All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #702 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROPINQUITY
Mercy
Proximity
Abstention
Commendation
Guilt
Proximity
"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.
Example Question #703 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ESPIONAGE
Duplicity
Crime
Munificence
Spying
Largesse
Spying
"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.
Example Question #704 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIP
Dullard
Joke
Obstinacy
Paucity
Dearth
Joke
A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.
Example Question #705 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SQUABBLE
Alacrity
Profundity
Disagreement
Velocity
Approbation
Disagreement
A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.
Example Question #706 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CIRCUMLOCUTION
Hearty laughter
Geometric perimeter
Careful navigation
Roundabout speech
Confused wandering
Roundabout speech
"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.
Example Question #707 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VAGARY
Whim
Clarity
Probity
Choler
Ambiguity
Whim
A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."
Example Question #708 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MORES
Plethora
Averages
Punishments
Conventions
Surfeit
Conventions
"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.
Example Question #711 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ONUS
Lexicon
Lucidity
Work
Burden
Gemstone
Burden
"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 #712 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ATONEMENT
Solicitude
Alacrity
Alarm
Expiation
Clemency
Expiation
"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 #713 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTERLUDE
Intermission
Intervening
Catastrophe
Atonement
Melody
Intermission
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.
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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
