SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #741 : Synonyms

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

PLIGHT

Possible Answers:

Affection

Consideration

Danger

Liveliness

Outcome

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

"Plight" is danger, a situation that is dangerous or challenging, a predicament.

Example Question #742 : Synonyms

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

DISPOSITION

Possible Answers:

Attitude

Winsome

Repose

Jettison

Ponderous

Correct answer:

Attitude

Explanation:

"Disposition" refers to an individual's temperament, their character and nature. This is closest in definition to "attitude." Additionally, "winsome" means charming or attractive; "repose" means rest; "jettison" means get rid of, discard; "ponderous" means slow and boring.

Example Question #743 : Synonyms

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

CAPRICE

Possible Answers:

Levity

Fancy

Expurgation

Penchant

Intoxication

Correct answer:

Fancy

Explanation:

A "caprice" is a "fancy" or a whim. This is different from "levity," which means humor, lightheartedness, or vivacity. (Less commonly, it can describe a classical music composition.) "Intoxication" is drunkenness, and "expurgation" is censorship. A "penchant" for something is a proclivity, affinity, or liking for it.

Example Question #744 : Synonyms

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

CONTRETEMPS

Possible Answers:

Statuary

Squall

Quarrel

Indictment

Preamble

Correct answer:

Quarrel

Explanation:

A "contretemps" is a minor "quarrel," disagreement, or argument. A "squall" is a storm or tempest. An "indictment" is a formal accusation or charge. "Preamble" is a synonym for "introduction," and "statuary" is another word for a group of statues.

Example Question #745 : Synonyms

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Mercy

Ire

Caprice

Currency

Verisimilitude

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

"Clemency" is mercifulness, leniency, or forgiveness. "Verisimilitude" describes the appearance or quality of realness. A "caprice" is a whim or passing notion. "Currency" can mean either money or prevalence and popularity, depending on its context. "Ire" means wrath or anger.

Example Question #746 : Synonyms

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

PROPINQUITY

Possible Answers:

Commendation

Guilt

Mercy

Abstention

Proximity

Correct answer:

Proximity

Explanation:

"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.

Example Question #747 : Synonyms

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

ESPIONAGE

Possible Answers:

Munificence

Largesse

Spying

Duplicity

Crime

Correct answer:

Spying

Explanation:

"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.

Example Question #748 : Synonyms

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

QUIP

Possible Answers:

Dearth

Paucity

Obstinacy

Dullard

Joke

Correct answer:

Joke

Explanation:

A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.

Example Question #749 : Synonyms

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

SQUABBLE

Possible Answers:

Disagreement

Alacrity

Approbation

Profundity

Velocity

Correct answer:

Disagreement

Explanation:

A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.

Example Question #750 : Synonyms

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

CIRCUMLOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Confused wandering

Careful navigation

Hearty laughter

Roundabout speech

Geometric perimeter

Correct answer:

Roundabout speech

Explanation:

"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.

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