SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #431 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Antidote

Deviation

Newspaper

Structure

Lock

Correct answer:

Deviation

Explanation:

An "aberration" is a deviation from the norm, so "deviation" is the correct answer. None of the other words are close in meaning to "aberration": "antidote" means a cure for a poison; "structure" means something that is built; "lock" means a device for securing something; and "newspaper" means a publication containing news.  

Example Question #432 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERDITION

Possible Answers:

Enemy

Reprisal

Doom

Exclamation

Storage

Correct answer:

Doom

Explanation:

"Perdition" means hell, damnation, utter destruction, or doom, so "doom" is the correct answer. The root word perdere means to lose. None of the other words are close in meaning to "perdition": "reprisal" means retaliation; "exclamation" means shout; "enemy" means opponent; and "storage" means space reserved for housing items.  

Example Question #433 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACME

Possible Answers:

Apex

Matrimony

Power

Denial

Expense

Correct answer:

Apex

Explanation:

"Acme" and "apex" both mean the highest point, so "apex" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "acme": "denial" means disavowal; "expense" means cost; "matrimony" means marriage; and "power" means control.   

Example Question #434 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERTIGO

Possible Answers:

Bullet

Bouquet

Dizziness

Permutation

March

Correct answer:

Dizziness

Explanation:

"Vertigo" is defined as a sensation of dizziness or of being in tilting or spinning surroundings, so "dizziness" is the correct answer. The root word vert means to turn. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "vertigo": "bullet" means a small metal projectile; "march" means the act of walking in a stately manner; "bouquet" means a group of flowers; and "permutation" means transformation.  

Example Question #435 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CALAMITY

Possible Answers:

Apology

Generosity 

Instrument

Disaster

Embrace

Correct answer:

Disaster

Explanation:

A "calamity" is a disaster, so "disaster" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "calamity": "embrace" means hug; "instrument" means tool; "apology" means the act of expressing regret; and "generosity" means liberality in giving.  

Example Question #436 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASPERSION

Possible Answers:

Transversal

Slander

Insect

Notion

Overview

Correct answer:

Slander

Explanation:

"Aspersion" means slander or a malicious remark, so "slander" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "aspersion": "overview" means summary; "transversal" means a line intersecting two or more lines; "notion" means idea; and "insect" means bug.

Example Question #437 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRANSGRESSION

Possible Answers:

Stigma

Retribution

Secretary

Intellect

Offense

Correct answer:

Offense

Explanation:

"Transgression" means an offense or an act that goes against a rule or code of conduct, so "offense" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "transgression": "stigma" means a mark of disgrace; "retribution" means repayment; "secretary" means administrative assistant; and "intellect" means intelligence.

Example Question #438 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACCLAIM

Possible Answers:

Feud

Abnormailty

Stamina

Emblem

Praise

Correct answer:

Praise

Explanation:

"Acclaim" means praise, so "praise" is the correct answer. "Emblem" means symbol. "Abnormality" means flaw or something that differs from a norm. "Stamina" means the ability to endure some type of effort. "Feud" means a prolonged conflict or hostility between two or more parties.

Example Question #439 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCIDENT

Possible Answers:

Transformation

Deluge

Event

Biology

Rant

Correct answer:

Event

Explanation:

An "incident" is an event or an occurrence, so "event" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "incident" and "event": "biology" is the study of life; a "transformation" is a signficant or large change; a "deluge" is a large flood; and a "rant" is a tirade or a loud speech complaining about something.

Example Question #440 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STATUS

Possible Answers:

Rank

Relaxation

Exploration

Achievement

Referral

Correct answer:

Rank

Explanation:

"Status" means a person's relative standing in some category, so "rank," a noun that means a person's location in a hierarchy, is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "status": "achievement" means an accomplishment; "congestion" means obstruction or blockage; "exploration" means the act of traveling somewhere to learn about that place; and "relaxation" means the state of not being anxious or stressed about anything.

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