SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #521 : Synonyms

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

SCOURGE

Possible Answers:

Weather 

Plague 

Blessing 

Notice 

Contribution

Correct answer:

Plague 

Explanation:

A “scourge” is a plague or tormentor as in “the neighbor’s terrifying dog was the scourge of my childhood.” For clarification, weather can be used to mean to endure as in “he weathered the storm.”

Example Question #482 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PITFALL

Possible Answers:

Hole

Danger

Ruse

Disappearance

Shelter

Correct answer:

Danger

Explanation:

You can infer from the words "pit" and "fall" contained in "pitfall" that the word describes something that could cause someone's downfall. In fact, a "pitfall" is a danger, so "danger" is the correct answer. By dissecting the word "pitfall," it is possible to infer its meaning. 

Example Question #151 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

STANDSTILL

Possible Answers:

Deadlock

Facade

Connection

Altercation

Wreckage

Correct answer:

Deadlock

Explanation:

"Standstill" means a stop or a deadlock. "Connection" is a link or bond between two or more people or items. "Altercation" is a fight or argument. "Wreckage" is the remains of the things after it has been severly damaged or broken. "Facade" is the front or face of something

Example Question #152 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PLATITUDE

Possible Answers:

Cliché

Argument

Distraction 

Pluck

Diversity

Correct answer:

Cliché

Explanation:

A "platitude" is a statement or expression that is overused. Thus, "cliché" is a synonym.

Example Question #153 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

LEVITY

Possible Answers:

Lightheartedness

Disposition

Abandonment

Mystery 

Lying

Correct answer:

Lightheartedness

Explanation:

Levity is the quality of being carefree. Thus, "lightheartedness" is the best synonym. While "levity" can describe a type of disposition, "disposition" is not a synonym, and so that is not the correct answer.

Example Question #154 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

AVARICE

Possible Answers:

Answer

Greed

Argument

Usefulness

Average

Correct answer:

Greed

Explanation:

"Avarice" means greed. (Example: "The mayor's decision to begin constructing a new subway was born of avarice, as the company he contracted to begin construction actually belonged to him.") Therefore, "greed," being the definition of "avarice," may also serve as a synonym.

Example Question #155 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

COMPENSATION

Possible Answers:

Payment

Destruction

Emotion

Transformation

Sympathy

Correct answer:

Payment

Explanation:

"Compensation" means payment, so "payment" is the correct answer.

Example Question #155 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ADVENT

Possible Answers:

Employer

Death

Arrival 

Evening

Confidant

Correct answer:

Arrival 

Explanation:

"Advent" is defined as arrival or coming. The Latin root word "venire" means to come. So, "arrival" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "advent": “employer” means boss; “death” means the event of dying or demise; “evening” means twilight or sundown; and “confidant” means friend to whom one entrusts secrets.  

Example Question #156 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Duplicity

Possible Answers:

Beginning

Disappointment 

Dishonesty

Visitor

Beauty

Correct answer:

Dishonesty

Explanation:

"Duplicity" means dishonesty or deceit. The Latin root word, "duplicitas," means doubling.

Example Question #157 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Penury

Possible Answers:

Arrow

Poverty

Substitution

Risk

Anarchy

Correct answer:

Poverty

Explanation:

"Penury" means scarcity or extreme poverty. The Latin root word, "penuria," means want or need.

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