SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #451 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

INFAMY

Possible Answers:

Domicile

Excursion

Notoriety

Hedonist

Flattery

Correct answer:

Notoriety

Explanation:

"Infamy" means well-known for bad deeds or "notoriety." A "hedonist" is a person who only seeks pleasure. "Flattery" means excessive praise and compliments. "Excursion" means a short outing or trip. "Domicile" means residence or home.

Example Question #452 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

FEAT

Possible Answers:

Strength

Measurement

Profession

Collection

Achievement

Correct answer:

Achievement

Explanation:

A "feat" is an act or deed that requires courage, skill, or strength. Similarly, the correct answer "achievement" is something that has been accomplished through effort. None of the other answers have similar meanings: a "collection" is a group of interesting things gathered by a person; "strength" is the ability to be physically forceful; a "profession" is a career; and "measurement" is the act of measuring something or the data gathered by measuring something.

Example Question #453 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CORRELATION

Possible Answers:

Frustration

Uncertainty

Marriage

Statistic

Connection

Correct answer:

Connection

Explanation:

A "correlation" is the relationship between two things that always change together. They are always connected, so "connection" is the correct answer. "Marriage" also describes a connection, but it refers to the socially official uniting of a couple. "Uncertainty" is doubt, "frustration" is annoyance, and a "statistic" is a number that conveys a piece of information.

Example Question #454 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

TEDIUM

Possible Answers:

Mid-afternoon

Instructions

Flotation

Monotony

Discomfort

Correct answer:

Monotony

Explanation:

"Tedium" is the state of being dull, so "monotony," which means lack of change or boring repetitiveness, is the correct answer. None of the other choices are similar in meaning to "tedium" or "montony": "discomfort" is an uncomfortable feeling, "instructions" are guidelines describing the use of something, "flotation" is the act of floating, and "mid-afternoon" is a time in the middle of the afternoon. 

Example Question #455 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

JAUNT

Possible Answers:

Curse

Pleasantry

Excursion

Angle

Support

Correct answer:

Excursion

Explanation:

A "jaunt" is a short journey taken for pleasure, and the correct answer "excursion" is a journey or adventure. The other choices are not similar to "jaunt" or "excursion": "angle" is the difference in direction of two intersecting lines, "pleasantry" is something said to be nice or polite, "curse" is an offensive, angry saying, and "support" is help or encouragement.

Example Question #456 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CYNICISM

Possible Answers:

Poison

Skepticism

Luxury

Energy

Attraction

Correct answer:

Skepticism

Explanation:

"Cynicism" means mistrust or doubt, specifically the belief that people always act in their own interests. "Skepticism" also means doubt, so "skepticism" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "cynicism": "luxury" means comfort and wealth, "poison" means a substance that is harmful or deadly when ingested, "energy" means vitality or the ability to be active, and "attraction" refers to a force that draws one thing or person to another thing or person.

Example Question #457 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PORTENT

Possible Answers:

Omen

Error

Cheer

Thought

Doorway

Correct answer:

Omen

Explanation:

A "portent" is a sign or a warning that something is going to happen, which is also the definition of the correct answer, "omen." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "portent": a "thought" is an idea formed in the mind, a "doorway" is an entrance formed by a door, "cheer" is joy and happiness, and an "error" is a mistake.

Example Question #458 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VERNACULAR

Possible Answers:

Relaxation

Mystery

Language

Marking

Poison

Correct answer:

Language

Explanation:

"Vernacular" means the commonly spoken language of a particular people or place, so "language" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "vernacular": “mystery” means anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained; “relaxation” means rest; “poison” means harmful substance; and “marking” means a characteristic pattern.

Example Question #459 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

HARBINGER

Possible Answers:

Dignitary

Applause

Army

Omen

Chatter

Correct answer:

Omen

Explanation:

A "harbinger" is an omen or anything that foreshadows a future event, so "omen" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "harbinger": “applause” means clapping that demonstrates approval; an “army” is a large body of people trained and armed for war; a "dignitary” is a person who holds a high rank or office, as in the government or church; and “chatter” means talk concerned with relatively unimportant topics.

Example Question #460 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CUPIDITY

Possible Answers:

Confidence

Lust

Avarice

Love

Shame

Correct answer:

Avarice

Explanation:

While "cupidity" may sound like it is related to "Cupid," a classical god of love, "cupidity" is actually a noun meaning greed for material wealth. So, while "love" or "lust" might look like the best potential answer based on how "cupidity" sounds, "avarice" (extreme greed) is actually its closest synonym and the correct answer.

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