SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #473 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIRK

Possible Answers:

Idiosyncrasy

Plan

Particle

Wrinkle

Mistake

Correct answer:

Idiosyncrasy

Explanation:

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

Example Question #474 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Equality

Performance

Satire

Tradition

Debate

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

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

Example Question #475 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEBACLE

Possible Answers:

Concern

Discovery

Pattern

Stipple

Disaster 

Correct answer:

Disaster 

Explanation:

A “debacle” is an unfortunate event with disastrous consequences, so the best available synonym is “disaster.” 

Example Question #476 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Emotion

Epitome

Criticism

Shape

Trickery

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

A "paragon" is a model or epitome, so "epitome" is the correct answer.

Example Question #476 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCRUPLE

Possible Answers:

Duration

Misgiving

Liberty

Art

Promotion

Correct answer:

Misgiving

Explanation:

A "scruple" is a feeling of doubt or a misgiving because one feels out of suspicion that a course of action may be immoral, so "misgiving" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "scruple": "liberty" means freedom; "art" means the class of objects and activities subject to aesthetic criteria; "duration" means a length of time; and "promotion" means advancement.

Example Question #477 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARADIGM

Possible Answers:

Gesture

Design

Ideal

Insinuation

Polygon

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

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

Example Question #478 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPARTEE

Possible Answers:

Lament

Contrition

Plight

Banter

Speech

Correct answer:

Banter

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #479 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Trick

Courtesy

Kin

Mistake

Blockage

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

A ruse is a trick.  

Example Question #481 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCOURGE

Possible Answers:

Contribution

Weather 

Notice 

Plague 

Blessing 

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 #482 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PITFALL

Possible Answers:

Danger

Ruse

Hole

Disappearance

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. 

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