HSPT Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

LABYRINTH

Possible Answers:

Accident

Teacher

Weight

Maze

Beggar

Correct answer:

Maze

Explanation:

"Labyrinth" is a noun defined as a complicated maze, so "maze" is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "labyrinth."

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ABODE

Possible Answers:

Library

Home

Office

Train Station

Airport

Correct answer:

Home

Explanation:

"Abode" means a home or a residence, so "home" is the correct answer. An "office" is a workplace. A "library" is a place that allows patrons to check out and borrow books for periods of time or where students go to study. An "airport" is a place where people go to board planes for trips. A "train station" is a place where people go to board trains.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONDUIT

Possible Answers:

World

Channel

Cinema

Mask

Bidder

Correct answer:

Channel

Explanation:

A "conduit" is a channel or a passage for carrying a fluid. It is also a means by which something is transmitted. So, "channel" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "conduit": “bidder” means a person making an offer to buy something at a certain price, usually in the context of an auction or sale; “mask” means cover or disguise; “cinema” means motion picture or theater; and “world” means the Earth or an imagined place like the Earth.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

REGALIA

Possible Answers:

Clothes

Regions

Decorations

Royalty

Fancy

Correct answer:

Decorations

Explanation:

The best answer is "decorations". The word "regalia" usually refers to royal possesions which are very decorative. They can include ceremonial clothes, designs, or emblems. "Clothes" simply refers to garments or apparel. The defining characteristic of regalia is that is is very decorative, and the word clothes does not imply this meaning. The word "regions" is unrelated, and the remaining words, "fancy" and "royalty," are words one might use when talking about "regalia," but are not "regalia" themselves. 

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

MEMENTO

Possible Answers:

Bracelet

Money

Toy

Keepsake

Heir

Correct answer:

Keepsake

Explanation:

A synonym for "memento" is "keepsake," which means something special that reminds someone of something. A "bracelet" or "toy" can each be a memento, while an "heir" can be someone who inherits some type of memento, but none of these words mean "memento." The word "money" is unrelated.

Example Question #195 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

SHANTY

Possible Answers:

Etiquette

Omen

Shack

Messenger

Abyss

Correct answer:

Shack

Explanation:

"Shanty" is a shack or small hut. "Omen" is a sign or warning of the future. "Etiquette" is socially accepted manners or customs. "Messenger" is a person who delivers letters and messages. "Abyss" is a deep hole or gap.

Example Question #196 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAVITY.

Possible Answers:

Filler 

Depth 

Void 

House 

Frank 

Correct answer:

Void 

Explanation:

A “cavity” is a hole or hollow space (usually used to describe a hole in a tooth). The correct answer is “void” which also means emptiness, lacking in something.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

AMALGAMATION.

Possible Answers:

Suspension 

Separation

Absence 

Union 

Location 

Correct answer:

Union 

Explanation:

An “amalgamation” is a coming together, a union. The term is most commonly used to describe a business merger, but it can be used to describe any coming together in general.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

LEVITY.

Possible Answers:

Darkness 

Degradation

Lightheartedness 

Misery 

Suspicion

Correct answer:

Lightheartedness 

Explanation:

“Levity” means humor or lightheartedness. For clarification, degradation is a synonym for poverty and squalor.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the answer that is closest in meaning to the word in question.

Plethora

Possible Answers:

Dearth

Permanence

Conflict

Ruse

Abundance

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

"Plethora" means an abundance of or a lot of; Dearth is a lack of; Ruse is a trick; Conflict means disagreement or problem; and Permanence means lasting forever.

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