SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #301 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AUGURY

Possible Answers:

Idiosyncrasy

Portent

Hazard

Demeanor

Drill

Correct answer:

Portent

Explanation:

"Augury" is a synonym for "portent" or omen. It would be very easy to confuse this word with "auger," which is a tool for drilling into the ground. A "hazard" is a danger, and an "idiosyncrasy" is a quirk or strange trait. "Demeanor" means comportment or bearing.

Example Question #302 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STRONGHOLD

Possible Answers:

Armament

Rant

Elucidation

Bastion

Firmament

Correct answer:

Bastion

Explanation:

A "bastion" is a "stronghold," protection, or guard against either a physical or a figurative threat. Don't confuse this with "armament," which means weaponry, or "firmament," which means sky. "Elucidation" means clarification. Another word for a "rant" is a harangue.

Example Question #311 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ALTERCATION

Possible Answers:

Harm

Fight

Caterwaul

Caprice

Threnody

Correct answer:

Fight

Explanation:

An "altercation" is a fight or brawl (usually physical unless specified: "a verbal altercation"). Although "harm" may well result from an "altercation," the two are not direct synonyms. A "caprice" is a whim or a fancy, and a "threnody" is a dirge or lament. "Caterwaul" is another word for a yowl or cry.

Example Question #312 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

DIN

Possible Answers:

Travail

Itinerary

Ordeal

Edict

Racket

Correct answer:

Racket

Explanation:

A "din" is a "racket" or hubbub. "Edict" is another word for a decree, and itinerary means schedule. "Travail" is a synonym for "ordeal."

Example Question #313 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PEREGRINATION

Possible Answers:

Fecundity

Eructation

Birthright

Wandering

Eruption

Correct answer:

Wandering

Explanation:

To "peregrinate" is to "wander." A "birthright" is a heritage, an inheritance. An "eructation" is a belch, and an "eruption" is an explosion. "Fecundity" is fertility, fruitfulness.

Example Question #314 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PORTENT

Possible Answers:

Bastion

Torrent

Omen

Power

Amnesty

Correct answer:

Omen

Explanation:

A "portent" is an "omen," a warning sign. Don't confuse "portent" with "potent," which means powerful. "Amnesty" is an official pardon or reprieve. A "bastion" is a stronghold, and a "torrent" is a downpour or a deluge.

Example Question #315 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROVISIONS

Possible Answers:

Indictment

Supplies

Joviality

Calamity

Retort

Correct answer:

Supplies

Explanation:

"Provisions" are "supplies" for a journey (usually food and equipment). A "retort" is a witty response. "Joviality" is a synonym for merriment, good humor. An "indictment" is an accusation. "Calamity" is a synonym for "disaster."

Example Question #316 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AFFLICTION

Possible Answers:

Theology

Guffaw

Fracas

Larceny

Malady

Correct answer:

Malady

Explanation:

"Affliction" and "malady" are both synonyms for disease, illness. A "fracas" can be anything from a noisy disagreement to a full-out brawl. A "guffaw" is a loud laugh. "Larceny" is theft, and "theology" is the study of religion.

Example Question #317 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

REVERBERATION

Possible Answers:

Echo

Denouement

Squall

Completion

Edict

Correct answer:

Echo

Explanation:

"Reverberation" is the echoing or refraction of sounds. "Completion" is finishing, while a "denouement" is similarly a finale or conclusion. A "squall" is a storm. An "edict" is a decree or law.

Example Question #318 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

RAMPAGE

Possible Answers:

Widespread behavior

Generosity

Violent behavior

Altercation

Cheerful behavior

Correct answer:

Violent behavior

Explanation:

A "rampage" is a mass act of violence, looting, or other criminal behavior. Although "rampages" are often widespread, the two are not synonymous. A synonym for "generosity" is magnanimity, while an "altercation" is a fight. "Cheerful" behavior might be considered vivacity.

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