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
Fancy
Penchant
Levity
Expurgation
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
Statuary
Indictment
Preamble
Squall
Quarrel
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
Caprice
Mercy
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
Abstention
Mercy
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
Duplicity
Spying
Crime
Largesse
Munificence
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
Paucity
Joke
Obstinacy
Dullard
Dearth
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
Approbation
Alacrity
Velocity
Disagreement
Profundity
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
Geometric perimeter
Careful navigation
Hearty laughter
Confused wandering
Roundabout speech
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
Whim
Probity
Clarity
Choler
Ambiguity
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
Conventions
Plethora
Averages
Punishments
Surfeit
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.
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
