SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #478 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPARTEE

Possible Answers:

Lament

Contrition

Plight

Banter

Speech

Correct answer:

Banter

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Trick

Courtesy

Kin

Mistake

Blockage

Correct answer:

Trick

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Contribution

Weather 

Notice 

Plague 

Blessing 

Correct answer:

Plague 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Danger

Ruse

Hole

Disappearance

Shelter

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Facade

Connection

Altercation

Deadlock

Wreckage

Correct answer:

Deadlock

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Cliché

Argument

Distraction 

Pluck

Diversity

Correct answer:

Cliché

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Lying

Mystery 

Disposition

Abandonment

Lightheartedness

Correct answer:

Lightheartedness

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Greed

Answer

Argument

Average

Usefulness

Correct answer:

Greed

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Destruction

Transformation

Emotion

Sympathy

Payment

Correct answer:

Payment

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Death

Arrival 

Confidant

Employer

Evening

Correct answer:

Arrival 

Explanation:

"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.  

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