SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms, Antonyms, and Changes in Intensity

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #141 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Indelible is to permanent as manifest is to __________.

Possible Answers:

supreme 

concealed 

exigent 

irresolute 

patent

Correct answer:

patent

Explanation:

"Indelible" means unable to be removed, "permanent." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "manifest." Well, "manifest" means apparent, obvious, clear. So, the correct answer is "patent," which means obvious, easily understood as true. Additionally, "concealed" means hidden, disguised; "supreme" means best, greatest; "irresolute" means uncertain, unsure; "exigent" means urgent, pressing, demanding

Example Question #142 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Apostle is to __________ as catacomb is to crypt.

Possible Answers:

disciple

pugilist

heretic

mendicant

incumbent

Correct answer:

disciple

Explanation:

"Catacomb" and "crypt" are synonyms, both words refer to an underground place where bodies are buried. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these has the same meaning as "apostle." Well, an "apostle" is a follower of a religion, particularly one of the earliest followers of Jesus Christ. So, the correct answer is "disciple." Additionally, an "incumbent" is someone who's authority is being challenged and who already holds a position of power; a "heretic" is a nonbeliever, someone who goes against religious teaching or denies some religious truth; a "pugilist" is a fighter; a "mendicant" is a beggar.

Example Question #143 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Iconoclast is to __________ as aphorism is to maxim.

Possible Answers:

deity

mother

participant

heathen

critic

Correct answer:

critic

Explanation:

"Aphorism" and "maxim" are synonyms, both words refer to a pithy statement that relays some kind of truth or lesson. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "iconoclast." Well, an "iconoclast" is someone who verbally attacks long-held beliefs. This is similar in definition to a "critic." Additionally, a "deity" is a God; a "heathen" is a heretic, a nonbeliever.

Example Question #144 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Elephantine is to gigantic as __________ is to morbid.

Possible Answers:

devout

astral

macabre

natal

tumultuous

Correct answer:

macabre

Explanation:

"Elephantine" and "gigantic" are synonyms, both words mean excessively large, very big. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "morbid?" Well, "morbid" means demonstrating an abnormal and unsettling fascination with death. This is very similar in definition to "macabre," which means disturbing due to a close association with death. Additionally, "devout" means pious, deeply religious; "natal" means of or related to birth; "austral" means of or related to the south; "tumultuous" means chaotic, confusing and disordered.

Example Question #145 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Dugout is to shelter as lichen is to __________.

Possible Answers:

moss

temerity

stone

fortitude

quarry

Correct answer:

moss

Explanation:

"Dugout" and "shelter" are synonyms, both words mean a building intended to provide protection in the event of a bombing or other such act of war. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these has the same meaning as "lichen." Well, "lichen" is a very small, plant-like thing that grows on rocks and the sides of trees. This is also called a "moss." Additionally, a "quarry" is a place where stone or marble is mined; "fortitude" is strength and resilience, the ability to keep going in spite of setbacks; "temerity" is audacity, nerve, excessive arrogance and confidence especially in violation of the rules.

Example Question #146 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Indemnify is to __________ as modulate is to adjust.

Possible Answers:

arrogate

repatriate

supplicate

compensate

duplicate

Correct answer:

compensate

Explanation:

"Modulate" and "adjust" are synonyms, both words mean to make changes to something, to edit. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "indemnify." Well, "indemnify" means to give someone money for the loss of something or for harm caused. This is the same meaning as "compensate." Additionally, "duplicate" means produce a second copy of; "arrogate" means falsely lay claim to; "repatriate" means send someone back to the country they came from; "supplicate" means ask for passionately, beg, please.

Example Question #147 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Catholic is to __________ as civic is to urban.

Possible Answers:

absent

rural

universal

religious

present

Correct answer:

universal

Explanation:

"Civic" and "urban" are synonyms, both words mean of or related to a city or town. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "catholic." Well, "catholic" means all-encompassing, all-embracing, inclusive, or "universal." This is the original meaning of the Catholic Church (it was named as if it were the Universal Church, or the All-Encompassing Church). Additionally, "rural" means of or related to the countryside.

Example Question #148 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Adhere is to follow as renege is to __________.

Possible Answers:

catch

break

surround

imprison

fix

Correct answer:

break

Explanation:

"Adhere" means to stick to, to support, or to "follow." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "renege." Well, to "renege" is to go back on one's word, to "break" a promise or agreement

Example Question #149 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Elephant is to pachyderm as __________ is to death.

Possible Answers:

refinery

quietus

epicene

peon

epithet

Correct answer:

quietus

Explanation:

A "pachyderm" is another word for an "elephant," (although it can also be a rhino or a hippo). So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is another word for "death." The correct answer is "quietus," which is defined as "death," or a cause of "death," particularly if the "death" was a release from the burdens and suffering of life. Additionally, "epicene" means having the characteristics of both, or neither, genders; "epithet" means nickname, a phrase used to describe someone; a "refinery" is a machine or factory where raw material is refined; a "peon" is a subordinate, someone under the control and command of someone more powerful.

Example Question #150 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Decamp is to abscond as ______________ is to contravene.

Possible Answers:

flout

conform

cower

sanction

prune

Correct answer:

flout

Explanation:

"Decamp" means to leave somewhere suddenly or in a secretive fashion. This is very similar in meaning to "abscond," to run away with, or to leave in a secretive fashion. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is synonym of "contravene." Well, "contravene" means to ignore the rules, to find a way around regulations. This is the same meaning as "flout." Additionally, "conform" means change one's behavior to match the expectations of society; "cower" means recoil, move away from in fear; "prune" means trim; "sanction" means formally or officially approve or allow.

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