocking)
- scoff v. laugh at or mock something as foolish (mock)
- sedentary adj. involving much sitting and little physical activity (inactive)
- sinister adj. seeming evil or threatening (menacing)
- stagnant adj. not flowing or moving; not growing (still)
- steadfast adj. loyal and unwavering (loyal)
- subtle adj. so slight it is hard to notice (slight)
- succinct adj. brief and clearly expressed (brief)
- superficial adj. only on the surface; not deep (shallow)
- tenacious adj. holding on firmly; refusing to give up (persistent)
- tentative adj. uncertain; not yet final (uncertain)
- thorough adj. complete and careful about every detail (complete)
- transparent adj. clear enough to see through (clear)
- unruly adj. hard to control; wild (wild)
- vain adj. too proud of your looks or abilities (conceited)
- verbose adj. using more words than needed (wordy)
- vindictive adj. wanting to get revenge (spiteful)
- volatile adj. likely to change suddenly (unpredictable)
- voracious adj. having a huge appetite; extremely eager (hungry)
- whimsical adj. playful and fanciful in an odd way (playful)
- wistful adj. sadly longing for something (longing)
Extension 300 tap to show · harder words for higher scores
- abhor v. hate strongly (hate)
- abrasive adj. harsh and rough in manner or texture (harsh)
- accelerate v. speed up (speed up)
- admonish v. to warn or scold firmly (warn)
- advocate v. publicly support or speak in favor of (support)
- affliction n. something that causes pain or suffering (suffering)
- aggravate v. make a problem or injury worse (worsen)
- agitated adj. nervous, upset, and unable to stay calm (upset)
- allot v. to give out shares for a purpose (assign)
- amass v. to gather a large amount over time (collect)
- ambush n. a surprise attack from a hidden spot (trap)
- amend v. change something to improve or correct it (revise)
- animated adj. full of life and excitement (lively)
- apathetic adj. showing no interest or concern (uninterested)
- appall v. shock and disgust greatly (shock)
- apparition n. a ghostly figure (ghost)
- appraise v. to judge the value or quality of (evaluate)
- articulate adj. able to express ideas clearly in words (well-spoken)
- artifact n. an object made by people long ago (relic)
- attentive adj. carefully listening, watching, and noticing (alert)
- audible adj. loud enough to be heard (detectable)
- augment v. make larger by adding to (increase)
- awkward adj. uncomfortable or clumsy (clumsy)
- belligerent adj. eager to fight or argue (hostile)
- beseech v. to beg someone urgently (beg)
- bizarre adj. very strange or unusual (strange)
- blight n. a disease that destroys plants (disease)
- brash adj. overly bold and self-confident, often rude (cocky)
- bravado n. showy, fake boldness (swagger)
- brawl n. a rough, noisy fight (fight)
- brusque adj. short and rude in speech or manner (abrupt)
- calamity n. a terrible disaster (disaster)
- careen v. to rush along while swerving out of control (swerve)
- censor v. remove parts considered unacceptable (edit)
- chasm n. a deep crack in the earth (gorge)
- chide v. to scold mildly (scold)
- chronic adj. lasting a long time or returning often (long-lasting)
- chronicle n. a record of events in time order (record)
- clamber v. to climb awkwardly using hands and feet (scramble)
- coerce v. to force someone by using threats (force)
- coherent adj. logical and clearly connected (logical)
- collaborate v. to work together (cooperate)
- compatible adj. able to work or exist well together (suited)
- compensate v. to pay back or make up for (repay)
- complacent adj. too satisfied with oneself to keep trying hard (smug)
- conform v. to follow a group's rules or customs (comply)
- congregate v. to gather together in a crowd (gather)
- consolidate v. to combine into one stronger whole (combine)
- contagious adj. able to spread from person to person (catching)
- contaminate v. to make impure by adding something harmful (pollute)
- contrite adj. feeling sorry for doing wrong (sorry)
- convene v. to come together for a formal meeting (assemble)
- copious adj. large in amount; plentiful (plentiful)
