All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Synonyms
Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
ATROCITY
metropolis
something horrific
barbed
flagrant
blessing
something horrific
An atrocity is something horrific.
Example Question #107 : Synonyms
Synonyms
Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
FLATTERY
accusations
brushing away
compliments
deflating
convictions
compliments
Flattery means to compliment someone.
Example Question #108 : Synonyms
A synonym of "trek" is . . .
expedition
flood
anomaly
effervescence
map
expedition
"Trek" is a word meaning "a long arduous journey, especially one made on foot," so we need to pick out another word that means something like "journey." Since "expedition" means "a journey or voyage undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, scientific research, or war," "expedition" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "trek," so "expedition" is the correct answer.
Example Question #111 : Synonyms
A synonym of "intuition" is . . .
intention
guess
climate
desire
hunch
hunch
"Intuition" is a noun that means "the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning," so we need to pick out another noun that means something like "unconscious understanding." While "intention" may seem like a good answer choice because it sounds like "intuition," "intention" means "a thing intended; an aim or plan." Since "intuition" does not mean the same thing as "intention," it cannot be the correct answer. "Hunch," however, is a noun that means "a feeling or guess based on intuition rather than known facts," it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "intuition" and thus the correct answer.
Example Question #112 : Synonyms
Synonyms
Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
FLUX
flow
stoppage
irate
twist
sick
flow
A "flux" is a flow or a condition of constant change.
Example Question #113 : Synonyms
Synonyms
Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HIATUS
dismissal
salutation
cliff
a banquet
a break
a break
A "hiatus" is a break.
Example Question #113 : Synonyms
A synonym of "nicety" is __________.
subtlety
worry
presence
classification
attribute
subtlety
"Nicety" is a noun that can mean "a fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy," "accuracy and precision," or "a minor aspect of polite social behavior; a detail of etiquette." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "a fine detail," "accuracy," or "a detail of etiquette." "Attribute," a word that when used as a noun means "a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something," might look like the correct answer because both "nicety" and "attribute" can refer to characteristics, but "subtlety" is actually the better answer, because "subtlety" can mean "a subtle distinction, feature, or argument," and better captures the connotation of fineness, intricateness, or fussiness that is part of the word "nicety." So, "subtlety" is the correct answer.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
A synonym of "delusion" is __________.
persuasion
actuality
oblivion
fallacy
conviviality
fallacy
"Delusion" is a noun that means "a belief that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by accepted as reality, typically a symptom of mental disorder," or "the action of deluding someone or the state of being deluded." So, we need to pick out a noun that means something like "misinterpretation." "Actuality," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "actuality" means "actual existence, typically as contrasted with what was intended, expected, or believed," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "delusion." "Fallacy," however, is a noun that can mean "a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument," and because "fallacy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "delusion," "fallacy" is the correct answer.
Example Question #115 : Synonyms
A synonym of “zeal” is __________.
information
preparedness
fervor
detail
ennui
fervor
“Zeal” is a noun that means “great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “great energy or enthusiasm.” That means that “ennui” cannot be the correct answer, because “ennui” is a noun that means “a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “zeal.” “Fervor,” however, is a noun that means “intense and passionate feeling,” and because “fervor” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “zeal,” “fervor” is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
A synonym of “reprieve” is __________.
frustration
agony
respite
movement
permanence
respite
“Reprieve” is a word that can be used as a verb or a noun, but because all of the answer choices are nouns, we need to consider “reprieve” as a noun. When used as a noun, “reprieve” can mean “an official order that delays the punishment of a prisoner who is sentenced to death,” “a delay that keeps something bad from happening,” or “a period of relief from pain or trouble.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “an official order that delays a prisoner’s execution,” “a delay that keeps something bad from happening,” or “a period of relief.” That means that “agony” cannot be the correct answer, because “agony” means “extreme physical or mental suffering” or “the final stages of a difficult or painful death,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “reprieve.” “Respite,” however, is a noun that means “a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant,” and because “respite” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “reprieve,” “respite” is the correct answer.
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