SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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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

Possible Answers:

Inundate

Demote

Wreck

Shrink

Abhor

Correct answer:

Abhor

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Detest 

Improve 

Forgive 

Commend

Ignore 

Correct answer:

Detest 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Possess 

Pacify 

Provoke 

Explain 

Embroider

Correct answer:

Provoke 

Explanation:

“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

Possible Answers:

Delight

Indecision

Despair

Indifference 

Overabundance

Correct answer:

Delight

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Irritate

Defeat

Complain

Exceed

Curse

Correct answer:

Irritate

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Collide

Reform

Disturb

Run

Choke

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Flaunt

Humiliate

Provoke

Compliment

Intimidate

Correct answer:

Intimidate

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Imply

Pursue

Quench

Heed

Conciliate

Correct answer:

Conciliate

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Conciliate 

Implore 

Urge 

Assist 

Antagonize 

Correct answer:

Conciliate 

Explanation:

“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

Possible Answers:

Overwhelm

Plaster

Master

Calm 

Wash

Correct answer:

Calm 

Explanation:

"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.

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