SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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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

Isolate

Undermine

Organize

Compromise

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:

Ease

Shorten

Capture

Announce

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:

Decipher

Squish 

Waste

Intone

Harbor

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 #222 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

DISSIPATE

Possible Answers:

Manufacture

Banter

Germinate

Scatter

Establish

Correct answer:

Scatter

Explanation:

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

Example Question #227 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

PRECEDE

Possible Answers:

Go after

Move forward

Struggle

Go before

Celebrate

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 #1944 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUANDER

Possible Answers:

Approach

Ignore

Squelch

Waste

Dismiss

Correct answer:

Waste

Explanation:

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

Example Question #228 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

CONSOLIDATE

Possible Answers:

Categorize

Unify

Pacify

Raze

Sympathize

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 #231 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

KINDLE

Possible Answers:

Undertake

Ignite

Equivocate

Fallow

Zeal

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 #1945 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GARNER

Possible Answers:

Compendium

Divide

Amass

Swindle

Misplace

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 #1946 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROPEL

Possible Answers:

Propeller

Acquit

Shove

Collaborate

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.

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