SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #731 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ANNIHILATION

Possible Answers:

Resurgence

Famine

Segregation

Platitude

Destruction

Correct answer:

Destruction

Explanation:

To "annihilate" something is to destroy it completely. A "resurgence" is a renewal or return. Another word for "segregation" is apartheid. A "platitude" is a truism or banality. "Famine" is widespread starvation.

Example Question #732 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

RAPPROCHEMENT

Possible Answers:

Jargon

Plethora

Detente

Perseverance

Tenacity

Correct answer:

Detente

Explanation:

"Rapprochement" and "detente" both describe the resumption of friendly relations and agreement between two parties. A "plethora" of something is an abundance, and "jargon" is a specialized vocabulary. "Tenacity" is a synonym for perseverance.

Example Question #401 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

KOAN

Possible Answers:

Domicile

Censure

Vestment

Riddle

Absolution

Correct answer:

Riddle

Explanation:

A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.

Example Question #402 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

BANALITY

Possible Answers:

Verisimilitude

Anecdote

Obstinacy

Lament

Truism

Correct answer:

Truism

Explanation:

A "banality" is a "truism," a platitude, a saying that is often repeated but has little or no meaning. This is different from an "anecdote," which is a short story of any sort. "Verisimilitude" is the quality or appearance of realness, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness. A "lament" is a sorrowful wail or cry.

Example Question #403 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

AMELIORATION

Possible Answers:

Emissary

Vituperation

Exacerbation

Assignation

Improvement

Correct answer:

Improvement

Explanation:

To "ameliorate" conditions is to improve or lessen their harshness. To "exacerbate," or to worsen, is the opposite. "Vituperation" is bitter verbal abuse, and an "emissary" is an envoy or an ambassador. An "assignation" is an illicit rendezvous, often of a romantic nature.

Example Question #404 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

INJUNCTION

Possible Answers:

Banality

Jurisprudence

Order

Turpitude

Depravity

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

An "injunction" is a formal order, often delivered from a court of law. This is different from "jurisprudence," which is the practice of law itself. A "banality" is an empty saying, a platitude. "Turpitude" and "depravity" are both synonyms for moral degeneracy.

Example Question #405 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

BROMIDE

Possible Answers:

Tonic

Cliché

Hypocrisy

Apostasy

Hair product

Correct answer:

Cliché

Explanation:

A "bromide" is a platitude, a "cliché," an empty saying. A "tonic" is a carbonated beverage or a beverage designed to heal and soothe. A "hair product" would be a shampoo. "Apostasy" is renunciation, while "hypocrisy" is doing the opposite of what one says or professes.

Example Question #406 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

DEGENERACY

Possible Answers:

Vagary

Apogee

Vice

Lipid

Zenith

Correct answer:

Vice

Explanation:

"Degeneracy" is "vice," sin, corruption, or criminality. "Zenith" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. A "vagary" is a whim, caprice, or fancy. A "lipid" is a fat molecule.

Example Question #407 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RESURGANCE

Possible Answers:

Levity

Frivolity

Renewal

Penchant

Espionage

Correct answer:

Renewal

Explanation:

A "resurgence" is a "renewal,": often in popularity, a return, or an increase. "Espionage" is spying, and a "penchant" is an affinity or proclivity for something. "Frivolity" and "levity" are synonyms for lightheartedness, mirth.

Example Question #408 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCRUTINY

Possible Answers:

Examination

Marauding

Apex

Wrath

Apogee

Correct answer:

Examination

Explanation:

"Scrutiny" is close examination, inspection. "Apex" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. "Marauding" is the act of raiding, looting, or pillaging. "Wrath" is a synonym for "spleen," not "scrutiny."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors