SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #322 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DEPLORE

Possible Answers:

Abhor

Inundate

Shrink

Demote

Wreck

Correct answer:

Abhor

Explanation:

"Deplore" means "abhor," or to strongly hate or detest. "Demote" means to downgrade or move downwards in position. "Wreck" means to ruin or destroy. "Inundate" means to flood or overwhelm. "Shrink" means to make smaller.

Example Question #323 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ABHOR

Possible Answers:

Forgive 

Commend

Improve 

Detest 

Ignore 

Correct answer:

Detest 

Explanation:

If you “abhor” something than you strongly disapprove or reject it. Of the five answer choices only “detest” matches this definition. Detest means to hate or strongly reject something.

Example Question #324 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

PIQUE

Possible Answers:

Possess 

Embroider

Explain 

Pacify 

Provoke 

Correct answer:

Provoke 

Explanation:

“Pique” is generally used in the phrase “to pique someone’s interest,” which means to provoke interest. The correct answer is “provoke.” For clarification, "embroider" means to decorate with needlework; "possess" means own; and "pacify" means to make calm.

Example Question #327 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

RELISH

Possible Answers:

Overabundance

Indecision

Delight

Indifference 

Despair

Correct answer:

Delight

Explanation:

"Relish" means enjoyment, or "delight."

Example Question #328 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

VEX

Possible Answers:

Irritate

Defeat

Complain

Exceed

Curse

Correct answer:

Irritate

Explanation:

"Vex" means to annoy or irritate, so "irritate" is the correct answer.

Example Question #325 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

HAUNT

Possible Answers:

Reform

Choke

Collide

Run

Disturb

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

"Haunt" means for something to be constantly on your mind, disturbing you, so "disturb" is the correct answer.

Example Question #326 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

DAUNT

Possible Answers:

Compliment

Provoke

Intimidate

Humiliate

Flaunt

Correct answer:

Intimidate

Explanation:

"Daunt" means to make someone feel apprehensive, or to intimidate.

Example Question #331 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

PLACATE

Possible Answers:

Imply

Conciliate

Quench

Pursue

Heed

Correct answer:

Conciliate

Explanation:

Since to placate someone means to soothe or appease him or her, we're looking for a verb that means to appease or to soothe. While "quench" does mean to appease thirst, it does not refer to people and is thus not a synonym of "placate." "Conciliate," on the other hand, means stop someone or something from being angry or discontented; "to placate, appease, or pacify," it is the best answer choice.

Example Question #332 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

PLACATE

Possible Answers:

Urge 

Antagonize 

Conciliate 

Implore 

Assist 

Correct answer:

Conciliate 

Explanation:

“Placate” means to calm down, and is therefore most similar in meaning to conciliate, which means to make peace, to bring calm. For clarification, implore and urge are synonyms; antagonize is loosely an antonym of placate and conciliate.

Example Question #333 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

PLACATE

Possible Answers:

Wash

Master

Calm 

Overwhelm

Plaster

Correct answer:

Calm 

Explanation:

"Placate" means to soothe or remove anxiety. (Example: "The mailman tried to placate the angry dog by offering him dog treats.") Thus, the verb "calm" is close in meaning and is therefore the best synonym.

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