Analogies - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

"Denude" means "strip", remove covering, remove a layer. To solve this analogy you therefore need to determine which of these words is a synonym of "estrange." Well, "estrange" means to make someone feel like a stranger, to cause someone to feel no longer close with. This is very similar in definition to "alienate," to make someone feel alien. Additionally, "inundate" means flood, overwhelm; "besmirch" means dirty, spoil, ruin the innocence or reputation of; "lionize" means praise, make out to be a hero; "garble" means mix-up, jumble.

An "exemplar" is an example, a "model" of, a symbol of how to behave. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "apothecary." Well, an "apothecary" is a "pharmacy" or a "pharmacist," a place which or person whom dispenses medicine. Although it is worth noting that "apothecary" is a somewhat antiquated term. Additionally, an "edifice" is a building.

"Captious" means (of a person) likely to find fault with things, highly "critical." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "harsh." The correct answer is "draconian," which means (of rules or punishment) overly strict and "harsh." Additionally, "celestial" means divine, heavenly; "prostrate" means lying flat; "ribald" means vulgar, rude and offensive; "resilient" means able to bounce back from setbacks.

"Faculty" and "aptitude" are synonyms, both words refer to someone's level of ability or skill. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "dowager." Well, a "dowager" is an aristocratic woman who retains her title after her husband has died. So, a "dowager" is a "widow."

"Impound" and "confiscate" are synonyms, both words mean to take something away because it is in violation of the rules. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "ponder." Well, "ponder" means to think deeply and carefully about. So, the correct answer is "mull." Additionally, "embezzle" means steal money from a place where you work or are trusted; "maul" means attack and cause harm to, wound; "meander" means to walk or move indirectly or slowly; "prattle" means talk foolishly.

"Forerunner" and "harbinger" are synonyms, both words mean something that comes before something else and suggests the approach of something. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words is a synonym of "fortitude." Well, "fortitude" is resilience and courage, strength to carry on in difficult circumstances. This is identical in meaning to "mettle." Additionally, "ingress" means entrance; "specter" means ghost, phantom; "cowardice" is the absence of bravery.

"Blemish" and "defect" are synonyms of one another, they both refer to an imperfection or problem with something. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these has the same meaning as "caprice." Well, "caprice" is a sudden and unexpected change in feeling, mood, or behavior. This is very similar in meaning to "whim."

"Bestow" means to confer, to grant someone an award or title or privilege, to "give." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "disobey" (to break the rules). The correct answer is "contravene" (to try and find away around the rules, to violate the rules). Additionally, "infiltrate" means gain access to through sneaky or illicit means; "extricate" means liberate, set free; "extol" means praise; "sanction" means approve, provide official approval for.

"Eavesdrop" means to "listen" to something you are not meant to "listen" to. It is loosely a synonym of "listen." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words is a synonym of "fraternize." Well, "fraternize" means to associate with, to form a friendship or relationship with. This is very similar in meaning to "consort." It is worth nothing that "fraternize" and "consort" both carry with them the connotation of forming an association with someone you are not meant to be friends with. Additionally, "condone" means allow to happen, give support to an action; "compile" means collect, gather together; "console" means try to comfort someone who is suffering; "commiserate" means share in misery with.

"Flagrant" and "blatant" are synonyms; both words refer tothings that are obviously and overtly offensive or in violation of the rules. To solve this analogy, you need to determine which of the answer choices is a synonym of "unremarkable." "Unremarkable" means not distinctive or having no features worth remaking on. So, the correct answer is "nondescript." Additionally, "acrimonious" refers to conflict and means bitter and spiteful; "grave" means serious and potentially threatening; "truculent" means aggressive; and "boisterous" refers to behavior and means rowdy, loud, and hard to control.

"Mete" and "allot" are synonyms; both words mean to distribute or share out among multiple people. To solve this analogy, you need to determine which of the answer choices is closest in meaning to "embalm." "Embalm" means to preserve a corpse and not allow it to decay, so "preserve" is the best answer. Additionally, "tantalize" means tease and excite; "strut" means walk in an exaggerated fashion suggesting confidence; "soothe" means calm or make feel better; and "convene" means meet up or gather together for a meeting.

"Coy" means pretending to be shy or acting shy. It is loosely a synonym of "shy," so to solve this analogy, you need to determine which of these words is loosely a synonym of "deceptive," which means dishonest and trying to trick others. The correct answer is "misleading," which means making untrue things seem as if they are true. Additionally, "mundane" means ordinary and boring; "bellicose" means aggressive and desiring war or conflict; "detrimental" means causing harm, hurtful, or getting in the way of the progress of something; and "loathsome" means detestable and deserving of hatred.

Convivial and gregarious both mean friendly and sociable. You therefore need to identify which of the answer choices is the best available synonym for amiable. Amiable means pleasant and friendly so the correct answer is affable.

"Uni-" and "mono-" are both prefixes that mean "one" or "single." A unilateral decision is made by only one side of a dispute; a monorail is a train that runs on a single track.

"Bi-" and "duo-" are prefixes that both mean "two." A bicameral government is one with two branches, and a duet is a musical performance by two singers.

The adjective bovine is used to describe characteristics displayed by or attributed to cows. To solve this analogy you have to identify the adjective used to describe characteristics displayed by or attributed to dogs. This leads to the correct answer which is canine. Cow is to bovine as dog is to canine as cat is to feline, etc.

Theology is the study of religion so to solve this analogy you need to determine what genealogy is the study of. The prefix gene- should provide a clue that it likely describes the study of families or family history. The correct answer is therefore families.

A cartographer is someone who makes maps, so in order to solve this analogy, you have to determine which of the items is produced by a vintner. The prefix "vin_-_" might clue you in that the answer choice has to be wine (from the Latin for wine, vino).

"Menial" and "lowly" are synonyms: both words refer to work and mean requiring little skill or expertise. So, to solve this analogy, you need to determine which of the answer choices has the same meaning as "insular." "Insular" sounds like "insulated" and "island," and this isn't a coincidence: the words stem from the same Latin root. You can think of "insular" as meaning culturally isolated, as if on an island—narrow-minded, ignorant of the wider world, and uninterested in the experience of others. This is very similar in meaning to "parochial." This term can refer to an area encompassed by a religious parish, which is often rural, or (more metaphorically), it can also mean narrow-minded. Additionally, "alluring" means tempting and attractive; "lethargic" means lacking energy or enthusiasm; "pervasive" means spread throughout; and "assiduous" means painstaking, showing great care and attention to detail, and meticulous.