SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #481 : Synonyms: Nouns

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SCOURGE

Possible Answers:

Plague 

Notice 

Blessing 

Contribution

Weather 

Correct answer:

Plague 

Explanation:

A “scourge” is a plague or tormentor as in “the neighbor’s terrifying dog was the scourge of my childhood.” For clarification, weather can be used to mean to endure as in “he weathered the storm.”

Example Question #148 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PITFALL

Possible Answers:

Disappearance

Hole

Danger

Ruse

Shelter

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

You can infer from the words "pit" and "fall" contained in "pitfall" that the word describes something that could cause someone's downfall. In fact, a "pitfall" is a danger, so "danger" is the correct answer. By dissecting the word "pitfall," it is possible to infer its meaning. 

Example Question #482 : Synonyms: Nouns

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

STANDSTILL

Possible Answers:

Altercation

Facade

Connection

Wreckage

Deadlock

Correct answer:

Deadlock

Explanation:

"Standstill" means a stop or a deadlock. "Connection" is a link or bond between two or more people or items. "Altercation" is a fight or argument. "Wreckage" is the remains of the things after it has been severly damaged or broken. "Facade" is the front or face of something

Example Question #483 : Synonyms: Nouns

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters. 

PLATITUDE

Possible Answers:

Distraction 

Pluck

Cliché

Diversity

Argument

Correct answer:

Cliché

Explanation:

A "platitude" is a statement or expression that is overused. Thus, "cliché" is a synonym.

Example Question #484 : Synonyms: Nouns

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

LEVITY

Possible Answers:

Lying

Mystery 

Lightheartedness

Disposition

Abandonment

Correct answer:

Lightheartedness

Explanation:

Levity is the quality of being carefree. Thus, "lightheartedness" is the best synonym. While "levity" can describe a type of disposition, "disposition" is not a synonym, and so that is not the correct answer.

Example Question #485 : Synonyms: Nouns

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

AVARICE

Possible Answers:

Usefulness

Average

Greed

Answer

Argument

Correct answer:

Greed

Explanation:

"Avarice" means greed. (Example: "The mayor's decision to begin constructing a new subway was born of avarice, as the company he contracted to begin construction actually belonged to him.") Therefore, "greed," being the definition of "avarice," may also serve as a synonym.

Example Question #155 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

COMPENSATION

Possible Answers:

Payment

Destruction

Emotion

Transformation

Sympathy

Correct answer:

Payment

Explanation:

"Compensation" means payment, so "payment" is the correct answer.

Example Question #486 : Synonyms: Nouns

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ADVENT

Possible Answers:

Evening

Employer

Death

Arrival 

Confidant

Correct answer:

Arrival 

Explanation:

"Advent" is defined as arrival or coming. The Latin root word "venire" means to come. So, "arrival" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "advent": “employer” means boss; “death” means the event of dying or demise; “evening” means twilight or sundown; and “confidant” means friend to whom one entrusts secrets.  

Example Question #156 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Duplicity

Possible Answers:

Disappointment 

Visitor

Beginning

Dishonesty

Beauty

Correct answer:

Dishonesty

Explanation:

"Duplicity" means dishonesty or deceit. The Latin root word, "duplicitas," means doubling.

Example Question #532 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Penury

Possible Answers:

Anarchy

Poverty

Arrow

Risk

Substitution

Correct answer:

Poverty

Explanation:

"Penury" means scarcity or extreme poverty. The Latin root word, "penuria," means want or need.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors