SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #299 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EFFLUVIUM

Possible Answers:

Riposte

Repast

Rejoinder

Odor

Gift

Correct answer:

Odor

Explanation:

"Effluvium" is an unpleasant "odor," discharge, or waste product. It is not a "gift," or present. It is also not a "repast," or feast. "Rejoinder" and "riposte" are synonyms for witty comebacks or remarks.

Example Question #300 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

TANKARD

Possible Answers:

Drinking vessel

Armor

Nobleman

Military fortification

Armored vehicle

Correct answer:

Drinking vessel

Explanation:

A "tankard" is a large "drinking vessel" with a single handle, often made of pewter and seen in old-fashioned pubs. Don't confuse this with a "tank" (armored vehicle). It is not "armor," which is a suit worn to protect the body from bullets. It is also not a military fortification, which may also be called a "citadel." There are various titles for noblemen, depending on their status.

Example Question #301 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ROOKERY

Possible Answers:

Housing

War

Game piece

Vestment

Eccentric

Correct answer:

Housing

Explanation:

A "rookery" is either a place where a large number of birds roosts or a dense collection of housing in an urban area. Don't confuse this with a "rook," which is a game piece in chess. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "ward" is a war is a prolonged military struggle. An "eccentric" is a zany, idiosyncratic person.

Example Question #302 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ERUCTATION

Possible Answers:

Harbinger

Pestilence

Explosion

Belch

Magma

Correct answer:

Belch

Explanation:

"Eructation" is a fancy word for "belch" or burp. Don't confuse this with an "eruption," or volcanic explosion of magma. A "pestilence" is a disease or plague. A "harbinger" is an omen or warning sign.

Example Question #303 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OPUS

Possible Answers:

Epitaph

Composition

Preamble

Ordeal

Alacrity

Correct answer:

Composition

Explanation:

An "opus" is a master work or composition, often in music or literature. This is different from a "preamble," which is an introduction. Another word for "ordeal" is travail. "Alacrity" is liveliness and eagerness. An "epitaph" is an elegy, often a brief one inscribed on a tombstone or monument.

Example Question #304 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LEXICON

Possible Answers:

Folly

Dictionary

Levity

Profanity

Itinerary

Correct answer:

Dictionary

Explanation:

A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list. An "itinerary" is a schedule, and a "profanity" is an obscenity. "Folly" is foolishness or ignorance. "Levity" is lightheartedness or merriment.

Example Question #305 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CATERWAUL

Possible Answers:

Coppice

Peacekeeper

Yowl

Pandemonium

Chanson

Correct answer:

Yowl

Explanation:

A "caterwaul" is a "yowl," cry, or howl. A "coppice" is a thicket, and a "chanson" is a particular style of French song. A "peacekeeper" is someone who maintains peace. "Pandemonium" is a synonym for "chaos."

Example Question #306 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BIRTHRIGHT

Possible Answers:

Harangue

Repast

Nativity

Heritage

Garment

Correct answer:

Heritage

Explanation:

"Birthright" is "heritage" or inheritance. Don't confuse this with a "nativity," which is a birthplace. A "harangue" is a rant or tirade. A "repast" is a meal, and a "garment" is an item of clothing.

Example Question #307 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CELERITY

Possible Answers:

Nutrition

Fervor

Swiftness

Ardor

Severity

Correct answer:

Swiftness

Explanation:

"Celerity" is a synonym for swiftness, quickness. "Severity" means intensity, and "nutrition" refers to healthful food. "Ardor" and "fervor" are synonyms for "passion, zeal."

Example Question #308 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESPITE

Possible Answers:

Lexicon

Break

Effluvium

Unguent

Folly

Correct answer:

Break

Explanation:

A "respite" is a "break" or an interlude. "Folly" is foolishness, and a "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list. "Effluvium" is another word for waste or discharge. An "unguent" is an ointment or balm.

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