SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2001 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HUSBAND

Possible Answers:

Accrue

Conserve

Allot

Inquire

Banter

Correct answer:

Conserve

Explanation:

When used as a noun, as it more frequently means, a "husband" of course means a male spouse. However, when used as a verb it means to conserve, to save one's resources. Additionally, "allot" means assign, issue to; "accrue" means increase in wealth, grow in value; "inquire" means question, ask; "banter" means tease in a friendly way.

Example Question #2002 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONFISCATE

Possible Answers:

Subvert

Take

Protect

Relinquish

Give

Correct answer:

Take

Explanation:

The verb "confiscate" means to seize, to take from (usually in punishment of violating the rules). Additionally, "relinquish" means give up, abandon control of or ownership of; "subvert" means find a way around (the rules), undermine the power of.

Example Question #2003 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FORGE

Possible Answers:

Lament

Subjugate

Falsify

Yield

Harangue

Correct answer:

Falsify

Explanation:

The verb "forge" has multiple commonly used meanings, one of which is to falsify, to produce a counterfeit version of for the purposes of subverting authority. Another common meaning of "forge" is to hammer into shape, to build using force. Additionally, "lament" means mourn, express sadness about; "harangue" means lecture in an aggressive or annoying fashion, pester; "subjugate" means bring under control, dominate; "yield" means surrender, give in to.

Example Question #2004 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INDUCE

Possible Answers:

Imitate

Suspend

Cause

Allow

Prevent

Correct answer:

Cause

Explanation:

The verb "induce" means to persuade or to cause, to bring about, to make happen. Additionally, "imitate" means copy; "suspend" means pause.

Example Question #2005 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LIST

Possible Answers:

Lean

Expire

Adhere

Loft

Accept

Correct answer:

Lean

Explanation:

The verb "list" of course has many simpler definitions, but in this context you are looking for "list" as in (of a ship) to lean to one side, to 'keel over,' to tilt. Additionally, "adhere" means stick to or follow; "expire" means die, run out, become no longer fresh; "loft" means throw high in the air.

Example Question #2006 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VENTILATE

Possible Answers:

Aerate

Ameliorate

Exculpate

Enervate

Elevate

Correct answer:

Aerate

Explanation:

The verb "ventilate" means to allow or cause air to circulate around, to "aerate," to 'air out'. Additionally, "elevate" means rise up, lift up, promote; "exculpate" means acquit, free from guilt, prove is innocent; "ameliorate" means soothe, calm, assuage; "enervate" means weaken, cause to be exhausted or in worse condition.

Example Question #2007 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SEQUESTER

Possible Answers:

Squirm

Indict

Maim

Pelt

Isolate

Correct answer:

Isolate

Explanation:

The verb "sequester" means to lock away (particularly oneself), to "isolate" oneself and shut oneself away from the company of others. Additionally, "maim" means injure, wound, disfigure; "pelt" means aggressively and forcefully throw at; "squirm" means wriggle or fidget with discomfort or anxiety; "indict" means formally accuse of guilt.

Example Question #2008 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMBIBE

Possible Answers:

Drink

Eat

Rest

Play

Breathe

Correct answer:

Drink

Explanation:

The verb "imbibe" means to drink (particularly when referring to alcohol).

Example Question #2009 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACCRUE

Possible Answers:

Prolong

Increase

Decrease

Descend

Ascend

Correct answer:

Increase

Explanation:

The verb "accrue" means (of money) to increase over time. So, the correct answer is "increase." Additionally, "ascend" means go up, rise; "descend" means go down, fall; "prolong" means extend the duration of something, make something last longer.

Example Question #2010 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMPLIFY

Possible Answers:

Alibi

Vilify

Intensify

Debilitate

Edify

Correct answer:

Intensify

Explanation:

The verb "amplify" generally means to make louder, although it can also mean simply make more intense, boost. The correct answer is therefore "intensify." Additionally, "debilitate" means weaken; "vilify" means make out to be the villain, cast someone as the villain; "edify" means teach, provide instruction to; an "alibi" is an excuse that provides evidence suggesting you cannot be guilty of something.

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