SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #263 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

HALLUCINATION

Possible Answers:

Olfaction

Vision

Hunch

Feeling

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 #264 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

IMAGE

Possible Answers:

System

Pixel

Waveform

Symbol

Syllable

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 #641 : Synonyms

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

ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Decline

Tempest

Anomaly

Injury

Hegemony

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 #271 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

EMPHASIS

Possible Answers:

Anomaly

Amity

Polity

Constituent

Accent

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 #272 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SPLEEN

Possible Answers:

Philanthropy

Acumen

Hunger

Wrath

Indolence

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 #646 : Synonyms

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

SINCERITY

Possible Answers:

Timidity

Humility

Temerity

Candor

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 #647 : Synonyms

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

ALACRITY

Possible Answers:

Liveliness

Opulence

Tyranny

Hegemony

Insanity

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 #648 : Synonyms

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

WRATH

Possible Answers:

Specter

Fury

Duplicity

Ghost

Mendacity

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 #271 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

TEMERITY

Possible Answers:

Audacity

Contentment

Amity

Loyalty

Gratification

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 #272 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

VIVACITY

Possible Answers:

Liveliness

Translucence

Cruelty

Spleen

Temerity

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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