SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1939 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HINDER

Possible Answers:

Maintain

Charge

Obstruct

Facilitate

Improve

Correct answer:

Obstruct

Explanation:

"Hinder" means to create difficulties for something, or to obstruct something.

Example Question #1940 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RUMPLE

Possible Answers:

Empty

Wake

Wrinkle

Scold

Flatten

Correct answer:

Wrinkle

Explanation:

To "rumple" something means to wrinkle it, so "wrinkle" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUARANTINE

Possible Answers:

Rust

Isolate

Undermine

Organize

Compromise

Correct answer:

Isolate

Explanation:

To "quarantine" is to isolate.

Example Question #1942 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MITIGATE

Possible Answers:

Ease

Shorten

Capture

Announce

Disguise

Correct answer:

Ease

Explanation:

"Mitigate" means to reduce pain or negative effects. Thus, the word "ease" (used as a verb) is closest in meaning, as easing pain or negative effects would also cause a reduction in those. The other words are completely unrelated to the verb "mitigate."

Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

SQUANDER

Possible Answers:

Waste

Intone

Harbor

Squish 

Decipher

Correct answer:

Waste

Explanation:

"Squander" means to spend money is an impractical or wasteful way. (Example: "Lucy squandered her father's fortune by investing in a business that had no future.") Thus, "waste" is the best synonym.

Example Question #222 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

DISSIPATE

Possible Answers:

Manufacture

Banter

Germinate

Scatter

Establish

Correct answer:

Scatter

Explanation:

"Dissipate" means to scatter or disperse, so "scatter" is the correct answer.

Example Question #227 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PRECEDE

Possible Answers:

Go after

Move forward

Struggle

Go before

Celebrate

Correct answer:

Go before

Explanation:

"Precede" means to go before. "Go after" has the opposite meaning. None of the other words or terms have the same meaning as "precede." "Move forward" means to proceed. "Celebrate" means to commemorate an event. "Struggle" means to fight or brawl.

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

SQUANDER

Possible Answers:

Squelch

Ignore

Waste

Dismiss

Approach

Correct answer:

Waste

Explanation:

"Squander" means waste or fritter away, so "waste" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #228 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONSOLIDATE

Possible Answers:

Categorize

Unify

Pacify

Raze

Sympathize

Correct answer:

Unify

Explanation:

"Consolidate" means unify. "Raze" means destroy or tear down. "Pacify" means to calm someone or something down. "Sympathize" means to feel or express compassion. "Categorize" means to label or place in a distinct group.

Example Question #1981 : Synonyms

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

KINDLE

Possible Answers:

Equivocate

Zeal

Ignite

Undertake

Fallow

Correct answer:

Ignite

Explanation:

Since "kindle" means light or set on fire or inspire, we're looking for a verb that means set on fire or inspire. Of the three answer choices that are verbs ("equivocate," "undertake," and "ignite"), "ignite" is the closest synonym to "kindle" as "ignite" means catch fire or cause to catch on fire, so "ignite" is the correct answer.

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