SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #231 : Identifying Synonyms

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

THRENODY

Possible Answers:

Rhapsody

Lament

Spleen

Tirade

Delight

Correct answer:

Lament

Explanation:

A "threnody" is a "lament" or dirge, a song of mourning. A "rhapsody" is another type of song that is not usually associated with grief. "Delight" is great pleasure or joy, and "spleen" is an antiquated term for wrath or fury. A "tirade" is a rant or a diatribe.

Example Question #231 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ELOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Enunciation

Futility

Paragon

Cicatrix

Correct answer:

Enunciation

Explanation:

"Elocution" means diction, articulation, "enunciation." "Lassitude" is lethargy, and a "paragon" is an exemplar or epitome. "Futility" means pointlessness. A "cicatrix" is a scar.

Example Question #232 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLOSS

Possible Answers:

Ambivalence

Jargon

Luster

Equanimity

Proclivity

Correct answer:

Luster

Explanation:

"Gloss" is "luster" or shine. "Equanimity" is composure and calmness. "Ambivalence" is the state of having mixed feelings about something. "Jargon" is specialized language or the vocabulary of a particular skill set. A "proclivity" is an inclination or penchant for something.

Example Question #233 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HYPERBOLE

Possible Answers:

Plaudits

Approbation

Spleen

Exaggeration

Censure

Correct answer:

Exaggeration

Explanation:

"Hyperbole" is the literary technique of "exaggeration." "Plaudits" and "approbation" both means approval and praise. "Censure" means official or severe criticism, and "spleen" is rage or wrath.

Example Question #92 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

INDIGENCE

Possible Answers:

Zenith

Temperance

Apogee

Poverty

Crux

Correct answer:

Poverty

Explanation:

"Indigence" is "poverty" or penury. "Temperance" is abstinence, sobriety. "Zenith" and "apogee" both mean high points, either literally or figuratively. The "crux" of a situation is the heart of that situation.

Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

CITADEL

Possible Answers:

Fortress

Sojourn

Hiatus

Asylum

Respite

Correct answer:

Fortress

Explanation:

The noun "citadel" means fortress, defensive structure. Additionally, a "hiatus" is a break from something; an "asylum" is a sanctuary, a 'safe-house'; a "sojourn" is a temporary stay somewhere; a "respite" is a temporary break in the action.

Example Question #94 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

PINNACLE

Possible Answers:

Peek

Guise

Commode

Aspersion

Nadir

Correct answer:

Peek

Explanation:

The noun "pinnacle" means the peek of something, a high point. Additionally, a "nadir" is a low point; a "commode" is a room, (particularly a bathroom); a "guise" is a false appearance designed to conceal the truth; "aspersion" is an attack on the reputation of, slander.

Example Question #234 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FLORA

Possible Answers:

Humans

Animals

Plants

Objects

Cities

Correct answer:

Plants

Explanation:

The noun "flora" refers to plant-life. The noun "fauna" is usually used in conjunction to mean animal-life.

Example Question #281 : Synonyms

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

IDIOSYNCRASY

Possible Answers:

Quirk

Urbanity

Lunacy

Asininity

Threnody

Correct answer:

Quirk

Explanation:

An "idiosyncrasy" is an eccentricity or a "quirk." This is different from "lunacy," or "craziness," and "asininity," or "stupidity." "Urbanity" is suaveness or sophistication, and a "threnody" is a dirge or a lament.

Example Question #282 : Synonyms

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

PANDEMONIUM

Possible Answers:

Maelstrom

Chaos

Jargon

Effrontery

Propitiation

Correct answer:

Chaos

Explanation:

"Pandemonium" is "chaos" or bedlam. A "maelstrom" is a tempest or large storm. "Jargon" is the vocabulary of a specialized field, and "propitiation" is appeasement. "Effrontery" is another word for impudence or audacity.

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