SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #854 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TUMESCENT

Possible Answers:

Eloquent

Enigmatic

Turbulent

Zany

Distended

Correct answer:

Distended

Explanation:

"Tumescent" is a synonym for "distended," swollen, or turgid. Don't confuse this with "tumultuous," or turbulent. "Eloquent" means fluent or articulate. "Enigmatic" means mysterious. "Zany" means weird or eccentric.

Example Question #855 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOISOME

Possible Answers:

Foul

Accidental

Ocular

Orotund

Suppurating

Correct answer:

Foul

Explanation:

"Noisome" describes an unpleasant or disagreeable smell. "Accidental" means not on purpose, and "orotund" means sonorous or pleasant sounding. "Suppurating" is another word for festering or rotting. "Ocular" means related to the eye.

Example Question #856 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Excruciating

Helpful

Asinine

Spartan

Undulating

Correct answer:

Spartan

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, "spartan," or monastic. While an "ascetic" lifestyle may be unpleasant, it is not the same as "excruciating," or extremely painful. "Undulating" is another word for wavy. "Asinine" means inane or stupid. "Helpful" is an antonym for "helpless," of course.

Example Question #857 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUAT

Possible Answers:

Munificent

Ecumenical

Stubby

Scrumptious

Laudatory

Correct answer:

Stubby

Explanation:

"Squat" means "stubby," thickset, short, and stocky. "Scrumptious" is another word for delicious, and "ecumenical" is another word for all-encompassing, universal. "Munificent" means generous or magnanimous. "Laudatory" means commendable, praiseworthy.

Example Question #858 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LEONINE

Possible Answers:

Lionlike

Contemplative

Storklike

Avian

Sordid

Correct answer:

Lionlike

Explanation:

"Leonine" means "lionlike," regal, or handsome. Don't confuse this with "avian," or birdlike. "Contemplative" means deeply thoughtful. "Sordid" means filthy, dirty, squalid. "Storklike" means tall, stalky, thin.

Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Guilty

Ecstatic

Hateful

Delicious

Elegant

Correct answer:

Delicious

Explanation:

"Delectable" means really yummy.

I couldn’t stop staring at the delectable looking pastries in the bakery window.

So "delicious" is the best answer.

Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SPARTAN

Possible Answers:

Cantankerous

Ritualistic

Austere

Fetid

Manifold

Correct answer:

Austere

Explanation:

"Spartan" means austere or ascetic. "Fetid" is a synonym for rotting, and "cantankerous" means grumpy or ill-tempered. "Manifold" means diverse and varied. "Ritualistic" means in the manner of a ritual or ceremonial rite.

Example Question #1651 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SUPPLE

Possible Answers:

Bendable

Seditious

Verbatim

Wizened

Graceless

Correct answer:

Bendable

Explanation:

"Supple" means lithe, graceful, and able to bend easily, so "bendable" is the best answer. "Supple" is an antonym of "graceless." "Verbatim" means word for word, exact. "Wizened" means shriveled and wrinkled as a result of being old. "Seditious" is a synonym for subversive and rebellious.

Example Question #1652 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ALABASTER

Possible Answers:

White

Shocking

Haughty

Sordid

Stalwart

Correct answer:

White

Explanation:

As an adjective, "alabaster" means white. (As a noun, it refers to a white type of stone.) "Sordid" is a synonym for filthy. "Stalwart" means loyal and steadfast. "Haughty" means disdainful due to one thinking one is better than someone else.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

HARROWING.

Possible Answers:

Fortunate 

Traumatizing

Suggestive 

Incredible 

Energizing

Correct answer:

Traumatizing

Explanation:

A “harrowing” experience is one that is scary and traumatizing. For clarification, something that is "traumatizing" causes the traumatized to feel lasting emotional shock.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors