SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1631 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INGENIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Innocuously

Histrionically

Innovatively

Naively

Innocently

Correct answer:

Innovatively

Explanation:

"Ingenious" means clever, inventive, or innovative. Don't confuse it with "ingenuous," which means naive and innocent. "Histrionic" means melodramatic or overly theatrical, and "innocuous" means harmless.

Example Question #1632 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXECRABLY

Possible Answers:

Wondrously

Romantically

Scientifically

Dreadfully

Wonderfully

Correct answer:

Dreadfully

Explanation:

"Execrable" means extremely bad, awful, and dreadful. This is an antonym for both "wonderful" and "wondrous." "Scientifically" means in a scientific manner, and "romantic" is a synonym for "amorous."

Example Question #1633 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARDUOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Mendaciously

Duplicitously

Indolently

Laboriously

Indigently

Correct answer:

Laboriously

Explanation:

Something that is "arduous" is "laborious" or strenuous, requiring hard and often difficult work. "Indolent" means lazy, and "indigent" means impoverished or homeless. "Mendacious" and "duplicitous" are both synonyms for dishonest.

Example Question #1634 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INDECOROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Properly

Immodestly

Sporadically

Impecuniously

Perilously

Correct answer:

Immodestly

Explanation:

"Indecorous" and "immodest" are both synonyms for improper. This is an antonym for "proper." "Impecunious" means penniless, impoverished. "Sporadic" means infrequent, irregular, or random, and "perilous" means dangerous.

Example Question #1635 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HISTRIONICALLY

Possible Answers:

Qualitatively

Newly

Melodramatically

Immaculately

Triflingly

Correct answer:

Melodramatically

Explanation:

"Histrionic" means melodramatic, overdramatic, or theatrical. "New" is an antonym for "old," and "qualitative" is an antonym for "quantitative." "Immaculate" means pristine or spotless, and "trifling" means unimportant.

Example Question #1636 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VITUPERATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Parsimoniously

Arduously

Bitterly

Impartially

Indefatigably

Correct answer:

Bitterly

Explanation:

"Vituperative" means bitter, critical, and abusive. "Arduous" means laborious, difficult. "Impartial" is unbiased, while "parsimonious" is stingy and miserly. "Indefatigable" means untiring or inexhaustible.

Example Question #1637 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WANTONLY

Possible Answers:

Obstreperously

Decently

Ostentatiously

Immorally

Perceptively

Correct answer:

Immorally

Explanation:

When used to describe a person, "wanton" can mean immoral, promiscuous, or indecent. "Decent" is an antonym of this concept. In other contexts, "wanton" can also mean deliberately destructive, such as a wanton act of violence. "Perceptive" means perceiving, attentive. "Obstreperous" means boisterous. "Ostentatious" means showy or pretentious.

Example Question #1638 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPLAISANTLY

Possible Answers:

Acquiescently

Prodigally

Doggedly

Smugly

Frugally

Correct answer:

Acquiescently

Explanation:

"Complaisant" means acquiescent, cheerfully agreeing to do things for others. This isn't to be confused with "complacent," which means smug and self-satisfied. "Prodigal" means wasteful, which is an antonym of "frugal," or economical. "Dogged" means determined and persistent.

Example Question #1639 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Cryptically

Ingenuously

Trenchantly

Ingeniously

Unpredictably

Correct answer:

Unpredictably

Explanation:

"Capricious" means fickle, unpredictable, and whimsical. "Trenchant" means cutting or incisive. "Ingenious" is another word for "clever" or innovative, while "ingenuous" is another word for "innocent" or naive. Something "cryptic" is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Example Question #1640 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOLEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Impecuniously

Mellifluously

Gregariously

Mournfully

Confidently

Correct answer:

Mournfully

Explanation:

Someone who is "doleful" is mournful and sorrowful. "Gregarious" is another word for social or outgoing, and "mellifluous" is another word for harmonious or sweet-sounding. "Confidence" is self-assurance. "Impecunious" means impoverished or penniless.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors