SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1971 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOLT

Possible Answers:

Bite

Flap

Scratch

Melt

Shed

Correct answer:

Shed

Explanation:

“Molt” is a verb that is used of an animal and means “shed old feathers, hair, or skin, etc.,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “discard feathers, hair, skin, or an old shell to make way for new growth.” While all of the answer choirs are verbs that might be associated with animals, “shed,” is a verb that when referring to a reptile or insect means “allow skin to come off, to be replaced by another one that has grown underneath,” and when referring to a mammal means “lose (hair) as a result of molting, disease, or age.” Because “shed” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “molt,” “shed” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1972 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ERADICATE

Possible Answers:

Bombard

Destroy

Harbor

Grant

Grumble

Correct answer:

Destroy

Explanation:

"To eradicate" means to completely destroy.

Example Question #1973 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CORRODE

Possible Answers:

Deteriorate

Orate

Whisper

Expand

Characterize

Correct answer:

Deteriorate

Explanation:

To "corrode" is to deteriorate, disintegrate, or wear away.

Example Question #2771 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ANNEX

Possible Answers:

Goad

Attach

Swindle

Humanize

Envelop

Correct answer:

Attach

Explanation:

To "annex" is to add or attach, especially to something larger. The Latin root word, "annexus," means "tied to."

Example Question #2016 : Synonyms

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

EXPUNGE

Possible Answers:

Legislate

Obliterate

Lie

Advocate

Manage

Correct answer:

Obliterate

Explanation:

To "expunge" is to wipe out or obliterate.

Example Question #2015 : Synonyms

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

TRANSCEND

Possible Answers:

Surpass

Terminate

Bore

Admonish

Gratify

Correct answer:

Surpass

Explanation:

To "transcend" is to go beyond or to surpass.

Example Question #2772 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ABRIDGE

Possible Answers:

Add onto

Summarize

Cross over

Shorten

Defend

Correct answer:

Shorten

Explanation:

To "abridge" something is to shorten it, usually by editing out parts of it. This usually refers to a story, an essay, or some other written or spoken work.

Example Question #2773 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

AMPLIFY

Possible Answers:

Praise

Become fancy

Simplify

Make false

Make larger

Correct answer:

Make larger

Explanation:

To "amplify" something is to make it larger. An amplifier is a device for making a musical instrument louder; if something is "ample," you have a lot of it. 

Example Question #2774 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

COALESCE

Possible Answers:

Nominate

Satirize

Protect

Wield

Amalgamate

Correct answer:

Amalgamate

Explanation:

To "coalesce" and to "amalgamate" both mean to unite or combine.

Example Question #2775 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

HINDER

Possible Answers:

Block

Discover

Cover

Suggest

Prepare

Correct answer:

Block

Explanation:

"Hinder" means to block.

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