SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #689 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUALMS

Possible Answers:

Defiance

Truculence

Jargon

Apathy

Misgivings

Correct answer:

Misgivings

Explanation:

To have "qualms" about something are to have "misgivings" about them. "Truculence" and "defiance" are synonyms. "Apathy" is the state of not caring about things, and "jargon" is the specific language or vocabulary of a group of specialists.

Example Question #684 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHOLER

Possible Answers:

Propitiation

Appeasement

Expiation

Kernel

Anger

Correct answer:

Anger

Explanation:

"Choler" is an antiquated word for "anger," wrath, or irritation. "Propitiation" is a synonym for "appeasement," and "expiation" is a synonym for "amends." A "kernel" is a seed (literal) or heart of something (figurative).

Example Question #691 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AFFILIATION

Possible Answers:

Castaway

Magnanimity

Probity

Alignment

Tenacity

Correct answer:

Alignment

Explanation:

To be "affiliated" with something is to be connected to, attached to, or aligned with it in some way. A "castaway" is an outcast or pariah. "Tenacity" is persistence, and "probity" is integrity. "Magnanimity" is a synonym for "generosity."

Example Question #692 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INTUITION

Possible Answers:

Equivocation

Probity

Bargain

Hunch

Prayerfulness

Correct answer:

Hunch

Explanation:

To have a "hunch" is to have an intuitive or instinctive feeling about something. "Probity" is moral uprightness, while "prayerfulness" is the state of being worshipful. A "bargain" is a discount or a good deal. "Equivocation" is another word for ambivalence.

Example Question #693 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FATHOM

Possible Answers:

Truism

Depth

Superficiality

Weight

Shininess

Correct answer:

Depth

Explanation:

A "fathom" is a unit used to measure the depth of water. "Depth" itself is an antonym for superficiality, or shallowness. A "truism" is a platitude or empty saying. Another word for "shininess" is gloss or luster.

Example Question #694 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CREDULITY

Possible Answers:

Assignation

Belief

Distrust

Velocity

Commendation

Correct answer:

Belief

Explanation:

"Credulity" means "belief" and particularly gullibility. This is an antonym for "distrust." Another word for "velocity" is speed, and another word for "assignation" is rendezvous. "Commendation" is acclaim or praise.

Example Question #695 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CURRENCY

Possible Answers:

Prevalence

Mendacity

Bouquet

Credulity

Verisimilitude

Correct answer:

Prevalence

Explanation:

For an idea to gain "currency" is for it to become prevalent and widely accepted. A "bouquet" is a bunch of flowers, and "verisimilitude" is the appearance of realness. "Credulity" is gullibility, and "mendacity" is dishonesty.

Example Question #696 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISPARITY

Possible Answers:

Aplomb

Epitome

Discrepancy

Futility

Oath

Correct answer:

Discrepancy

Explanation:

A "disparity" is a "discrepancy" or difference. An "oath" is a vow, and an "epitome" is a paragon or a perfect example of something. "Futility" means pointlessness or fruitlessness. "Aplomb" is a synonym for "poise."

Example Question #697 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAMARADERIE

Possible Answers:

Tirade

Complicity

Conviviality

Complacency

Iniquity

Correct answer:

Conviviality

Explanation:

"Camaraderie" means comradeship, friendship, and "conviviality." "Iniquity" means evil, and "propinquity" means proximity. A "tirade" is a rant or a harangue. "Complicity" is guilt, and "complacency" is smug self-satisfaction.

Example Question #698 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INQUIRY

Possible Answers:

Proclivity

Innuendo

Investigation

Disposition

Judgment

Correct answer:

Investigation

Explanation:

An "inquiry" is another word for an investigation, a formal search for the truth primarily through questioning. Additionally, a "proclivity" is a natural tendency to do something or to prefer something; "innuendo" is a comment that is intended to be witty and is usually of a rude nature; "disposition" means temperament, character, a person's inherent qualities.

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