SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1071 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INSOLENT

Possible Answers:

Rude

Lonely

Crude

Disgusting

Ugly

Correct answer:

Rude

Explanation:

"Insolent" means exhibiting disrespectful behavior or speech. "Rude" means showing a lack of politeness. Given that politeness is a sign of respect, "insolent" and "rude" are very close in meaning. They are therefore synonyms.

Example Question #1072 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUPERCILIOUS

Possible Answers:

Suspicious

Serious

Agitated

Scornful 

Doubtful

Correct answer:

Scornful 

Explanation:

"Supercilious" means looking down on others, or haughty. To be "scornful" means seeing others as being of less value than oneself. These two words are very similar in meaning and therefore synonyms. The other answer choices are unrelated.

Example Question #1073 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRODIGAL

Possible Answers:

Disciplined

Coincidental 

Imprudent

Foreseen

Unruly

Correct answer:

Imprudent

Explanation:

"Prodigal" means spending money in a carefree and reckless way. Thus, "imprudent" (which means not prudent or not careful or wise with one's resources) is the best synonym. (e.g. "The prodigal daughter bought whatever her heart desired, knowing that her relatives would continue to fund her spending habits.")

Example Question #1074 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VILLIANOUS

Possible Answers:

Submissive

Wicked

Portly

Benevolent

Toxic

Correct answer:

Wicked

Explanation:

"Villianous" means evil or "wicked." The suffix "-ous" means similar to or like, so you can infer that "villainous" means like a villain. "Benevolent" means kind and generous. "Submissive" means obedient or willing to listen and follow the orders of other people. "Toxic" means contaminated and poisonous. "Portly" means stout or overweight.

Example Question #1075 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTEMPTIBLE

Possible Answers:

Filthy

Polite

Hateful

Noteworthy

Euphoric

Correct answer:

Hateful

Explanation:

"Contemptible" means "hateful" or despicable. "Filthy" means dirty or disgusting. "Polite" means well-mannered and well-behaved. "Euphoric" means extremely happy and joyful. "Noteworthy" means important and signficant.

Example Question #1076 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOGGED

Possible Answers:

Pious

Enthusiastic

Skeptical

Stubborn

Illiterate

Correct answer:

Stubborn

Explanation:

"Dogged" means "stubborn" and unyielding in one's opinion. "Enthusiastic" means lively and excited about something. "Illiterate" means unable to read or write. "Pious" means very religious. "Skeptical" means doubtful or not easily convinced that something is true.

Example Question #1077 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISCURSIVE

Possible Answers:

Patterned

Exhaustive

Rambling

Modest

Harmful

Correct answer:

Rambling

Explanation:

“Discursive” means rambling or lacking order, so "rambling" is the correct answer.  None of the other answers are close in meaning to “discursive”. “Harmful” means damaging. “Exhaustive” means thorough. “Patterned” means decorated with a recurring design. “Modest” means unpretentious or humble.  

Example Question #1078 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROFICIENT

Possible Answers:

Capable

Scrutinized

Vague

Inauspicious

Wealthy

Correct answer:

Capable

Explanation:

"Proficient" means having the ability to do something. The correct answer "capable" also means skilled or being able to do something. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "inauspicious" means unlucky or unfavorable; "vague" means unclear; "wealthy" means having lots of money; and "scrutinized" means closely watched.

Example Question #1121 : Synonyms

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

ECCENTRIC

Possible Answers:

Timid

Genius

Peculiar

Moist

Augmented

Correct answer:

Peculiar

Explanation:

"Eccentric" means unconventional or strange, as does the correct answer "peculiar." The other choices do not have similar definitions: "augmented" means increased or improved; "genius" means extremely smart; "moist" means damp; and "timid" means shy.

Example Question #1122 : Synonyms

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

SINISTER

Possible Answers:

Menacing

Familial

Intimate

Unpleasant

Convoluted

Correct answer:

Menacing

Explanation:

"Sinister" means evil or criminal, and the correct answer "menacing" means threatening or intimidating. The other choices are not similar to "sinister" or "menacing": "familial" means relating to the family, "unpleasant" means disagreeable, "convoluted" means confusing, and "intimate" means close and personal.

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