All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #701 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICE
Levity
Penchant
Expurgation
Fancy
Intoxication
Fancy
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
Indictment
Quarrel
Statuary
Preamble
Squall
Quarrel
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
Verisimilitude
Caprice
Ire
Currency
Mercy
Mercy
"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
Proximity
Abstention
Guilt
Mercy
Commendation
Proximity
"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
Duplicity
Largesse
Munificence
Spying
Crime
Spying
"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
Dullard
Dearth
Obstinacy
Paucity
Joke
Joke
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
Velocity
Approbation
Disagreement
Profundity
Alacrity
Disagreement
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
Careful navigation
Hearty laughter
Confused wandering
Geometric perimeter
Roundabout speech
Roundabout speech
"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
Choler
Ambiguity
Whim
Probity
Clarity
Whim
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
Conventions
Plethora
Surfeit
Punishments
Averages
Conventions
"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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