SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

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

Lament

Anecdote

Truism

Obstinacy

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:

Assignation

Emissary

Improvement

Vituperation

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:

Order

Depravity

Jurisprudence

Banality

Turpitude

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:

Hypocrisy

Hair product

Cliché

Tonic

Apostasy

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

Lipid

Vice

Zenith

Apogee

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:

Frivolity

Penchant

Renewal

Levity

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:

Marauding

Apogee

Examination

Apex

Wrath

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."

Example Question #409 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

HAZARD

Possible Answers:

Ordinance

Theme

Danger

Judgment

Precaution

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

A "hazard" is a danger or a risk

The downed tree across the road posed a hazard to drivers.

So "danger" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #410 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

UBIQUITY

Possible Answers:

Efficacy

Effrontery

Provenance

Confection

Omnipresence

Correct answer:

Omnipresence

Explanation:

"Ubiquity" is another word for "omnipresence." A "confection" is a dessert or a sweet. "Efficacy" is effectiveness, while "effrontery" is boldness or impudence. An object's "provenance" is a record of its origins.

Example Question #1531 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

PUGNACITY

Possible Answers:

Piety

Truculence

Plasticity

Alacrity

Abnegation

Correct answer:

Truculence

Explanation:

"Pugnacity" is "truculence," aggression, willingness to fight. "Abnegation" can mean self-denial and abstemiousness or renunciation of beliefs, depending on the context. "Alacrity" is a synonym for "eagerness," and "plasticity" is a synonym for "malleability." "Piety" is the quality of being devout in one's religious practices.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors