All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #751 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VAGARY
Ambiguity
Choler
Whim
Clarity
Probity
Whim
A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."
Example Question #752 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MORES
Plethora
Surfeit
Punishments
Averages
Conventions
Conventions
"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.
Example Question #753 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ONUS
Work
Gemstone
Lexicon
Burden
Lucidity
Burden
"Onus" is a synonym for "burden," obligation, or responsibility. Don't confuse this with "opus," which is a work, or "opal," which is a gemstone. "Lucidity" is clearness. A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list.
Example Question #754 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ATONEMENT
Alarm
Clemency
Solicitude
Expiation
Alacrity
Expiation
"Atonement" is another word for "expiation," making amends for one's wrongdoings. "Alacrity" means liveliness or quickness. "Alarm" is awareness of and worry about danger. "Solicitude" is concern and care. "Clemency," or mercy, is one possible response to a person's attempts at atonement.
Example Question #755 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTERLUDE
Melody
Catastrophe
Intervening
Atonement
Intermission
Intermission
An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.
Example Question #756 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
APOSTASY
Proximity
Onus
Propinquity
Renunciation
Exuberance
Renunciation
"Apostasy" is either the formal renunciation of a belief or the proclamation of heretical belief, both of which usually occur in the context of religion. "Propinquity" and "proximity" are synonyms for nearness. "Onus" means burden or obligation, and "exuberance" means excitement, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.
Example Question #757 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PREPONDERANCE
Majority
Elegy
Lassitude
Penchant
Threnody
Majority
"Preponderance" means "majority," prevalence, or predominance. "Lassitude" is lethargy, and an "elegy" is a lament or threnody. "Penchant" is a synonym for "proclivity."
Example Question #758 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABERRATION
Assimilation
Abhorrence
Abnormality
Disapproval
Allowance
Abnormality
An "aberration" is a noun meaning a departure from what is normal or expected. "Abnormality" is a synonym meaning an unusual feature, characteristic, or occurrence. "Disapproval" is a possession or expression of an unfavorable opinion, "assimilation" means the absorbing of information and experiences, "allowance" means the amount of something that is permitted, and "abhorrence" means a feeling of repulsion.
Example Question #759 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VITUPERATION
Envy
Affiliation
Censorship
Hatred
Abuse
Abuse
"Vituperation" is a synonym for "invective," which means harsh verbal abuse. While "vituperation" is hateful, it is not a direct synonym for "hatred." "Censorship" is another word for expurgation, and "affiliation" is another word for association with or endorsement by. "Envy" means jealousy.
Example Question #760 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROVENANCE
Origin
Probity
Futility
Food
Affection
Origin
The "provenance" of an object (particularly artwork) is the same thing as its "origin." Don't confuse "provenance" with "provisions," which means food and supplies. "Probity" means moral uprightness, integrity. "Futility" means pointlessness, and "affection" means love, fondness, or friendly feelings.
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