SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #727 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFINITY
Contretemps
Effrontery
Quarrel
Liking
Riposte
Liking
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 #728 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABNEGATION
Rejection
Expiation
Bafflement
Quintessence
Indulgence
Rejection
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 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANNIHILATION
Destruction
Famine
Platitude
Segregation
Resurgence
Destruction
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 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RAPPROCHEMENT
Perseverance
Detente
Plethora
Jargon
Tenacity
Detente
"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 #401 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KOAN
Censure
Absolution
Riddle
Domicile
Vestment
Riddle
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 #402 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANALITY
Anecdote
Truism
Verisimilitude
Lament
Obstinacy
Truism
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 #403 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMELIORATION
Exacerbation
Assignation
Emissary
Improvement
Vituperation
Improvement
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 #404 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INJUNCTION
Order
Depravity
Turpitude
Banality
Jurisprudence
Order
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 #405 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BROMIDE
Cliché
Hair product
Tonic
Apostasy
Hypocrisy
Cliché
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 #406 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEGENERACY
Apogee
Zenith
Vice
Lipid
Vagary
Vice
"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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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
