SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
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.
QUAKE
Repel
Verify
Transform
Freeze
Quiver
Quiver
“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 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GLACIAL
Deliberate
Natural
Beautiful
Melting
Slow
Slow
"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 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PITCH
Explode
Propose
Collect
Propel
Fabricate
Propose
To pitch an idea or plan means to propose it.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INCARNATION
Demonstration
Lifetime
Meal
Choice
Vessel
Lifetime
An incarnation is the embodiment of a god, or an individual's lifetime.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CURRENT
Attraction
Theater
Airstream
Show
Spectacle
Airstream
"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 #4 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXCLUSIVE
Elite
Audible
Woodland
Natural
Motherly
Elite
"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 #2 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAMP
Jail
Institution
Prison
Team
Tank
Team
"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
Engineering
Swimmer
Box
Alternator
Engine
Box
"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 #3 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANK
Mourn
Grieve
Litigate
Hospitalize
Invest
Invest
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 #8 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WIND
Mock
Boil
Weave
Forecast
Demonstrate
Weave
"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.
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
