SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #711 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ONUS

Possible Answers:

Burden

Work

Lexicon

Lucidity

Gemstone

Correct answer:

Burden

Explanation:

"Onus" is a synonym for "burden," obligation, or responsibility. Don't confuse this with "opus," which is a work, or "opal," which is a gemstone. "Lucidity" is clearness. A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list.

Example Question #712 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ATONEMENT

Possible Answers:

Clemency

Alacrity

Expiation

Alarm

Solicitude

Correct answer:

Expiation

Explanation:

"Atonement" is another word for "expiation," making amends for one's wrongdoings. "Alacrity" means liveliness or quickness. "Alarm" is awareness of and worry about danger. "Solicitude" is concern and care. "Clemency," or mercy, is one possible response to a person's attempts at atonement.

Example Question #713 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

INTERLUDE

Possible Answers:

Intervening

Melody

Intermission

Catastrophe

Atonement

Correct answer:

Intermission

Explanation:

An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.

Example Question #1511 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

APOSTASY

Possible Answers:

Proximity

Exuberance

Onus

Renunciation

Propinquity

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

"Apostasy" is either the formal renunciation of a belief or the proclamation of heretical belief, both of which usually occur in the context of religion. "Propinquity" and "proximity" are synonyms for nearness. "Onus" means burden or obligation, and "exuberance" means excitement, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.

Example Question #715 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PREPONDERANCE

Possible Answers:

Elegy

Threnody

Lassitude

Penchant

Majority

Correct answer:

Majority

Explanation:

"Preponderance" means "majority," prevalence, or predominance. "Lassitude" is lethargy, and an "elegy" is a lament or threnody. "Penchant" is a synonym for "proclivity."

Example Question #713 : Identifying Synonyms

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

 ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Abnormality

Assimilation

Disapproval

Abhorrence

Allowance

Correct answer:

Abnormality

Explanation:

An "aberration" is a noun meaning a departure from what is normal or expected. "Abnormality" is a synonym meaning an unusual feature, characteristic, or occurrence. "Disapproval" is a possession or expression of an unfavorable opinion, "assimilation" means the absorbing of information and experiences, "allowance" means the amount of something that is permitted, and "abhorrence" means a feeling of repulsion.

Example Question #717 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

VITUPERATION

Possible Answers:

Abuse

Censorship

Envy

Hatred

Affiliation

Correct answer:

Abuse

Explanation:

"Vituperation" is a synonym for "invective," which means harsh verbal abuse. While "vituperation" is hateful, it is not a direct synonym for "hatred." "Censorship" is another word for expurgation, and "affiliation" is another word for association with or endorsement by. "Envy" means jealousy.

Example Question #718 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Futility

Origin

Probity

Affection

Food

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

The "provenance" of an object (particularly artwork) is the same thing as its "origin." Don't confuse "provenance" with "provisions," which means food and supplies. "Probity" means moral uprightness, integrity. "Futility" means pointlessness, and "affection" means love, fondness, or friendly feelings.

Example Question #1513 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Multitude

Roguishness

Chicanery

Hollowness

Surfeit

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #1514 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Curse

Luck

Zeal

Wariness

Proclivity

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

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