SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #667 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUANDARY

Possible Answers:

Conundrum

Maelstrom

Magnanimity

Duplicity

Brevity

Correct answer:

Conundrum

Explanation:

A "quandary" is a dilemma or a "conundrum." "Magnanimity" is another word for "generosity." "Brevity" and "briefness" are synonyms, as are "duplicity" and "dishonesty." A "maelstrom" is a tempest or strong storm.

Example Question #668 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PENCHANT

Possible Answers:

Effrontery

Magnanimity

Penury

Proclivity

Impudence

Correct answer:

Proclivity

Explanation:

A "penchant" is a "proclivity" or liking for a particular thing. "Magnanimity" is generosity, and "penury" is poverty. "Impudence" and "effrontery" are synonyms.

Example Question #671 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBSTINACY

Possible Answers:

Turpitude

Elegy

Temerity

Stubbornness

Lassitude

Correct answer:

Stubbornness

Explanation:

To be "obstinate" is to be stubborn and recalcitrant. An "elegy" is a lament or mournful poem. "Turpitude" is another word for moral depravity. "Lassitude" is sluggishness or lethargy. "Temerity" is boldness or audacity.

Example Question #672 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PIETY

Possible Answers:

Equanimity

Elocution

Truculence

Harbinger

Devoutness

Correct answer:

Devoutness

Explanation:

To be "pious" is to be devout and worshipful. "Elocution" is articulation and diction. "Equanimity" is calmness and composure. "Harbinger" is a synonym for "omen," and "truculence" is a synonym for "defiance."

Example Question #341 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PLASTICITY

Possible Answers:

Frivolity

Plaudits

Malleability

Levity

Alacrity

Correct answer:

Malleability

Explanation:

Something "plastic" is malleable and able to be changed. "Frivolity" and "levity" are synonyms. "Plaudits" is another word for praise. "Alacrity" is a synonym for "vivacity" or liveliness.

Example Question #342 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

TURPITUDE

Possible Answers:

Bigotry

Magnanimity

Temerity

Depravity

Apex

Correct answer:

Depravity

Explanation:

"Turpitude" is another word for immorality and "depravity." "Magnanimity" is a synonym for "generosity," and "temerity" is a synonym for "boldness." "Bigotry" means bias or intolerance. An "apex" is a pinnacle or high point.

Example Question #343 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

EXPURGATION

Possible Answers:

Abstention

Censorship

Inebriation

Jubilation

Awe

Correct answer:

Censorship

Explanation:

"Expurgation" is "censorship," the removal of potentially offensive material from a text or similar item. "Abstention" is a synonym for "sobriety" and an antonym for "inebriation." "Jubilation" means exultation and joy.

Example Question #344 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

FRIVOLITY

Possible Answers:

Complicity

Levity

Specter

Melee

Innocence

Correct answer:

Levity

Explanation:

"Frivolity," or frivolousness, is a synonym for "levity." A "specter" is a phantom or ghost, and a "melee" is a brawl or skirmish. "Innocence" is an antonym of either "guilt" or experience, depending on the context. "Complicity" is another word for guilt.

Example Question #345 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

EXPIATION

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Duplicity

Amends

Dissent

Iniquity

Correct answer:

Amends

Explanation:

To "expiate" a wrongdoing is to make "amends" for it. "Dissent" means disagreement, and "duplicity" means deceit or dishonesty. "Lassitude" means lethargy, a lack of caring and energy. "Iniquity" is a synonym for "evil."

Example Question #346 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Caution

Example

Solution

Quandary

Predicament

Correct answer:

Example

Explanation:

The noun "paragon" is used to describe the perfect example of something, a model example of some virtuous trait. Additionally, a "quandary" is a predicament, a problem, a difficult or puzzling situation

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