SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

AGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Laud

Gargle

Depict

Worry

Perpetrate

Correct answer:

Worry

Explanation:

"Agonize" means to worry greatly about something and is ofted used in the phrase "to agonize over" something. So, "worry" is the correct answer. "Perpetrate" means to commit or carry out a crime. "Laud" means to applaud or to praise. "Depict" means to show or demonstrate. "Gargle" means to clean or wash one's throat or mouth with a liquid substance.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ASSUAGE

Possible Answers:

Narrate

Relieve

Amass

Enervate

Atone

Correct answer:

Relieve

Explanation:

"Assuage" means to "relieve" or to ease. "Amass" means to gather or to collect. "Atone" means to apologize or make amends for. "Enervate" means to weaken or to cause to lose energy. "Narrate" means to tell a story.

Example Question #322 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DEPLORE

Possible Answers:

Demote

Abhor

Shrink

Wreck

Inundate

Correct answer:

Abhor

Explanation:

"Deplore" means "abhor," or to strongly hate or detest. "Demote" means to downgrade or move downwards in position. "Wreck" means to ruin or destroy. "Inundate" means to flood or overwhelm. "Shrink" means to make smaller.

Example Question #2081 : Synonyms

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

ABHOR

Possible Answers:

Forgive 

Commend

Improve 

Ignore 

Detest 

Correct answer:

Detest 

Explanation:

If you “abhor” something than you strongly disapprove or reject it. Of the five answer choices only “detest” matches this definition. Detest means to hate or strongly reject something.

Example Question #2082 : Synonyms

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

PIQUE

Possible Answers:

Pacify 

Explain 

Possess 

Provoke 

Embroider

Correct answer:

Provoke 

Explanation:

“Pique” is generally used in the phrase “to pique someone’s interest,” which means to provoke interest. The correct answer is “provoke.” For clarification, "embroider" means to decorate with needlework; "possess" means own; and "pacify" means to make calm.

Example Question #2083 : Synonyms

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

RELISH

Possible Answers:

Delight

Overabundance

Indifference 

Indecision

Despair

Correct answer:

Delight

Explanation:

"Relish" means enjoyment, or "delight."

Example Question #2084 : Synonyms

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

VEX

Possible Answers:

Irritate

Curse

Complain

Exceed

Defeat

Correct answer:

Irritate

Explanation:

"Vex" means to annoy or irritate, so "irritate" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2085 : Synonyms

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

HAUNT

Possible Answers:

Reform

Choke

Disturb

Collide

Run

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

"Haunt" means for something to be constantly on your mind, disturbing you, so "disturb" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2086 : Synonyms

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

DAUNT

Possible Answers:

Intimidate

Humiliate

Compliment

Provoke

Flaunt

Correct answer:

Intimidate

Explanation:

"Daunt" means to make someone feel apprehensive, or to intimidate.

Example Question #2087 : Synonyms

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

PLACATE

Possible Answers:

Pursue

Heed

Quench

Conciliate

Imply

Correct answer:

Conciliate

Explanation:

Since to placate someone means to soothe or appease him or her, we're looking for a verb that means to appease or to soothe. While "quench" does mean to appease thirst, it does not refer to people and is thus not a synonym of "placate." "Conciliate," on the other hand, means stop someone or something from being angry or discontented; "to placate, appease, or pacify," it is the best answer choice.

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