SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1501 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ESOTERIC

Possible Answers:

Immaturely

Meekly

Enviously

Abstruse

Pungently

Correct answer:

Abstruse

Explanation:

"Esoteric" and "abstruse" both mean obscure and difficult to understand. "Envious" means jealous, and "pungent" means strong smelling. "Immature" means juvenile. "Meek" means timid.

Example Question #1502 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CIRCUITOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Tortuously

Incredibly

Murderously

Delectably

Directly

Correct answer:

Tortuously

Explanation:

"Circuitous" and "tortuous" both mean twisted or roundabout. They are antonyms of "direct." "Murderous" means homicidal, and "delectable" means delicious. "Incredible" means unbelievable.

Example Question #1503 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLOUDILY

Possible Answers:

Sympathetically

Slyly

Eccentrically

Transparently

Opaquely

Correct answer:

Opaquely

Explanation:

"Cloudy" and "opaque" both mean nontransparent, which is the antonym of "transparent." "Sympathetic" and "empathetic" are loose synonyms, and "sly" means sneaky. "Eccentric" means zany or idiosyncratic.

Example Question #1504 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCISIVELY

Possible Answers:

Vacantly

Vigilantly

Cuttingly

Chronically

Frivolously

Correct answer:

Cuttingly

Explanation:

"Incisive" (usually used to describe people or thought processes) means acute, sharp, or cutting. "Chronically" means persistently. "Vacant" means empty. "Vigilant" means alert and watchful. "Frivolous" means carefree, flighty, and flippant.

Example Question #1505 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INSIGHTFULLY

Possible Answers:

Tiredly

Intuitively

Bluntly

Sharply

Convincingly

Correct answer:

Intuitively

Explanation:

"Insightful" means intuitive and perceptive. "Blunt" and "sharp" are antonyms. "Convincing" and "persuasive" are synonyms. "Tired" and "weary" are synonyms.

Example Question #1506 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUCIDLY

Possible Answers:

Grimly

Intelligibly

Murkily

Sinisterly

Truthfully

Correct answer:

Intelligibly

Explanation:

"Lucid" means clear, well explained, and intelligible. This is the opposite of "murky." "Truthful" and "dishonest" are antonyms, as are "grimly" and "cheerfully." "Sinister" means ominous.

Example Question #1507 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNLAWFULLY

Possible Answers:

Cautiously

Illegally

Diligently

Evocatively

Direly

Correct answer:

Illegally

Explanation:

"Unlawful" and "illegal" are synonyms that both mean against the law. "Cautious" means careful, and "diligent" means hardworking. "Evocative" means evoking certain memories or sensations. "Dire" means very urgent.

Example Question #1508 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISCERNINGLY

Possible Answers:

Tenderly

Perceptively

Exotically

Domestically

Enigmatically

Correct answer:

Perceptively

Explanation:

"Discerning" means perceptive. "Tender" means loving and gentle. "Enigmatic" means mysterious. "Exotic" and "domestic" are synonyms.

Example Question #1509 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARTIALLY

Possible Answers:

Incompletely

Robustly

Diffidently

Zanily

Wholly

Correct answer:

Incompletely

Explanation:

"Partial" means incomplete. This is an antonym of "wholly." "Zany" means strange or eccentric. "Robust" means strong, vigorous, or sturdy. "Diffident" means shy.

Example Question #1510 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LASCIVIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Talkatively

Imminently

Lewdly

Delectably

Presently

Correct answer:

Lewdly

Explanation:

"Lascivious" means lewd or lustful. Something "imminent" is impending, happening soon. Similarly, "presently" means soon (or sometimes currently). A synonym for "talkative" is "loquacious." "Delectable" means delicious.

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