All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #478 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REPARTEE
Lament
Contrition
Plight
Banter
Speech
Banter
Since "repartee" is a noun that means a conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies, we're looking for a noun that refers to speech and includes a connotation of being witty. "Speech" is a tempting answer, but it is too broad to be the correct answer. "Lament" and "banter" both refer to kinds of speech, but where "lament" specifies speech that is mournful or regretful, "banter" means speech in which the participants converse in a witty and teasing manner. Because "banter" not only refers to a type of speech but also specifically refers to a type of witty speech, it is the closest synonym to "repartee," and the best answer choice.
Example Question #479 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RUSE
Trick
Courtesy
Kin
Mistake
Blockage
Trick
A ruse is a trick.
Example Question #481 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCOURGE
Contribution
Weather
Notice
Plague
Blessing
Plague
A “scourge” is a plague or tormentor as in “the neighbor’s terrifying dog was the scourge of my childhood.” For clarification, weather can be used to mean to endure as in “he weathered the storm.”
Example Question #482 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PITFALL
Danger
Ruse
Hole
Disappearance
Shelter
Danger
You can infer from the words "pit" and "fall" contained in "pitfall" that the word describes something that could cause someone's downfall. In fact, a "pitfall" is a danger, so "danger" is the correct answer. By dissecting the word "pitfall," it is possible to infer its meaning.
Example Question #483 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
STANDSTILL
Facade
Connection
Altercation
Deadlock
Wreckage
Deadlock
"Standstill" means a stop or a deadlock. "Connection" is a link or bond between two or more people or items. "Altercation" is a fight or argument. "Wreckage" is the remains of the things after it has been severly damaged or broken. "Facade" is the front or face of something.
Example Question #484 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLATITUDE
Cliché
Argument
Distraction
Pluck
Diversity
Cliché
A "platitude" is a statement or expression that is overused. Thus, "cliché" is a synonym.
Example Question #484 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LEVITY
Lying
Mystery
Disposition
Abandonment
Lightheartedness
Lightheartedness
Levity is the quality of being carefree. Thus, "lightheartedness" is the best synonym. While "levity" can describe a type of disposition, "disposition" is not a synonym, and so that is not the correct answer.
Example Question #485 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AVARICE
Greed
Answer
Argument
Average
Usefulness
Greed
"Avarice" means greed. (Example: "The mayor's decision to begin constructing a new subway was born of avarice, as the company he contracted to begin construction actually belonged to him.") Therefore, "greed," being the definition of "avarice," may also serve as a synonym.
Example Question #486 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.
COMPENSATION
Destruction
Transformation
Emotion
Sympathy
Payment
Payment
"Compensation" means payment, so "payment" is the correct answer.
Example Question #486 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
ADVENT
Death
Arrival
Confidant
Employer
Evening
Arrival
"Advent" is defined as arrival or coming. The Latin root word "venire" means to come. So, "arrival" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "advent": “employer” means boss; “death” means the event of dying or demise; “evening” means twilight or sundown; and “confidant” means friend to whom one entrusts secrets.
Certified Tutor
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
