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 #401 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

KOAN

Possible Answers:

Vestment

Riddle

Domicile

Censure

Absolution

Correct answer:

Riddle

Explanation:

A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.

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:

Anecdote

Verisimilitude

Lament

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:

Exacerbation

Vituperation

Improvement

Assignation

Emissary

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:

Turpitude

Banality

Depravity

Jurisprudence

Order

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

Apostasy

Tonic

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:

Vice

Zenith

Apogee

Lipid

Vagary

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 #781 : Synonyms

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

RESURGANCE

Possible Answers:

Renewal

Frivolity

Penchant

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 #782 : Synonyms

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

SCRUTINY

Possible Answers:

Apex

Marauding

Apogee

Wrath

Examination

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 #783 : Synonyms

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

HAZARD

Possible Answers:

Judgment

Ordinance

Theme

Danger

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 #784 : Synonyms

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

UBIQUITY

Possible Answers:

Omnipresence

Effrontery

Efficacy

Provenance

Confection

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.

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