Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

A "paradigm" is an ideal or perfect model of something. One might write, "He is the paradigm of a perfect student."

Since "repartee" is a noun that means a conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies, we're looking for a noun that refers to speech and includes a connotation of being witty. "Speech" is a tempting answer, but it is too broad to be the correct answer. "Lament" and "banter" both refer to kinds of speech, but where "lament" specifies speech that is mournful or regretful, "banter" means speech in which the participants converse in a witty and teasing manner. Because "banter" not only refers to a type of speech but also specifically refers to a type of witty speech, it is the closest synonym to "repartee," and the best answer choice.

Since "epitome" is a noun which means "a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type," we need to find another noun that means "perfect example of." While "antithesis" may seem like a good answer choice, it is a noun which means "a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else," so it is the opposite of an "epitome" and not the word we're looking for. "Quintessence," on the other hand, means "the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class"; since it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "epitome," it is the correct answer.

"Dilemma" is a noun that means "a situation in which you have to make a difficult choice," so we need to pick out another word that means something like "problem." "Setback" and "quandary" both appear to be potentially correct answers, "setback" means " a problem that makes progress more difficult or success less likely" and "quandary" means "a situation in which you are confused about what to do." Since "quandary" is closer in meaning to "dilemma," since both words have to do with making difficult choices, "quandary" is the correct answer.

"Qualm" is a noun that means "an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct," so we need to pick out another word that means something like "doubt" or "worry." Since "misgiving" means "a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something," it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "qualm" and thus the correct answer.

While "cupidity" may sound like it is related to "Cupid," a classical god of love, "cupidity" is actually a noun meaning greed for material wealth. So, while "love" or "lust" might look like the best potential answer based on how "cupidity" sounds, "avarice" (extreme greed) is actually its closest synonym and the correct answer.

While "alarm" might look like a potentially good answer choice because both "alacrity" and "alarm" begin with "ala-," or "criticism," because "alacrity" contains the infix "-crit-," which is also present in "criticism," "alacrity" actually means "brisk and cheerful readiness," so "eagerness" is its closest synonym and the correct answer.

While "wont" looks like "won't," it has a different meaning from the contraction, so "will not" is not the correct answer. Similarly, while "wanton" is a synonym of "lewd," "wont" and "wanton" have completely different meanings, and while a "font" is a term for a fountain, the only thing "font" and "wont" have in common with each other is that they can both be used as nouns and they rhyme. While "desire" is a synonym of "want," "want" and "wont" are different words with different meanings. "Wont" as a noun means "one's customary behavior in a particular situation," and as an adjective it refers to people and means "in the habit of doing something; accustomed." Since "habit" means "a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up," "habit" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "wont" and the correct answer.

An "odyssey" is defined as a lengthy journey, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like journey. While "trek," "errand," and "jaunt" all refer to various kinds of journeys, an errand is defined as a short trip made to accomplish a certain task, and "jaunt" means a short trip taken for fun. Both refer to journeys too short for either to be comparable to an "odyssey," but "trek" means a long and difficult journey. Because "trek" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "odyssey," "trek" is the correct answer.

This is a tricky one. When you see the word husbandry, you probably recognize the word husband and assume that husbandry has something to do with marriage, parenthood, or child-rearing. Husbandry actually has to do with farm management, and perhaps in a more indirect way with management of the household. The only choice that really works for that definition is "Farm management."

"Collusion"means a secret agreement or "conspiracy."

"Poise"is composure, dignity, or "grace" in a person.

A "ruse"is a subterfuge,ploy, or "trick."

"Strife" means discord, disagreement, or "conflict."

Umbrage means annoyance or "offense."

"Amity" means a friendly relationship, or friendship.

"Nostalgia" means a sentimental longing for the past, or remembrance.

"Parity"means equality. The similarly pronounced "parody" is a synonym of satire.

A "quirk" is an unusual habit, or an "idiosyncrasy."

"Zest" means fervor or zeal, so "enthusiasm" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices.