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 #701 : Synonyms

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

PROPITIATION

Possible Answers:

Appeasement

Temerity

Mendacity

Dissent

Insurrection

Correct answer:

Appeasement

Explanation:

"Propitiation" is the "appeasement" of a deity or a person. "Dissent" is disagreement, and an "insurrection" is a rebellion or an uprising. "Temerity" is boldness or audacity. "Mendacity" is dishonesty, duplicity.

Example Question #702 : Synonyms

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

ELEGY

Possible Answers:

Excess

Jubilation

Zenith

Lament

Iniquity

Correct answer:

Lament

Explanation:

An "elegy" is a lament for the dead and is often written in poem form. "Iniquity" is evil, and "jubilation" is joyous celebration. "Excess" is surplus, the opposite of "scarcity." A "zenith" is an apex, pinnacle, or high point.

Example Question #703 : Synonyms

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

CHICANERY

Possible Answers:

Melancholy

Indigence

Expiation

Trickery

Amends

Correct answer:

Trickery

Explanation:

"Chicanery" is "trickery" and deception is a word often used to describe magicians, conmen, and the like. "Expiation" and "amends" are synonyms. "Indigence" is a synonym for "poverty" or penury. "Melancholy" is another word for "sadness."

Example Question #704 : Synonyms

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

CONUNDRUM

Possible Answers:

Largesse

Evasiveness

Dilemma

Paucity

Persistence

Correct answer:

Dilemma

Explanation:

A "conundrum" is a problem or "dilemma." "Paucity" is a synonym for "scarcity," and "largesse" is a synonym for "generosity." "Evasiveness" is a word that means avoidance. Another word for "persistence" is perseverance or tenacity.

Example Question #705 : Synonyms

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

EQUANIMITY

Possible Answers:

Abstention

Approbation

Lament

Composure

Plaudits

Correct answer:

Composure

Explanation:

Someone who exhibits "equanimity" shows composure, calmness, and levelheadedness. "Plaudits" and "approbation" both mean praise, approval. A "lament" is a dirge or elegy. "Abstention" is a synonym for "temperance" or sobriety.

Example Question #706 : Synonyms

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Epitome

Penury

Opulence

Expurgation

Opprobrium

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

The "paragon" of something is its "epitome," exemplar, or perfect example. "Opprobrium" is disgrace or condemnation, depending on the situation. "Expurgation" is a form of censorship, and "penury" is a synonym for "poverty." This is an antonym of "opulence," which means wealth and luxury.

Example Question #707 : Synonyms

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

CRUX

Possible Answers:

Vagrancy

Aplomb

Periphery

Probity

Heart

Correct answer:

Heart

Explanation:

The "crux" of a situation is the "heart," core, or kernel of the situation. This is a near antonym for "periphery," which means the outskirts or outer edge of something. "Vagrancy" is the noun form of vagrant, or vagabond. "Aplomb" means poise and self-assurance. "Probity" is a synonym for "integrity."

Example Question #708 : Synonyms

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

FUTILITY

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Poise

Expiation

Chicanery

Pointlessness

Correct answer:

Pointlessness

Explanation:

Something "futile" is pointless or useless, a wasted effort. "Chicanery" is another word for "trickery." Another word for "poise" is "aplomb" or self-assurance. "Lassitude" means lethargy, sluggishness, apathy. To "expiate" something is to make amends for it.

Example Question #709 : Synonyms

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

PROPRIETY

Possible Answers:

Mendacity

Probity

Decorum

Turpitude

Largesse

Correct answer:

Decorum

Explanation:

"Propriety" and "decorum" are synonyms. "Probity" and "integrity" are synonyms, as are "turpitude" and "depravity." "Largess" is generosity, benevolence. "Mendacity" is another word for "duplicity" or "dishonesty."

Example Question #710 : Synonyms

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

PLATITUDE

Possible Answers:

Supremacy

Hegemony

Ambivalence

Truism

Acumen

Correct answer:

Truism

Explanation:

A "platitude" is a truism, an empty or meaningless statement. "Acumen" is shrewdness or sharpness. Another word for "ambivalence" is equivocation. "Hegemony" and "supremacy" are synonyms.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors