SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #301 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

IMPUDENCE

Possible Answers:

Nuisance

Melody

Expurgation

Relevance

Effrontery

Correct answer:

Effrontery

Explanation:

"Impudence" is another word for both insolence and "effrontery." "Relevance" indicates connection to the topic at hand. A "melody" is a sequence of notes that comprises a song, and a "nuisance" is a bother. "Expurgation" is the act of removing material from something (e.g. a book) to avoid offending people.

Example Question #302 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

APEX

Possible Answers:

Nadir

Larceny

Gratitude

Interrogation

Pinnacle

Correct answer:

Pinnacle

Explanation:

An "apex" is a "pinnacle," apogee, or high point. This is the antonym of "nadir," or low point. An "interrogation" is a formal or intense questioning. "Larceny" is theft, and "gratitude" is thankfulness.

Example Question #641 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APLOMB

Possible Answers:

Loquacity

Gluttony

Lechery

Poise

Clumsiness

Correct answer:

Poise

Explanation:

To do something with "aplomb" is to do it with poise and "polish." This is an antonym of "clumsiness." "Gluttony" means overeating, and "lechery" means lust. "Loquacity" is a synonym for excessive talkativeness.

Example Question #642 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JARGON

Possible Answers:

Specialized Studies

Specialized Interrogation

Specialized Profession

Specialized Architecture

Specialized Language

Correct answer:

Specialized Language

Explanation:

"Jargon" is a type of language specific to a particular discipline or specialty. While "architects," "scholars," and other professions do have their own kinds of jargon, the words are not actually synonymous. An "interrogation" is a questioning session.

Example Question #643 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABNEGATION

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Renunciation

Fodder

Hearth

Predilection

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

The noun "abnegation" means "renunciation," denial, rejection, the act of disavowing something. Additionally, a "predilection" is a preference for something; "lassitude" is weariness, exhaustion, lethargy; "fodder" is worthless material to be sacrificed for some cause; a "hearth" is a fireplace or a spiritual home, or less commonly, a literal home.

Example Question #644 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPLIANCE

Possible Answers:

Predilection

Serendipity

Exigency

Repose

Obedience

Correct answer:

Obedience

Explanation:

The noun "compliance" means the action of agreeing to a command or a request. Although this is not a direct synonym of "obedience," this is easily the best answer. Additionally, "predilection" is a preference for, having a particular like for something; "exigency" is urgency, the need to get something done; "repose" is rest; "serendipity" is the occurrence of some happy and lucky incident, good fortune.

Example Question #645 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ZENITH

Possible Answers:

Tenacity

Harangue

Acumen

Lunacy

Apogee

Correct answer:

Apogee

Explanation:

"Zenith" is another word for pinnacle, apex, or "apogee." "Lunacy" is a synonym for "insanity," and "tenacity" is perseverance and determination. "Acumen" is another word for shrewdness or sharpness, and a "harangue" is a verbal rant or tirade.

Example Question #646 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROBITY

Possible Answers:

Maturity

Largesse

Mischief

Integrity

Paucity

Correct answer:

Integrity

Explanation:

"Probity" means "integrity" and moral uprightness. "Mischief" is trouble, and "largesse" is generosity. "Maturity" and "immaturity" are antonyms, as are "paucity" and "abundance."

Example Question #647 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROCLIVITY

Possible Answers:

Lethargy

Nadir

Apogee

Levity

Inclination

Correct answer:

Inclination

Explanation:

A "proclivity" is an inclination or tendency towards something. "Lethargy" means listlessness, "nadir" means low point, and "apogee" means high point. "Levity" means lightheartedness and humor.

Example Question #648 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BREVITY

Possible Answers:

Gluttony

Decreptitude

Lassitude

Assignation

Briefness

Correct answer:

Briefness

Explanation:

"Brevity" and "briefness" are synonyms. "Lassitude" means lethargy or apathy. "Decrepitude" describes the state of being old and dilapidated. "Gluttony" means excess or greed in eating. An "assignation" is another word for a rendezvous or illicit meet-up.

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