- corrode v. to wear away slowly by chemical action (rust)
- covert adj. secret or hidden (secret)
- credulous adj. too ready to believe things (gullible)
- culprit n. the one responsible for a problem (offender)
- curtail v. to cut short or reduce (reduce)
- cynical adj. believing people act only out of selfishness (distrustful)
- dauntless adj. fearless and determined (fearless)
- decipher v. to figure out something hard to read (decode)
- decree n. an official order from a ruler (order)
- decrepit adj. old and in very poor condition (worn-out)
- deduce v. to figure out by reasoning (conclude)
- defer v. put off until later (delay)
- deluge n. a huge flood or overwhelming amount (flood)
- demeanor n. the way a person looks and behaves (manner)
- demure adj. quiet, shy, and modest (shy)
- deplorable adj. very bad and deserving strong disapproval (shameful)
- deviate v. turn away from the usual course or plan (stray)
- devoted adj. very loving and loyal (loyal)
- devout adj. deeply religious or loyal (faithful)
- dexterity n. skill in using the hands (skill)
- disarray n. a messy, disorganized state (mess)
- discourage v. make someone less eager or confident to try (put off)
- discreet adj. careful not to draw attention or reveal secrets (tactful)
- distraught adj. extremely upset and worried (frantic)
- drastic adj. extreme and having a strong effect (extreme)
- eligible adj. allowed or qualified to do something (qualified)
- elite adj. among the best of a group (top)
- empathetic adj. able to understand and share others' feelings (understanding)
- emphatic adj. said with force to show importance (forceful)
- endearing adj. causing affection; lovable (lovable)
- enigma n. a mystery; something hard to understand (mystery)
- enlighten v. give someone knowledge or understanding (inform)
- enrage v. make extremely angry (anger)
- epidemic n. a fast spread of disease among many people (outbreak)
- ethical adj. morally right and fair (moral)
- evident adj. plain to see; obvious (obvious)
- excessive adj. more than is reasonable or needed (unreasonable)
- exemplary adj. so good it is a model for others (ideal)
- exhilarate v. make very happy and excited (thrill)
- explicit adj. stated clearly and in detail (specific)
- exploit v. to take full or unfair advantage of (use)
- fallible adj. capable of making mistakes (imperfect)
- fatal adj. causing death or disaster (deadly)
- feral adj. wild, especially after once being tame (wild)
- fictitious adj. made up; not real (imaginary)
- flagrant adj. shockingly obvious, usually of wrongdoing (blatant)
- flamboyant adj. showy, bold, and colorful (showy)
- flounder v. to struggle clumsily or in confusion (struggle)
- fluent adj. able to speak or write easily and smoothly (smooth)
- forlorn adj. sad and lonely (lonely)
- frenzy n. a state of wild excitement (madness)
- furtive adj. secretive; trying not to be noticed (sneaky)
- gaudy adj. too bright or showy, in poor taste (flashy)
- genial adj. friendly and cheerful (friendly)
- gloat v. to brag about your success or others' failure (brag)
- grotesque adj. ugly or distorted in a strange way (hideous)
- grueling adj. extremely tiring and demanding (exhausting)
- guile n. clever trickery used to get what you want (trickery)
- haphazard adj. lacking order or plan; random (random)
- hapless adj. unlucky (unlucky)
- hefty adj. large and heavy (heavy)
- hierarchy n. a system ranking people or things by level (ranking)
- homage n. public honor or respect shown to someone (tribute)
- humane adj. kind and gentle, avoiding cruelty (kind)
- hypothetical adj. imagined or supposed, not actually real (supposed)
- illustrious adj. famous and admired for great achievements (celebrated)
- immune adj. protected from a disease or effect (resistant)
- impair v. weaken or damage (harm)
- impasse n. a situation where no progress is possible (standstill)
- impertinent adj. rude and disrespectful (disrespectful)
- impose v. force a rule or burden on others (force)
- improvise v. make or do something without planning (invent)
- inert adj. not moving or not chemically active (inactive)
- infamous adj. well known for something bad (notorious)
