SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FLATTERING

Possible Answers:

Derogatory

Obsequious

Torpid

Puerile

Lethargic

Correct answer:

Obsequious

Explanation:

"Flattering" means "obsequious," fawning. "Derogatory" and "disrespectful" are synonyms, as are "puerile" and "juvenile." "Torpid" and "lethargic" are synonyms for sluggish.

Example Question #1462 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FABLED

Possible Answers:

Implicit

Legendary

Emblematic

Enigmatic

Confounding

Correct answer:

Legendary

Explanation:

"Fabled" means storied or "legendary." "Enigmatic" means mysterious, and "confounding" means bewildering or confusing. "Implicit" is an antonym of "explicit." "Emblematic" means symbolic.

Example Question #1463 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IGNOMINIOUS

Possible Answers:

Multifarious

Shameful

Manifold

Arbitrary

Proud

Correct answer:

Shameful

Explanation:

"Ignominy" is shame and humiliation. "Proud" means pleased and glad with one's own achievements, and "arbitrary" means random. "Multifarious" and "manifold" both mean diverse and varied.

Example Question #1464 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INEFFABLE

Possible Answers:

Fervid

Unspeakable

Storied

Luxurious

Dilatory

Correct answer:

Unspeakable

Explanation:

"Ineffable" describes something that cannot be spoken or put into words. "Dilatory" means sluggish, and "fervid" means ardent or impassioned. "Luxurious" means opulent, fancy, and deluxe. "Storied" is another word for "legendary."

Example Question #1465 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUERILE

Possible Answers:

Juvenile

Euphoric

Heinous

Rancorous

Adulterated

Correct answer:

Juvenile

Explanation:

"Puerile" means "juvenile" or immature. "Adulterated" means impure or contaminated. "Heinous" is a synonym for "atrocious," and "rancorous" is a synonym for "spiteful." "Euphoric" means elated and ecstatic.

Example Question #1466 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INIMICAL

Possible Answers:

Intractable

Disconsolate

Injurious

Celibate

Enthralled

Correct answer:

Injurious

Explanation:

The adjective "inimical" means hostile, unfriendly or causing harm, detrimental, "injurious." Just to provide further clarification on a difficult word "injurious" means leading to or causing injury. Additionally, "intractable" means stubborn, obstinate, not prone to changing one's mind; "celibate" means abstinent, not engaging or having engaged in sexual acts; "enthralled" means captivated by and attracted to; "disconsolate" means unhappy and unable to be consoled, not able to be cheered up.

Example Question #1467 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ERUDITE

Possible Answers:

Scholarly

Equestrian

Ambivalent

Quizzical

Elementary

Correct answer:

Scholarly

Explanation:

"Erudite" means learned or "scholarly." "Equestrian" is an adjective that means related to horses, and "ambivalent" is an adjective that describes the state of having mixed feelings. "Quizzical" means inquiring or curious. "Elementary" means simple, basic.

Example Question #1468 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BANAL

Possible Answers:

Potable

Querulous

Rare

Trite

Ingenious

Correct answer:

Trite

Explanation:

"Banal" is a synonym for "trite," hackneyed, or boringly commonplace. This is an antonym of both "rare" and "ingenious," or clever. "Querulous" means irritable or petulant. "Potable" means able to be drunk safely.

Example Question #1469 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Indecisive

Dormant

Festive

Restless

Incisive

Correct answer:

Dormant

Explanation:

"Quiescent" is a synonym for "dormant" or inactive. "Incisive" means cutting or trenchant. "Indecisive," on the other hand, means unable to make up one's mind. "Festive" describes the state of merriness, celebration. "Restless" means unable to sit still.

Example Question #1470 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TANGENTIAL

Possible Answers:

Philosophical

Shadowy

Global

Mathematical

Peripheral

Correct answer:

Peripheral

Explanation:

Something "tangential" is "peripheral," of very limited relevance to the matter at hand. "Global" means worldwide, and "shadowy" can mean literally or figuratively shady. "Philosophical" can describe lofty, abstract ideas or can describe the academic study of philosophy. Although "tangents" are a mathematical concept, "tangential" is not a synonym for "mathematical."

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