SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #281 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

DAIS

Possible Answers:

Travails

Gluttony

Skullduggery

Zest

Platform

Correct answer:

Platform

Explanation:

A "dais" is a raised "platform," often for a throne or other ceremonial purpose. "Travails" are ordeals or difficult, painful labors. "Skullduggery" is trickery, and "gluttony" is overeating. Another word for "zest" is zeal.

Example Question #282 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

RIPOSTE

Possible Answers:

Skirmish

Garment

Retort

Drinking vessel

Melee

Correct answer:

Retort

Explanation:

A "riposte" is a quick and often witty retort or response. A "melee" is a skirmish or brawl. A drinking vessel is a "tankard" or "flagon." A "garment" is an article of clothing.

Example Question #283 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

REPAST

Possible Answers:

Coppice

Retort

Squabble

Sojourn

Meal

Correct answer:

Meal

Explanation:

A "repast" is a "meal" or even feast. Don't confuse this with a "riposte," or retort. A "squabble" is an argument or quarrel. A "coppice" is a thicket or grove of small trees. A "sojourn" is a temporary rest or vacation.

Example Question #284 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EDICT

Possible Answers:

Metropolis

Decree

Idiosyncrasy

Arsenal

Salve

Correct answer:

Decree

Explanation:

An "edict" is a "decree" or ordinance. A "metropolis" is a city or urban area. A "salve" is a balm or a healing ointment. An "idiosyncrasy" is a quirk or zany individual trait. An "arsenal" is a collection of weaponry, an armory.

Example Question #285 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

TRAVAIL

Possible Answers:

Shoe

Zeal

Pandemonium

Ordeal

Milliner

Correct answer:

Ordeal

Explanation:

A "travail" is an ordeal or difficult trial. This is not the same as a "shoe" or a milliner, a maker of hats. "Pandemonium" is another word for chaos. "Zeal" is zest or passion.

Example Question #286 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ORDNANCE

Possible Answers:

Cheer

Skullduggery

Weaponry

Law

Harangue

Correct answer:

Weaponry

Explanation:

"Ordnance" is "weaponry" and is a collective noun. Don't confuse this with an "ordinance," or law. "Skullduggery" is another word for treachery. A "harangue" is a rant or tirade. "Cheer" is happiness and joy, and a "cheer" is a celebratory or encouraging shout.

Example Question #287 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CATAMOUNT

Possible Answers:

Expiation

Threat

Wildcat

Pirate

Progeny

Correct answer:

Wildcat

Explanation:

A "catamount" is a "wildcat," particularly a cougar. "Progeny is another word for offspring, and "expiation" is the act of making amends, atoning for sins. A "threat" is a warning of violence or a thing with potential to harm people or property. A "pirate" is a criminal person who attacks ships and marauds on the high seas.

Example Question #288 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

REJOINDER

Possible Answers:

Vacation

Retort

Tempest

Mongrel

Sanction

Correct answer:

Retort

Explanation:

A "rejoinder" is a "retort," a witty response. A "tempest" is a storm, and a "mongrel" is a mixed-breed animal. A "sanction" is an official punishment or penalty, often used politically by one country against another; however, in other contexts, it can also mean official approval or authorization for something. A "vacation" could be another word for a respite, a break, or an intermission.

Example Question #289 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

FLAGON

Possible Answers:

Qualitative analysis

Ceremonial garment

Medieval stronghold

Small dwelling

Drinking vessel

Correct answer:

Drinking vessel

Explanation:

A "flagon" is a large old-fashioned drinking vessel. A "ceremonial garment" is a robe, and a "qualitative analysis" is an evaluation involving numbers. A small "dwelling" could be an abode or domicile. A "medieval stronghold" is a fortress or fortification.

Example Question #290 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EFFLUENT

Possible Answers:

Sewage

Fecundity

Arson

Coracle

Citadel

Correct answer:

Sewage

Explanation:

"Effluent" is another word for "sewage" or wastewater. "Fecundity" means fertility, fruitfulness. A "citadel" is a fortress, fortification, or castle. A "coracle" is a small boat. "Arson" is the act of deliberately setting fire to property or land.

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