SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #753 : Synonyms

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

ONUS

Possible Answers:

Burden

Lucidity

Gemstone

Lexicon

Work

Correct answer:

Burden

Explanation:

"Onus" is a synonym for "burden," obligation, or responsibility. Don't confuse this with "opus," which is a work, or "opal," which is a gemstone. "Lucidity" is clearness. A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list.

Example Question #754 : Synonyms

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

ATONEMENT

Possible Answers:

Alacrity

Clemency

Expiation

Solicitude

Alarm

Correct answer:

Expiation

Explanation:

"Atonement" is another word for "expiation," making amends for one's wrongdoings. "Alacrity" means liveliness or quickness. "Alarm" is awareness of and worry about danger. "Solicitude" is concern and care. "Clemency," or mercy, is one possible response to a person's attempts at atonement.

Example Question #755 : Synonyms

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

INTERLUDE

Possible Answers:

Intervening

Atonement

Catastrophe

Intermission

Melody

Correct answer:

Intermission

Explanation:

An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.

Example Question #756 : Synonyms

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

APOSTASY

Possible Answers:

Exuberance

Onus

Proximity

Propinquity

Renunciation

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

"Apostasy" is either the formal renunciation of a belief or the proclamation of heretical belief, both of which usually occur in the context of religion. "Propinquity" and "proximity" are synonyms for nearness. "Onus" means burden or obligation, and "exuberance" means excitement, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.

Example Question #757 : Synonyms

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

PREPONDERANCE

Possible Answers:

Threnody

Lassitude

Elegy

Penchant

Majority

Correct answer:

Majority

Explanation:

"Preponderance" means "majority," prevalence, or predominance. "Lassitude" is lethargy, and an "elegy" is a lament or threnody. "Penchant" is a synonym for "proclivity."

Example Question #758 : Synonyms

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

 ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Abnormality

Disapproval

Abhorrence

Allowance

Assimilation

Correct answer:

Abnormality

Explanation:

An "aberration" is a noun meaning a departure from what is normal or expected. "Abnormality" is a synonym meaning an unusual feature, characteristic, or occurrence. "Disapproval" is a possession or expression of an unfavorable opinion, "assimilation" means the absorbing of information and experiences, "allowance" means the amount of something that is permitted, and "abhorrence" means a feeling of repulsion.

Example Question #759 : Synonyms

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

VITUPERATION

Possible Answers:

Hatred

Censorship

Abuse

Envy

Affiliation

Correct answer:

Abuse

Explanation:

"Vituperation" is a synonym for "invective," which means harsh verbal abuse. While "vituperation" is hateful, it is not a direct synonym for "hatred." "Censorship" is another word for expurgation, and "affiliation" is another word for association with or endorsement by. "Envy" means jealousy.

Example Question #760 : Synonyms

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Probity

Futility

Origin

Food

Affection

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

The "provenance" of an object (particularly artwork) is the same thing as its "origin." Don't confuse "provenance" with "provisions," which means food and supplies. "Probity" means moral uprightness, integrity. "Futility" means pointlessness, and "affection" means love, fondness, or friendly feelings.

Example Question #761 : Synonyms

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Surfeit

Chicanery

Multitude

Roguishness

Hollowness

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #762 : Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Luck

Curse

Proclivity

Zeal

Wariness

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

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