SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #211 : Synonyms

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

FLAIR

Possible Answers:

Control

Dominion 

Ability

Jurisdiction 

Flare

Correct answer:

Ability

Explanation:

If you have “flair,” you have a natural ability to do something, usually with style. It is closest in meaning to "ability.” To clarify the other terms, a “flare” is a light or torch; a “jurisdiction” is the area where a legal power operates; “dominion” is the power to rule or a land that a power controls.

Example Question #212 : Synonyms

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

GAMUT

Possible Answers:

Gauntlet

Dinky 

Tryst 

Piste 

Range

Correct answer:

Range

Explanation:

A “gamut” is a range or series of related things. To clarify the other terms, a “gauntlet” is a protective glove worn with Medieval armor; a “piste” is a ski trail; “dinky” means little or small; a “tryst” is a secret meeting among lovers.

Example Question #213 : Synonyms

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

DISPENSATION

Possible Answers:

Withdrawal 

Batch 

Medicine 

Permission 

Regulation 

Correct answer:

Permission 

Explanation:

“Dispensation” is permission to break a law, promise, or oath. It is very similar in meaning to “permission.” To clarify the other terms, a “batch” is an amount of something that is made at one time; a “regulation” is an official rule or law; “withdrawal” is the act of taking something away.

Example Question #214 : Synonyms

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

PRECISION

Possible Answers:

Condition

Details

Exactness

Manners

Policy

Correct answer:

Exactness

Explanation:

"Precision" means exactness.

Example Question #215 : Synonyms

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

ESCAPADE

Possible Answers:

Crime

Behavior

Punishment

Adventure

Style

Correct answer:

Adventure

Explanation:

An "escapade" is an adventure, so "adventure" is the correct answer.

Example Question #216 : Synonyms

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

SUCCOR

Possible Answers:

Peril

Assistance

Fowl

Obstruction

Qualm

Correct answer:

Assistance

Explanation:

"Succor" is a noun that means aid or help, so we need to pick out a word that means something like aid. Since "assistance" means aid, "assistance" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "succor" and the correct answer.

Example Question #217 : Synonyms

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

DREAD

Possible Answers:

Excitement

Courage

Annoyance

Exhaustion

Apprehension

Correct answer:

Apprehension

Explanation:

"Dread" is a word that can act as a noun, verb, or adjective, but since all of our answer choices are nouns, we need to interpret it as a noun. As a noun, "dread" means an intense fear about future events; it can also refer to the person or thing causing that fear. So, we need to pick out another word that means something like fear. Since "apprehension" means anxiousness about the future, it is closest in meaning to "dread," so "apprehension" is the correct answer.

Example Question #218 : Synonyms

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

NUANCE

Possible Answers:

Formality

Perseverance

Subtlety

Preservation

Amount

Correct answer:

Subtlety

Explanation:

“Nuance” is a word that when used as a noun, means an almost imperceptible difference. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like a subtle distinction. Of the possible answer choices, the word closest in meaning to “nuance” is “subtlety,” a noun that can mean a subtle difference, so “subtlety” is the correct answer.

Example Question #219 : Synonyms

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

FACET

Possible Answers:

Noise

Purpose

Aspect

Volume

Entirety

Correct answer:

Aspect

Explanation:

“Facet” is a noun that can mean a side of a cut gem or a feature or aspect of something. That means that “entirety” cannot be the correct answer, because “entirety,” when used as a noun, means whole, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “facet.” “Aspect,” however, is a noun that means part or feature, and because “aspect” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “facet,” “aspect” is the correct answer.

Example Question #220 : Synonyms

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

ADAGE

Possible Answers:

Poem

Saying

Speech

Language

Story

Correct answer:

Saying

Explanation:

"Adage" is a noun that means "a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth," so we need to pick out an answer choice that is a noun and means something like "proverb." While all of the answer choices are nouns that have something to do with speech or writing, "saying" is the best answer because a saying is "a short, pithy expression that generally contains advice or wisdom." Because "saying" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "adage," it is the correct answer.

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