- inflict v. cause something harmful or unpleasant (cause)
- innate adj. present from birth; natural (natural)
- insatiable adj. impossible to satisfy (endless)
- interrogate v. to question someone closely and thoroughly (question)
- intervene v. step in to change or stop something (step in)
- intricate adj. having many small, complicated parts (complex)
- invincible adj. too strong to be defeated (unbeatable)
- irrelevant adj. not connected to the topic (unrelated)
- irritable adj. easily annoyed (grumpy)
- jaded adj. bored or unexcited from too much experience (weary)
- jargon n. special words used by a particular group (lingo)
- judicious adj. showing good judgment and sense (wise)
- lackluster adj. dull, with no energy or sparkle (dull)
- languid adj. slow, relaxed, and lacking energy (lazy)
- lax adj. not strict or careful enough (loose)
- lethal adj. able to cause death (deadly)
- lucid adj. clear and easy to understand (clear)
- malady n. a disease or illness (illness)
- malleable adj. easily shaped or changed (bendable)
- meddle v. interfere in other people's business (interfere)
- methodical adj. careful and orderly, following a plan (orderly)
- milestone n. an important event or stage in progress (landmark)
- minuscule adj. extremely small (tiny)
- mirth n. amusement shown through laughter (laughter)
- momentous adj. very important, with big effects (important)
- monotonous adj. dull because it never changes (dull)
- morose adj. gloomy and sullen (gloomy)
- mutual adj. shared equally by two or more people (shared)
- nemesis n. a long-time opponent who is hard to beat (rival)
- nostalgic adj. longing fondly for the past (sentimental)
- notion n. an idea or belief (idea)
- noxious adj. harmful or poisonous, especially to breathe (harmful)
- oasis n. a green spot with water in a desert (refuge)
- obliterate v. destroy completely (destroy)
- onslaught n. a fierce, overwhelming rush or attack (assault)
- outcast n. a person rejected by a group (outsider)
- outlandish adj. very strange or bizarre (strange)
- outspoken adj. openly and boldly stating opinions (frank)
- overbearing adj. bossy and controlling (bossy)
- paltry adj. pitifully small or meager (small)
- peevish adj. easily annoyed and whiny (cranky)
- perish v. to die or be destroyed (die)
- pessimistic adj. expecting the worst to happen (negative)
- petition n. a formal written request signed by many (request)
- pinnacle n. the highest point (peak)
- pious adj. deeply religious (religious)
- plaintive adj. sounding sad and mournful (mournful)
- plentiful adj. existing in large amounts (abundant)
- pliable adj. easily bent or shaped (bendable)
- posterity n. all future generations of people (descendants)
- precedent n. an earlier example that guides later decisions (example)
- precocious adj. showing adult abilities very early in life (gifted)
- predecessor n. someone who held a position before another (forerunner)
- predominant adj. strongest or most common (main)
- preliminary adj. coming before the main event (initial)
- premise n. the basic idea a story or argument rests on (basis)
- prevalent adj. widespread; very common (common)
- prim adj. stiffly proper and neat (proper)
- procure v. to get something, often with effort (obtain)
- prolific adj. producing a great amount of work (productive)
- propel v. to push or drive forward (push)
- proponent n. a person who supports an idea (supporter)
- qualm n. an uneasy feeling of doubt or guilt (doubt)
- quandary n. a state of not knowing what to do (dilemma)
- rambunctious adj. wild, noisy, and full of energy (rowdy)
- rampant adj. spreading wildly and out of control (unchecked)
- rancid adj. smelling or tasting spoiled (spoiled)
- ratify v. to formally approve or confirm (approve)
- raucous adj. loud and harsh-sounding (noisy)
- rebellious adj. resisting authority or rules (defiant)
- rebuttal n. an argument answering and opposing another (reply)
- receptive adj. open and willing to accept new ideas (open)
- reclusive adj. avoiding other people; living alone (solitary)
- rectify v. fix a mistake; set something right (fix)
- recuperate v. to recover after illness or exhaustion (recover)
