SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #179 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BUREAU 

Possible Answers:

Tact

Agency

Calligraphy

Tape

Table

Correct answer:

Agency

Explanation:

bureau is an office or agency.

Example Question #180 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUCRE

Possible Answers:

Loot

Fame

Notoriety

Greed

Power

Correct answer:

Loot

Explanation:

“Lucre” is a noun that means “money, especially when gained in a dishonorable manner,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “money.” “Loot” is a word that when used as a noun can mean “property taken from an enemy in war,” “stolen money or valuables,” or informally, “money; wealth.” Because “loot” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “lucre,” “loot” is the correct answer.

Example Question #181 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

REALM

Possible Answers:

Land

Town

Fortress

City

Ruler

Correct answer:

Land

Explanation:

“Realm” is a noun that can mean “a kingdom” or “a field or domain of activity or interest,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “a kingdom” or “a field of activity or interest.” That means that “ruler” cannot be the correct answer, because while a ruler might rule over a kingdom, “ruler” does not mean the same thing as “kingdom.” “Land,” however, when used as a noun, can mean “a country,” and because “land” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “realm,” “land” is the correct answer.

Example Question #182 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

BURSARY

Possible Answers:

Treasury

Patience 

Messenger 

Marriage

Rhythm 

Correct answer:

Treasury

Explanation:

A "bursary" is a treasury of an institution.

Example Question #183 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CONTUSION

Possible Answers:

Reptile

Bruise

Suspension

Instrument

Standard

Correct answer:

Bruise

Explanation:

A "contusion" is a bruise.

Example Question #184 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

VIGNETTE

Possible Answers:

Dialogue

Vermin

Illustration

Wave

Resolution

Correct answer:

Illustration

Explanation:

A "vignette" is a small illustration or a decorative design.

Example Question #185 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

FISSURE

Possible Answers:

Sorrow

Grandeur

Vogue

Crack

Accomplishment

Correct answer:

Crack

Explanation:

A "fissure" is a crack, especially in a rock. The Latin root word, "fissus," means split.

Example Question #186 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CONFLAGRATION

Possible Answers:

Speech

Apparel

Audacity

Pessimism

Fire

Correct answer:

Fire

Explanation:

A "conflagration" is a large, destructive fire.

Example Question #187 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

HOVEL

Possible Answers:

Occupation

Performance

Shed

Allegory

Campaign

Correct answer:

Shed

Explanation:

A "hovel" is an open shed or a very small, humble house.

Example Question #188 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

HAMLET

Possible Answers:

Antonym

Stage

Village

Goblin

Nourishment

Correct answer:

Village

Explanation:

A "hamlet" is a small village.

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