SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #601 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

HALLUCINATION

Possible Answers:

Vision

Feeling

Hunch

Olfaction

Palate

Correct answer:

Vision

Explanation:

The word "vision" can be used to describe a "hallucination;" these words are synonyms describing seeing imagined objects in one's mind. The other words primarily describe human senses.

Example Question #601 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

IMAGE

Possible Answers:

Waveform

Symbol

System

Syllable

Pixel

Correct answer:

Symbol

Explanation:

In this problem, the words "image" and "symbol" are closest in meaning. Although options like "waveform" or "pixel" may seem somewhat related, the meanings of "image" and "symbol" are more closely tied, they both refer to something used to stand in for or represent.

Example Question #602 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Tempest

Decline

Hegemony

Anomaly

Injury

Correct answer:

Anomaly

Explanation:

An "aberration" is an anomaly, a deviation from what is normal. An "injury' is a wound, a "tempest" is a storm, and a "decline" is the opposite of an increase. "Hegemony" means supremacy or dominance and is usually used in a negative context.

Example Question #603 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EMPHASIS

Possible Answers:

Constituent

Anomaly

Polity

Accent

Amity

Correct answer:

Accent

Explanation:

To "emphasize" something is to accent or underscore it. A "constituent" is a component of something larger or, depending on context, a voting person. "Amity" means friendship, and "polity" means a geographic area (such as a city or state) with a government. An "anomaly" is an aberration.

Example Question #604 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SPLEEN

Possible Answers:

Philanthropy

Indolence

Acumen

Wrath

Hunger

Correct answer:

Wrath

Explanation:

While "spleen" sometimes describes a body part, it is also a word for extreme anger and wrath. "Philanthropy" is charity, and "acumen" is sharpness or shrewdness. "Indolence" means laziness.

Example Question #605 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SINCERITY

Possible Answers:

Candor

Humility

Temerity

Timidity

Empathy

Correct answer:

Candor

Explanation:

To be "sincere" is to be candid and forthright. "Humility" and "modesty" are near synonyms, as are "empathy" and "sympathy." "Timidity" means meekness or shyness. "Temerity" means boldness.

Example Question #606 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ALACRITY

Possible Answers:

Tyranny

Hegemony

Insanity

Opulence

Liveliness

Correct answer:

Liveliness

Explanation:

"Alacrity" means liveliness or eagerness, depending on the context. "Hegemony" means supremacy or authoritarian dominance. A "tyranny" is a dictatorship, and "opulence" means luxury and wealth. "Insanity" means craziness.

Example Question #607 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

WRATH

Possible Answers:

Mendacity

Fury

Duplicity

Ghost

Specter

Correct answer:

Fury

Explanation:

"Wrath" means extreme rage or fury. "Wraith" is a word for phantom, but don't mix up the two. "Mendacity" and "duplicity" are both synonyms for dishonesty.

Example Question #608 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

TEMERITY

Possible Answers:

Loyalty

Audacity

Gratification

Contentment

Amity

Correct answer:

Audacity

Explanation:

"Temerity" means boldness or audacity. "Gratification" means satisfaction, which is similar to "contentment." "Loyalty" means allegiance. "Amity" means friendship.

Example Question #609 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

VIVACITY

Possible Answers:

Cruelty

Translucence

Liveliness

Temerity

Spleen

Correct answer:

Liveliness

Explanation:

Someone "vivacious" is lively and spirited. "Cruelty" means brutality and inhumanity. "Spleen" means wrath or fury. "Temerity" means audacity. "Translucence" means clearness.

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