SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #719 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Roguishness

Multitude

Chicanery

Hollowness

Surfeit

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #720 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Curse

Luck

Zeal

Proclivity

Wariness

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

Example Question #389 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Clemency

Paucity

Abundance

Circumlocution

Circumspection

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #390 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Newness

Mirth

Ignorance

Creed

Profligacy 

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

Example Question #721 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Deadness

Propinquity

Contretemps

Intuition

Logic

Correct answer:

Logic

Explanation:

"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.

Example Question #722 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Mendicant

Hatred

Ill will

Spirit

Stinginess

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Animosity" is "hatred" or extreme dislike for something. Don't confuse this with "animus," which has a variety of definitions: mental archetype, spirit, or ill will. A "mendicant" is a beggar. "Stinginess" means thriftiness and miserliness.

Example Question #723 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABLUTION

Possible Answers:

Negation

Washing

Propriety

Animosity

Conundrum

Correct answer:

Washing

Explanation:

An "ablution" is a ceremonial washing or cleansing, often for forgiveness. "Negation" means contradiction or opposite. "Animosity" is hatred, and "propriety" means decorum. A "conundrum" is a dilemma or difficult situation.

Example Question #724 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABSOLUTION

Possible Answers:

Belief

Forgiveness

Cleansing

Theology

Expertise

Correct answer:

Forgiveness

Explanation:

"Absolution" means "forgiveness" or expiation of sins. Don't confuse this with "ablution," a ceremonial cleansing. While "absolution" is often a religious ritual, it is not a religious philosophy or theology itself. "Expertise" is skillfulness or knowledge. "Credulity" is another word for belief.

Example Question #725 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APARTHEID

Possible Answers:

Canniness

Tenacity

Brevity

Poise

Segregation

Correct answer:

Segregation

Explanation:

"Apartheid" is a form of racial segregation (specific to South Africa). "Canniness" is a synonym for "cleverness." "Tenacity" is a synonym for "perseverance," and "brevity" is a synonym for "briefness," concision. "Poise" is another word for aplomb, grace, or elegance.

Example Question #726 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Truthfulness

Interlude

Degeneracy

Respite

Applause

Correct answer:

Truthfulness

Explanation:

"Veracity" refers to truth, accuracy, or faithfulness to the facts. An "interlude" is an intermission or break, as is a "respite." "Degeneracy" means criminality or corruption. "Applause" is the act of cheering for something or someone.

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