SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1902 : Synonyms

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

QUIBBLE

Possible Answers:

Confiscate

Inundate

Carp

Infiltrate

Explicate

Correct answer:

Carp

Explanation:

The verb "quibble" means to raise trivial objections about something, to complain about something not very important. This is closest in meaning to "carp" which means to complain. Additionally, "confiscate" means take control of, seize; "infiltrate" means gain access to (something one is not meant to); "inundate" means flood, overwhelm with; "explicate" means analyze, clarify, examine and make able to be understood.

Example Question #1903 : Synonyms

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

SUBSTANTIATE

Possible Answers:

Ventilate

Imbibe

Prove

Swindle

Abjure

Correct answer:

Prove

Explanation:

The verb "substantiate" means to provide evidence to verify a claim, to prove something that someone else has said is true. Additionally, "swindle" means cheat out of; "imbibe" means drink, consume; "abjure" means reject; "ventilate" means 'air out,' allow air to circulate freely.

Example Question #1904 : Synonyms

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

MUSE

Possible Answers:

Ponder

Perspire

Prohibit

Pervade

Permit

Correct answer:

Ponder

Explanation:

When used as a verb "muse" means to think deeply about for an extended period of time, to contemplate, to "ponder." When used as a noun, a "muse" is an inspiration for a work of art. Additionally, "permit" means allow; "prohibit" means ban, forbid, not allow; "pervade" means spread throughout; "perspire" means sweat.

Example Question #1905 : Synonyms

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

SWINDLE

Possible Answers:

Cheat

Extol

Atrophy

Galvanize

Consummate

Correct answer:

Cheat

Explanation:

The verb "swindle" means trick or "cheat" someone out of money. Additionally, "extol" means praise, acclaim the benefits of; "galvanize" means motivate, inspire to action; "consummate" means bring to completion, (of a marriage) make legitimate; "atrophy" means weaken due to lack of use.

Example Question #1906 : Synonyms

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

DEPRECATE

Possible Answers:

Belittle

Bewilder

Beholden

Bemuse

Behoove

Correct answer:

Belittle

Explanation:

The verb "deprecate" means to belittle, to mock and denigrate, to express disapproval of and make fun of. Additionally, "bemuse" and "bewilder" both mean confuse, perplex; "behoove" means be appropriate for, be expected of, to do something which is in one's own best interest; "beholden" means indebted to.

Example Question #1907 : Synonyms

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

DEIGN

Possible Answers:

Allay

Antagonize

Condescend

Mollify

Deprecate

Correct answer:

Condescend

Explanation:

The verb "deign" means to allow oneself to talk to someone one considers inferior. This is closest in meaning to the word "condescend." Additionally, "mollify" means soothe, assuage, calm; "antagonize" means annoy, irritate, cause to be frustrated; "allay" means soothe, and is also a synonym of "mollify"; deprecate" means express distaste for, mock.

Example Question #1908 : Synonyms

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

BELIE

Possible Answers:

Hone

Contradict

Bolster

Plummet

Sequester

Correct answer:

Contradict

Explanation:

The verb "belie" means to fail to give an accurate appearance, to contradict what one might expect. This is, of course, closest in definition to "contradict." Additionally, "bolster" means support, reinforce; "sequester" means hide away, lock away somewhere isolated; "plummet" means fall rapidly; "hone" means sharpen (one's skills).

Example Question #1909 : Synonyms

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

RESCIND

Possible Answers:

Inspire

Commence

Convene

Cancel

Liberate

Correct answer:

Cancel

Explanation:

The verb "rescind" means to retract, to take back, to cancel, to withdraw a decision. Additionally, "liberate" means set free; "commence" means begin; "convene" means meet up.

Example Question #1861 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABJURE

Possible Answers:

Portray

Ponder

Apprehend

Renounce

Personify

Correct answer:

Renounce

Explanation:

The verb "abjure" means to formally renounce something previously important, to reject, to disavow. Additionally, "portray" means depict, show, represent as; "apprehend" means catch, arrest; "ponder" means think deeply about; "personify" means represent in human form.

Example Question #1862 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BANTER

Possible Answers:

Honor

Amuse

Tease

Offend

Isolate

Correct answer:

Tease

Explanation:

The verb "banter" means to playfully tease (usually among friends)

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