SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #729 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFINITY
Effrontery
Contretemps
Quarrel
Riposte
Liking
Liking
To have an "affinity" for something is to have a liking, penchant, inclination, or affection for it. "Contretemps" and "quarrel" are synonyms for dispute. A "riposte" is a retort or snappy response. "Effrontery" is impudence or boldness.
Example Question #730 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABNEGATION
Rejection
Indulgence
Bafflement
Expiation
Quintessence
Rejection
Depending on the context, "abnegation" can be "rejection" or renunciation of a principle or it can be temperance and self-denial. The latter is an antonym for "indulgence." "Bafflement" is confusion, and "expiation" is atonement. The "quintessence" of something is its epitome, its perfect example.
Example Question #731 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANNIHILATION
Platitude
Famine
Resurgence
Destruction
Segregation
Destruction
To "annihilate" something is to destroy it completely. A "resurgence" is a renewal or return. Another word for "segregation" is apartheid. A "platitude" is a truism or banality. "Famine" is widespread starvation.
Example Question #732 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RAPPROCHEMENT
Jargon
Plethora
Detente
Tenacity
Perseverance
Detente
"Rapprochement" and "detente" both describe the resumption of friendly relations and agreement between two parties. A "plethora" of something is an abundance, and "jargon" is a specialized vocabulary. "Tenacity" is a synonym for perseverance.
Example Question #731 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KOAN
Domicile
Vestment
Censure
Riddle
Absolution
Riddle
A "koan" is a riddle or short anecdote traditionally used to teach principles of enlightenment. A "vestment" is a garment, and a "domicile" is a home or abode. "Absolution" means forgiveness or pardon for wrongdoing, and "censure" is harsh formal disapproval.
Example Question #732 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANALITY
Obstinacy
Truism
Verisimilitude
Anecdote
Lament
Truism
A "banality" is a "truism," a platitude, a saying that is often repeated but has little or no meaning. This is different from an "anecdote," which is a short story of any sort. "Verisimilitude" is the quality or appearance of realness, and "obstinacy" is stubbornness. A "lament" is a sorrowful wail or cry.
Example Question #733 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMELIORATION
Emissary
Improvement
Vituperation
Assignation
Exacerbation
Improvement
To "ameliorate" conditions is to improve or lessen their harshness. To "exacerbate," or to worsen, is the opposite. "Vituperation" is bitter verbal abuse, and an "emissary" is an envoy or an ambassador. An "assignation" is an illicit rendezvous, often of a romantic nature.
Example Question #734 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INJUNCTION
Turpitude
Order
Depravity
Banality
Jurisprudence
Order
An "injunction" is a formal order, often delivered from a court of law. This is different from "jurisprudence," which is the practice of law itself. A "banality" is an empty saying, a platitude. "Turpitude" and "depravity" are both synonyms for moral degeneracy.
Example Question #735 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BROMIDE
Apostasy
Cliché
Hypocrisy
Hair product
Tonic
Cliché
A "bromide" is a platitude, a "cliché," an empty saying. A "tonic" is a carbonated beverage or a beverage designed to heal and soothe. A "hair product" would be a shampoo. "Apostasy" is renunciation, while "hypocrisy" is doing the opposite of what one says or professes.
Example Question #736 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEGENERACY
Apogee
Lipid
Vice
Zenith
Vagary
Vice
"Degeneracy" is "vice," sin, corruption, or criminality. "Zenith" and "apogee" are synonyms for high point. A "vagary" is a whim, caprice, or fancy. A "lipid" is a fat molecule.
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