SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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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:

Platitude

Destruction

Famine

Segregation

Resurgence

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:

Tenacity

Detente

Perseverance

Jargon

Plethora

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:

Riddle

Absolution

Censure

Vestment

Domicile

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:

Anecdote

Lament

Obstinacy

Truism

Verisimilitude

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:

Vituperation

Improvement

Emissary

Assignation

Exacerbation

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:

Depravity

Jurisprudence

Order

Turpitude

Banality

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:

Apostasy

Cliché

Tonic

Hypocrisy

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:

Vice

Lipid

Apogee

Zenith

Vagary

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:

Espionage

Levity

Penchant

Renewal

Frivolity

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:

Apex

Wrath

Marauding

Examination

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."

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