SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1971 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOLT

Possible Answers:

Scratch

Shed

Flap

Bite

Melt

Correct answer:

Shed

Explanation:

“Molt” is a verb that is used of an animal and means “shed old feathers, hair, or skin, etc.,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “discard feathers, hair, skin, or an old shell to make way for new growth.” While all of the answer choirs are verbs that might be associated with animals, “shed,” is a verb that when referring to a reptile or insect means “allow skin to come off, to be replaced by another one that has grown underneath,” and when referring to a mammal means “lose (hair) as a result of molting, disease, or age.” Because “shed” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “molt,” “shed” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1972 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ERADICATE

Possible Answers:

Destroy

Harbor

Grumble

Grant

Bombard

Correct answer:

Destroy

Explanation:

"To eradicate" means to completely destroy.

Example Question #256 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

CORRODE

Possible Answers:

Whisper

Deteriorate

Orate

Characterize

Expand

Correct answer:

Deteriorate

Explanation:

To "corrode" is to deteriorate, disintegrate, or wear away.

Example Question #257 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ANNEX

Possible Answers:

Envelop

Attach

Goad

Humanize

Swindle

Correct answer:

Attach

Explanation:

To "annex" is to add or attach, especially to something larger. The Latin root word, "annexus," means "tied to."

Example Question #258 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

EXPUNGE

Possible Answers:

Manage

Legislate

Advocate

Obliterate

Lie

Correct answer:

Obliterate

Explanation:

To "expunge" is to wipe out or obliterate.

Example Question #1973 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRANSCEND

Possible Answers:

Admonish

Bore

Surpass

Gratify

Terminate

Correct answer:

Surpass

Explanation:

To "transcend" is to go beyond or to surpass.

Example Question #1974 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABRIDGE

Possible Answers:

Summarize

Shorten

Cross over

Add onto

Defend

Correct answer:

Shorten

Explanation:

To "abridge" something is to shorten it, usually by editing out parts of it. This usually refers to a story, an essay, or some other written or spoken work.

Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

AMPLIFY

Possible Answers:

Make false

Make larger

Praise

Become fancy

Simplify

Correct answer:

Make larger

Explanation:

To "amplify" something is to make it larger. An amplifier is a device for making a musical instrument louder; if something is "ample," you have a lot of it. 

Example Question #92 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

COALESCE

Possible Answers:

Satirize

Wield

Nominate

Protect

Amalgamate

Correct answer:

Amalgamate

Explanation:

To "coalesce" and to "amalgamate" both mean to unite or combine.

Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

HINDER

Possible Answers:

Cover

Block

Suggest

Discover

Prepare

Correct answer:

Block

Explanation:

"Hinder" means to block.

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