Synonyms: Other Verbs - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

"Assimilate" is a verb that has several different meanings, including absorb ideas or people into a group. While "assist" may look like a potentially correct answer, the meaning of "assist" does not match any of the meanings of "assimilate," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Subsume," however, is a verb meaning include or absorb, and since "subsume" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "assimilate," "subsume" is the correct answer.

"Adhere" is a verb with a variety of meanings; sticky things can adhere (stick to) other things, or a person can adhere to (obey) rules. "Sticky' may look like a potential synonym of "adhere," but whereas "stick" could be a synonym, "sticky" cannot, as it is an adjective and "adhere" a verb. "Obey," however, is a synonym of "adhere" as it is used to mean comply with, so "obey" is the correct answer.

"Usurp" means seize or overthrow, so "seize" is the correct answer.

"Eschew"means to avoid using something.

Reform means the process of improving a practice or institution.

A compromise is an agreement or settlement reached when both sides give something up.

Hew means to conform or adhere to something.

"Render" means to provide something, usually a service or a kind of help.

Subsidize means to support financially, or to fund.

Anticipate means to expect or predict

Resurrect means to restore or revive.

Comprise means to consist of.

Exploit means to make full use of something, often in a selfish way, or to take advantage of someone.

Opt means to make a choice from a range of possibilities, or to choose.

A maneuver is a carefully planned scheme or tactic.

Sublimate means to channel or divert impulses into more culturally accepted actions.

To “forsake” something means to abandon it. For clarification, "condemn" means to declare something is wrong or bad; "assuage" means alleviate, calm or make better.

To "remunerate" is to pay.

“Excel” is a verb that means “be exceptionally good at an activity or subject,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “be exceptionally good at something.” That means that “fail” cannot be the correct answer, because “fail” means “to be unsuccessful,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “excel.” “Shine,” however, is a word that when used as a verb, can mean “to be very talented or perform very well,” and because “shine” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “excel,” “shine” is the correct answer.

"Render" means to provide, give, or supply a service.