All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #473 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIRK
Idiosyncrasy
Plan
Particle
Wrinkle
Mistake
Idiosyncrasy
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
Equality
Performance
Satire
Tradition
Debate
Equality
"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
Concern
Discovery
Pattern
Stipple
Disaster
Disaster
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
Emotion
Epitome
Criticism
Shape
Trickery
Epitome
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
Duration
Misgiving
Liberty
Art
Promotion
Misgiving
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
Gesture
Design
Ideal
Insinuation
Polygon
Ideal
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
Lament
Contrition
Plight
Banter
Speech
Banter
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
Trick
Courtesy
Kin
Mistake
Blockage
Trick
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
Contribution
Weather
Notice
Plague
Blessing
Plague
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
Danger
Ruse
Hole
Disappearance
Shelter
Danger
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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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
