SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #291 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHANSON

Possible Answers:

Larceny

Eructation

Unguent

Girdle

Song

Correct answer:

Song

Explanation:

A "chanson" is a "song," usually a specific type of French composition. An "eructation" is a belch, and an "unguent" is an ointment. "Larceny" is theft. A "girdle" is one of a variety of belt-like garments.

Example Question #292 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GUFFAW

Possible Answers:

Sprig

Catamount

Coracle

Fountain

Laugh

Correct answer:

Laugh

Explanation:

A "guffaw" is a loud, hearty "laugh." A "coracle" is a small boat, and a "sprig" is a small stem or twig. A "catamount" is a type of wildcat, usually a cougar.

Example Question #293 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ULUATION

Possible Answers:

Equilibrium

Zest

Firmament

Surprise

Howl

Correct answer:

Howl

Explanation:

A "ululation" is a howl or a wail and is often used in traditional ceremonial settings. "Firmament" is another word for the sky, and "equilibrium" is balance. "Zest" is a synonym for "zeal." A "surprise" is something unexpected.

Example Question #294 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMEANOR

Possible Answers:

Astonishment

Bearing

Ardor

Animosity

Commendation

Correct answer:

Bearing

Explanation:

Someone's "demeanor" is their "bearing," appearance, or manner. "Astonishment" is surprise and awe. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim. "Ardor" means passion, and "animosity" means hatred.

Example Question #295 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SOJOURN

Possible Answers:

Luster

Soup vessel

Rest

Drinking vessel

Melody

Correct answer:

Rest

Explanation:

A "sojourn" is a brief "rest" or respite. It is not a type of drinking vessel (tankard, flagon, cask, etc.) or soup vessel ("tureen"). It is also not a "melody," or song. "Luster" is gloss or shine.

Example Question #296 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUALL

Possible Answers:

Disagreement

Storm

Infection

Harvest

Wail

Correct answer:

Storm

Explanation:

A "squall" is a brief, intense "storm." It is not a "cry "or "wail," nor is it a "harvest" or crop yield. Another word for "infection" is disease, and another word for "disagreement" is quarrel or squabble.

Example Question #297 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STATUTE

Possible Answers:

Statuary

Edict

Sculpture

Crypt

Inundation

Correct answer:

Edict

Explanation:

A "statute" is an "edict" or law, which is not to be confused with a "statuary," or group of statues (sculptures). A "crypt" is a burial place. An "inundation" is a deluge or flood.

Example Question #298 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APIARY

Possible Answers:

Beehive

Birdhouse

Ordnance

Balm

Heritage

Correct answer:

Beehive

Explanation:

"Apiary" is another word for a large "beehive" or collection of beehives. This is easy to confuse with an "aviary," or large structure for housing birds. "Heritage" is an inheritance, either a literal one or a figurative one. A "balm" is a salve or soothing ointment. "Ordnance" is weaponry, arms.

Example Question #299 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EFFLUVIUM

Possible Answers:

Repast

Riposte

Rejoinder

Odor

Gift

Correct answer:

Odor

Explanation:

"Effluvium" is an unpleasant "odor," discharge, or waste product. It is not a "gift," or present. It is also not a "repast," or feast. "Rejoinder" and "riposte" are synonyms for witty comebacks or remarks.

Example Question #300 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TANKARD

Possible Answers:

Armored vehicle

Nobleman

Drinking vessel

Military fortification

Armor

Correct answer:

Drinking vessel

Explanation:

A "tankard" is a large "drinking vessel" with a single handle, often made of pewter and seen in old-fashioned pubs. Don't confuse this with a "tank" (armored vehicle). It is not "armor," which is a suit worn to protect the body from bullets. It is also not a military fortification, which may also be called a "citadel." There are various titles for noblemen, depending on their status.

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