SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #363 : Synonyms

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

ESCARPMENT

Possible Answers:

Diatribe

Indictment

Cliff

Harbinger

Portent

Correct answer:

Cliff

Explanation:

An "escarpment" is a steep "cliff" or drop-off. Don't confuse this with an "encampment" (military camp), which sounds similar. An "indictment" is an accusation or formal legal charge. "Harbinger" and "portent" are both synonyms for omen. A "diatribe" is a rant or tirade.

Example Question #364 : Synonyms

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

OBSEQUIES

Possible Answers:

Malady

Burial

Humility

Flattery

Harbinger

Correct answer:

Burial

Explanation:

"Obsequies" are burial rites or funerary rituals. Don't confuse this with "obsequious," which describes a flattering or fawning person. "Humility" is modesty, and a "harbinger" is an omen. A "malady" is another word for an "affliction."

Example Question #365 : Synonyms

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

ANNALS

Possible Answers:

Nemesis

Records

Progeny

Era

Tender

Correct answer:

Records

Explanation:

"Annals" are "records" or archives, usually yearly ones. "Tender" is currency, money. A "nemesis" is an arch-rival. "Era" is another word for "epoch." "Progeny" is a synonym for "offspring."

Example Question #366 : Synonyms

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

EQUIPOISE

Possible Answers:

Epilogue

Balance

Dinghy

Rarity

Pestilence

Correct answer:

Balance

Explanation:

"Equipoise" is a synonym for "balance." An "epilogue" is a conclusion, usually to a literary work like a novel. A "dinghy" is a small boat, and a "pestilence" is a disease. A "rarity" is something that is uncommon.

Example Question #367 : Synonyms

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

CHARGE

Possible Answers:

Retreat

Thrill

Aridity

Response

Poverty

Correct answer:

Thrill

Explanation:

"Charge" can be used as a noun or verb and has various meanings, but in this case, the only answer choice that is a potential synonym of "charge" is "thrill." "Aridity" means dryness.

Example Question #368 : Synonyms

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

FORTIFICATION

Possible Answers:

Intermission

Meal

Burrow

Gap

Defense

Correct answer:

Defense

Explanation:

A "fortification" is a defense built against something, such as a wall. A "burrow" is a den or tunnel, usually one dug by an animal

Example Question #369 : Synonyms

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

BOUGH

Possible Answers:

Masonry

Branch

Wall

Ode

Opus

Correct answer:

Branch

Explanation:

A "bough" is a branch of a tree. An "opus" is a composition or an artwork. "Masonry" is stonework or brickwork. An "ode" is a type of poem that addresses something or someone directly.

Example Question #370 : Synonyms

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

MENACE

Possible Answers:

Protection

Suspicion

Danger

Squall

Counterattack

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

A "menace" is something or someone that threatens to harm a person, group, or society, so "danger" is the best answer. "Squall" is a synonym of storm.

Example Question #321 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCRIM

Possible Answers:

Folly

Fabric

Statute

Reverberation

Frisson

Correct answer:

Fabric

Explanation:

"Scrim" is a type of backdrop or "fabric." A "frisson" is a palpable thrill, and "folly" is foolishness. A "reverberation" is an echo or refraction of sound. "Statute" and "edict" are synonyms.

Example Question #322 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROJECTILE

Possible Answers:

Sojourn

Equipoise

Lexicon

Torrent

Bullet

Correct answer:

Bullet

Explanation:

"Bullets" are, once fired, "projectiles". "Equipoise" is a synonym for "balance." A "lexicon" is a dictionary, and a "torrent" is a deluge, a downpour. A "sojourn" is a rest, a stay, or a stopover somewhere.

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