SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #283 : Synonyms

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

CALAMITY

Possible Answers:

Specialty

Acumen

Alacrity

Disaster

Euphony

Correct answer:

Disaster

Explanation:

A "calamity" is a "disaster" or catastrophe. A "euphony" is a collection of pleasant or harmonious sounds. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity, and "acumen" is shrewdness. A "specialty" is a particular branch of a larger field.

Example Question #284 : Synonyms

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

PESTILENCE

Possible Answers:

Quandary

Disease

Penchant

Itinerancy

Conundrum

Correct answer:

Disease

Explanation:

"Pestilence" is "disease" or infestation. A "conundrum" is another word for a dilemma or quandary. "Itinerancy" is vagrancy. A "penchant" for something is a fondness or preference for it.

Example Question #285 : Synonyms

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

LIGATURE

Possible Answers:

Epilogue

Scepter

Cord

Equanimity

Preamble

Correct answer:

Cord

Explanation:

A "ligature" is a material for binding or tying. A "preamble" is an introduction, and an "epilogue" is a conclusion or an afterword. A "scepter" is an ornamental staff, usually jeweled and carried by royalty. "Equanimity" is calmness and composure.

Example Question #286 : Synonyms

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

JURISPRUDENCE

Possible Answers:

Fecundity

Independence

Law

Scholarship

Prudence

Correct answer:

Law

Explanation:

"Jurisprudence" is another word for the "law," either its practice or its philosophy. "Scholarship" is education and learning. "Prudence" is a synonym for "wise caution," and "fecundity" is a synonym for "fertility." "Independence" is an antonym of "dependence."

Example Question #287 : Synonyms

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

AMNESTY

Possible Answers:

Rebellion

Insurrection

Pardon

Injustice

Hyperbole

Correct answer:

Pardon

Explanation:

"Amnesty" is, depending on the context, a "pardon" or a reprieve (often an official or political one). "Rebellion" and "insurrection" are synonyms, and "injustice" is unfairness. "Hyperbole" is a literary term for exaggeration.

Example Question #288 : Synonyms

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

INDICTMENT

Possible Answers:

Pandemonium

Accusation

Ditty

Bedlam

Pestilence

Correct answer:

Accusation

Explanation:

An "indictment" is a formal or official "accusation" or criminal charge. "Pandemonium" is another word for chaos, as is bedlam. "Pestilence" is another word for sickness, particularly on an epidemic level. A "ditty" is a short and simple tune.

Example Question #289 : Synonyms

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

SALVE

Possible Answers:

Security

Hygiene

Balm

Vigilance

Firmament

Correct answer:

Balm

Explanation:

A "salve" is a "balm" or soothing ointment. "Firmament" is another word for sky, and "security" is safety. "Hygiene" is another word for cleanliness, and "vigilance" is watchfulness, alertness.

Example Question #290 : Synonyms

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

OVATION

Possible Answers:

Applause

Boor

Egress

Doldrums

Ingress

Correct answer:

Applause

Explanation:

An "ovation" is sustained applause in approval of something. Additionally, "ingress" means entrance and "egress" means exit; a "boor" is a rude and obnoxious person; "doldrums" is a prolonged period of stagnation or depression, a feeling of melancholy and pointlessness.

Example Question #241 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PLUMAGE

Possible Answers:

Scales

Skin

Feathers

Hair

Fur

Correct answer:

Feathers

Explanation:

The noun "plumage" refers to the feathers of a bird (particularly when those feathers are considered beautiful or extravagant).

Example Question #242 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

LEGERDEMIN

Possible Answers:

Hermit

Trickery

Elegy

ardor

Deluge

Correct answer:

Trickery

Explanation:

"Legerdemain" is a synonym for "trickery" or chicanery. An "elegy" is a lament or a dirge. A "hermit" is a recluse, and "ardor" is passion or fervor. A "deluge" is a flood.

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