SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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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

Possible Answers:

Afoot

Afore

Aforesaid

Afoul

Aforethought

Correct answer:

Aforesaid

Explanation:

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 #2261 : Synonyms

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

QUAKE

Possible Answers:

Freeze

Verify

Quiver

Transform

Repel

Correct answer:

Quiver

Explanation:

“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 #2262 : Synonyms

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

GLACIAL 

Possible Answers:

Natural 

Slow

Melting

Deliberate

Beautiful 

Correct answer:

Slow

Explanation:

"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 #2263 : Synonyms

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

PITCH

Possible Answers:

Explode

Collect

Propose

Fabricate

Propel

Correct answer:

Propose

Explanation:

To pitch an idea or plan means to propose it.

Example Question #2264 : Synonyms

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

INCARNATION

Possible Answers:

Lifetime

Choice

Vessel

Meal

Demonstration

Correct answer:

Lifetime

Explanation:

An incarnation is the embodiment of a god, or an individual's lifetime.

Example Question #2265 : Synonyms

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

CURRENT

Possible Answers:

Show

Theater

Attraction

Airstream

Spectacle

Correct answer:

Airstream

Explanation:

"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 #2266 : Synonyms

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

EXCLUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Natural

Motherly

Audible

Elite

Woodland

Correct answer:

Elite

Explanation:

"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 #2267 : Synonyms

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

CAMP

Possible Answers:

Team

Jail

Institution

Prison

Tank

Correct answer:

Team

Explanation:

"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 #2268 : Synonyms

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

TRUNK

Possible Answers:

Engine

Swimmer

Box

Engineering

Alternator

Correct answer:

Box

Explanation:

"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 #2269 : Synonyms

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

BANK

Possible Answers:

Litigate

Mourn

Hospitalize

Invest

Grieve

Correct answer:

Invest

Explanation:

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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