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 #703 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Currency

Verisimilitude

Ire

Caprice

Mercy

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

"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 #704 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROPINQUITY

Possible Answers:

Abstention

Guilt

Commendation

Proximity

Mercy

Correct answer:

Proximity

Explanation:

"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 #705 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ESPIONAGE

Possible Answers:

Duplicity

Largesse

Crime

Munificence

Spying

Correct answer:

Spying

Explanation:

"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 #706 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

QUIP

Possible Answers:

Obstinacy

Paucity

Dearth

Joke

Dullard

Correct answer:

Joke

Explanation:

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 #707 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SQUABBLE

Possible Answers:

Disagreement

Profundity

Alacrity

Velocity

Approbation

Correct answer:

Disagreement

Explanation:

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 #708 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CIRCUMLOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Confused wandering

Careful navigation

Roundabout speech

Hearty laughter

Geometric perimeter

Correct answer:

Roundabout speech

Explanation:

"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 #751 : Synonyms

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

VAGARY

Possible Answers:

Whim

Clarity

Choler

Ambiguity

Probity

Correct answer:

Whim

Explanation:

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 #752 : Synonyms

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

MORES

Possible Answers:

Averages

Surfeit

Punishments

Plethora

Conventions

Correct answer:

Conventions

Explanation:

"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.

Example Question #711 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ONUS

Possible Answers:

Lucidity

Gemstone

Burden

Lexicon

Work

Correct answer:

Burden

Explanation:

"Onus" is a synonym for "burden," obligation, or responsibility. Don't confuse this with "opus," which is a work, or "opal," which is a gemstone. "Lucidity" is clearness. A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list.

Example Question #712 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ATONEMENT

Possible Answers:

Expiation

Clemency

Solicitude

Alacrity

Alarm

Correct answer:

Expiation

Explanation:

"Atonement" is another word for "expiation," making amends for one's wrongdoings. "Alacrity" means liveliness or quickness. "Alarm" is awareness of and worry about danger. "Solicitude" is concern and care. "Clemency," or mercy, is one possible response to a person's attempts at atonement.

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