SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #731 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANNIHILATION
Destruction
Platitude
Resurgence
Segregation
Famine
Destruction
To "annihilate" something is to destroy it completely. A "resurgence" is a renewal or return. Another word for "segregation" is apartheid. A "platitude" is a truism or banality. "Famine" is widespread starvation.
Example Question #732 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RAPPROCHEMENT
Plethora
Tenacity
Jargon
Perseverance
Detente
Detente
"Rapprochement" and "detente" both describe the resumption of friendly relations and agreement between two parties. A "plethora" of something is an abundance, and "jargon" is a specialized vocabulary. "Tenacity" is a synonym for perseverance.
Example Question #1521 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KOAN
Riddle
Domicile
Vestment
Absolution
Censure
Riddle
A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.
Example Question #1531 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANALITY
Obstinacy
Verisimilitude
Lament
Truism
Anecdote
Truism
A "banality" is a "truism," a platitude, a saying that is often repeated but has little or no meaning. This is different from an "anecdote," which is a short story of any sort. "Verisimilitude" is the quality or appearance of realness, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness. A "lament" is a sorrowful wail or cry.
Example Question #1532 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMELIORATION
Assignation
Improvement
Vituperation
Exacerbation
Emissary
Improvement
To "ameliorate" conditions is to improve or lessen their harshness. To "exacerbate," or to worsen, is the opposite. "Vituperation" is bitter verbal abuse, and an "emissary" is an envoy or an ambassador. An "assignation" is an illicit rendezvous, often of a romantic nature.
Example Question #1533 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INJUNCTION
Depravity
Turpitude
Order
Banality
Jurisprudence
Order
An "injunction" is a formal order, often delivered from a court of law. This is different from "jurisprudence," which is the practice of law itself. A "banality" is an empty saying, a platitude. "Turpitude" and "depravity" are both synonyms for moral degeneracy.
Example Question #1534 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BROMIDE
Apostasy
Cliché
Tonic
Hair product
Hypocrisy
Cliché
A "bromide" is a platitude, a "cliché," an empty saying. A "tonic" is a carbonated beverage or a beverage designed to heal and soothe. A "hair product" would be a shampoo. "Apostasy" is renunciation, while "hypocrisy" is doing the opposite of what one says or professes.
Example Question #1535 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEGENERACY
Zenith
Vice
Vagary
Apogee
Lipid
Vice
"Degeneracy" is "vice," sin, corruption, or criminality. "Zenith" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. A "vagary" is a whim, caprice, or fancy. A "lipid" is a fat molecule.
Example Question #1531 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESURGANCE
Penchant
Frivolity
Renewal
Levity
Espionage
Renewal
A "resurgence" is a "renewal,": often in popularity, a return, or an increase. "Espionage" is spying, and a "penchant" is an affinity or proclivity for something. "Frivolity" and "levity" are synonyms for lightheartedness, mirth.
Example Question #782 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCRUTINY
Examination
Apex
Apogee
Wrath
Marauding
Examination
"Scrutiny" is close examination, inspection. "Apex" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. "Marauding" is the act of raiding, looting, or pillaging. "Wrath" is a synonym for "spleen," not "scrutiny."
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