SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #389 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Clemency

Paucity

Abundance

Circumlocution

Circumspection

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #390 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Newness

Mirth

Ignorance

Creed

Profligacy 

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

Example Question #391 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Deadness

Intuition

Propinquity

Contretemps

Logic

Correct answer:

Logic

Explanation:

"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.

Example Question #392 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Spirit

Mendicant

Ill will

Stinginess

Hatred

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Animosity" is "hatred" or extreme dislike for something. Don't confuse this with "animus," which has a variety of definitions: mental archetype, spirit, or ill will. A "mendicant" is a beggar. "Stinginess" means thriftiness and miserliness.

Example Question #393 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ABLUTION

Possible Answers:

Conundrum

Propriety

Animosity

Washing

Negation

Correct answer:

Washing

Explanation:

An "ablution" is a ceremonial washing or cleansing, often for forgiveness. "Negation" means contradiction or opposite. "Animosity" is hatred, and "propriety" means decorum. A "conundrum" is a dilemma or difficult situation.

Example Question #394 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ABSOLUTION

Possible Answers:

Cleansing

Theology

Belief

Forgiveness

Expertise

Correct answer:

Forgiveness

Explanation:

"Absolution" means "forgiveness" or expiation of sins. Don't confuse this with "ablution," a ceremonial cleansing. While "absolution" is often a religious ritual, it is not a religious philosophy or theology itself. "Expertise" is skillfulness or knowledge. "Credulity" is another word for belief.

Example Question #395 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

APARTHEID

Possible Answers:

Brevity

Segregation

Poise

Tenacity

Canniness

Correct answer:

Segregation

Explanation:

"Apartheid" is a form of racial segregation (specific to South Africa). "Canniness" is a synonym for "cleverness." "Tenacity" is a synonym for "perseverance," and "brevity" is a synonym for "briefness," concision. "Poise" is another word for aplomb, grace, or elegance.

Example Question #396 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Interlude

Degeneracy

Respite

Applause

Truthfulness

Correct answer:

Truthfulness

Explanation:

"Veracity" refers to truth, accuracy, or faithfulness to the facts. An "interlude" is an intermission or break, as is a "respite." "Degeneracy" means criminality or corruption. "Applause" is the act of cheering for something or someone.

Example Question #397 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

AFFINITY

Possible Answers:

Riposte

Liking

Contretemps

Quarrel

Effrontery

Correct answer:

Liking

Explanation:

To have an "affinity" for something is to have a liking, penchant, inclination, or affection for it. "Contretemps" and "quarrel" are synonyms for dispute. A "riposte" is a retort or snappy response. "Effrontery" is impudence or boldness.

Example Question #398 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ABNEGATION

Possible Answers:

Bafflement

Quintessence

Indulgence

Rejection

Expiation

Correct answer:

Rejection

Explanation:

Depending on the context, "abnegation" can be "rejection" or renunciation of a principle or it can be temperance and self-denial. The latter is an antonym for "indulgence." "Bafflement" is confusion, and "expiation" is atonement. The "quintessence" of something is its epitome, its perfect example.

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