- redundant adj. unnecessary because it repeats something (repetitive)
- regal adj. fit for a king or queen (royal)
- reiterate v. say again, often for emphasis (repeat)
- rejuvenate v. to make fresh or lively again (refresh)
- relevant adj. closely connected to the topic (related)
- renounce v. to formally give up a claim or belief (give up)
- reprieve n. a short break from something unpleasant (relief)
- reproach n. a look or word showing disapproval (blame)
- repulsive adj. causing strong disgust (disgusting)
- reputable adj. well thought of and trusted (respected)
- resent v. to feel bitter about unfair treatment (dislike)
- restless adj. unable to stay still or relax (fidgety)
- retract v. to take back or pull back (withdraw)
- revelry n. lively, noisy celebration (celebration)
- revoke v. officially cancel or take back (cancel)
- rift n. a break in a friendship; a split (split)
- rotund adj. round and plump (plump)
- rudimentary adj. basic; at the simplest early stage (basic)
- rugged adj. rough and uneven; tough (rough)
- sabotage n. deliberate damage done to ruin plans (destruction)
- saunter v. to walk in a slow, relaxed way (stroll)
- savory adj. salty or spicy rather than sweet (tasty)
- scant adj. barely enough; very little (meager)
- scapegoat n. someone unfairly blamed for others' mistakes (fall guy)
- scornful adj. showing that you look down on something (mocking)
- secluded adj. hidden away from other people (isolated)
- sentiment n. a feeling or opinion (feeling)
- sever v. to cut off or break apart completely (cut)
- shirk v. to avoid a duty or task (dodge)
- shrill adj. high-pitched and piercing (piercing)
- simulate v. to imitate how something looks or works (imitate)
- simultaneous adj. happening at the same time (concurrent)
- slander v. say false things that damage someone's reputation (smear)
- sleek adj. smooth, shiny, and streamlined (smooth)
- smother v. to cover something so it gets no air (suffocate)
- solicit v. to ask for something, such as money or help (request)
- spectacle n. an impressive or unusual sight (sight)
- speculate v. guess without having all the facts (guess)
- spirited adj. full of energy and enthusiasm (lively)
- spurn v. reject with scorn (reject)
- stamina n. the energy to keep going a long time (endurance)
- stature n. importance or reputation earned by achievement (standing)
- stifle v. hold back or stop from happening (hold back)
- stigma n. a mark of shame or disgrace (shame)
- strategy n. a careful plan for reaching a goal (plan)
- strenuous adj. needing great effort or energy (exhausting)
- stringent adj. very strict and exact (strict)
- subdue v. bring under control; overcome (control)
- submissive adj. too ready to obey others (obedient)
- succumb v. give in to a force or pressure (give in)
- sumptuous adj. rich, splendid, and costly-looking (luxurious)
- supple adj. bending easily; flexible (flexible)
- suppress v. to hold back or keep from showing (restrain)
- surly adj. rude and bad-tempered (rude)
- surplus n. an amount more than what is needed (excess)
- susceptible adj. easily affected or harmed (prone)
- sustain v. to keep something going over time (maintain)
- tangible adj. able to be touched; real (concrete)
- tardy adj. arriving after the expected time (late)
- tarnish v. dull the shine of; damage a reputation (stain)
- taunt v. to tease someone in a mean way (mock)
- temperate adj. mild in climate; not extreme (mild)
- terse adj. using very few words, often rudely (curt)
- threshold n. a doorway; the point where something begins (edge)
- thwart v. stop someone from doing what they planned (prevent)
- tirade n. a long, angry speech (rant)
- toxic adj. poisonous (poisonous)
- trespass v. enter someone's property without permission (intrude)
- tribute n. something done or given to show respect (honor)
- trite adj. used so often it seems dull (overused)
- turmoil n. a state of great confusion or disorder (chaos)
- undermine v. weaken gradually or secretly (weaken)
- unearth v. dig up or discover something hidden (uncover)
- unkempt adj. messy and not cared for (messy)
- unrest n. a state of anger and disturbance (turmoil)
