All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #701 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICE
Intoxication
Expurgation
Penchant
Levity
Fancy
Fancy
A "caprice" is a "fancy" or a whim. This is different from "levity," which means humor, lightheartedness, or vivacity. (Less commonly, it can describe a classical music composition.) "Intoxication" is drunkenness, and "expurgation" is censorship. A "penchant" for something is a proclivity, affinity, or liking for it.
Example Question #702 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONTRETEMPS
Indictment
Preamble
Statuary
Quarrel
Squall
Quarrel
A "contretemps" is a minor "quarrel," disagreement, or argument. A "squall" is a storm or tempest. An "indictment" is a formal accusation or charge. "Preamble" is a synonym for "introduction," and "statuary" is another word for a group of statues.
Example Question #703 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CLEMENCY
Ire
Mercy
Caprice
Verisimilitude
Currency
Mercy
"Clemency" is mercifulness, leniency, or forgiveness. "Verisimilitude" describes the appearance or quality of realness. A "caprice" is a whim or passing notion. "Currency" can mean either money or prevalence and popularity, depending on its context. "Ire" means wrath or anger.
Example Question #704 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROPINQUITY
Commendation
Guilt
Mercy
Abstention
Proximity
Proximity
"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.
Example Question #705 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ESPIONAGE
Largesse
Munificence
Crime
Spying
Duplicity
Spying
"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.
Example Question #706 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIP
Joke
Dullard
Dearth
Paucity
Obstinacy
Joke
A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.
Example Question #707 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SQUABBLE
Alacrity
Profundity
Velocity
Disagreement
Approbation
Disagreement
A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.
Example Question #708 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CIRCUMLOCUTION
Roundabout speech
Careful navigation
Hearty laughter
Geometric perimeter
Confused wandering
Roundabout speech
"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.
Example Question #709 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VAGARY
Ambiguity
Clarity
Probity
Choler
Whim
Whim
A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."
Example Question #710 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MORES
Punishments
Plethora
Averages
Surfeit
Conventions
Conventions
"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.
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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
