SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #311 : Synonyms

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

FIRMAMENT

Possible Answers:

Bloodshed

Gloaming

Garment

Ocean

Sky

Correct answer:

Sky

Explanation:

"Firmament" is a fancy word (often used by poets) for the sky. "Gloaming" is a similarly poetic word for twilight. An "ocean" is a large body of water separating continents, and a "garment" is an item of clothing. "Bloodshed" is a synonym for "violence."

Example Question #312 : Synonyms

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

GLOAMING

Possible Answers:

Humor

Skullduggery

Dusk

Elevation

Aridity

Correct answer:

Dusk

Explanation:

"Gloaming" is a literary word for "dusk" or twilight. "Skullduggery" is treachery. "Elevation" can refer to a hill or a lifting. "Aridity" means dryness, and "humor" means funniness or amusement.

Example Question #313 : Synonyms

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

COPPICE

Possible Answers:

Corpse

Thicket

Deity

Lantern

Cloud

Correct answer:

Thicket

Explanation:

A "coppice" is another word for a "thicket," grove, or copse. Be careful not to confuse this with a "corpse," or dead body. A "lantern" is an old-fashioned source of light, and a "deity" is a god or worshipped being.

Example Question #314 : Synonyms

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

DINGHY

Possible Answers:

Deceit

Legislation

Boat

Locomotive

Foolishness

Correct answer:

Boat

Explanation:

A "dinghy" is a "small boat". A "locomotive" is a synonym for a "train," and "legislation" is law-making. "Deceit" is the same thing as deceptiveness. Another word for "foolishness" is stupidity or idiocy.

Example Question #315 : Synonyms

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

PROGENY

Possible Answers:

Legerdemain

Preamble

Mischief

Offspring

Ancestors

Correct answer:

Offspring

Explanation:

"Progeny" refers to "offspring" or children. This is the opposite of "ancestors," who are predecessors. A "preamble" is an introduction, and "mischief" is misbehavior or naughtiness. "Legerdemain" is trickery or chicanery.

Example Question #316 : Synonyms

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

TORRENT

Possible Answers:

Client

Unguent

Downpour

Drought

Habitat

Correct answer:

Downpour

Explanation:

"Torrent" is a synonym for "downpour." This is the opposite of a "drought," or prolonged dry spell. A "habitat is a species' natural environment, and a "client" is a customer. "Unguent" is another word for ointment or greasy salve.

Example Question #317 : Synonyms

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

MONGREL

Possible Answers:

Fecundity

Mutt

Feline

Diatribe

Wound

Correct answer:

Mutt

Explanation:

A "mongrel" is a mutt or mixed-breed creature, most commonly a dog. A "feline" is a cat, which could be a "mongrel" but isn't necessarily synonymous with the word. "Fecundity" is another word for fertility. A "diatribe" is a rant or tirade. A "wound" is an injury.

Example Question #318 : Synonyms

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

INTERSTICE

Possible Answers:

Asylum

Amity

Citadel

Disparity

Gap

Correct answer:

Gap

Explanation:

An "interstice" is a small gap, break, or intervening empty space between two things. "Asylum" is a synonym for "sanctuary" or refuge. A "citadel" is a fortress, and a "disparity" is a discrepancy. "Amity" is a synonym for "friendship."

Example Question #319 : Synonyms

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

CATAFALQUE

Possible Answers:

Idiosyncrasy

Bier

Dinghy

Currency

Wildcat

Correct answer:

Bier

Explanation:

A "catafalque" is a decorated platform, framework, or bier, most often used for supporting a coffin. An "idiosyncrasy" is a quirk, and a "dinghy" is a small boat. "Currency" can mean money or prevalence. Don't confuse "catafalque" with "catamount," a wildcat such as a cougar.

Example Question #320 : Synonyms

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

TENDER

Possible Answers:

Elegance

Ligature

Money

Scepter

Censure

Correct answer:

Money

Explanation:

When used as a noun, "tender" means "money." "Elegance" means grace and style. A "scepter" is a staff, particularly an ornamental one used by a ruler. "Censure" is strong or official criticism. Another word for "ligature" is cord.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors