SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #719 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Multitude

Chicanery

Surfeit

Roguishness

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 #720 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Proclivity

Luck

Curse

Zeal

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 #761 : Synonyms

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Paucity

Abundance

Clemency

Circumspection

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 #722 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Newness

Ignorance

Profligacy 

Mirth

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 #723 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Logic

Intuition

Propinquity

Deadness

Contretemps

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 #724 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ANIMOSITY

Possible Answers:

Mendicant

Stinginess

Hatred

Ill will

Spirit

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 #725 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ABLUTION

Possible Answers:

Propriety

Negation

Conundrum

Animosity

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 #726 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ABSOLUTION

Possible Answers:

Expertise

Belief

Theology

Forgiveness

Cleansing

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 #727 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

APARTHEID

Possible Answers:

Tenacity

Canniness

Poise

Segregation

Brevity

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 #728 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Interlude

Degeneracy

Applause

Respite

Truthfulness

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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