SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1991 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MATRICULATE

Possible Answers:

Ingress

Abhor

Enroll

Egress

Adore

Correct answer:

Enroll

Explanation:

The verb "matriculate" means enroll in a college class, sign up for university. Additionally, "abhor" means detest, hate whereas "adore" means love, cherish; "egress" means place of exit and "ingress" means place of entrance

Example Question #1992 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

TAPER

Possible Answers:

Deprecate

Narrow

Aggrandize

Elongate

Supplant

Correct answer:

Narrow

Explanation:

The verb "taper" means to narrow, to diminish, to reduce or to cause to reduce. Additionally, "elongate" means make or become longer; "deprecate" means dislike and criticize; "supplant" means replace; "aggrandize" means increase the power and wealth of.

Example Question #1993 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARRY

Possible Answers:

Intercept

Abridge

Anoint

Deflect

Incapacitate

Correct answer:

Deflect

Explanation:

The verb "parry" means to deflect something thrown at you and cause it to go in a different direction. Additionally, "intercept" means get in the way, or take control, of something so as to prevent it from getting to it's intended destination; "abridge" means shorten; "anoint" means consecrate, ordain, make holy or sacred; "incapacitate" means render no longer a threat, prevent from functioning.

Example Question #1994 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BURGEON

Possible Answers:

Accrue

Digress

Thrive

Domesticate

Advocate

Correct answer:

Thrive

Explanation:

The verb "burgeon" means to grow, to "thrive," to flourish. Additionally, "accrue" means increase in value; "advocate" means speak out in support of; "digress" means stray from the main point; "domesticate" means make a pet, tame.

Example Question #1995 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BOLSTER

Possible Answers:

Brandish

Masticate

Reinforce

Supplicate

Embezzle

Correct answer:

Reinforce

Explanation:

The verb "bolster" means to "reinforce", to add to in order to strengthen. Additionally, "supplicate" means urge and entreat, humbly plead and beg for; "masticate" means chew; "embezzle" means steal money which was given to one in good faith, steal from one's own company; "brandish" means flourish, (of a weapon or other object) wave about.

Example Question #1996 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CORRAL

Possible Answers:

Enclose

Enliven

Enumerate

Enunciate

Entice

Correct answer:

Enclose

Explanation:

The verb "corral" means to herd, to forcefully gather together and confine within. This is closest in meaning to "enclose." Additionally, "entice" means tempt, lure; "enliven" means make more entertaining or energetic; "enumerate" means make a list of; "enunciate" means pronounce clearly and correctly.

Example Question #1997 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DETERIORATE

Possible Answers:

Worsen

Enter

Improve

Allude

Replicate

Correct answer:

Worsen

Explanation:

The verb "deteriorate" means to worsen over time, (of a condition) to become worse. Additionally, "replicate" means copy, reproduce; "allude" means hint at, indicate is true.

Example Question #1998 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAWDLE

Possible Answers:

Purport

Amplify

Eradicate

Linger

Illustrate

Correct answer:

Linger

Explanation:

The verb "dawdle" means to wait behind or to stay in one place and take one's time in leaving, so "linger" is the best answer, as it also means to remain in a place longer than expected to or to delay leaving a place past a expected time one was expected to leave. "Amplify" means make louder; "illustrate" can mean draw, but it can also mean show, depict, or demonstrate; "purport" means claim, as in the phrase "purport to be"; and "eradicate" means completely destroy.

Example Question #1999 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABATE

Possible Answers:

Desist

Demonize

Comprehend

Contend

Deviate

Correct answer:

Desist

Explanation:

The verb "abate" means stop something or stop doing something, so "desist" is the best answer, as it also means stop doing something. Additionally, "demonize" means vilify or portray in a negative way as a villain or demon; "contend" means argue that something is the case or 'raise a point'; "comprehend" means understand; and "deviate" means stray or go away from the main point or main idea.

Example Question #2000 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OSSIFY

Possible Answers:

Harangue

Garner

Solidify

Atrophy

Undulate

Correct answer:

Solidify

Explanation:

The verb "ossify" means harden, to become solid, or "solidify." Additionally, "harangue" means harass or scold someone in an aggressive manner; "garner" means compile, gather, collect; "undulate" means move in a side to side fashion, like a wave; "atrophy" means weaken from lack of use.

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