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:

Resurgence

Famine

Segregation

Destruction

Platitude

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:

Tenacity

Perseverance

Jargon

Plethora

Detente

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 #733 : Identifying Synonyms

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

KOAN

Possible Answers:

Censure

Domicile

Absolution

Vestment

Riddle

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 #734 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BANALITY

Possible Answers:

Verisimilitude

Obstinacy

Truism

Anecdote

Lament

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 #735 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMELIORATION

Possible Answers:

Improvement

Emissary

Assignation

Vituperation

Exacerbation

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 #736 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INJUNCTION

Possible Answers:

Turpitude

Banality

Depravity

Order

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 #737 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BROMIDE

Possible Answers:

Hair product

Tonic

Cliché

Hypocrisy

Apostasy

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 #738 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEGENERACY

Possible Answers:

Vice

Vagary

Zenith

Apogee

Lipid

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 #739 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESURGANCE

Possible Answers:

Penchant

Espionage

Levity

Renewal

Frivolity

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 #740 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCRUTINY

Possible Answers:

Wrath

Apogee

Apex

Marauding

Examination

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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