SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #251 : Synonyms

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

TEMPEST

Possible Answers:

Ship

Scar

Storm

Edifice

Sarcophagus

Correct answer:

Storm

Explanation:

A "tempest" is a "storm" or gale. An "edifice" is a building, and a "scar" is a cicatrix. A "ship" is a large boat, and a "sarcophagus" is an ornate coffin.

Example Question #252 : Synonyms

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

DITTY

Possible Answers:

Secrecy

Escape

Omen

Tune

Harbinger

Correct answer:

Tune

Explanation:

A "ditty" is a simple song or "tune." "Harbinger" and "omen" are synonymous. An "escape" is a getaway or exit, and "secrecy" is another word for "clandestinity."

Example Question #211 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LACERATION

Possible Answers:

Health

Complicity

Amity

Penury

Cut

Correct answer:

Cut

Explanation:

"Laceration" is the medical term for a "cut" or wound. "Complicity" is guilt, and "penury" is extreme poverty. "Amity" is friendship. "Health" is an antonym of "sickness."

Example Question #212 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SANCTUARY

Possible Answers:

Clergy

Domicile

Peril

Asylum

Wound

Correct answer:

Asylum

Explanation:

A "sanctuary" is a refuge, "asylum," or safe place. "Peril" means danger, and a "wound" is an injury. A "domicile" is a home or dwelling place. "Clergy" is a collective noun that describes a group of religious leaders and officials.

Example Question #213 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SARCOPHAGUS

Possible Answers:

Lecher

Journal

Cabin

Fracas

Coffin

Correct answer:

Coffin

Explanation:

A "sarcophagus" is an ornamental coffin such as the ones found in ancient Egypt. A "cabin" is a small, rustic home in the woods, and a "lecher" is a lustful person. A "fracas" is a fight or disturbance, and a "journal" is a daily written record of events.

Example Question #214 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOMICILE

Possible Answers:

Injury

Bigot

Specialty

Abode

Misogynist

Correct answer:

Abode

Explanation:

A "domicile" is a "home" or abode. A "specialty" is a particular area of expertise or skill. An "injury" is a wound, and a "bigot" is a biased or prejudiced person. A "misogynist" is someone who is hateful or unfair toward women.

Example Question #215 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONSENSUS

Possible Answers:

Citadel

Discord

Agreement

Disposition

Mendicant

Correct answer:

Agreement

Explanation:

The noun "consensus" is used to describe universal agreement, when everyone agrees on something. It is an antonym of "discord" which means disagreement, a lack of harmony. Additionally, a "mendicant" is a person who begs to survive; a "citadel" is a fortress, a stronghold; "disposition" is behavior, attitude, manner.

Example Question #216 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FACET

Possible Answers:

Epoch

Charlatan

Quack

Aspect

Progeny

Correct answer:

Aspect

Explanation:

The noun "facet" can be used either to refer to one-side of an object or an aspect, a component of something larger. Additionally, a "quack" is someone who pretends to be an expert but is actually not; a "charlatan" is another word for a quack, someone who fakes expertise; an "epoch" is an era of history, a period of time; "progeny" is offspring, children.

Example Question #217 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INGRESS

Possible Answers:

Sanction

Exit

Contrition

Entrance

Conundrum

Correct answer:

Entrance

Explanation:

The noun "ingress" means entrance, place of entry. The antonym is "egress" which means exit. Additionally, a "conundrum" is a problem, a predicament (usually with two viable solutions); a "sanction" (rather confusingly unfortunately) can be either an official punishment or an official authorization - you will have to use context to determine in which fashion it is being used in the future; "contrition" is a feeling of genuine remorse and desire to atone.

Example Question #218 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HOMILY

Possible Answers:

Eulogy

Obituary

Sermon

Elegy

Ditty

Correct answer:

Sermon

Explanation:

The noun "homily" means religious speech that is meant to provide spiritual enlightenment. This is closest in meaning to "sermon." Additionally, an "obituary" is a column written about someone's life in a newspaper after that someone has died; a "eulogy" is a poem for someone who has passed away; an "elegy" is a poem of serious reflection and gravity, also usually intended for the dead; a "ditty" is a lighthearted, playful song.

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