SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #721 : Synonyms

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

DECIBEL

Possible Answers:

Culprit

Clarity

Fiasco

Temperature

Volume

Correct answer:

Volume

Explanation:

The noun "decibel" refers to a unit of measurement that is used to measure "volume." This is closest in meaning, of course, to "volume" (or how loud something is). Additionally, "clarity" means how clear something is; "culprit" means guilty party, person responsible for a crime; "fiasco" means calamity, disaster, (a situation) that is chaotic and catastrophic.

Example Question #722 : Synonyms

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

PRECIPICE

Possible Answers:

Opulence

Edge

Decorum

Aid

Edifice

Correct answer:

Edge

Explanation:

The noun "precipice" refers to the "edge" of something after which there is a steep drop. It can also refer to the moment right before something important or profound occurs. Additionally, "aid" means help, assistance; "decorum" means polite behavior; an "edifice" is a building, or one side of a building; "opulence" is extreme wealth and luxury.

Example Question #723 : Synonyms

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

QUINTESSENCE

Possible Answers:

Turpitude

Proclivity

Exemplar

Mendacity

Depravity

Correct answer:

Exemplar

Explanation:

"Quintessence" is a synonym for epitome or "exemplar." "Proclivity" is a synonym for "inclination," and "depravity" is a synonym for "turpitude." "Mendacity" means dishonesty.

Example Question #724 : Synonyms

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

APPROBATION

Possible Answers:

Approval

Aberration

Notoriety

Chicanery

Anomaly

Correct answer:

Approval

Explanation:

"Approbation" and "approval" are synonyms. "Chicanery" is trickery, and "notoriety" is infamy. An "aberration" is an anomaly.

Example Question #725 : Synonyms

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

OPPROBRIUM

Possible Answers:

Disgrace

Luster

Pandemonium

Obstinacy

Invective

Correct answer:

Disgrace

Explanation:

"Opprobrium" is either "disgrace" and shame or criticism and abuse, depending on the situation. "Luster" is a synonym for "gloss." "Pandemonium" is a synonym for "chaos." "Invective" is verbal abuse, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness.

Example Question #726 : Synonyms

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

TRUCULENCE

Possible Answers:

Acquiescence

Ordure

Enmity

Splendor

Defiance

Correct answer:

Defiance

Explanation:

To be "truculent" is to defy someone else's orders or wishes. This is an antonym for "acquiescence," which involves giving in to someone else's wishes. "Enmity" is the antonym of "friendship," while "splendor" is the noun form of "splendid." "Ordure" is sewage or filth.

Example Question #727 : Synonyms

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

VERISMILITUDE

Possible Answers:

Redundancy

Mendacity

Propriety

Realness

Censure

Correct answer:

Realness

Explanation:

"Verisimilitude" describes "realness," or, more accurately, the appearance or replication of realness. "Propriety" is a synonym for "decorum." "Mendacity" is dishonesty. "Censure" is a synonym for "criticism" or condemnation. "Redundancy" is a synonym for "repetitiveness."

Example Question #728 : Synonyms

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

DUDGEON

Possible Answers:

Dissonance

Eloquence

Dispute

Resentment

Iniquity

Correct answer:

Resentment

Explanation:

To be in high "dudgeon" is to be indignant or resentful about something. "Eloquence" is the quality of fluent, articulate speech. "Iniquity" is evil, and a "dispute" is a disagreement. "Dissonance" is tension, particularly between inharmonious sounds.

Example Question #731 : Synonyms

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

QUALMS

Possible Answers:

Truculence

Apathy

Misgivings

Defiance

Jargon

Correct answer:

Misgivings

Explanation:

To have "qualms" about something are to have "misgivings" about them. "Truculence" and "defiance" are synonyms. "Apathy" is the state of not caring about things, and "jargon" is the specific language or vocabulary of a group of specialists.

Example Question #732 : Synonyms

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

CHOLER

Possible Answers:

Expiation

Appeasement

Kernel

Propitiation

Anger

Correct answer:

Anger

Explanation:

"Choler" is an antiquated word for "anger," wrath, or irritation. "Propitiation" is a synonym for "appeasement," and "expiation" is a synonym for "amends." A "kernel" is a seed (literal) or heart of something (figurative).

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