All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2041 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DEPLORE
Inundate
Demote
Wreck
Shrink
Abhor
Abhor
"Deplore" means "abhor," or to strongly hate or detest. "Demote" means to downgrade or move downwards in position. "Wreck" means to ruin or destroy. "Inundate" means to flood or overwhelm. "Shrink" means to make smaller.
Example Question #2042 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABHOR
Detest
Improve
Forgive
Commend
Ignore
Detest
If you “abhor” something than you strongly disapprove or reject it. Of the five answer choices only “detest” matches this definition. Detest means to hate or strongly reject something.
Example Question #2043 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PIQUE
Possess
Pacify
Provoke
Explain
Embroider
Provoke
“Pique” is generally used in the phrase “to pique someone’s interest,” which means to provoke interest. The correct answer is “provoke.” For clarification, "embroider" means to decorate with needlework; "possess" means own; and "pacify" means to make calm.
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RELISH
Delight
Indecision
Despair
Indifference
Overabundance
Delight
"Relish" means enjoyment, or "delight."
Example Question #2044 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VEX
Irritate
Defeat
Complain
Exceed
Curse
Irritate
"Vex" means to annoy or irritate, so "irritate" is the correct answer.
Example Question #2045 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HAUNT
Collide
Reform
Disturb
Run
Choke
Disturb
"Haunt" means for something to be constantly on your mind, disturbing you, so "disturb" is the correct answer.
Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DAUNT
Flaunt
Humiliate
Provoke
Compliment
Intimidate
Intimidate
"Daunt" means to make someone feel apprehensive, or to intimidate.
Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACATE
Imply
Pursue
Quench
Heed
Conciliate
Conciliate
Since to placate someone means to soothe or appease him or her, we're looking for a verb that means to appease or to soothe. While "quench" does mean to appease thirst, it does not refer to people and is thus not a synonym of "placate." "Conciliate," on the other hand, means stop someone or something from being angry or discontented; "to placate, appease, or pacify," it is the best answer choice.
Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACATE
Conciliate
Implore
Urge
Assist
Antagonize
Conciliate
“Placate” means to calm down, and is therefore most similar in meaning to conciliate, which means to make peace, to bring calm. For clarification, implore and urge are synonyms; antagonize is loosely an antonym of placate and conciliate.
Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACATE
Overwhelm
Plaster
Master
Calm
Wash
Calm
"Placate" means to soothe or remove anxiety. (Example: "The mailman tried to placate the angry dog by offering him dog treats.") Thus, the verb "calm" is close in meaning and is therefore the best synonym.