SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #649 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROCLIVITY

Possible Answers:

Apogee

Levity

Lethargy

Nadir

Inclination

Correct answer:

Inclination

Explanation:

A "proclivity" is an inclination or tendency towards something. "Lethargy" means listlessness, "nadir" means low point, and "apogee" means high point. "Levity" means lightheartedness and humor.

Example Question #650 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BREVITY

Possible Answers:

Decreptitude

Briefness

Lassitude

Gluttony

Assignation

Correct answer:

Briefness

Explanation:

"Brevity" and "briefness" are synonyms. "Lassitude" means lethargy or apathy. "Decrepitude" describes the state of being old and dilapidated. "Gluttony" means excess or greed in eating. An "assignation" is another word for a rendezvous or illicit meet-up.

Example Question #651 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ZENITH

Possible Answers:

Ibex

Complicity

Mendacity

Apogee

Rumpus

Correct answer:

Apogee

Explanation:

"Zenith" and "apogee" both describe an apex or a high point. An "ibex" is a type of wild goat, while a "rumpus" is a commotion or a disturbance. "Complicity" means guilt, and "mendacity" means dishonesty.

Example Question #320 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ASSIGNATION

Possible Answers:

Hegemony

Rendezvous

Luster

Dignitary

Zealot

Correct answer:

Rendezvous

Explanation:

An "assignation" is a tryst, "rendezvous," or secretive meeting. A "zealot" is a fanatic, and "hegemony" is supremacy or authoritarian dominance. A "dignitary" is a famous or noteworthy person. "Lustre" is a synonym for gloss or shine.

Example Question #652 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LASSITUDE

Possible Answers:

Amity

Aberration

Wrath

Sluggishness

Squalor

Correct answer:

Sluggishness

Explanation:

"Lassitude" is lethargy, "sluggishness," and apathy. "Amity" is a synonym for friendship, and "squalor" is a synonym for filth. An "aberration" is something different from the norm. "Wrath" is a synonym for rage or fury.

Example Question #653 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Dignity

Lunacy

Fallacy

Supremacy

Mercy

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

The noun "clemency" refers to mercy, formal forgiveness for a crime committed. Additionally, "lunacy" means insanity, lack of sanity; "supremacy" means the state of being the best; "dignity" means the state of possessing certain admirable traits that make one deserving of the respect of others; "fallacy" means a mistaken belief, a misconception.

Example Question #654 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROGNOSIS

Possible Answers:

Forecast

Precipice

Sovereign

Obstacle

Catalyst

Correct answer:

Forecast

Explanation:

The noun "prognosis" means a future prediction about how something (particularly a disease) is going to grow and develop. This is closest in definition to "forecast." Additionally, a "catalyst" is a 'spark,' something that causes a chemical reaction to accelerate or take place; an "obstacle" is something in the way, something that prevents one from making progress; the "precipice" is the edge of something; a "sovereign" is a monarch, a ruler, or someone who reigns.

Example Question #655 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHAGRIN

Possible Answers:

Irritation

Fulsome

Dishonesty

Mendacity

Audacity

Correct answer:

Irritation

Explanation:

The noun "chagrin" means something like anger. Specifically, it refers to the displeasure one feels at being wrong or being humiliated. This is closest in meaning to "irritated." Additionally, "mendacity" is dishonesty; "fulsome" means excessively flattering and over-appreciative; and "audacity" means boldness, nerve, or courage to try something.

Example Question #325 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

GRATIFICATION

Possible Answers:

Candor

Indulgence

Contrition

Insolvency

Contingency

Correct answer:

Indulgence

Explanation:

The noun "gratification" refers to fulfillment, "indulgence," pleasure related to satisfaction. Additionally, "contrition" means remorse, feeling genuine sorry for something done wrong; a "contingency" is a possible and considered future event, an eventuality; "insolvency" is bankruptcy, the state of having run out of money; "candor" means frankness, honesty.

Example Question #656 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ELOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Diction

Redundancy

Bigotry

Eloquence

Levity

Correct answer:

Diction

Explanation:

"Elocution" is pronunciation, articulation, or "diction." This is different from "eloquence," which is fluency and smoothness in speaking. "Bigotry" is bias or prejudice, and "redundancy" is repetition. "Levity" is lightheartedness and frivolity.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors