SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #651 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ZENITH

Possible Answers:

Mendacity

Apogee

Rumpus

Complicity

Ibex

Correct answer:

Apogee

Explanation:

"Zenith" and "apogee" both describe an apex or a high point. An "ibex" is a type of wild goat, while a "rumpus" is a commotion or a disturbance. "Complicity" means guilt, and "mendacity" means dishonesty.

Example Question #652 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ASSIGNATION

Possible Answers:

Dignitary

Luster

Zealot

Rendezvous

Hegemony

Correct answer:

Rendezvous

Explanation:

An "assignation" is a tryst, "rendezvous," or secretive meeting. A "zealot" is a fanatic, and "hegemony" is supremacy or authoritarian dominance. A "dignitary" is a famous or noteworthy person. "Lustre" is a synonym for gloss or shine.

Example Question #653 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

LASSITUDE

Possible Answers:

Sluggishness

Squalor

Amity

Aberration

Wrath

Correct answer:

Sluggishness

Explanation:

"Lassitude" is lethargy, "sluggishness," and apathy. "Amity" is a synonym for friendship, and "squalor" is a synonym for filth. An "aberration" is something different from the norm. "Wrath" is a synonym for rage or fury.

Example Question #654 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Lunacy

Supremacy

Dignity

Fallacy

Mercy

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

The noun "clemency" refers to mercy, formal forgiveness for a crime committed. Additionally, "lunacy" means insanity, lack of sanity; "supremacy" means the state of being the best; "dignity" means the state of possessing certain admirable traits that make one deserving of the respect of others; "fallacy" means a mistaken belief, a misconception.

Example Question #655 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROGNOSIS

Possible Answers:

Precipice

Obstacle

Forecast

Sovereign

Catalyst

Correct answer:

Forecast

Explanation:

The noun "prognosis" means a future prediction about how something (particularly a disease) is going to grow and develop. This is closest in definition to "forecast." Additionally, a "catalyst" is a 'spark,' something that causes a chemical reaction to accelerate or take place; an "obstacle" is something in the way, something that prevents one from making progress; the "precipice" is the edge of something; a "sovereign" is a monarch, a ruler, or someone who reigns.

Example Question #656 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CHAGRIN

Possible Answers:

Dishonesty

Irritation

Mendacity

Fulsome

Audacity

Correct answer:

Irritation

Explanation:

The noun "chagrin" means something like anger. Specifically, it refers to the displeasure one feels at being wrong or being humiliated. This is closest in meaning to "irritated." Additionally, "mendacity" is dishonesty; "fulsome" means excessively flattering and over-appreciative; and "audacity" means boldness, nerve, or courage to try something.

Example Question #657 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

GRATIFICATION

Possible Answers:

Contrition

Insolvency

Indulgence

Candor

Contingency

Correct answer:

Indulgence

Explanation:

The noun "gratification" refers to fulfillment, "indulgence," pleasure related to satisfaction. Additionally, "contrition" means remorse, feeling genuine sorry for something done wrong; a "contingency" is a possible and considered future event, an eventuality; "insolvency" is bankruptcy, the state of having run out of money; "candor" means frankness, honesty.

Example Question #658 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ELOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Eloquence

Diction

Bigotry

Levity

Redundancy

Correct answer:

Diction

Explanation:

"Elocution" is pronunciation, articulation, or "diction." This is different from "eloquence," which is fluency and smoothness in speaking. "Bigotry" is bias or prejudice, and "redundancy" is repetition. "Levity" is lightheartedness and frivolity.

Example Question #659 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROPITIATION

Possible Answers:

Temerity

Mendacity

Insurrection

Dissent

Appeasement

Correct answer:

Appeasement

Explanation:

"Propitiation" is the "appeasement" of a deity or a person. "Dissent" is disagreement, and an "insurrection" is a rebellion or an uprising. "Temerity" is boldness or audacity. "Mendacity" is dishonesty, duplicity.

Example Question #660 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ELEGY

Possible Answers:

Zenith

Jubilation

Lament

Excess

Iniquity

Correct answer:

Lament

Explanation:

An "elegy" is a lament for the dead and is often written in poem form. "Iniquity" is evil, and "jubilation" is joyous celebration. "Excess" is surplus, the opposite of "scarcity." A "zenith" is an apex, pinnacle, or high point.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors