SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #281 : Synonyms

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

GENRE

Possible Answers:

Prediction

Souvenir

Caretaker

Category

Infant

Correct answer:

Category

Explanation:

The noun "genre" means category, classification, where something fits based on what characteristics it shares with other similar things. So, for example a funny movie about love would fit under the "genre" of romantic-comedy movies. Additionally, a "prediction" is a statement made about what one thinks will happen in the future; an "infant" is a baby; a "souvenir" is an item kept to remember something, a memento; a "caretaker" is someone charged with looking after someone or something else.

Example Question #264 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESPITE

Possible Answers:

Brief rest

Sanctity

Residue

Chronology

Hibernation

Correct answer:

Brief rest

Explanation:

"Respite" means a "brief rest," a breather, a hiatus.

"Sanctity" means holiness, righteousness, or solemnity.

"Residue" means the substance that is left over from something, the debris, the trace.

"Chronology" means a list of temporal events, a timetable, an agenda.

"Hibernation" is the act of sleeping through the winter. It can also mean a state of laziness or inactivity.

 

Example Question #265 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLITCH

Possible Answers:

Excursion

Adage

Error

Buffoon

Adjustment

Correct answer:

Error

Explanation:

A "glitch" is a malfunction, an error in a piece of machinery or technology. Additionally, an "adage" is an old-saying meant to impart some lesson; a "buffoon" is a silly and foolish person; an "adjustment" is a change made to deal with a change in circumstance; an "excursion" is an outing, a trip, a journey.

Example Question #282 : Synonyms

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

INFERENCE

Possible Answers:

Suffrage

Clemency

Emancipation

Deduction

Edification

Correct answer:

Deduction

Explanation:

The noun "inference" means a conclusion reached using evidence, logical reasoning, and a small amount of guesswork. This is closest in meaning to "deduction" which means a decision reached through a series of mental steps based on relevant evidence. As an example, I might "deduce" or "infer" that it was raining outside because my dog came inside with wet fur, however unless I actually see the rain myself I do not know whether this is true or whether my dog simply swam in the river or drank from a hose, so I cannot be sure. Additionally, "edification" is instruction, teaching; "emancipation" is the process of being freed from slavery, servitude, or any other form of legal, political, or economic restriction; "suffrage" is the right to vote; "clemency" is mercy, forgiveness.

Example Question #283 : Synonyms

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

HYSTERIA

Possible Answers:

Prejudice

Altercation

Perennial

Frenzy

Banter

Correct answer:

Frenzy

Explanation:

The noun "hysteria" refers to a fit of madness, prolonged insanity, agitation, or excitement among a group of people. This is closest in definition to "frenzy." Additionally, "perennial" means lasting for a long time, constantly reoccurring; an "altercation" is a small fight; "prejudice" is a negative idea someone has about someone before they even meet them, based on things like race, gender, or religious affiliation; "banter" is playful teasing among friends.

Example Question #268 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LEVITY

Possible Answers:

Humor

Affection

Income

Hearth

Severity

Correct answer:

Humor

Explanation:

The noun "levity" refers to humor and lightheartedness, a lack of seriousness. Additionally, "income" is money earned or paid to you; a "hearth" is a spiritual home; "affection" is a feeling of closeness with or fondness for someone; "severity" means intensity, how severe something is.

Example Question #284 : Synonyms

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Hatred

Paradox

Excess

Youth

Mentality

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Animosity" means "hatred" or extreme dislike.

"Paradox" means something that is true but seems contradictory; a puzzle.

"Excess" means surplus or too much of something; more than is necessary.

"Mentality" means mindset, mood or attitude. "Animosity" is a mindset, but they are not synonyms. 

"Youth" means young; the period of time when something is young; the period before adulthood or old age.

Example Question #285 : Synonyms

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

SEMBLANCE

Possible Answers:

Maintenance 

Venom

Upheaval

Zeitgeist

Outward appearance

Correct answer:

Outward appearance

Explanation:

"Semblance" means outward appearance, what people see, or veneer

"Zeitgeist" means a thought or a belief that is characteristic of a specific time, for example a political climate or a social trend.

"Venom" means poison in the literal sense, but can also be used to mean hatred.

"Upheaval" means a major change, a disruption or a revolution.

"Maintenance" means caring for something, supporting something, maintaining something.

Example Question #286 : Synonyms

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

REPERTOIRE

Possible Answers:

Alteration

Occurance 

Meeting

Collection

Sensation

Correct answer:

Collection

Explanation:

"Repertoire" means a collection, an inventory; often it means a stockpile of skills or knowledge.

"Alteration" means a change, a modification or a revision

"Occurrance" means something that happened, something that occurred; a situation.

"Meeting" means a gathering, a talk; when people group together for a purpose.

"Sensation" means a feeling, a perception or an emotion.

Example Question #287 : Synonyms

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

IRRITATION

Possible Answers:

Context

Property

Happiness

Opportunity

Inflammation

Correct answer:

Inflammation

Explanation:

"Irritation" means "inflammation," or a rash; it can also mean a disturbed mental state.

"Happiness" means bliss, satisfaction or contentment.

"Opportunity" means a chance for something, favorable circumstance, a moment.

"Property" means possessions, equity or goods.

"Context" means setting, climate, background.

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