SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #731 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANNIHILATION

Possible Answers:

Destruction

Famine

Platitude

Segregation

Resurgence

Correct answer:

Destruction

Explanation:

To "annihilate" something is to destroy it completely. A "resurgence" is a renewal or return. Another word for "segregation" is apartheid. A "platitude" is a truism or banality. "Famine" is widespread starvation.

Example Question #732 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RAPPROCHEMENT

Possible Answers:

Perseverance

Detente

Plethora

Jargon

Tenacity

Correct answer:

Detente

Explanation:

"Rapprochement" and "detente" both describe the resumption of friendly relations and agreement between two parties. A "plethora" of something is an abundance, and "jargon" is a specialized vocabulary. "Tenacity" is a synonym for perseverance.

Example Question #401 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

KOAN

Possible Answers:

Censure

Absolution

Riddle

Domicile

Vestment

Correct answer:

Riddle

Explanation:

A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.

Example Question #402 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

BANALITY

Possible Answers:

Anecdote

Truism

Verisimilitude

Lament

Obstinacy

Correct answer:

Truism

Explanation:

A "banality" is a "truism," a platitude, a saying that is often repeated but has little or no meaning. This is different from an "anecdote," which is a short story of any sort. "Verisimilitude" is the quality or appearance of realness, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness. A "lament" is a sorrowful wail or cry.

Example Question #403 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

AMELIORATION

Possible Answers:

Exacerbation

Assignation

Emissary

Improvement

Vituperation

Correct answer:

Improvement

Explanation:

To "ameliorate" conditions is to improve or lessen their harshness. To "exacerbate," or to worsen, is the opposite. "Vituperation" is bitter verbal abuse, and an "emissary" is an envoy or an ambassador. An "assignation" is an illicit rendezvous, often of a romantic nature.

Example Question #404 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

INJUNCTION

Possible Answers:

Order

Depravity

Turpitude

Banality

Jurisprudence

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

An "injunction" is a formal order, often delivered from a court of law. This is different from "jurisprudence," which is the practice of law itself. A "banality" is an empty saying, a platitude. "Turpitude" and "depravity" are both synonyms for moral degeneracy.

Example Question #405 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

BROMIDE

Possible Answers:

Cliché

Hair product

Tonic

Apostasy

Hypocrisy

Correct answer:

Cliché

Explanation:

A "bromide" is a platitude, a "cliché," an empty saying. A "tonic" is a carbonated beverage or a beverage designed to heal and soothe. A "hair product" would be a shampoo. "Apostasy" is renunciation, while "hypocrisy" is doing the opposite of what one says or professes.

Example Question #406 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

DEGENERACY

Possible Answers:

Apogee

Zenith

Vice

Lipid

Vagary

Correct answer:

Vice

Explanation:

"Degeneracy" is "vice," sin, corruption, or criminality. "Zenith" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. A "vagary" is a whim, caprice, or fancy. A "lipid" is a fat molecule.

Example Question #407 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RESURGANCE

Possible Answers:

Frivolity

Renewal

Penchant

Espionage

Levity

Correct answer:

Renewal

Explanation:

A "resurgence" is a "renewal,": often in popularity, a return, or an increase. "Espionage" is spying, and a "penchant" is an affinity or proclivity for something. "Frivolity" and "levity" are synonyms for lightheartedness, mirth.

Example Question #408 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCRUTINY

Possible Answers:

Wrath

Apex

Apogee

Examination

Marauding

Correct answer:

Examination

Explanation:

"Scrutiny" is close examination, inspection. "Apex" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. "Marauding" is the act of raiding, looting, or pillaging. "Wrath" is a synonym for "spleen," not "scrutiny."

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