SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2139 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DETECT

Possible Answers:

Solve

Sense

Argue

Engender

Miss

Correct answer:

Sense

Explanation:

To "detect" is to discover or to identify the existence of something.

I detected the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg when I walked into my grandmother’s kitchen.

Do I detect a bit of sarcasm in your answer to my question?

So "sense" is the best choice.

Example Question #2140 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCAN

Possible Answers:

Search

Clamor

Locate

Guide

Scatter

Correct answer:

Search

Explanation:

To "scan" is to search thoroughly.

We scanned the horizon looking for any signs of  an approaching storm.

So "search" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #2141 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXACERBATE

Possible Answers:

Imigrate

Scrape

Harden

Shun

Worsen

Correct answer:

Worsen

Explanation:

To "exacerbate" is to make a bad thing worse, whether it’s a problem, a situation, or an illness.

If you have the flu and you don’t rest, take your medicine, and drink your fluids, you’ll exacerbate your ailment.

So "worsen" is the answer.



Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

Practice using word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to predict the meaning of a word. Choose the answer that reflects what the underlined part of the word means.

Eject

Possible Answers:

throw

belief

hear

look

across

Correct answer:

throw

Explanation:

"Ject" usually means throw. Another example is "project."

Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Practice using word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to predict the meaning of a word. Choose the answer that reflects what the underlined part of the word means.

Polyglot

Possible Answers:

turn

both

light

many

speak

Correct answer:

many

Explanation:

"Poly" usually means many. Another example is "polygon."

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

Intrepid

Possible Answers:

Final

Fearless

Broken

Pointed

Conversant

Correct answer:

Fearless

Explanation:

"Intrepid" means fearless. The Latin root word, "trepidus," means fearful. The prefix "in" means not.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin

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

INDELIBLE

Possible Answers:

Churned

Permanent

Linked

Tangible

Dehydrated

Correct answer:

Permanent

Explanation:

"Indelible" means permanent.  The prefix "in" means not, and the root "delere" means to destroy, so it makes sense that if something is "indelible," it is not be able to be destroyed, or permanent. So, "permanent" is the correct answer because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "indelible."

Example Question #2 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CIRCUMVENT

Possible Answers:

Bypass

Punch

Line

Confide

Elevate

Correct answer:

Bypass

Explanation:

"Circumvent" means to go around or to bypass, so "bypass" is the correct answer. The root word circum means around, and ven means to come. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "circumvent": "punch" means to hit; "confide" means to tell secrets to; "elevate" means to lift; and "line" means to mark.  

Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

INDISTINCT

Possible Answers:

Lucid

Compliant

Fuzzy

Pliable

Notorious

Correct answer:

Fuzzy

Explanation:

"Indistinct" means fuzzy or not clear. "Lucid" is the antonym; it means clear and easily distinguishable and seen. "Notorious" means well-known for bad qualities or manners. "Compliant" means obedient or submissive. "Pliable" means bendable and flexible.

Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

MISANTHROPIC

Possible Answers:

Preventable

Prospective

Apparent

Hateful

Educated

Correct answer:

Hateful

Explanation:

"Misanthropic" means hating humankind. The root word "anthro" means human, and the prefix "mis-" means wrong or incorrect. "Hateful" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "misanthropic."

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