SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1713 : Synonyms

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

OPPROBRIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Reluctantly

Recalcitrantly

Belligerently

Vituperatively

Lyrically

Correct answer:

Vituperatively

Explanation:

"Opprobrious" and "vituperative" both mean verbally abusive. "Recalcitrant" means uncooperative and stubborn. "Reluctant" means hesitant, and "lyrical" means poetic. "Belligerent" is another word for aggressive.

Example Question #1714 : Synonyms

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

SALACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Pruriently

Decorously

Gently

Barbarously

Vivaciously

Correct answer:

Pruriently

Explanation:

"Salacious" and "prurient" both describe an indecent interest in sexual matters. "Decorous," which means polite and proper, is an antonym for this. "Barbarous" means cruel and savage. "Gentle" means tender and kind. "Vivacious" means lively.

Example Question #1715 : Synonyms

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

SEAMLESSLY

Possible Answers:

Continuously

Stalwart

Epigrammatically

Intransigently

Vicariously

Correct answer:

Continuously

Explanation:

"Seamless" means without a seam, bump, or interruption. "Epigrammatic" means pithy, and "stalwart" means loyal. "Intransigent" is another word for stubborn. "Vicarious" is a synonym for "secondhand" or indirect.

Example Question #1716 : Synonyms

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

PUNITIVELY

Possible Answers:

Punishingly

Fanatically

Triflingly

Clangorously

Gelidly

Correct answer:

Punishingly

Explanation:

"Punitive" is a synonym for "punishing." "Clangorous" means loud and clamorous. "Gelid" is a synonym for "icy" or cold. "Trifling" means trivial and unimportant. "Fanatic" means zealously militant.

Example Question #1717 : Synonyms

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

SANGUINELY

Possible Answers:

Cynically

Optimistically

Prophetically

Unlawfully

Frankly

Correct answer:

Optimistically

Explanation:

"Sanguine" means cheerful and "optimistic." This is an antonym for "cynical," or pessimistic. "Prophetic" means clairvoyant, able to see the future. Another word for "unlawful" is illegal, and another word for "frank" is forthright.

Example Question #1718 : Synonyms

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

REPREHENSIBLY

Possible Answers:

Petulantly

Fantastically

Indigently

Deplorably

Indignantly

Correct answer:

Deplorably

Explanation:

"Reprehensible" is a synonym for deplorable, detestable. Another word for "fantastical" is magical, and another word for "petulant" is irritable or peevish. "Indignant" means resentful, offended, and annoyed, whereas "indigent" means vagrant or penniless.

Example Question #1719 : Synonyms

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

DISCURSIVELY

Possible Answers:

Ramblingly

Shrewdly

Solemnly

Superficially

Congenially

Correct answer:

Ramblingly

Explanation:

"Discursive" means rambling and digressive. "Shrewd" means astute, and "congenial" means personable, friendly. Another word for "solemn" is somber. Another word for "superficial" is shallow.

Example Question #1720 : Synonyms

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

VOCIFEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Misanthropically

Sanguinely

Vehemently

Pruriently

Lethargically

Correct answer:

Vehemently

Explanation:

"Vociferous" means vehement, loud, clamorous, and protesting. "Sanguine" means optimistic and cheerful. "Lethargy" is lassitude or sluggishness. "Misanthropic" means antisocial or unfriendly, and "prurient" means lustful, inordinately concerned with sexual matters.

Example Question #1721 : Synonyms

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

PEJORATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Luridly

Pleasantly

Morbidly

Derogatorily

Complaisantly

Correct answer:

Derogatorily

Explanation:

"Pejorative" means disparaging or derogatory. "Lurid" is a synonym for "bright" and garish. "Complaisant" means obliging, agreeable, or giving in easily. "Pleasant" means enjoyable, friendly, or nice. "Morbid" means macabre or abnormally interested in death and disease.

Example Question #1722 : Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Truthfully

Pithily

Infectiously

Scandalously

Ostentatiously

Correct answer:

Scandalously

Explanation:

Something "scurrilous" spreads slanderous, scandalous, and sometimes humorous claims about someone. A synonym for "infectious" is contagious, and a synonym for "truthful" is "honest." "Pithy" means succinct and terse, to the point. "Ostentatious" means showy or pretentious.

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