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 #1414 : Synonyms

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Unusual 

Inactive

Quintessential

Strange

Bland

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Quiescent" means still and quiet. Something that is "inactive" tends to not make sound or movement. Given how similar the meanings of these words are, they are synonyms. A tempting wrong answer is "quintessential" because it sounds like "quiescent," but has a very different meaning. ("Quintessential" means ideal.)

Example Question #1417 : Synonyms

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

IMPERIAL

Possible Answers:

Careless

Aggravated

Motionless

Antiquated

Royal

Correct answer:

Royal

Explanation:

Imperial means "of or relating to an emperor." It also means "characteristic of or exercising supreme authority." Royal means "of or pertaining to a king, queen, or some other ruler."

Example Question #1418 : Synonyms

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

INTRICATE

Possible Answers:

Creative

Porous

Complex

Intrinsic

Assiduous

Correct answer:

Complex

Explanation:

Intricate means complex.  

Example Question #1374 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPLEX

Possible Answers:

Intertwined

Caring

Extinct

Complicated

Previous

Correct answer:

Complicated

Explanation:

Complex means involving many parts, or complicated.

Example Question #1375 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACCOUNTABLE

Possible Answers:

Critical

Computational

Distinct

Responsible

Forgetful

Correct answer:

Responsible

Explanation:

Accountable means expected to justify actions, or responsible.

Example Question #1376 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPOSING

Possible Answers:

Disappointing

Clear

Striking

Well-mannered

Attractive

Correct answer:

Striking

Explanation:

Imposing means grand, impressive, or striking.

Example Question #1377 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOMINANT

Possible Answers:

Small 

Leading 

Focused 

Minor 

Descendent

Correct answer:

Leading 

Explanation:

The word “dominant” describes someone who is in control or in command over others. The answer choice that most resembles this definition is “leading.”  

Example Question #1381 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAUNTING

Possible Answers:

Intimidating

Pensive

Wavering

Calibrating

Bothersome

Correct answer:

Intimidating

Explanation:

Daunting means seemingly difficult or intimidating.

Example Question #1382 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POTENT

Possible Answers:

Obsessive 

Powerful

Blotchy

Doubtful

Peaceful

Correct answer:

Powerful

Explanation:

Potent means powerful.  

Example Question #1383 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ELEMENTARY

Possible Answers:

Advanced

Fraudulent

Desiccated

Fundamental

Bungling

Correct answer:

Fundamental

Explanation:

“Elementary” is an adjective that can mean “of or relating to the most rudimentary aspects of a subject,” “easily dealt with; straightforward and uncomplicated,” or “not decomposable into elements or other primary constituents.” We need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “simple.” That means that “advanced” cannot be the correct answer, because “advanced” means “far on or ahead in development,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “elementary.” “Fundamental,” however, is an adjective that can mean “forming a necessary base or core; of central importance” or “so basic as to be hard to alter, resolve, or overcome,” and because “fundamental” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “elementary,” “fundamental” is the correct answer.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors