All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #701 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICE
Penchant
Fancy
Levity
Expurgation
Intoxication
Fancy
A "caprice" is a "fancy" or a whim. This is different from "levity," which means humor, lightheartedness, or vivacity. (Less commonly, it can describe a classical music composition.) "Intoxication" is drunkenness, and "expurgation" is censorship. A "penchant" for something is a proclivity, affinity, or liking for it.
Example Question #702 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONTRETEMPS
Squall
Preamble
Quarrel
Indictment
Statuary
Quarrel
A "contretemps" is a minor "quarrel," disagreement, or argument. A "squall" is a storm or tempest. An "indictment" is a formal accusation or charge. "Preamble" is a synonym for "introduction," and "statuary" is another word for a group of statues.
Example Question #701 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLEMENCY
Ire
Verisimilitude
Mercy
Currency
Caprice
Mercy
"Clemency" is mercifulness, leniency, or forgiveness. "Verisimilitude" describes the appearance or quality of realness. A "caprice" is a whim or passing notion. "Currency" can mean either money or prevalence and popularity, depending on its context. "Ire" means wrath or anger.
Example Question #702 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROPINQUITY
Proximity
Mercy
Commendation
Abstention
Guilt
Proximity
"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.
Example Question #703 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ESPIONAGE
Spying
Munificence
Largesse
Crime
Duplicity
Spying
"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.
Example Question #704 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIP
Obstinacy
Paucity
Dullard
Joke
Dearth
Joke
A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.
Example Question #705 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SQUABBLE
Alacrity
Velocity
Approbation
Disagreement
Profundity
Disagreement
A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.
Example Question #706 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CIRCUMLOCUTION
Hearty laughter
Careful navigation
Confused wandering
Geometric perimeter
Roundabout speech
Roundabout speech
"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.
Example Question #707 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VAGARY
Ambiguity
Probity
Clarity
Choler
Whim
Whim
A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."
Example Question #708 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MORES
Averages
Conventions
Punishments
Surfeit
Plethora
Conventions
"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.
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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
