SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1801 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBFUSCATE

Possible Answers:

Complex

Hide

Reveal

Obtuse

Complain

Correct answer:

Hide

Explanation:

"Obfuscate" means to make something unclear or confusing. It can also mean to hide. "Hide" is the best choice as it is part of the definition of "obfuscate." Considering the other answer choices, "reveal" means to make known or to show, "obtuse" means not smart or dull, "complain" means to express dissatisfaction, and "complex" means complicated.  

Example Question #1802 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNDERSCORE

Possible Answers:

Emphasize

Pinch

Petrify

Calculate

Raze

Correct answer:

Emphasize

Explanation:

"To underscore" is to emphasize or to stress.

Example Question #1803 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIGRESS

Possible Answers:

Discover

Hurt

Find

Dig

Wander

Correct answer:

Wander

Explanation:

To "digress" means to veer off from a topic, specifically in speech. (Example: "Jonathan has trouble staying on point and often digresses when offering explanations.") Thus, "wander" is closest in meaning to "digress" and is therefore the synonym.

Example Question #1804 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRATTLE

Possible Answers:

Annoy

Confuse

Interest

Babble

Obscure

Correct answer:

Babble

Explanation:

To "prattle" means to talk on and on in a manner that is silly and senseless. To "babble" means to speak in a way that is illogical and unintelligent sounding. Given how similar these words are, they are synonyms. While it may "annoy" someone to hear another person "prattle," the words are not synonyms because they don't mean the same thing. (Instead, there is a causal relationship between them: when one person prattles, that can annoy another.)

Example Question #1805 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEBUNK

Possible Answers:

Untuck

Ruminate

Dislike

Disprove

Unfold

Correct answer:

Disprove

Explanation:

"Debunk" means to prove to be false. While the word sounds like it might mean to "untuck," this answer choice is a trick. The best answer choice is thus "disprove," which means to prove that something is not true.

Example Question #1806 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INDEMNIFY

Possible Answers:

Elect

Pinch

Regulate

Compensate

Soothe

Correct answer:

Compensate

Explanation:

"Indemnify" is a verb that means to compensate someone for a damage or loss.  It can also mean to ensure financial reimbursement in case of a future loss.  The root word "indemnis" means unhurt. So, "compensate" is the correct answer because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "indemnify."

Example Question #1807 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DECREE

Possible Answers:

Harbinger

Opulence

Pennant

Imperial

Command

Correct answer:

Command

Explanation:

"Decree" can function either as a noun or an verb. As a noun, a "decree" is a law or rule made by an authority; as an verb, it means to create such a law or rule and put it into effect. While "imperial" may seem like a good answer choice because someone who is imperial may issue decrees, "imperial" is not a synonym of "decree," so we should skip it. Of the listed answer choices, "command" is the closest synonym; it can similarly act as a noun or verb and means either an order issued by an authority or to issue such an order.

Example Question #1808 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CORROBORATE

Possible Answers:

Accelerate

Validate

Incite

Evaluate

Acclaim

Correct answer:

Validate

Explanation:

"Corroborate" is a verb which means "confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding," so we need to find another verb which means "confirm." While "acclaim" might seem like the correct answer, it actually means "praise enthusiastically and publicly," and doesn't quite match the meaning of "confirm" that we're looking for. "Validate," on the other hand, means "check or prove the validity or accuracy of something," and since it is the closest in meaning to "corroborate," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ADMONISH

Possible Answers:

Growl

Warn

Create

Give

Decorate

Correct answer:

Warn

Explanation:

To admonish is to warn or caution someone.  

Example Question #1802 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DICTATE

Possible Answers:

Invent

Suggest

Buffet

Command

Cavort

Correct answer:

Command

Explanation:

"Dictate" means to command or compel. Suggest is an anytonym because it means to provide an option. Invent means to create something. Cavort means to have fun. Buffet means to hit. None of these last three words have any relation to Dictate in this context.

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