SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ODYSSEY

Possible Answers:

Vacation

Errand

History

Trek

Jaunt

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 #462 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUAGMIRE

Possible Answers:

Predicament 

Replete 

Malaise

Quintessential 

Spurious

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 #463 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPOSE

Possible Answers:

Rest

Posture 

Energy 

Invoke 

Retort 

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 #464 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCLINATION

Possible Answers:

Integrate 

Propensity 

Consecration

Fanciful 

Ramp

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:

Jurisdiction

Peninsula

Saying

Scorn

Mission

Correct answer:

Saying

Explanation:

An "adage" is a traditional saying or proverb.

Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COLLUSION

Possible Answers:

Conspiracy

Crash

Disaster

Festival

Evolution

Correct answer:

Conspiracy

Explanation:

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

Example Question #466 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POISE

Possible Answers:

Anger

Intelligence

Indifference

Grace

Legality

Correct answer:

Grace

Explanation:

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

Example Question #467 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Trick

Extinction

Mammal

Politics

Art

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

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

Example Question #468 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STRIFE

Possible Answers:

Construction

Weapon

Desert

Conflict

Contentment

Correct answer:

Conflict

Explanation:

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

Example Question #469 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UMBRAGE

Possible Answers:

Offense

Courage

Trickery

Candor

Effort

Correct answer:

Offense

Explanation:

Umbrage means annoyance or "offense."

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