- unscathed adj. not hurt or harmed at all (unharmed)
- unveil v. to reveal or show for the first time (reveal)
- upheaval n. a sudden, major change or disturbance (disruption)
- uphold v. to support and keep a rule or tradition (support)
- utmost adj. greatest; highest possible (greatest)
- vagabond n. a person who wanders with no home (wanderer)
- valid adj. based on good reasons; acceptable (sound)
- vehement adj. showing strong, forceful feeling (forceful)
- vendetta n. a long, bitter feud (feud)
- venomous adj. able to inject poison by biting or stinging (poisonous)
- vindicate v. to prove someone right or innocent (clear)
- virtue n. a good quality in a person's character (goodness)
- vocal adj. expressing opinions loudly and freely (outspoken)
- voluntary adj. done by choice, not required (optional)
- wane v. gradually become smaller or weaker (fade)
- whimper v. to make soft, weak crying sounds (whine)
- wield v. hold and use a tool or power with skill (handle)
- wily adj. clever in a tricky way (sly)
- withstand v. hold up against force and survive undamaged (resist)
- wrath n. extreme anger (rage)
- writhe v. to twist and squirm (squirm)
- wry adj. dryly funny, with gentle mockery (dry)
- zany adj. wildly silly and funny (silly)
Synonyms in brackets are the kind of answer choice the ISEE synonym questions use. The flashcards also test each word in an ISEE-style sentence completion.
Getting Started
How to Use the Flashcards
Anki (recommended)
- Install Anki: free on Mac and PC from apps.ankiweb.net, free AnkiDroid on Android, or AnkiMobile on iPhone and iPad.
- Download the deck and double-click the file (or use File → Import).
- Start with 1 · Core 200. Ten new words a day is plenty.
- Do the day’s reviews every day. That is the habit that makes words stick.
Quizlet
- Download the Quizlet sets and unzip them.
- In Quizlet, choose Create → Flashcard set → Import.
- Paste one file and set the separators to Tab and New line.
- Repeat for each set. Use Learn mode on the Core 200 first.
Study Plan
A Simple 10-Week Plan
50 new words a week (about 10 a day, five days a week). In Anki every card is tagged by week (ISEE::Week::01–10), so it’s easy to see where your child should be.
| Week | Deck | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Core 200 | Words 1–50 |
| Week 2 | Core 200 | Words 51–100 |
| Week 3 | Core 200 | Words 101–150 |
| Week 4 | Core 200 | Words 151–200 |
| Week 5 | Extension 300 | Words 201–250 |
| Week 6 | Extension 300 | Words 251–300 |
| Week 7 | Extension 300 | Words 301–350 |
| Week 8 | Extension 300 | Words 351–400 |
| Week 9 | Extension 300 | Words 401–450 |
| Week 10 | Extension 300 | Words 451–500 |
Short on time? Finish just the Core 200 (weeks 1–4). These are the words most likely to show up on test day.
All Three Levels
Free Vocabulary Decks for Every ISEE Level
1,500 words in total, with no repeats between levels. Start at your child’s level; if many of the words are new, begin one level down.
Middle Level
500 words for students in grades 6–7 applying to grades 7–8.
You are here
FAQ
Vocabulary Flashcards — Questions
Yes. Both downloads are free, with no sign-up and no email required. Share them with any family preparing for the ISEE.
The words are chosen for the Middle Level ISEE, which students in grades 6 and 7 take when applying to grades 7 and 8. None of them repeat the Lower Level deck, so a student who finished that deck can move straight on to this one.
Install the free Anki app on a Mac or PC (ankiweb.net), or AnkiDroid on Android, or AnkiMobile on iPhone and iPad. Then double-click the .apkg file, or use File → Import in Anki. Everything (audio, fonts, styling) is built in.
Unzip the download. It contains six text files and a short how-to. In Quizlet choose Create → Flashcard set → Import, paste one file, set the separators to Tab and New line, and click Import.
About 10 new words a day, five days a week, finishes the Core 200 in four weeks and all 500 in ten. Anki brings each word back just before it would be forgotten, so short daily sessions of 10–15 minutes work best.
ISEE is a registered trademark of ERB, which does not sponsor or endorse this resource.