SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #268 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

HALLUCINATION

Possible Answers:

Feeling

Palate

Olfaction

Hunch

Vision

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 #269 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

IMAGE

Possible Answers:

Waveform

System

Symbol

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 #601 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Decline

Tempest

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 #602 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EMPHASIS

Possible Answers:

Amity

Constituent

Anomaly

Polity

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 #603 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPLEEN

Possible Answers:

Acumen

Hunger

Indolence

Wrath

Philanthropy

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 #604 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SINCERITY

Possible Answers:

Candor

Temerity

Empathy

Humility

Timidity

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 #605 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ALACRITY

Possible Answers:

Tyranny

Liveliness

Insanity

Hegemony

Opulence

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 #606 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WRATH

Possible Answers:

Fury

Duplicity

Ghost

Specter

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 #607 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TEMERITY

Possible Answers:

Gratification

Amity

Contentment

Audacity

Loyalty

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 #608 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIVACITY

Possible Answers:

Temerity

Cruelty

Translucence

Spleen

Liveliness

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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