SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #765 : Synonyms

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Deadness

Intuition

Contretemps

Logic

Propinquity

Correct answer:

Logic

Explanation:

"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.

Example Question #766 : Synonyms

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Ill will

Spirit

Stinginess

Mendicant

Hatred

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Animosity" is "hatred" or extreme dislike for something. Don't confuse this with "animus," which has a variety of definitions: mental archetype, spirit, or ill will. A "mendicant" is a beggar. "Stinginess" means thriftiness and miserliness.

Example Question #767 : Synonyms

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

ABLUTION

Possible Answers:

Animosity

Washing

Negation

Conundrum

Propriety

Correct answer:

Washing

Explanation:

An "ablution" is a ceremonial washing or cleansing, often for forgiveness. "Negation" means contradiction or opposite. "Animosity" is hatred, and "propriety" means decorum. A "conundrum" is a dilemma or difficult situation.

Example Question #768 : Synonyms

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

ABSOLUTION

Possible Answers:

Theology

Cleansing

Belief

Expertise

Forgiveness

Correct answer:

Forgiveness

Explanation:

"Absolution" means "forgiveness" or expiation of sins. Don't confuse this with "ablution," a ceremonial cleansing. While "absolution" is often a religious ritual, it is not a religious philosophy or theology itself. "Expertise" is skillfulness or knowledge. "Credulity" is another word for belief.

Example Question #769 : Synonyms

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

APARTHEID

Possible Answers:

Canniness

Segregation

Tenacity

Poise

Brevity

Correct answer:

Segregation

Explanation:

"Apartheid" is a form of racial segregation (specific to South Africa). "Canniness" is a synonym for "cleverness." "Tenacity" is a synonym for "perseverance," and "brevity" is a synonym for "briefness," concision. "Poise" is another word for aplomb, grace, or elegance.

Example Question #770 : Synonyms

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Applause

Truthfulness

Respite

Degeneracy

Interlude

Correct answer:

Truthfulness

Explanation:

"Veracity" refers to truth, accuracy, or faithfulness to the facts. An "interlude" is an intermission or break, as is a "respite." "Degeneracy" means criminality or corruption. "Applause" is the act of cheering for something or someone.

Example Question #771 : Synonyms

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

AFFINITY

Possible Answers:

Contretemps

Effrontery

Quarrel

Riposte

Liking

Correct answer:

Liking

Explanation:

To have an "affinity" for something is to have a liking, penchant, inclination, or affection for it. "Contretemps" and "quarrel" are synonyms for dispute. A "riposte" is a retort or snappy response. "Effrontery" is impudence or boldness.

Example Question #772 : Synonyms

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

ABNEGATION

Possible Answers:

Indulgence

Bafflement

Rejection

Quintessence

Expiation

Correct answer:

Rejection

Explanation:

Depending on the context, "abnegation" can be "rejection" or renunciation of a principle or it can be temperance and self-denial. The latter is an antonym for "indulgence." "Bafflement" is confusion, and "expiation" is atonement. The "quintessence" of something is its epitome, its perfect example.

Example Question #773 : Synonyms

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

ANNIHILATION

Possible Answers:

Platitude

Segregation

Famine

Destruction

Resurgence

Correct answer:

Destruction

Explanation:

To "annihilate" something is to destroy it completely. A "resurgence" is a renewal or return. Another word for "segregation" is apartheid. A "platitude" is a truism or banality. "Famine" is widespread starvation.

Example Question #774 : Synonyms

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

RAPPROCHEMENT

Possible Answers:

Plethora

Detente

Tenacity

Jargon

Perseverance

Correct answer:

Detente

Explanation:

"Rapprochement" and "detente" both describe the resumption of friendly relations and agreement between two parties. A "plethora" of something is an abundance, and "jargon" is a specialized vocabulary. "Tenacity" is a synonym for perseverance.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors