SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #301 : Synonyms

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

SKULLDUGGERY

Possible Answers:

Laceration

Trickery

Idiosyncrasy

Cicatrix

Harbinger

Correct answer:

Trickery

Explanation:

"Skullduggery" is a rare word for "trickery" or fraudulence. An "idiosyncrasy" is a strange trait or personal quirk. A "laceration" is a cut, and a "cicatrix" is a scar. A "harbinger" is an omen or a prophetic sign.

Example Question #302 : Synonyms

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

UNGUENT

Possible Answers:

Grove

Copse

Ointment

Limitation

Threnody

Correct answer:

Ointment

Explanation:

An "unguent" is an "ointment" or greasy salve. A "threnody" is a dirge or a lament, and a "limitation" is a restriction. A "copse" is a grove, a small clump of trees.

Example Question #303 : Synonyms

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

CITADEL

Possible Answers:

Fortress

Apiary 

Abode

Elocution

Diction

Correct answer:

Fortress

Explanation:

A "citadel" is a "fortress" or military fortification. An "abode" is a domicile or home. An "apiary" is a beehive or collection of beehives. "Elocution" is another word for "articulation" or enunciation, while "diction" is word choice.

Example Question #304 : Synonyms

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

TRUNCHEON

Possible Answers:

Torrent

Crown

Robe

Club

Meal

Correct answer:

Club

Explanation:

A "truncheon" is a small "club" or stick often used for beating people. A "torrent" is a deluge or downpour. A "robe" is an outer garment, and a "crown" is a metal headpiece for rulers. Don't confuse "truncheon" with "luncheon," which is a formal midday meal.

Example Question #305 : Synonyms

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

COMMITTAL

Possible Answers:

Currency

Weaponry

Institutionalization

Intuition

Jubilation

Correct answer:

Institutionalization

Explanation:

When used as a noun, a "committal" is the act of committing someone to an institution (often a mental hospital or prison). "Intuition" is insight, and another word for "weaponry" is armament. As a concrete noun, "currency" is another word for tender or money. A synonym for "jubilation" is exultation.

Example Question #306 : Synonyms

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

VESTMENT

Possible Answers:

Caprice

Isle

Larceny

Garment

Leniency

Correct answer:

Garment

Explanation:

"Vestment" is a synonym for "garment." An "isle" is an island, and a "caprice" is a whim or a passing fancy. "Larceny" is another word for "theft." "Leniency" is the act of being lenient, merciful, or tolerant.

Example Question #307 : Synonyms

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

FOLLY

Possible Answers:

Hue

Armory

Foolishness

Epidemic

Gratitude

Correct answer:

Foolishness

Explanation:

"Folly" is lack of wisdom or outright foolishness. An "epidemic" is a widespread and dangerous disease. "Gratitude" is gratefulness or thankfulness. "Hue" is another word for color or tint.

Example Question #308 : Synonyms

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

SCEPTER

Possible Answers:

Rope

Truncheon

Miter

Skeptic

Staff

Correct answer:

Staff

Explanation:

A "scepter" is an ornate staff, particularly one carried by rulers in a ceremonial fashion. A "miter" is a tall headdress typically worn by bishops. Another word for "rope" is "cord," and another word for "truncheon" is club or baton. A "skeptic" is someone who doubts.

Example Question #309 : Synonyms

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

PANDEMIC

Possible Answers:

Fashion

Ardor

Peace

Epidemic

Machinery

Correct answer:

Epidemic

Explanation:

A "pandemic" is an "epidemic" of enormous proportions. "Peace" is an antonym for "war," and "ardor" is a synonym for "passion." "Machinery" refers to the working components of a machine. "Fashion" is style, particular as is pertains to clothing.

Example Question #310 : Synonyms

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

INUNDATION

Possible Answers:

Warfare

Coppice

Brotherhood

Worship

Flood

Correct answer:

Flood

Explanation:

An "inundation" is a "flood," deluge. Another word for "brotherhood" is fraternity, and another word for a "coppice" is a thicket or grove of small trees. "Worship" is the act of prayer and religious devotion. "Warfare" is the opposite of peace.

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