SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUARANTINE

Possible Answers:

Rust

Organize

Undermine

Compromise

Isolate

Correct answer:

Isolate

Explanation:

To "quarantine" is to isolate.

Example Question #1942 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MITIGATE

Possible Answers:

Announce

Capture

Shorten

Ease

Disguise

Correct answer:

Ease

Explanation:

"Mitigate" means to reduce pain or negative effects. Thus, the word "ease" (used as a verb) is closest in meaning, as easing pain or negative effects would also cause a reduction in those. The other words are completely unrelated to the verb "mitigate."

Example Question #1943 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUANDER

Possible Answers:

Waste

Harbor

Decipher

Intone

Squish 

Correct answer:

Waste

Explanation:

"Squander" means to spend money is an impractical or wasteful way. (Example: "Lucy squandered her father's fortune by investing in a business that had no future.") Thus, "waste" is the best synonym.

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

DISSIPATE

Possible Answers:

Banter

Scatter

Establish

Manufacture

Germinate

Correct answer:

Scatter

Explanation:

"Dissipate" means to scatter or disperse, so "scatter" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1944 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRECEDE

Possible Answers:

Go before

Celebrate

Struggle

Go after

Move forward

Correct answer:

Go before

Explanation:

"Precede" means to go before. "Go after" has the opposite meaning. None of the other words or terms have the same meaning as "precede." "Move forward" means to proceed. "Celebrate" means to commemorate an event. "Struggle" means to fight or brawl.

Example Question #1941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUANDER

Possible Answers:

Ignore

Dismiss

Approach

Waste

Squelch

Correct answer:

Waste

Explanation:

"Squander" means waste or fritter away, so "waste" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #1946 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONSOLIDATE

Possible Answers:

Raze

Pacify

Sympathize

Unify

Categorize

Correct answer:

Unify

Explanation:

"Consolidate" means unify. "Raze" means destroy or tear down. "Pacify" means to calm someone or something down. "Sympathize" means to feel or express compassion. "Categorize" means to label or place in a distinct group.

Example Question #1947 : Identifying Synonyms

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

KINDLE

Possible Answers:

Ignite

Equivocate

Zeal

Undertake

Fallow

Correct answer:

Ignite

Explanation:

Since "kindle" means light or set on fire or inspire, we're looking for a verb that means set on fire or inspire. Of the three answer choices that are verbs ("equivocate," "undertake," and "ignite"), "ignite" is the closest synonym to "kindle" as "ignite" means catch fire or cause to catch on fire, so "ignite" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1948 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GARNER

Possible Answers:

Misplace

Amass

Divide

Compendium

Swindle

Correct answer:

Amass

Explanation:

"Garner" is a verb that means "gather or collect something, especially. information or approval," so we need to pick out another word that means something like "collect." While "swindle" may look like a potentially correct answer because "swindle" means "to take money or property from someone by using lies or tricks," "amass" is actually a closer synonym to "garner," as "amass" means "to gather or collect something, such as a large amount of money, especially for yourself." So, because "amass" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "garner," "amass" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1949 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROPEL

Possible Answers:

Shove

Collaborate

Propeller

Acquit

Facilitate

Correct answer:

Shove

Explanation:

"Propel" is a verb that means "to push or drive someone or something forward or in a particular direction," so we need to pick out a word that means something like "push." While "propeller" might sound like a good answer because it contains the word "propel," "propeller" is a noun, not a verb, so it can't be the correct answer. "Shove," which means "to push someone or something with force," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "propel," so "shove" is the correct answer.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors