SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1791 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESCIND

Possible Answers:

Reconsider

Implement

Quell

Nullify

Engage

Correct answer:

Nullify

Explanation:

“Rescind” is a verb that means revoke or repeal, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like revoke. That means that “implement” cannot be the correct answer, because “implement,” when used as a verb, means have something take effect, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “rescind.” “Nullify,” however, is a verb that means annul or make void, and because “nullify” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “rescind,” “nullify” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1833 : Synonyms

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

ABASE

Possible Answers:

Reconsider

Summon

Degrade

Memorize

Scatter

Correct answer:

Degrade

Explanation:

"Abase" is a verb that means degrade or humiliate. So, "degrade," a verb that means treat someone disrespectfully, is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "abase."

Example Question #1834 : Synonyms

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

CHORTLE

Possible Answers:

Stir

Burn

Laugh

Cough

Fabricate

Correct answer:

Laugh

Explanation:

A "chortle" is a form of laughter; one might write, "The obnoxious joke still made her chortle."

Example Question #1792 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACQUIESCE

Possible Answers:

Infer

Retreat

Beg

Argue

Agree

Correct answer:

Agree

Explanation:

"Acquiesce" means reluctantly agree to do something, so "agree" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "acquiesce."

Example Question #1837 : Synonyms

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

COMPEL.

Possible Answers:

Force 

Allow 

Manifest 

Enable

Prism 

Correct answer:

Force 

Explanation:

To “compel” means to force. For clarification manifest means obvious, apparent

Example Question #1795 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INFUSE.

Possible Answers:

Wonder 

Garner

Instill

Threaten 

Declare 

Correct answer:

Instill

Explanation:

To “infuse” somebody means to introduce some thought or emotion into someone else’s mind. This definition is very similar to “instill” which means to impart ideas in someone else’s mind gradually. For clarification, garner means to win or gain something or to collect information.

Example Question #1796 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPIATE

Possible Answers:

Atone

Access

Supervise

Muse

Build

Correct answer:

Atone

Explanation:

“Expiate” means to atone or make amends, so "atone" is the correct answer.  None of the other answers are close in meaning to “expiate”. “Access” means to get into. “Muse” means to ponder. “Supervise” means to oversee. “Build” means to construct.  

Example Question #1835 : Synonyms

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

ENTREAT

Possible Answers:

Push

Spoil

Concoct

Conspire

Urge

Correct answer:

Urge

Explanation:

"Entreat" means to ask anxiously for someone to do something, or to "urge."

Example Question #1793 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONVERSE

Possible Answers:

Weaken

Talk

Rehearse

Manipulate

Force

Correct answer:

Talk

Explanation:

"Converse," when used as a verb, means to engage in conversation, or to "talk." When used as an adjective, "converse" means opposite, but since all of the potential answer choices are verbs, this should not be the meaning of "converse" that we rely upon.

Example Question #1794 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CASTIGATE

Possible Answers:

Verbalize

Loiter

Generate

Criticize

Acquire

Correct answer:

Criticize

Explanation:

To "castigate" is to criticize.

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