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 #1901 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Impoverished 

Austere

Ostentatious 

Extravagant

Gregarious 

Correct answer:

Austere

Explanation:

“Ascetic” is an adjective used to describe the quality of living an austere life, focused on personal discipline and the rejection of material comforts. “Extravagant” and “ostentatious” are antonyms because they both describe the quality of showing wealth and living in luxury. "Gregarious" means very friendly; "impoverished" is somewhat similar in meaning to "ascetic" but "ascetic" implies a conscious choice to live a certain lifestyle, whereas "impoverished" indicates that material comforts are not rejected; rather they are simply not an option.

Example Question #1105 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Wizened 

Careless 

Mature 

Childish 

Thoughtful 

Correct answer:

Childish 

Explanation:

“Juvenile” is an adjective used to describe the youthful quality of something. It generally has a connotation of immaturity or childishness when used to describe people. The best answer choice here is therefore “childish.” Mature is an antonym, as is “wizened,” which describes the appearance of looking shriveled up.

Example Question #1106 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPELLING

Possible Answers:

Artisanal

Dull

Unmotivated

Courageous

Captivating

Correct answer:

Captivating

Explanation:

Compelling menas capturing interest, or captivating

Example Question #1107 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FRUGAL

Possible Answers:

Thrifty 

Decorated

Calculating

Colorless

Harmful

Correct answer:

Thrifty 

Explanation:

Frugal and thrifty both mean not spending a lot of money.  

Example Question #1108 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CRYPTIC

Possible Answers:

Flushed

Mysterious

Whimsical

Beneficial

Limited

Correct answer:

Mysterious

Explanation:

Cryptic means mysterious.  The root word 'crypticus' means hidden.  

Example Question #1109 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NAIVE

Possible Answers:

Digital

Primary

Bitter

Delayed

Inexperienced 

Correct answer:

Inexperienced 

Explanation:

Naïve means inexperienced or having a lack of judgment.  

Example Question #1110 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Odorous

Cautious

Exclusive

Outdated

Murky

Correct answer:

Cautious

Explanation:

Prudent means cautious or wise.  

Example Question #1111 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECALCITRANT

Possible Answers:

Lazy 

Jubilant 

Disobedient 

Loyal 

Hardworking

Correct answer:

Disobedient 

Explanation:

“Recalcitrant” is an adjective used to describe someone’s disobedience or stubborn resistance. Note that “jubilant” means very happy.

Example Question #1112 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JAUNTY

Possible Answers:

Provocative

Lively

Colorful

Broken

Macabre

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

Jaunty means cheerful, confident, and lively.

Example Question #1113 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHARISMATIC

Possible Answers:

Whimsical

Intellectual

Magnetic

Regulated

Shabby

Correct answer:

Magnetic

Explanation:

Charismatic describes a person who is charming, compelling, or has a magnetic personality.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors