SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #397 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

AFFINITY

Possible Answers:

Quarrel

Contretemps

Liking

Riposte

Effrontery

Correct answer:

Liking

Explanation:

To have an "affinity" for something is to have a liking, penchant, inclination, or affection for it. "Contretemps" and "quarrel" are synonyms for dispute. A "riposte" is a retort or snappy response. "Effrontery" is impudence or boldness.

Example Question #398 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ABNEGATION

Possible Answers:

Indulgence

Bafflement

Rejection

Expiation

Quintessence

Correct answer:

Rejection

Explanation:

Depending on the context, "abnegation" can be "rejection" or renunciation of a principle or it can be temperance and self-denial. The latter is an antonym for "indulgence." "Bafflement" is confusion, and "expiation" is atonement. The "quintessence" of something is its epitome, its perfect example.

Example Question #731 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ANNIHILATION

Possible Answers:

Destruction

Platitude

Resurgence

Segregation

Famine

Correct answer:

Destruction

Explanation:

To "annihilate" something is to destroy it completely. A "resurgence" is a renewal or return. Another word for "segregation" is apartheid. A "platitude" is a truism or banality. "Famine" is widespread starvation.

Example Question #732 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

RAPPROCHEMENT

Possible Answers:

Plethora

Tenacity

Jargon

Perseverance

Detente

Correct answer:

Detente

Explanation:

"Rapprochement" and "detente" both describe the resumption of friendly relations and agreement between two parties. A "plethora" of something is an abundance, and "jargon" is a specialized vocabulary. "Tenacity" is a synonym for perseverance.

Example Question #733 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

KOAN

Possible Answers:

Domicile

Riddle

Vestment

Absolution

Censure

Correct answer:

Riddle

Explanation:

A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.

Example Question #734 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

BANALITY

Possible Answers:

Verisimilitude

Anecdote

Obstinacy

Lament

Truism

Correct answer:

Truism

Explanation:

A "banality" is a "truism," a platitude, a saying that is often repeated but has little or no meaning. This is different from an "anecdote," which is a short story of any sort. "Verisimilitude" is the quality or appearance of realness, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness. A "lament" is a sorrowful wail or cry.

Example Question #735 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AMELIORATION

Possible Answers:

Exacerbation

Emissary

Improvement

Vituperation

Assignation

Correct answer:

Improvement

Explanation:

To "ameliorate" conditions is to improve or lessen their harshness. To "exacerbate," or to worsen, is the opposite. "Vituperation" is bitter verbal abuse, and an "emissary" is an envoy or an ambassador. An "assignation" is an illicit rendezvous, often of a romantic nature.

Example Question #736 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

INJUNCTION

Possible Answers:

Turpitude

Order

Jurisprudence

Depravity

Banality

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

An "injunction" is a formal order, often delivered from a court of law. This is different from "jurisprudence," which is the practice of law itself. A "banality" is an empty saying, a platitude. "Turpitude" and "depravity" are both synonyms for moral degeneracy.

Example Question #737 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

BROMIDE

Possible Answers:

Apostasy

Cliché

Tonic

Hair product

Hypocrisy

Correct answer:

Cliché

Explanation:

A "bromide" is a platitude, a "cliché," an empty saying. A "tonic" is a carbonated beverage or a beverage designed to heal and soothe. A "hair product" would be a shampoo. "Apostasy" is renunciation, while "hypocrisy" is doing the opposite of what one says or professes.

Example Question #738 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

DEGENERACY

Possible Answers:

Zenith

Apogee

Vice

Lipid

Vagary

Correct answer:

Vice

Explanation:

"Degeneracy" is "vice," sin, corruption, or criminality. "Zenith" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. A "vagary" is a whim, caprice, or fancy. A "lipid" is a fat molecule.

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