SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1084 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CANTANKEROUS

Possible Answers:

Condescending

Aspiring

Economical

Assertive

Querulous

Correct answer:

Querulous

Explanation:

Since "cantankerous" means "bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative," we're looking for another adjective that means "bad-tempered." While "condescending" may sound like a potentially correct answer, "condescending" actually means "having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority." Since "condescending" doesn't mean "bad-tempered," it can't be the right answer. "Querulous," however, means "complaining in a petulant or whining manner," and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "cantankerous," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #1085 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BELLIGERENT

Possible Answers:

Amicable

Placid

Assertive

Confrontational

Belie

Correct answer:

Confrontational

Explanation:

"Belligerent" is an adjective meaning "angry and aggressive; feeling or showing readiness to fight," so we should pick out another word that means "aggressive." While "assertive" and "confrontational" might both look like potentially correct answers, "confrontational" is the better answer. This is because "assertive" means "confident in behavior in style," and is thus not a synonym of "belligerent," while "confrontational" means "tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way; hostile or argumentative," which is synonymous with "belligerent."

Example Question #1125 : Synonyms

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

OBDURATE

Possible Answers:

Affluent

Adamant

Placid

Submissive

Docile

Correct answer:

Adamant

Explanation:

"Obdurate" is used to describe someone that is stubborn or headstrong. Adamant is a synonym of Obdurate. Submissive and Docile are antonyms of Obdurate because they describe someone that is easy to control. Affluent means wealthy and Placid means calm and tranquil. Both of these words have no relation to Obdurate.

Example Question #1087 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Well-known

Careful

Reckless

Rash

Grandiose

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Prudent" means to be careful, so that would be the synonym. Rash and Reckless have the opposite meaning of prudent. Grandiose describes something or someone that is overly showy. Well-known describes something or someone that known my many people. These last two words have no relationship to Prudent in this instance.

Example Question #1088 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BOISTEROUS

Possible Answers:

Deft

Loud

Subdued

Commodious

Calm

Correct answer:

Loud

Explanation:

"Boisterous" means to be loud and unrestrained. Subdued and Quiet have the opposite meaning of Boisterous. Commodious means to be roomy, and Deft means to be skilled. These two words have no relation to the Boisterous.

Example Question #1881 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

PETULANT

Possible Answers:

Irritable

Pugnacious

Dangerous

Bloated

Patient

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

"Petulant" describes someone that is easily irritated, so Irritable would be the correct answer. Patient is the opposite of Petulant. Bloated means something or someone is swollen. Dangerous describes something or someone that can cause harm, and Pugnacious means belligerent or warlike. These last three words have no relation to Petulant in this context.

Example Question #1132 : Synonyms

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

HEARTY

Possible Answers:

Cheerful

Petulant

Rash

New

Independent

Correct answer:

Cheerful

Explanation:

Hearty means heartful, or loud and cheerful.

Example Question #1882 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DOGMATIC

Possible Answers:

Insistent

Neutral

Tight-laced

Playful

Troubling

Correct answer:

Insistent

Explanation:

Dogmatic means defining principles as incontrovertibly true, or being very insistent about their value.

Example Question #1133 : Synonyms

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

LACONIC

Possible Answers:

Cylindrical

Concise

Insane

Lazy

Formulaic

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

Laconic means using few words, or concise.

Example Question #1883 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

LENIENT

Possible Answers:

Forward-thinking

Secret

Forgiving

Antique

Energetic

Correct answer:

Forgiving

Explanation:

Lenient means permissive, merciful, or forgiving.

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