SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #701 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CAPRICE

Possible Answers:

Levity

Penchant

Expurgation

Fancy

Intoxication

Correct answer:

Fancy

Explanation:

A "caprice" is a "fancy" or a whim. This is different from "levity," which means humor, lightheartedness, or vivacity. (Less commonly, it can describe a classical music composition.) "Intoxication" is drunkenness, and "expurgation" is censorship. A "penchant" for something is a proclivity, affinity, or liking for it.

Example Question #702 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CONTRETEMPS

Possible Answers:

Indictment

Quarrel

Statuary

Preamble

Squall

Correct answer:

Quarrel

Explanation:

A "contretemps" is a minor "quarrel," disagreement, or argument. A "squall" is a storm or tempest. An "indictment" is a formal accusation or charge. "Preamble" is a synonym for "introduction," and "statuary" is another word for a group of statues.

Example Question #703 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Verisimilitude

Caprice

Ire

Currency

Mercy

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

"Clemency" is mercifulness, leniency, or forgiveness. "Verisimilitude" describes the appearance or quality of realness. A "caprice" is a whim or passing notion. "Currency" can mean either money or prevalence and popularity, depending on its context. "Ire" means wrath or anger.

Example Question #704 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROPINQUITY

Possible Answers:

Proximity

Abstention

Guilt

Mercy

Commendation

Correct answer:

Proximity

Explanation:

"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.

Example Question #705 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ESPIONAGE

Possible Answers:

Duplicity

Largesse

Munificence

Spying

Crime

Correct answer:

Spying

Explanation:

"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.

Example Question #706 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

QUIP

Possible Answers:

Dullard

Dearth

Obstinacy

Paucity

Joke

Correct answer:

Joke

Explanation:

A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.

Example Question #707 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SQUABBLE

Possible Answers:

Velocity

Approbation

Disagreement

Profundity

Alacrity

Correct answer:

Disagreement

Explanation:

A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.

Example Question #708 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CIRCUMLOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Careful navigation

Hearty laughter

Confused wandering

Geometric perimeter

Roundabout speech

Correct answer:

Roundabout speech

Explanation:

"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.

Example Question #751 : Synonyms

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

VAGARY

Possible Answers:

Choler

Ambiguity

Whim

Probity

Clarity

Correct answer:

Whim

Explanation:

A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."

Example Question #752 : Synonyms

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

MORES

Possible Answers:

Conventions

Plethora

Surfeit

Punishments

Averages

Correct answer:

Conventions

Explanation:

"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.

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