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 #771 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AFFINITY
Liking
Quarrel
Riposte
Contretemps
Effrontery
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 #772 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABNEGATION
Indulgence
Quintessence
Rejection
Bafflement
Expiation
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 #399 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ANNIHILATION
Resurgence
Segregation
Famine
Destruction
Platitude
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 #400 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RAPPROCHEMENT
Perseverance
Tenacity
Detente
Plethora
Jargon
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 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
KOAN
Absolution
Censure
Riddle
Vestment
Domicile
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 #731 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BANALITY
Obstinacy
Verisimilitude
Lament
Truism
Anecdote
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 #732 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMELIORATION
Emissary
Assignation
Exacerbation
Improvement
Vituperation
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 #733 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INJUNCTION
Depravity
Order
Banality
Turpitude
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 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BROMIDE
Cliché
Tonic
Hair product
Hypocrisy
Apostasy
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 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEGENERACY
Lipid
Apogee
Vagary
Vice
Zenith
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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