SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #661 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CHICANERY

Possible Answers:

Melancholy

Indigence

Amends

Trickery

Expiation

Correct answer:

Trickery

Explanation:

"Chicanery" is "trickery" and deception is a word often used to describe magicians, conmen, and the like. "Expiation" and "amends" are synonyms. "Indigence" is a synonym for "poverty" or penury. "Melancholy" is another word for "sadness."

Example Question #662 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CONUNDRUM

Possible Answers:

Dilemma

Persistence

Evasiveness

Largesse

Paucity

Correct answer:

Dilemma

Explanation:

A "conundrum" is a problem or "dilemma." "Paucity" is a synonym for "scarcity," and "largesse" is a synonym for "generosity." "Evasiveness" is a word that means avoidance. Another word for "persistence" is perseverance or tenacity.

Example Question #663 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EQUANIMITY

Possible Answers:

Abstention

Lament

Plaudits

Composure

Approbation

Correct answer:

Composure

Explanation:

Someone who exhibits "equanimity" shows composure, calmness, and levelheadedness. "Plaudits" and "approbation" both mean praise, approval. A "lament" is a dirge or elegy. "Abstention" is a synonym for "temperance" or sobriety.

Example Question #664 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Epitome

Opprobrium

Opulence

Penury

Expurgation

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

The "paragon" of something is its "epitome," exemplar, or perfect example. "Opprobrium" is disgrace or condemnation, depending on the situation. "Expurgation" is a form of censorship, and "penury" is a synonym for "poverty." This is an antonym of "opulence," which means wealth and luxury.

Example Question #665 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CRUX

Possible Answers:

Aplomb

Periphery

Probity

Vagrancy

Heart

Correct answer:

Heart

Explanation:

The "crux" of a situation is the "heart," core, or kernel of the situation. This is a near antonym for "periphery," which means the outskirts or outer edge of something. "Vagrancy" is the noun form of vagrant, or vagabond. "Aplomb" means poise and self-assurance. "Probity" is a synonym for "integrity."

Example Question #666 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

FUTILITY

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Chicanery

Poise

Expiation

Pointlessness

Correct answer:

Pointlessness

Explanation:

Something "futile" is pointless or useless, a wasted effort. "Chicanery" is another word for "trickery." Another word for "poise" is "aplomb" or self-assurance. "Lassitude" means lethargy, sluggishness, apathy. To "expiate" something is to make amends for it.

Example Question #667 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROPRIETY

Possible Answers:

Turpitude

Decorum

Largesse

Probity

Mendacity

Correct answer:

Decorum

Explanation:

"Propriety" and "decorum" are synonyms. "Probity" and "integrity" are synonyms, as are "turpitude" and "depravity." "Largess" is generosity, benevolence. "Mendacity" is another word for "duplicity" or "dishonesty."

Example Question #668 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PLATITUDE

Possible Answers:

Supremacy

Acumen

Truism

Ambivalence

Hegemony

Correct answer:

Truism

Explanation:

A "platitude" is a truism, an empty or meaningless statement. "Acumen" is shrewdness or sharpness. Another word for "ambivalence" is equivocation. "Hegemony" and "supremacy" are synonyms.

Example Question #669 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

QUANDARY

Possible Answers:

Brevity

Conundrum

Maelstrom

Magnanimity

Duplicity

Correct answer:

Conundrum

Explanation:

A "quandary" is a dilemma or a "conundrum." "Magnanimity" is another word for "generosity." "Brevity" and "briefness" are synonyms, as are "duplicity" and "dishonesty." A "maelstrom" is a tempest or strong storm.

Example Question #670 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PENCHANT

Possible Answers:

Magnanimity

Impudence

Proclivity

Penury

Effrontery

Correct answer:

Proclivity

Explanation:

A "penchant" is a "proclivity" or liking for a particular thing. "Magnanimity" is generosity, and "penury" is poverty. "Impudence" and "effrontery" are synonyms.

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