Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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SSAT Upper Level Verbal › Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

Questions 1 - 10
1

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

QUAKE

Quiver

Freeze

Repel

Verify

Transform

Explanation

“Quake” is a verb that means “shake or tremble,” especially when referring to the earth, or “shake or shudder with fear” when referring to a person. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “shake.” That means that “freeze” cannot be the correct answer, because “freeze” can mean “to become paralyzed with fear or shock,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “quake.” “Quiver,” however, is a verb that means “to tremble or shake,” and because “quiver” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “quake,” “quiver” is the correct answer.

2

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

CAMP

Team

Prison

Jail

Institution

Tank

Explanation

"Camp" and "team" are synonyms. The word "camp" can be used to describe a side, a team, a particular group of people with a shared value or conviction. The other words do not have meanings closely related to camp.

3

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

TRUNK

Box

Alternator

Engine

Engineering

Swimmer

Explanation

"Trunk" and "box" can both refer to a receptacle used to store or carry items. The other words are not synonymous with "trunk." An "alternator" is a part of an "engine" (at least for cars).

4

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

WIND

Weave

Forecast

Demonstrate

Mock

Boil

Explanation

"Wind" may be a noun (relating to air movement and weather), but it may also be a verb. As a verb, "wind" means to move in a twisting or spiral course. The verb "weave" means to turn from side to side while moving somewhere, and is an appropriate synonym for wind.

5

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

BANK

Invest

Hospitalize

Grieve

Mourn

Litigate

Explanation

The verbs "bank" (when used as a verb) and "invest" can be synonymous, referring to the actions of a financier. The meanings of the other answer choices are not related to the word "bank."

6

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

CURRENT

Airstream

Attraction

Spectacle

Show

Theater

Explanation

"Current" and "airstream" can be synonyms, especially if the word "current" represents a stream of wind ("current" can also refer to the present time). The other words are not related in meaning to the word "current."

7

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

EXCLUSIVE

Elite

Natural

Motherly

Woodland

Audible

Explanation

"Elite" and "exclusive" are synonyms referring to a select group (usually implying the selection is tied to excellence). The other words do not have related meanings. "Natural" means not artificial. "Audible" means perceptible through aural faculties.

8

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

PITCH

Propose

Collect

Fabricate

Explode

Propel

Explanation

To pitch an idea or plan means to propose it.

9

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

INCARNATION

Lifetime

Meal

Demonstration

Vessel

Choice

Explanation

An incarnation is the embodiment of a god, or an individual's lifetime.

10

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

GLACIAL

Slow

Deliberate

Natural

Beautiful

Melting

Explanation

"Glacial"can have two meanings: very cold or moving very slowly. ("Glacial"comes from the word "glacier," which is a huge mass of ice that moves extremely slowly.) Given that none of the answer choices are similar to the word "cold,"the best synonym is one that means slow.Thus, the best answer choice is "slow."

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