Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

One definition of minute is very small.

To curb something means to restrain it or keep it in check.

“Vault” is a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but because all of the answer choices can be used as verbs, we will need to consider “vault” as a verb. When used as a verb, “vault” means “leap or spring,” or, when used with an object, “jump over an obstacle.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “leap over something.” That means that “tumble” cannot be the correct answer, because “tumble,” when used as a verb, typically refers to a person and means “fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong,” a meaning very distant from that of “vault.” “Hurdle,” however, when used as a verb, means “jump over (a hurdle or other obstacle) while running,” when used with an object, and because “hurdle” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “vault,” “hurdle” is the correct answer.

“Reproach” is a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but because all of the answer choices can be used as verbs, we will need to consider “reproach” as a verb. When used as a verb, “reproach” means “to express disapproval or disappointment,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “express disapproval or disappointment.” That means that “congratulate” cannot be the correct answer, because “congratulate” means “to praise for a particular achievement,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “reproach.” “Fault,” however, when used as a verb, means “criticize for inadequacy or mistakes,” and because “fault” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “reproach,” “fault” is the correct answer.

To "brief" someone means to inform them about something.

"Utter" means to make a noise or say something out loud.

“Breach” is a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but because all of the potential answer choices are verbs, we will need to consider “breach” as a verb. When used as a verb, “breach” can mean “make a gap in something and break through” or “break or fail to observe something contracted or necessary.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “break through” or “fail to observe.” That means that “obey” cannot be the correct answer, because “obey” can mean “ behave in accordance with authority,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “breach.” “Infringe,” however, is a verb that can mean “actively break the terms of a contract or law,” and because “infringe” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “breach,” “infringe” is the correct answer.

To "engineer" something means to arrange for it to happen, or to contrive things.

The words "branch" or "division" can both refer to a specialized department at an institution. The other words are related to money.

"Will" and "determination" are synonyms. In this case, we must distinguish between the word "will" as it would be used in a verb construction and think of the word as a representation of one's willpower or drive.

The words "effect" and "impact" are synonyms referring to the result of another event or action. The other words might seem related to the word "affect," which is frequently confused with "effect." Unfortunately, the meanings of the other answer choices are not related to the word "effect."

The adjective and verb "unfettered" means freed of, not restrained by, released from inhibition or confinement. This is closest in meaning to "liberated" which means set free, free. Additionally, "trivial" and "nominal" are synonyms, both words mean insignificant, not important; "customary" means traditional, according to common custom, conventional and polite; "intuitive" means easily able to be understood using one's natural intellect.

"Refuse" may be a verb meaning to decline or indicate one is unwilling to do something. "Refuse" may also be a noun meaning matter thrown away or rejected as worthless. The possible answers are nouns, and the "garbage" is theanswer that most closely matches the second meaning.

To pitch an idea or plan means to propose it.

An incarnation is the embodiment of a god, or an individual's lifetime.

“Quake” is a verb that means “shake or tremble,” especially when referring to the earth, or “shake or shudder with fear” when referring to a person. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “shake.” That means that “freeze” cannot be the correct answer, because “freeze” can mean “to become paralyzed with fear or shock,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “quake.” “Quiver,” however, is a verb that means “to tremble or shake,” and because “quiver” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “quake,” “quiver” is the correct answer.

"Glacial"can have two meanings: very cold or moving very slowly. ("Glacial"comes from the word "glacier," which is a huge mass of ice that moves extremely slowly.) Given that none of the answer choices are similar to the word "cold,"the best synonym is one that means slow.Thus, the best answer choice is "slow."

"Current" and "airstream" can be synonyms, especially if the word "current" represents a stream of wind ("current" can also refer to the present time). The other words are not related in meaning to the word "current."

"Elite" and "exclusive" are synonyms referring to a select group (usually implying the selection is tied to excellence). The other words do not have related meanings. "Natural" means not artificial. "Audible" means perceptible through aural faculties.

"Wind" may be a noun (relating to air movement and weather), but it may also be a verb. As a verb, "wind" means to move in a twisting or spiral course. The verb "weave" means to turn from side to side while moving somewhere, and is an appropriate synonym for wind.