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 #681 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DECIBEL

Possible Answers:

Temperature

Culprit

Volume

Fiasco

Clarity

Correct answer:

Volume

Explanation:

The noun "decibel" refers to a unit of measurement that is used to measure "volume." This is closest in meaning, of course, to "volume" (or how loud something is). Additionally, "clarity" means how clear something is; "culprit" means guilty party, person responsible for a crime; "fiasco" means calamity, disaster, (a situation) that is chaotic and catastrophic.

Example Question #682 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRECIPICE

Possible Answers:

Edge

Edifice

Aid

Opulence

Decorum

Correct answer:

Edge

Explanation:

The noun "precipice" refers to the "edge" of something after which there is a steep drop. It can also refer to the moment right before something important or profound occurs. Additionally, "aid" means help, assistance; "decorum" means polite behavior; an "edifice" is a building, or one side of a building; "opulence" is extreme wealth and luxury.

Example Question #683 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUINTESSENCE

Possible Answers:

Proclivity

Turpitude

Depravity

Mendacity

Exemplar

Correct answer:

Exemplar

Explanation:

"Quintessence" is a synonym for epitome or "exemplar." "Proclivity" is a synonym for "inclination," and "depravity" is a synonym for "turpitude." "Mendacity" means dishonesty.

Example Question #684 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APPROBATION

Possible Answers:

Approval

Anomaly

Chicanery

Notoriety

Aberration

Correct answer:

Approval

Explanation:

"Approbation" and "approval" are synonyms. "Chicanery" is trickery, and "notoriety" is infamy. An "aberration" is an anomaly.

Example Question #685 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OPPROBRIUM

Possible Answers:

Obstinacy

Pandemonium

Luster

Disgrace

Invective

Correct answer:

Disgrace

Explanation:

"Opprobrium" is either "disgrace" and shame or criticism and abuse, depending on the situation. "Luster" is a synonym for "gloss." "Pandemonium" is a synonym for "chaos." "Invective" is verbal abuse, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness.

Example Question #686 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRUCULENCE

Possible Answers:

Enmity

Ordure

Splendor

Acquiescence

Defiance

Correct answer:

Defiance

Explanation:

To be "truculent" is to defy someone else's orders or wishes. This is an antonym for "acquiescence," which involves giving in to someone else's wishes. "Enmity" is the antonym of "friendship," while "splendor" is the noun form of "splendid." "Ordure" is sewage or filth.

Example Question #687 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERISMILITUDE

Possible Answers:

Realness

Propriety

Mendacity

Redundancy

Censure

Correct answer:

Realness

Explanation:

"Verisimilitude" describes "realness," or, more accurately, the appearance or replication of realness. "Propriety" is a synonym for "decorum." "Mendacity" is dishonesty. "Censure" is a synonym for "criticism" or condemnation. "Redundancy" is a synonym for "repetitiveness."

Example Question #688 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DUDGEON

Possible Answers:

Dispute

Resentment

Eloquence

Iniquity

Dissonance

Correct answer:

Resentment

Explanation:

To be in high "dudgeon" is to be indignant or resentful about something. "Eloquence" is the quality of fluent, articulate speech. "Iniquity" is evil, and a "dispute" is a disagreement. "Dissonance" is tension, particularly between inharmonious sounds.

Example Question #689 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUALMS

Possible Answers:

Defiance

Jargon

Truculence

Apathy

Misgivings

Correct answer:

Misgivings

Explanation:

To have "qualms" about something are to have "misgivings" about them. "Truculence" and "defiance" are synonyms. "Apathy" is the state of not caring about things, and "jargon" is the specific language or vocabulary of a group of specialists.

Example Question #690 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHOLER

Possible Answers:

Anger

Expiation

Appeasement

Kernel

Propitiation

Correct answer:

Anger

Explanation:

"Choler" is an antiquated word for "anger," wrath, or irritation. "Propitiation" is a synonym for "appeasement," and "expiation" is a synonym for "amends." A "kernel" is a seed (literal) or heart of something (figurative).

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors