SSAT Upper Level Verbal : 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.

AGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Laud

Gargle

Perpetrate

Depict

Worry

Correct answer:

Worry

Explanation:

"Agonize" means to worry greatly about something and is ofted used in the phrase "to agonize over" something. So, "worry" is the correct answer. "Perpetrate" means to commit or carry out a crime. "Laud" means to applaud or to praise. "Depict" means to show or demonstrate. "Gargle" means to clean or wash one's throat or mouth with a liquid substance.

Example Question #323 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ASSUAGE

Possible Answers:

Atone

Enervate

Relieve

Amass

Narrate

Correct answer:

Relieve

Explanation:

"Assuage" means to "relieve" or to ease. "Amass" means to gather or to collect. "Atone" means to apologize or make amends for. "Enervate" means to weaken or to cause to lose energy. "Narrate" means to tell a story.

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.

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