SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #721 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLETHORA
Abundance
Paucity
Clemency
Circumspection
Circumlocution
Abundance
A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.
Example Question #722 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NESCIENCE
Ignorance
Mirth
Newness
Creed
Profligacy
Ignorance
"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.
Example Question #723 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RATIOCINATION
Intuition
Propinquity
Deadness
Logic
Contretemps
Logic
"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.
Example Question #724 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANIMOSITY
Spirit
Stinginess
Mendicant
Hatred
Ill will
Hatred
"Animosity" is "hatred" or extreme dislike for something. Don't confuse this with "animus," which has a variety of definitions: mental archetype, spirit, or ill will. A "mendicant" is a beggar. "Stinginess" means thriftiness and miserliness.
Example Question #725 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABLUTION
Propriety
Conundrum
Animosity
Washing
Negation
Washing
An "ablution" is a ceremonial washing or cleansing, often for forgiveness. "Negation" means contradiction or opposite. "Animosity" is hatred, and "propriety" means decorum. A "conundrum" is a dilemma or difficult situation.
Example Question #726 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABSOLUTION
Expertise
Theology
Forgiveness
Belief
Cleansing
Forgiveness
"Absolution" means "forgiveness" or expiation of sins. Don't confuse this with "ablution," a ceremonial cleansing. While "absolution" is often a religious ritual, it is not a religious philosophy or theology itself. "Expertise" is skillfulness or knowledge. "Credulity" is another word for belief.
Example Question #727 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
APARTHEID
Tenacity
Segregation
Poise
Canniness
Brevity
Segregation
"Apartheid" is a form of racial segregation (specific to South Africa). "Canniness" is a synonym for "cleverness." "Tenacity" is a synonym for "perseverance," and "brevity" is a synonym for "briefness," concision. "Poise" is another word for aplomb, grace, or elegance.
Example Question #728 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VERACITY
Interlude
Respite
Degeneracy
Truthfulness
Applause
Truthfulness
"Veracity" refers to truth, accuracy, or faithfulness to the facts. An "interlude" is an intermission or break, as is a "respite." "Degeneracy" means criminality or corruption. "Applause" is the act of cheering for something or someone.
Example Question #729 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFINITY
Effrontery
Quarrel
Riposte
Contretemps
Liking
Liking
To have an "affinity" for something is to have a liking, penchant, inclination, or affection for it. "Contretemps" and "quarrel" are synonyms for dispute. A "riposte" is a retort or snappy response. "Effrontery" is impudence or boldness.
Example Question #730 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABNEGATION
Expiation
Quintessence
Indulgence
Rejection
Bafflement
Rejection
Depending on the context, "abnegation" can be "rejection" or renunciation of a principle or it can be temperance and self-denial. The latter is an antonym for "indulgence." "Bafflement" is confusion, and "expiation" is atonement. The "quintessence" of something is its epitome, its perfect example.
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