SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1871 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GALVANIZE

Possible Answers:

Disgust

Inoculate

Oust

Eradicate

Motivate

Correct answer:

Motivate

Explanation:

The verb "galvanize" means to motivate, to inspire someone to action, to impel someone into action. Additionally, "oust" means to forcibly remove from power; "eradicate" means completely destroy, get rid of; "inoculate" means vaccinate, provide protection from a disease.

Example Question #1872 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CIRCULATE

Possible Answers:

Shock

Suspend

Sojourn

Solicit

Spread

Correct answer:

Spread

Explanation:

The verb "circulate" means to move through or to cause to flow through. It can also mean to pass an idea or item from one person to another, to "spread" something around. Additionally, "suspend" means pause, halt; "sojourn" means stay temporarily; "solicit" means ask for, request, seek help from.

Example Question #1873 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIGRESS

Possible Answers:

Embezzle

Waive

Adulterate

Stray

Convene

Correct answer:

Stray

Explanation:

The verb "digress" means to deviate, to stray from the main point and become distracted by something else. Additionally, "convene" means meet up; "adulterate" means make impure, make contaminated; "waive" means give up, relinquish rights or control; "embezzle" means steal from a business that you work for.

Example Question #2671 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ILLUSTRATE

Possible Answers:

Show

Contend

Teach

Wander

Leap

Correct answer:

Show

Explanation:

The verb "illustrate" is most commonly used to mean draw, paint. It also has an important secondary meaning - to show, to demonstrate, to show how something is done or what something means.

Example Question #2672 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

EQUIVOCATE

Possible Answers:

Curate

Prevaricate

Summarize

Quiver

Bloviate

Correct answer:

Prevaricate

Explanation:

To "equivocate" and to "prevaricate" both mean to deceive through misleading and often wordy speech. To "quiver" is to tremble, and to "curate" is to gather together exhibits as for an art gallery. To "bloviate" is to talk in an overblown, pompous way. To "summarize" is to create a summary.

Example Question #2673 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SUBSTANTIATE

Possible Answers:

Barter

Effect

Verify

Gripe

Grouse

Correct answer:

Verify

Explanation:

To "substantiate" something is to verify the truth of it. To "barter" is to trade, and to "grouse" and to "gripe" are both to complain in a whiny way. To "effect" a change or a certain act is to bring it about.

Example Question #2674 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

CONSPIRE

Possible Answers:

Fortify

Enervate

Plot

Carouse

Elucidate

Correct answer:

Plot

Explanation:

To "conspire" is to connive or "plot" with someone. To "fortify" something is to strengthen it, whereas to "enervate" something is to weaken it. "Elucidate" is a synonym for "clarify." To "carouse" is to celebrate and be merry in a rowdy, usually drunken manner.

Example Question #161 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

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

DECODE

Possible Answers:

Officiate

Decipher

Disapear

Mingle

Caterwaul

Correct answer:

Decipher

Explanation:

To "decipher" something, be it a complex riddle or a simple remark, is to "decode" that thing. To "caterwaul" is to yowl or cry. To "officiate" is to preside over, and the verb is usually applied to ceremonies such as marriage. To "mingle" is to mix and blend.

Example Question #162 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

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

REPRIMAND

Possible Answers:

Chastise

Forfend

Extol

Harbor

Mollify

Correct answer:

Chastise

Explanation:

To "reprimand" is to "chastise," scold, or admonish. To "forfend" is to protect, and to "extol" is to laud or praise. To "mollify" is to placate, while to "harbor" is to house, to extend refuge to.

Example Question #163 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

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

ENERVATE

Possible Answers:

Invigorate

Ally

Weaken

Rebut

Placate

Correct answer:

Weaken

Explanation:

To "enervate" is to tire, "weaken," and drain of energy. This is an antonym for "invigorate," which means strengthen. To "placate" is to mollify or appease. "Rebut" means refute. To "ally" is to join forces in pursuit of a common goal.

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