SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Verbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #281 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

DAWDLE

Possible Answers:

Linger

Purport

Eradicate

Illustrate

Amplify

Correct answer:

Linger

Explanation:

The verb "dawdle" means to wait behind or to stay in one place and take one's time in leaving, so "linger" is the best answer, as it also means to remain in a place longer than expected to or to delay leaving a place past a expected time one was expected to leave. "Amplify" means make louder; "illustrate" can mean draw, but it can also mean show, depict, or demonstrate; "purport" means claim, as in the phrase "purport to be"; and "eradicate" means completely destroy.

Example Question #282 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ABATE

Possible Answers:

Deviate

Demonize

Comprehend

Desist

Contend

Correct answer:

Desist

Explanation:

The verb "abate" means stop something or stop doing something, so "desist" is the best answer, as it also means stop doing something. Additionally, "demonize" means vilify or portray in a negative way as a villain or demon; "contend" means argue that something is the case or 'raise a point'; "comprehend" means understand; and "deviate" means stray or go away from the main point or main idea.

Example Question #283 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

OSSIFY

Possible Answers:

Undulate

Atrophy

Garner

Solidify

Harangue

Correct answer:

Solidify

Explanation:

The verb "ossify" means harden, to become solid, or "solidify." Additionally, "harangue" means harass or scold someone in an aggressive manner; "garner" means compile, gather, collect; "undulate" means move in a side to side fashion, like a wave; "atrophy" means weaken from lack of use.

Example Question #284 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

HUSBAND

Possible Answers:

Accrue

Allot

Banter

Conserve

Inquire

Correct answer:

Conserve

Explanation:

When used as a noun, as it more frequently means, a "husband" of course means a male spouse. However, when used as a verb it means to conserve, to save one's resources. Additionally, "allot" means assign, issue to; "accrue" means increase in wealth, grow in value; "inquire" means question, ask; "banter" means tease in a friendly way.

Example Question #285 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

CONFISCATE

Possible Answers:

Give

Relinquish

Subvert

Take

Protect

Correct answer:

Take

Explanation:

The verb "confiscate" means to seize, to take from (usually in punishment of violating the rules). Additionally, "relinquish" means give up, abandon control of or ownership of; "subvert" means find a way around (the rules), undermine the power of.

Example Question #286 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

FORGE

Possible Answers:

Subjugate

Yield

Harangue

Lament

Falsify

Correct answer:

Falsify

Explanation:

The verb "forge" has multiple commonly used meanings, one of which is to falsify, to produce a counterfeit version of for the purposes of subverting authority. Another common meaning of "forge" is to hammer into shape, to build using force. Additionally, "lament" means mourn, express sadness about; "harangue" means lecture in an aggressive or annoying fashion, pester; "subjugate" means bring under control, dominate; "yield" means surrender, give in to.

Example Question #287 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

INDUCE

Possible Answers:

Cause

Suspend

Imitate

Allow

Prevent

Correct answer:

Cause

Explanation:

The verb "induce" means to persuade or to cause, to bring about, to make happen. Additionally, "imitate" means copy; "suspend" means pause.

Example Question #288 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

LIST

Possible Answers:

Lean

Accept

Loft

Adhere

Expire

Correct answer:

Lean

Explanation:

The verb "list" of course has many simpler definitions, but in this context you are looking for "list" as in (of a ship) to lean to one side, to 'keel over,' to tilt. Additionally, "adhere" means stick to or follow; "expire" means die, run out, become no longer fresh; "loft" means throw high in the air.

Example Question #289 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

VENTILATE

Possible Answers:

Elevate

Exculpate

Enervate

Aerate

Ameliorate

Correct answer:

Aerate

Explanation:

The verb "ventilate" means to allow or cause air to circulate around, to "aerate," to 'air out'. Additionally, "elevate" means rise up, lift up, promote; "exculpate" means acquit, free from guilt, prove is innocent; "ameliorate" means soothe, calm, assuage; "enervate" means weaken, cause to be exhausted or in worse condition.

Example Question #290 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

SEQUESTER

Possible Answers:

Squirm

Maim

Isolate

Pelt

Indict

Correct answer:

Isolate

Explanation:

The verb "sequester" means to lock away (particularly oneself), to "isolate" oneself and shut oneself away from the company of others. Additionally, "maim" means injure, wound, disfigure; "pelt" means aggressively and forcefully throw at; "squirm" means wriggle or fidget with discomfort or anxiety; "indict" means formally accuse of guilt.

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