SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #129 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ODYSSEY

Possible Answers:

Jaunt

History

Trek

Errand

Vacation

Correct answer:

Trek

Explanation:

An "odyssey" is defined as a lengthy journey, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like journey. While "trek," "errand," and "jaunt" all refer to various kinds of journeys, an errand is defined as a short trip made to accomplish a certain task, and "jaunt" means a short trip taken for fun. Both refer to journeys too short for either to be comparable to an "odyssey," but "trek" means a long and difficult journey. Because "trek" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "odyssey," "trek" is the correct answer.

Example Question #130 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

QUAGMIRE

Possible Answers:

Predicament 

Quintessential 

Replete 

Spurious

Malaise

Correct answer:

Predicament 

Explanation:

The primary definition of a “quagmire” is a type of swamp or marshy area; however it has an important secondary meaning, an awkward or difficult situation from which it is hard to escape. It is often used in the phrase “political quagmire” to describe an impasse in politics. The correct synonym for an awkward and difficult situation is “predicament.” For clarification, "spurious" means false or counterfeit; "quintessential" means typical; "respite" means a lull or a period of rest; and "malaise" is a feeling of general discontent or illness.

Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPOSE

Possible Answers:

Retort 

Energy 

Posture 

Rest

Invoke 

Correct answer:

Rest

Explanation:

A “repose” is a state of rest or tranquility, so "rest" is the correct answer. For clarification, "retort" means to argue back or a rebuke; "posture" is the physical way in which one stands or sits or attitude; and "invoke" means call upon.

Example Question #462 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCLINATION

Possible Answers:

Integrate 

Ramp

Fanciful 

Propensity 

Consecration

Correct answer:

Propensity 

Explanation:

An “inclination” describes a tendency towards something or some idea. The best available synonym is therefore “propensity,” which means behavioral tendency. For clarification, "fanciful" means imaginary or not real; "consecration" means the process of making something holy; "integrate" means add into a group, and "ramp" means sloped surface that connects two levels.

Example Question #1262 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ADAGE

Possible Answers:

Saying

Peninsula

Jurisdiction

Mission

Scorn

Correct answer:

Saying

Explanation:

An "adage" is a traditional saying or proverb.

Example Question #465 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

COLLUSION

Possible Answers:

Disaster

Conspiracy

Festival

Evolution

Crash

Correct answer:

Conspiracy

Explanation:

"Collusion" means a secret agreement or "conspiracy."

Example Question #466 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

POISE

Possible Answers:

Anger

Intelligence

Indifference

Legality

Grace

Correct answer:

Grace

Explanation:

"Poise" is composure, dignity, or "grace" in a person.

Example Question #135 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Politics

Extinction

Mammal

Art

Trick

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

A "ruse" is a subterfuge, ploy, or "trick."

Example Question #136 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

STRIFE

Possible Answers:

Conflict

Construction

Contentment

Desert

Weapon

Correct answer:

Conflict

Explanation:

"Strife" means discord, disagreement, or "conflict."

Example Question #137 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

UMBRAGE

Possible Answers:

Courage

Offense

Effort

Trickery

Candor

Correct answer:

Offense

Explanation:

Umbrage means annoyance or "offense."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors