SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

QUAKE

Possible Answers:

Quiver

Freeze

Transform

Verify

Repel

Correct answer:

Quiver

Explanation:

“Quake” is a verb that means “shake or tremble,” especially when referring to the earth, or “shake or shudder with fear” when referring to a person. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “shake.” That means that “freeze” cannot be the correct answer, because “freeze” can mean “to become paralyzed with fear or shock,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “quake.” “Quiver,” however, is a verb that means “to tremble or shake,” and because “quiver” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “quake,” “quiver” is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

GLACIAL 

Possible Answers:

Beautiful 

Deliberate

Slow

Natural 

Melting

Correct answer:

Slow

Explanation:

"Glacial" can have two meanings: very cold or moving very slowly. ("Glacial" comes from the word "glacier," which is a huge mass of ice that moves extremely slowly.) Given that none of the answer choices are similar to the word "cold," the best synonym is one that means slow.Thus, the best answer choice is "slow." 

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

PITCH

Possible Answers:

Propel

Propose

Explode

Fabricate

Collect

Correct answer:

Propose

Explanation:

To pitch an idea or plan means to propose it.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

INCARNATION

Possible Answers:

Lifetime

Vessel

Choice

Demonstration

Meal

Correct answer:

Lifetime

Explanation:

An incarnation is the embodiment of a god, or an individual's lifetime.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

CURRENT

Possible Answers:

Attraction

Theater

Show

Airstream

Spectacle

Correct answer:

Airstream

Explanation:

"Current" and "airstream" can be synonyms, especially if the word "current" represents a stream of wind ("current" can also refer to the present time). The other words are not related in meaning to the word "current."

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

EXCLUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Elite

Audible

Woodland

Natural

Motherly

Correct answer:

Elite

Explanation:

"Elite" and "exclusive" are synonyms referring to  a select group (usually implying the selection is tied to excellence). The other words do not have related meanings. "Natural" means not artificial. "Audible" means perceptible through aural faculties

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

CAMP

Possible Answers:

Team

Jail

Institution

Tank

Prison

Correct answer:

Team

Explanation:

"Camp" and "team" are synonyms. The word "camp" can be used to describe a side, a team, a particular group of people with a shared value or conviction. The other words do not have meanings closely related to camp.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

TRUNK

Possible Answers:

Engine

Swimmer

Engineering

Alternator

Box

Correct answer:

Box

Explanation:

"Trunk" and "box" can both refer to a receptacle used to store or carry items. The other words are not synonymous with "trunk." An "alternator" is a part of an "engine" (at least for cars).

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

BANK

Possible Answers:

Hospitalize

Grieve

Invest

Litigate

Mourn

Correct answer:

Invest

Explanation:

The verbs "bank" (when used as a verb) and "invest" can be synonymous, referring to the actions of a financier. The meanings of the other answer choices are not related to the word "bank."

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

WIND

Possible Answers:

Demonstrate

Boil

Forecast

Weave

Mock

Correct answer:

Weave

Explanation:

"Wind" may be a noun (relating to air movement and weather), but it may also be a verb. As a verb, "wind" means to move in a twisting or spiral course. The verb "weave" means to turn from side to side while moving somewhere, and is an appropriate synonym for wind.

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