SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1653 : Synonyms

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

CAUSTICALLY

Possible Answers:

Innocuously

Happily

Detrimentally

Angrily

Acrimoniously

Correct answer:

Acrimoniously

Explanation:

"Caustic" means acerbic, burning, or "acrimonious." "Detrimental" is a synonym for "harmful," and "innocuous" is a synonym for "harmless," so the two concepts are antonyms. "Happy" and "sad" are antonyms, as are "angry" and "serene."

Example Question #1654 : Synonyms

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

CLANDESTINELY

Possible Answers:

Jubilantly

Expertly

Dubiously

Ambiguously

Surreptitiously

Correct answer:

Surreptitiously

Explanation:

"Clandestine" and "surreptitious" both mean secretive, furtive. "Ambiguous" means unclear and vague. "Expert" means skillful, and "dubious" means doubtful. "Jubilant" is a synonym for joyful and exultant.

Example Question #1655 : Synonyms

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

FULSOMELY

Possible Answers:

Handsomely

Hastily

Excessively

Slowly

Tranquilly

Correct answer:

Excessively

Explanation:

"Fulsome" is a word for excessive, extravagant, or inordinate. "Hasty" means very fast or hurried, and "slow" is an antonym of this concept. "Tranquil" means calm and placid. "Handsome" means attractive or substantial, depending on context.

Example Question #1656 : Synonyms

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

MISCHIEVOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Imminently

Enigmatically

Disobediently

Petulantly

Eminently

Correct answer:

Disobediently

Explanation:

"Mischievous" means "disobedient" or inclined to cause trouble. "Petulant" means peevish or irritated. "Enigmatic" means mysterious or puzzling. "Eminent" means distinguished and prominent, while "imminent" means impending or upcoming.

Example Question #1657 : Synonyms

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

MORDANTLY

Possible Answers:

Superficially

Domestically

Exaggeratedly

Exotically

Caustically

Correct answer:

Caustically

Explanation:

"Mordant" means caustic, acerbic, or biting. "Exotic" means foreign and is a near antonym to "domestic." "Exaggerated" means overstated or overemphasized, and "superficial" means shallow.

Example Question #1658 : Synonyms

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

INGRATIATINGLY

Possible Answers:

Nakedly

Smarmily

Lusciously

Thankfully

Ardently

Correct answer:

Smarmily

Explanation:

"Ingratiating" means sycophantic or smarmy, trying to flatter or compliment someone in order to gain favor. "Naked" means bare or nude. "Ardent" is a synonym for fervent and fervid. "Luscious" means delicious or succulent. "Thankful" is another word for "grateful."

Example Question #1659 : Synonyms

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

INNOCUOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Contagiously

Pathologically

Despicably

Resolutely

Harmlessly

Correct answer:

Harmlessly

Explanation:

"Innocuous" means harmless, safe, and inoffensive. "Despicable" means hateful and loathsome. "Resolute" means determined and resolved. The word "inoculation" means vaccination and is related to "contagion" and "pathology," but it is not related to "innocuous."

Example Question #1660 : Synonyms

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

METICULOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Querulously

Sloppily

Fastidiously

Listlessly

Excruciatingly

Correct answer:

Fastidiously

Explanation:

"Meticulous" means careful, fastidious, paying painstaking attention. This is an antonym of "sloppy." "Listless" is a synonym for "tired" or "lethargic," and "querulous" means irritable and petulant. "Excruciating" means intensely painful.

Example Question #1661 : Synonyms

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

INDEFATIGABLY

Possible Answers:

Curably

Somnolently

Tangibly

Untiringly

Enervatingly

Correct answer:

Untiringly

Explanation:

Someone "indefatigable" cannot be tired or exhausted easily. "Enervating" means weakening and is a near antonym for "indefatigable." "Somnolent" is a synonym for sleepy, and "tangible" means physically perceptible. "Curable" means able to be healed or fixed medically.

Example Question #1662 : Synonyms

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

PRODIGALLY

Possible Answers:

Wastefully

Deleteriously

Artistically

Thriftily

Perilously

Correct answer:

Wastefully

Explanation:

"Prodigal" means "wasteful" or profligate. "Thrifty," which means economic or cheap, generally has positive connotations, while "stingy," which means miserly or cheap, generally has negative connotations. "Artistic" means creative or aesthetic, and "deleterious" means harmful. "Perilous" means dangerous and hazardous.

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