All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Anglo Saxon
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFOREMENTIONED
Aforesaid
Afore
Afoot
Aforethought
Afoul
Aforesaid
These words all share an anglo-saxon root "afore-." The only two words with closely related meanings are "aforesaid" and "aforementioned," which refer to something that has previously come up in conversation. The other words are not synonymous with "aforementioned."
Example Question #1 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUAKE
Freeze
Repel
Transform
Verify
Quiver
Quiver
“Quake” is a verb that means “shake or tremble,” especially when referring to the earth, or “shake or shudder with fear” when referring to a person. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “shake.” That means that “freeze” cannot be the correct answer, because “freeze” can mean “to become paralyzed with fear or shock,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “quake.” “Quiver,” however, is a verb that means “to tremble or shake,” and because “quiver” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “quake,” “quiver” is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GLACIAL
Natural
Slow
Deliberate
Beautiful
Melting
Slow
"Glacial" can have two meanings: very cold or moving very slowly. ("Glacial" comes from the word "glacier," which is a huge mass of ice that moves extremely slowly.) Given that none of the answer choices are similar to the word "cold," the best synonym is one that means slow.Thus, the best answer choice is "slow."
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PITCH
Propel
Explode
Collect
Propose
Fabricate
Propose
To pitch an idea or plan means to propose it.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INCARNATION
Meal
Vessel
Lifetime
Demonstration
Choice
Lifetime
An incarnation is the embodiment of a god, or an individual's lifetime.
Example Question #5 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CURRENT
Show
Spectacle
Attraction
Airstream
Theater
Airstream
"Current" and "airstream" can be synonyms, especially if the word "current" represents a stream of wind ("current" can also refer to the present time). The other words are not related in meaning to the word "current."
Example Question #6 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXCLUSIVE
Woodland
Audible
Elite
Motherly
Natural
Elite
"Elite" and "exclusive" are synonyms referring to a select group (usually implying the selection is tied to excellence). The other words do not have related meanings. "Natural" means not artificial. "Audible" means perceptible through aural faculties.
Example Question #7 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAMP
Jail
Prison
Team
Institution
Tank
Team
"Camp" and "team" are synonyms. The word "camp" can be used to describe a side, a team, a particular group of people with a shared value or conviction. The other words do not have meanings closely related to camp.
Example Question #8 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TRUNK
Swimmer
Alternator
Box
Engineering
Engine
Box
"Trunk" and "box" can both refer to a receptacle used to store or carry items. The other words are not synonymous with "trunk." An "alternator" is a part of an "engine" (at least for cars).
Example Question #9 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANK
Litigate
Invest
Hospitalize
Mourn
Grieve
Invest
The verbs "bank" (when used as a verb) and "invest" can be synonymous, referring to the actions of a financier. The meanings of the other answer choices are not related to the word "bank."
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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
