SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #761 : Synonyms

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Chicanery

Roguishness

Multitude

Surfeit

Hollowness

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #762 : Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Proclivity

Curse

Zeal

Luck

Wariness

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

Example Question #763 : Synonyms

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Paucity

Circumspection

Clemency

Abundance

Circumlocution

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #764 : Synonyms

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Mirth

Profligacy 

Newness

Ignorance

Creed

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

Example Question #765 : Synonyms

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Logic

Contretemps

Intuition

Deadness

Propinquity

Correct answer:

Logic

Explanation:

"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.

Example Question #766 : Synonyms

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Spirit

Stinginess

Ill will

Mendicant

Hatred

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Animosity" is "hatred" or extreme dislike for something. Don't confuse this with "animus," which has a variety of definitions: mental archetype, spirit, or ill will. A "mendicant" is a beggar. "Stinginess" means thriftiness and miserliness.

Example Question #767 : Synonyms

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

ABLUTION

Possible Answers:

Animosity

Negation

Conundrum

Propriety

Washing

Correct answer:

Washing

Explanation:

An "ablution" is a ceremonial washing or cleansing, often for forgiveness. "Negation" means contradiction or opposite. "Animosity" is hatred, and "propriety" means decorum. A "conundrum" is a dilemma or difficult situation.

Example Question #768 : Synonyms

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

ABSOLUTION

Possible Answers:

Theology

Expertise

Belief

Cleansing

Forgiveness

Correct answer:

Forgiveness

Explanation:

"Absolution" means "forgiveness" or expiation of sins. Don't confuse this with "ablution," a ceremonial cleansing. While "absolution" is often a religious ritual, it is not a religious philosophy or theology itself. "Expertise" is skillfulness or knowledge. "Credulity" is another word for belief.

Example Question #769 : Synonyms

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

APARTHEID

Possible Answers:

Segregation

Canniness

Poise

Brevity

Tenacity

Correct answer:

Segregation

Explanation:

"Apartheid" is a form of racial segregation (specific to South Africa). "Canniness" is a synonym for "cleverness." "Tenacity" is a synonym for "perseverance," and "brevity" is a synonym for "briefness," concision. "Poise" is another word for aplomb, grace, or elegance.

Example Question #770 : Synonyms

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Truthfulness

Degeneracy

Applause

Interlude

Respite

Correct answer:

Truthfulness

Explanation:

"Veracity" refers to truth, accuracy, or faithfulness to the facts. An "interlude" is an intermission or break, as is a "respite." "Degeneracy" means criminality or corruption. "Applause" is the act of cheering for something or someone.

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