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 #141 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

QUIRK

Possible Answers:

Idiosyncrasy

Mistake

Particle

Plan

Wrinkle

Correct answer:

Idiosyncrasy

Explanation:

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

Example Question #142 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Satire

Debate

Performance

Equality

Tradition

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

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

Example Question #143 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

DEBACLE

Possible Answers:

Pattern

Discovery

Disaster 

Stipple

Concern

Correct answer:

Disaster 

Explanation:

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

Example Question #144 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Shape

Epitome

Emotion

Criticism

Trickery

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

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

Example Question #145 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCRUPLE

Possible Answers:

Promotion

Art

Liberty

Duration

Misgiving

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 #146 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARADIGM

Possible Answers:

Design

Polygon

Insinuation

Ideal

Gesture

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 #147 : 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

Plight

Contrition

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 #148 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RUSE

Possible Answers:

Courtesy

Mistake

Blockage

Kin

Trick

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

A ruse is a trick.  

Example Question #149 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SCOURGE

Possible Answers:

Plague 

Weather 

Notice 

Blessing 

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 #150 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PITFALL

Possible Answers:

Hole

Ruse

Disappearance

Danger

Shelter

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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