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 #389 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLETHORA
Clemency
Paucity
Abundance
Circumlocution
Circumspection
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 #390 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NESCIENCE
Newness
Mirth
Ignorance
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 #721 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RATIOCINATION
Deadness
Propinquity
Contretemps
Intuition
Logic
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 #722 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANIMOSITY
Mendicant
Hatred
Ill will
Spirit
Stinginess
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 #723 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABLUTION
Negation
Washing
Propriety
Animosity
Conundrum
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 #724 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABSOLUTION
Belief
Forgiveness
Cleansing
Theology
Expertise
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 #725 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
APARTHEID
Canniness
Tenacity
Brevity
Poise
Segregation
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 #726 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VERACITY
Truthfulness
Interlude
Degeneracy
Respite
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 #727 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFINITY
Contretemps
Effrontery
Quarrel
Liking
Riposte
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 #728 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABNEGATION
Rejection
Expiation
Bafflement
Quintessence
Indulgence
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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