SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1911 : Synonyms

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

ABJURE

Possible Answers:

Portray

Ponder

Apprehend

Personify

Renounce

Correct answer:

Renounce

Explanation:

The verb "abjure" means to formally renounce something previously important, to reject, to disavow. Additionally, "portray" means depict, show, represent as; "apprehend" means catch, arrest; "ponder" means think deeply about; "personify" means represent in human form.

Example Question #1912 : Synonyms

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

BANTER

Possible Answers:

Honor

Isolate

Offend

Tease

Amuse

Correct answer:

Tease

Explanation:

The verb "banter" means to playfully tease (usually among friends)

Example Question #1913 : Synonyms

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

GALVANIZE

Possible Answers:

Motivate

Disgust

Oust

Inoculate

Eradicate

Correct answer:

Motivate

Explanation:

The verb "galvanize" means to motivate, to inspire someone to action, to impel someone into action. Additionally, "oust" means to forcibly remove from power; "eradicate" means completely destroy, get rid of; "inoculate" means vaccinate, provide protection from a disease.

Example Question #1914 : Synonyms

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

CIRCULATE

Possible Answers:

Sojourn

Shock

Solicit

Spread

Suspend

Correct answer:

Spread

Explanation:

The verb "circulate" means to move through or to cause to flow through. It can also mean to pass an idea or item from one person to another, to "spread" something around. Additionally, "suspend" means pause, halt; "sojourn" means stay temporarily; "solicit" means ask for, request, seek help from.

Example Question #1915 : Synonyms

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

DIGRESS

Possible Answers:

Adulterate

Embezzle

Convene

Stray

Waive

Correct answer:

Stray

Explanation:

The verb "digress" means to deviate, to stray from the main point and become distracted by something else. Additionally, "convene" means meet up; "adulterate" means make impure, make contaminated; "waive" means give up, relinquish rights or control; "embezzle" means steal from a business that you work for.

Example Question #1916 : Synonyms

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

ILLUSTRATE

Possible Answers:

Show

Teach

Wander

Contend

Leap

Correct answer:

Show

Explanation:

The verb "illustrate" is most commonly used to mean draw, paint. It also has an important secondary meaning - to show, to demonstrate, to show how something is done or what something means.

Example Question #1917 : Synonyms

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

EQUIVOCATE

Possible Answers:

Summarize

Prevaricate

Bloviate

Curate

Quiver

Correct answer:

Prevaricate

Explanation:

To "equivocate" and to "prevaricate" both mean to deceive through misleading and often wordy speech. To "quiver" is to tremble, and to "curate" is to gather together exhibits as for an art gallery. To "bloviate" is to talk in an overblown, pompous way. To "summarize" is to create a summary.

Example Question #1918 : Synonyms

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

SUBSTANTIATE

Possible Answers:

Verify

Gripe

Grouse

Barter

Effect

Correct answer:

Verify

Explanation:

To "substantiate" something is to verify the truth of it. To "barter" is to trade, and to "grouse" and to "gripe" are both to complain in a whiny way. To "effect" a change or a certain act is to bring it about.

Example Question #1919 : Synonyms

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

CONSPIRE

Possible Answers:

Enervate

Plot

Elucidate

Carouse

Fortify

Correct answer:

Plot

Explanation:

To "conspire" is to connive or "plot" with someone. To "fortify" something is to strengthen it, whereas to "enervate" something is to weaken it. "Elucidate" is a synonym for "clarify." To "carouse" is to celebrate and be merry in a rowdy, usually drunken manner.

Example Question #1920 : Synonyms

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

DECODE

Possible Answers:

Mingle

Caterwaul

Disapear

Decipher

Officiate

Correct answer:

Decipher

Explanation:

To "decipher" something, be it a complex riddle or a simple remark, is to "decode" that thing. To "caterwaul" is to yowl or cry. To "officiate" is to preside over, and the verb is usually applied to ceremonies such as marriage. To "mingle" is to mix and blend.

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