SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #611 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MELANCHOLY

Possible Answers:

Jealousy

Lechery

Jubilation

Wrath

Sadness

Correct answer:

Sadness

Explanation:

"Melancholy" describes the feeling of sadness and dejection. "Jealousy" and "envy" are synonyms. "Lechery" and "lust" are synonyms. "Jubilation" means joy, and "wrath" means fury or envy.

Example Question #612 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INFAMY

Possible Answers:

Enthusiasm

Philanthropy

Bravery

Notoriety

Brutality

Correct answer:

Notoriety

Explanation:

Something "notorious" is infamous, or well known for a disreputable reason. "Bravery" means courage, and "philanthropy" means charity. "Brutality" means savage and cruel violence. "Enthusiasm" and "eagerness" are synonyms.

Example Question #613 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OPULENCE

Possible Answers:

Penury

Emphasis

Luxuriousness

Ignorance

Tempest

Correct answer:

Luxuriousness

Explanation:

"Opulence" means luxuriousness, wealth, and splendor. "Penury" means poverty, and "ignorance" means the lack of knowledge. A "tempest" is a storm. "Emphasis" means either special importance and prominence or accent, depending on the context.

Example Question #614 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABSTENTION

Possible Answers:

Sophistication

Inebriation

Sobriety

Intolerance

Elegance

Correct answer:

Sobriety

Explanation:

"Abstention" and "sobriety" are synonyms. They are the opposite of "inebriation," which means intoxication or drunkenness. "Intolerance" means narrow-mindedness, and "elegance" means stylishness, grace, or sophistication.

Example Question #615 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIVACITY

Possible Answers:

Liveliness

Audacity

Temerity

Abstention

Fury

Correct answer:

Liveliness

Explanation:

"Vivacity" and "liveliness" both describe an animated, energetic quality. "Fury" means wrath or anger. "Abstention" means sobriety, and "temerity" means both audacity and boldness.

Example Question #616 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMMENDATION

Possible Answers:

Caution

Insults

Amity

Candor

Acclaim

Correct answer:

Acclaim

Explanation:

"Commendation" means acclaim and praise. It is an antonym of "insult." Caution means taking care to avoid danger or errors. "Candor" means sincerity, and "amity" means friendship.

Example Question #617 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBIVALENCE

Possible Answers:

Vivacity

Aberration

Mediocrity

Equivocation

Duplicity

Correct answer:

Equivocation

Explanation:

"Ambivalence" and "equivocation" both describe the state of having contradictory feelings and thoughts. "Vivacity" means liveliness, and an "aberration" means an anomaly or deviation from the norm. Something "mediocre" is of moderate, but not exceptional, worth. "Duplicity" and "dishonesty" are synonyms.

Example Question #618 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACUMEN

Possible Answers:

Bashfulness

Dishonesty

Shrewdness

Lasciviousness

Inquisitiveness

Correct answer:

Shrewdness

Explanation:

"Acumen" means shrewdness or astuteness. "Lasciviousness" means lustfulness. "Bashfulness" means shyness. "Inquisitiveness" and "curiousness" are synonyms. "Dishonesty" is another word for "duplicity."

Example Question #619 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMITY

Possible Answers:

Friendship

Audacity

Spleen

Temerity

Hilarity

Correct answer:

Friendship

Explanation:

"Amity" means friendship, pleasant relationships. "Spleen" means wrath, fury. "Hilarity" means amusement and laughter. "Temerity" and "audacity" both mean boldness.

Example Question #620 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REDUNDANCY

Possible Answers:

Bigotry

Mendacity

Wit

Repetition

Amity

Correct answer:

Repetition

Explanation:

"Redundancy" means unnecessary repetition. "Mendacity" means dishonesty. "Bigotry" is intolerance, and "amity" is friendship. "Wit" means intelligent and clever humor.

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