SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #473 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

QUIRK

Possible Answers:

Particle

Plan

Mistake

Idiosyncrasy

Wrinkle

Correct answer:

Idiosyncrasy

Explanation:

A "quirk" is an unusual habit, or an "idiosyncrasy."

Example Question #474 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Equality

Performance

Debate

Satire

Tradition

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

"Parity" means equality. The similarly pronounced "parody" is a synonym of satire.

Example Question #141 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

DEBACLE

Possible Answers:

Concern

Discovery

Stipple

Pattern

Disaster 

Correct answer:

Disaster 

Explanation:

A “debacle” is an unfortunate event with disastrous consequences, so the best available synonym is “disaster.” 

Example Question #476 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Emotion

Shape

Criticism

Trickery

Epitome

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

A "paragon" is a model or epitome, so "epitome" is the correct answer.

Example Question #142 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCRUPLE

Possible Answers:

Duration

Misgiving

Liberty

Art

Promotion

Correct answer:

Misgiving

Explanation:

A "scruple" is a feeling of doubt or a misgiving because one feels out of suspicion that a course of action may be immoral, so "misgiving" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "scruple": "liberty" means freedom; "art" means the class of objects and activities subject to aesthetic criteria; "duration" means a length of time; and "promotion" means advancement.

Example Question #143 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARADIGM

Possible Answers:

Ideal

Insinuation

Gesture

Design

Polygon

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

A "paradigm" is an ideal or perfect model of something. One might write, "He is the paradigm of a perfect student."

Example Question #144 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

REPARTEE

Possible Answers:

Speech

Lament

Contrition

Plight

Banter

Correct answer:

Banter

Explanation:

Since "repartee" is a noun that means a conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies, we're looking for a noun that refers to speech and includes a connotation of being witty. "Speech" is a tempting answer, but it is too broad to be the correct answer. "Lament" and "banter" both refer to kinds of speech, but where "lament" specifies speech that is mournful or regretful, "banter" means speech in which the participants converse in a witty and teasing manner. Because "banter" not only refers to a type of speech but also specifically refers to a type of witty speech, it is the closest synonym to "repartee," and the best answer choice.

Example Question #145 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Blockage

Courtesy

Kin

Trick

Mistake

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

A ruse is a trick.  

Example Question #146 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCOURGE

Possible Answers:

Weather 

Plague 

Blessing 

Notice 

Contribution

Correct answer:

Plague 

Explanation:

A “scourge” is a plague or tormentor as in “the neighbor’s terrifying dog was the scourge of my childhood.” For clarification, weather can be used to mean to endure as in “he weathered the storm.”

Example Question #482 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PITFALL

Possible Answers:

Hole

Disappearance

Shelter

Danger

Ruse

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

You can infer from the words "pit" and "fall" contained in "pitfall" that the word describes something that could cause someone's downfall. In fact, a "pitfall" is a danger, so "danger" is the correct answer. By dissecting the word "pitfall," it is possible to infer its meaning. 

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