SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #261 : Synonyms

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

FAUNA

Possible Answers:

Extraterrestrials

Plants

Animals

Humans

Children

Correct answer:

Animals

Explanation:

The noun "fauna" is an all-encompassing term that means animals. It is usually accompanied by "flora" which means plants, as in "The Flora and Fauna of the continental United States." Additionally, "extraterrestrials" are aliens, literally creatures from beyond the Earth.

Example Question #262 : Synonyms

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

MAELSTROM

Possible Answers:

Harbinger

Ferocity

Paucity

Tempest

Ditty

Correct answer:

Tempest

Explanation:

A "maelstrom" is a "tempest" or intense storm. "Ferocity" is fierceness, and "paucity" is scarcity. A "ditty" is a short, simple tune. "Harbinger" and "omen" are synonyms.

Example Question #263 : Synonyms

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

FECUNDITY

Possible Answers:

Aridity

Fertility

Aplomb

Sarcophagus

Constituent

Correct answer:

Fertility

Explanation:

"Fecund" means "fertile" and fruitful. "Aridity" is dryness, and "aplomb" is poise. A "sarcophagus" is an elaborate coffin. A "constituent" is a voting person or a component of something bigger, depending on the context.

Example Question #264 : Synonyms

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

HARANGUE

Possible Answers:

Sanctuary

Rant

Amity

Vivacity

Cicatrix

Correct answer:

Rant

Explanation:

A "harangue" is a "rant" or a tirade. "Vivacity" is liveliness, and "amity" is friendship. "Sanctuary" and "asylum" are synonyms, as are "cicatrix" and "scar."

Example Question #265 : Synonyms

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

LARCENY

Possible Answers:

Amiability

Zenith

Nadir

Theft

Lassitude

Correct answer:

Theft

Explanation:

"Larceny" is a more formal term for "theft." The "nadir" of something is its low point (literal or figurative), while the "zenith" of something is its high point. "Amiability" is friendliness, and "lassitude" is lethargy.

Example Question #266 : Synonyms

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

EPOCH

Possible Answers:

Congestion

Strait

Era

Aegis

Verge

Correct answer:

Era

Explanation:

The noun "epoch" refers to a period of time, an "era" of history. Additionally, a "strait" is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water; the "verge" is the edge of something; "congestion" is the state of being blocked up; "aegis" is protection, support, 'backing.'

Example Question #267 : Synonyms

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

PROGENY

Possible Answers:

Itinerant

Instigator

Missionary

Offspring

Sycophant

Correct answer:

Offspring

Explanation:

The noun "progeny" means child of, "offspring." Additionally, "sycophant" means flatterer, someone who is excessively fawning and obsequious; a "missionary" is someone on a religious mission to a foreign country with the intention of converting the native population; an "instigator" is someone who starts conflict, the person who caused a fight; an "itinerant" means a person who travels all the time, a nomad, a wanderer.

Example Question #267 : Synonyms

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

BATTERY

Possible Answers:

Disposition

Assault

Ruse

Plight

Ovation

Correct answer:

Assault

Explanation:

The noun "battery" means assault, the act of violently attacking someone. Additionally, "disposition" means character, personality, behavior; "ovation" means applause; "ruse" means trick, a deception; "plight" means danger, a difficult or challenging situation that is dangerous.

Example Question #268 : Synonyms

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

RENDITION

Possible Answers:

Courier

Abnegation

Muse

Flora

Performance

Correct answer:

Performance

Explanation:

The noun "rendition" means a performance, something spoken or performed aloud in front of others. Additionally, a "muse" is inspiration for a piece of artwork; a "courier" is a messenger; "flora" is plants; "abnegation" is denial, the act of rejecting something.

Example Question #269 : Synonyms

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

ITINERARY

Possible Answers:

Vagrancy

Lyric

Vagrancy

Schedule

Ambulance

Correct answer:

Schedule

Explanation:

An "itinerary" is a list of events and times: a "schedule." An "ambulance" is a medical vehicle used for transporting wounded or ill people. "Vagrancy" is a synonym for "itinerancy," which is a similar sounding word. A "lyric" is a line of words from a song or a genre of poem.

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