SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #471 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHAGRIN

Possible Answers:

Distress

Intelligence

Sustinence

Tantrum

Bewilderment

Correct answer:

Distress

Explanation:

"Chagrin" means acute discomfort and embarassment, so "distress" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "chagrin."

Example Question #472 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ZEST

Possible Answers:

Intelligence

Emptiness

Talent

Tendency

Enthusiasm

Correct answer:

Enthusiasm

Explanation:

"Zest" means fervor or zeal, so "enthusiasm" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices.

Example Question #141 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

QUIRK

Possible Answers:

Mistake

Wrinkle

Plan

Idiosyncrasy

Particle

Correct answer:

Idiosyncrasy

Explanation:

A "quirk" is an unusual habit, or an "idiosyncrasy."

Example Question #473 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Tradition

Performance

Satire

Debate

Equality

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

"Parity" means equality. The similarly pronounced "parody" is a synonym of satire.

Example Question #474 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEBACLE

Possible Answers:

Discovery

Pattern

Disaster 

Concern

Stipple

Correct answer:

Disaster 

Explanation:

A “debacle” is an unfortunate event with disastrous consequences, so the best available synonym is “disaster.” 

Example Question #143 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Shape

Criticism

Emotion

Epitome

Trickery

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

A "paragon" is a model or epitome, so "epitome" is the correct answer.

Example Question #144 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCRUPLE

Possible Answers:

Liberty

Art

Duration

Promotion

Misgiving

Correct answer:

Misgiving

Explanation:

A "scruple" is a feeling of doubt or a misgiving because one feels out of suspicion that a course of action may be immoral, so "misgiving" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "scruple": "liberty" means freedom; "art" means the class of objects and activities subject to aesthetic criteria; "duration" means a length of time; and "promotion" means advancement.

Example Question #145 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARADIGM

Possible Answers:

Ideal

Polygon

Gesture

Design

Insinuation

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

A "paradigm" is an ideal or perfect model of something. One might write, "He is the paradigm of a perfect student."

Example Question #475 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPARTEE

Possible Answers:

Lament

Contrition

Speech

Banter

Plight

Correct answer:

Banter

Explanation:

Since "repartee" is a noun that means a conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies, we're looking for a noun that refers to speech and includes a connotation of being witty. "Speech" is a tempting answer, but it is too broad to be the correct answer. "Lament" and "banter" both refer to kinds of speech, but where "lament" specifies speech that is mournful or regretful, "banter" means speech in which the participants converse in a witty and teasing manner. Because "banter" not only refers to a type of speech but also specifically refers to a type of witty speech, it is the closest synonym to "repartee," and the best answer choice.

Example Question #147 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Mistake

Courtesy

Blockage

Kin

Trick

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

A ruse is a trick.  

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