All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #733 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KOAN
Domicile
Absolution
Riddle
Censure
Vestment
Riddle
A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.
Example Question #734 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANALITY
Obstinacy
Anecdote
Truism
Lament
Verisimilitude
Truism
A "banality" is a "truism," a platitude, a saying that is often repeated but has little or no meaning. This is different from an "anecdote," which is a short story of any sort. "Verisimilitude" is the quality or appearance of realness, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness. A "lament" is a sorrowful wail or cry.
Example Question #735 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMELIORATION
Assignation
Emissary
Improvement
Exacerbation
Vituperation
Improvement
To "ameliorate" conditions is to improve or lessen their harshness. To "exacerbate," or to worsen, is the opposite. "Vituperation" is bitter verbal abuse, and an "emissary" is an envoy or an ambassador. An "assignation" is an illicit rendezvous, often of a romantic nature.
Example Question #736 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INJUNCTION
Jurisprudence
Depravity
Turpitude
Banality
Order
Order
An "injunction" is a formal order, often delivered from a court of law. This is different from "jurisprudence," which is the practice of law itself. A "banality" is an empty saying, a platitude. "Turpitude" and "depravity" are both synonyms for moral degeneracy.
Example Question #737 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BROMIDE
Tonic
Apostasy
Hypocrisy
Cliché
Hair product
Cliché
A "bromide" is a platitude, a "cliché," an empty saying. A "tonic" is a carbonated beverage or a beverage designed to heal and soothe. A "hair product" would be a shampoo. "Apostasy" is renunciation, while "hypocrisy" is doing the opposite of what one says or professes.
Example Question #738 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEGENERACY
Zenith
Vice
Vagary
Apogee
Lipid
Vice
"Degeneracy" is "vice," sin, corruption, or criminality. "Zenith" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. A "vagary" is a whim, caprice, or fancy. A "lipid" is a fat molecule.
Example Question #739 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESURGANCE
Levity
Frivolity
Renewal
Penchant
Espionage
Renewal
A "resurgence" is a "renewal,": often in popularity, a return, or an increase. "Espionage" is spying, and a "penchant" is an affinity or proclivity for something. "Frivolity" and "levity" are synonyms for lightheartedness, mirth.
Example Question #740 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCRUTINY
Wrath
Marauding
Apogee
Examination
Apex
Examination
"Scrutiny" is close examination, inspection. "Apex" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. "Marauding" is the act of raiding, looting, or pillaging. "Wrath" is a synonym for "spleen," not "scrutiny."
Example Question #401 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HAZARD
Danger
Ordinance
Precaution
Judgment
Theme
Danger
A "hazard" is a danger or a risk.
The downed tree across the road posed a hazard to drivers.
So "danger" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #402 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UBIQUITY
Efficacy
Confection
Omnipresence
Provenance
Effrontery
Omnipresence
"Ubiquity" is another word for "omnipresence." A "confection" is a dessert or a sweet. "Efficacy" is effectiveness, while "effrontery" is boldness or impudence. An object's "provenance" is a record of its origins.