SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #763 : Synonyms

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Circumspection

Clemency

Abundance

Circumlocution

Paucity

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #764 : Synonyms

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Ignorance

Profligacy 

Newness

Creed

Mirth

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

Example Question #765 : Synonyms

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Logic

Deadness

Intuition

Propinquity

Contretemps

Correct answer:

Logic

Explanation:

"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.

Example Question #766 : Synonyms

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Mendicant

Hatred

Ill will

Spirit

Stinginess

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Animosity" is "hatred" or extreme dislike for something. Don't confuse this with "animus," which has a variety of definitions: mental archetype, spirit, or ill will. A "mendicant" is a beggar. "Stinginess" means thriftiness and miserliness.

Example Question #767 : Synonyms

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

ABLUTION

Possible Answers:

Washing

Negation

Propriety

Animosity

Conundrum

Correct answer:

Washing

Explanation:

An "ablution" is a ceremonial washing or cleansing, often for forgiveness. "Negation" means contradiction or opposite. "Animosity" is hatred, and "propriety" means decorum. A "conundrum" is a dilemma or difficult situation.

Example Question #768 : Synonyms

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

ABSOLUTION

Possible Answers:

Theology

Belief

Expertise

Cleansing

Forgiveness

Correct answer:

Forgiveness

Explanation:

"Absolution" means "forgiveness" or expiation of sins. Don't confuse this with "ablution," a ceremonial cleansing. While "absolution" is often a religious ritual, it is not a religious philosophy or theology itself. "Expertise" is skillfulness or knowledge. "Credulity" is another word for belief.

Example Question #769 : Synonyms

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

APARTHEID

Possible Answers:

Brevity

Tenacity

Segregation

Poise

Canniness

Correct answer:

Segregation

Explanation:

"Apartheid" is a form of racial segregation (specific to South Africa). "Canniness" is a synonym for "cleverness." "Tenacity" is a synonym for "perseverance," and "brevity" is a synonym for "briefness," concision. "Poise" is another word for aplomb, grace, or elegance.

Example Question #770 : Synonyms

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Truthfulness

Applause

Respite

Interlude

Degeneracy

Correct answer:

Truthfulness

Explanation:

"Veracity" refers to truth, accuracy, or faithfulness to the facts. An "interlude" is an intermission or break, as is a "respite." "Degeneracy" means criminality or corruption. "Applause" is the act of cheering for something or someone.

Example Question #721 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AFFINITY

Possible Answers:

Riposte

Effrontery

Contretemps

Quarrel

Liking

Correct answer:

Liking

Explanation:

To have an "affinity" for something is to have a liking, penchant, inclination, or affection for it. "Contretemps" and "quarrel" are synonyms for dispute. A "riposte" is a retort or snappy response. "Effrontery" is impudence or boldness.

Example Question #722 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ABNEGATION

Possible Answers:

Rejection

Bafflement

Expiation

Quintessence

Indulgence

Correct answer:

Rejection

Explanation:

Depending on the context, "abnegation" can be "rejection" or renunciation of a principle or it can be temperance and self-denial. The latter is an antonym for "indulgence." "Bafflement" is confusion, and "expiation" is atonement. The "quintessence" of something is its epitome, its perfect example.

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