SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2081 : Synonyms

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

AGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Laud

Depict

Gargle

Perpetrate

Worry

Correct answer:

Worry

Explanation:

"Agonize" means to worry greatly about something and is ofted used in the phrase "to agonize over" something. So, "worry" is the correct answer. "Perpetrate" means to commit or carry out a crime. "Laud" means to applaud or to praise. "Depict" means to show or demonstrate. "Gargle" means to clean or wash one's throat or mouth with a liquid substance.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

ASSUAGE

Possible Answers:

Enervate

Narrate

Atone

Amass

Relieve

Correct answer:

Relieve

Explanation:

"Assuage" means to "relieve" or to ease. "Amass" means to gather or to collect. "Atone" means to apologize or make amends for. "Enervate" means to weaken or to cause to lose energy. "Narrate" means to tell a story.

Example Question #2082 : Synonyms

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

DEPLORE

Possible Answers:

Inundate

Wreck

Demote

Shrink

Abhor

Correct answer:

Abhor

Explanation:

"Deplore" means "abhor," or to strongly hate or detest. "Demote" means to downgrade or move downwards in position. "Wreck" means to ruin or destroy. "Inundate" means to flood or overwhelm. "Shrink" means to make smaller.

Example Question #2083 : Synonyms

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

ABHOR

Possible Answers:

Detest 

Ignore 

Improve 

Forgive 

Commend

Correct answer:

Detest 

Explanation:

If you “abhor” something than you strongly disapprove or reject it. Of the five answer choices only “detest” matches this definition. Detest means to hate or strongly reject something.

Example Question #2084 : Synonyms

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

PIQUE

Possible Answers:

Embroider

Provoke 

Possess 

Pacify 

Explain 

Correct answer:

Provoke 

Explanation:

“Pique” is generally used in the phrase “to pique someone’s interest,” which means to provoke interest. The correct answer is “provoke.” For clarification, "embroider" means to decorate with needlework; "possess" means own; and "pacify" means to make calm.

Example Question #2085 : Synonyms

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

RELISH

Possible Answers:

Indecision

Delight

Overabundance

Despair

Indifference 

Correct answer:

Delight

Explanation:

"Relish" means enjoyment, or "delight."

Example Question #2085 : Synonyms

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

VEX

Possible Answers:

Defeat

Complain

Irritate

Curse

Exceed

Correct answer:

Irritate

Explanation:

"Vex" means to annoy or irritate, so "irritate" is the correct answer.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

HAUNT

Possible Answers:

Collide

Run

Reform

Choke

Disturb

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

"Haunt" means for something to be constantly on your mind, disturbing you, so "disturb" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2086 : Synonyms

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

DAUNT

Possible Answers:

Flaunt

Humiliate

Compliment

Intimidate

Provoke

Correct answer:

Intimidate

Explanation:

"Daunt" means to make someone feel apprehensive, or to intimidate.

Example Question #2086 : Synonyms

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

PLACATE

Possible Answers:

Quench

Heed

Imply

Conciliate

Pursue

Correct answer:

Conciliate

Explanation:

Since to placate someone means to soothe or appease him or her, we're looking for a verb that means to appease or to soothe. While "quench" does mean to appease thirst, it does not refer to people and is thus not a synonym of "placate." "Conciliate," on the other hand, means stop someone or something from being angry or discontented; "to placate, appease, or pacify," it is the best answer choice.

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