SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #639 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUNCTURE

Possible Answers:

Plumage

Moment

Proponent

Tryst

Advocate

Correct answer:

Moment

Explanation:

A "juncture" is a moment in time. Usually it is a moment in time where two things meet or where two things split and go separate ways. Additionally, "plumage" is the name given to feathers on a bird; "proponent" and "advocate" are synonyms, both words mean supporter, someone who speaks out in support of something; a "tryst" is an illicit meeting, an affair, a secret rendezvous.

Example Question #640 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TURMOIL

Possible Answers:

Cogent

Indiscriminate

Outlier

Acolyte

Agitation

Correct answer:

Agitation

Explanation:

The noun "turmoil" is used to describe a state of chaos and agitation, an uncertain situation. Additionally, an "outlier" is a piece of data that does not fit with the rest, an anomaly; "cogent" means (of an argument) very convincing, well reasoned; "indiscriminate" means not discriminating, random; an "acolyte" is an assistant, a minion.

Example Question #641 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPUDENCE

Possible Answers:

Expurgation

Effrontery

Nuisance

Relevance

Melody

Correct answer:

Effrontery

Explanation:

"Impudence" is another word for both insolence and "effrontery." "Relevance" indicates connection to the topic at hand. A "melody" is a sequence of notes that comprises a song, and a "nuisance" is a bother. "Expurgation" is the act of removing material from something (e.g. a book) to avoid offending people.

Example Question #642 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APEX

Possible Answers:

Larceny

Interrogation

Nadir

Pinnacle

Gratitude

Correct answer:

Pinnacle

Explanation:

An "apex" is a "pinnacle," apogee, or high point. This is the antonym of "nadir," or low point. An "interrogation" is a formal or intense questioning. "Larceny" is theft, and "gratitude" is thankfulness.

Example Question #643 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APLOMB

Possible Answers:

Poise

Clumsiness

Loquacity

Lechery

Gluttony

Correct answer:

Poise

Explanation:

To do something with "aplomb" is to do it with poise and "polish." This is an antonym of "clumsiness." "Gluttony" means overeating, and "lechery" means lust. "Loquacity" is a synonym for excessive talkativeness.

Example Question #644 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JARGON

Possible Answers:

Specialized Architecture

Specialized Interrogation

Specialized Language

Specialized Studies

Specialized Profession

Correct answer:

Specialized Language

Explanation:

"Jargon" is a type of language specific to a particular discipline or specialty. While "architects," "scholars," and other professions do have their own kinds of jargon, the words are not actually synonymous. An "interrogation" is a questioning session.

Example Question #645 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABNEGATION

Possible Answers:

Fodder

Hearth

Predilection

Renunciation

Lassitude

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

The noun "abnegation" means "renunciation," denial, rejection, the act of disavowing something. Additionally, a "predilection" is a preference for something; "lassitude" is weariness, exhaustion, lethargy; "fodder" is worthless material to be sacrificed for some cause; a "hearth" is a fireplace or a spiritual home, or less commonly, a literal home.

Example Question #646 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPLIANCE

Possible Answers:

Obedience

Repose

Serendipity

Predilection

Exigency

Correct answer:

Obedience

Explanation:

The noun "compliance" means the action of agreeing to a command or a request. Although this is not a direct synonym of "obedience," this is easily the best answer. Additionally, "predilection" is a preference for, having a particular like for something; "exigency" is urgency, the need to get something done; "repose" is rest; "serendipity" is the occurrence of some happy and lucky incident, good fortune.

Example Question #647 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ZENITH

Possible Answers:

Harangue

Tenacity

Lunacy

Apogee

Acumen

Correct answer:

Apogee

Explanation:

"Zenith" is another word for pinnacle, apex, or "apogee." "Lunacy" is a synonym for "insanity," and "tenacity" is perseverance and determination. "Acumen" is another word for shrewdness or sharpness, and a "harangue" is a verbal rant or tirade.

Example Question #648 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROBITY

Possible Answers:

Largesse

Paucity

Maturity

Integrity

Mischief

Correct answer:

Integrity

Explanation:

"Probity" means "integrity" and moral uprightness. "Mischief" is trouble, and "largesse" is generosity. "Maturity" and "immaturity" are antonyms, as are "paucity" and "abundance."

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