SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1721 : Synonyms

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

SLAVISHLY

Possible Answers:

Subserviently

Notoriously

Pertinaciously

Proudly

Capriciously

Correct answer:

Subserviently

Explanation:

"Slavish" means subservient, fawning, in the manner of a servant. This is an antonym for "proud." "Notorious" means infamous, and "pertinacious" means determined or persistent. A synonym for "capricious" is mercurial.

Example Question #1722 : Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Capaciously

Exigently

Electively

Grandly

Solicitously

Correct answer:

Capaciously

Explanation:

"Commodious" means spacious, capacious, and roomy. "Exigent" is a synonym for "urgent," and "elective" is a synonym for "optional." "Solicitous" means concerned and caring. "Grand" means large, impressive, and sweeping.

Example Question #1723 : Synonyms

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

ECUMENICALLY

Possible Answers:

Speciously

Catholically

Precisely

Argumentatively

Dubiously

Correct answer:

Catholically

Explanation:

"Ecumenical" means inclusive, universal, or catholic (not to be confused with Catholic, which is a specific Christian religion). "Argumentative" means quarrelsome or combative. "Specious" means false or misleading. "Precise" is a synonym for "exact," and "dubious" is a synonym for "doubtful" or suspicious, depending on context.

Example Question #1724 : Synonyms

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

PREPOSTEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Absurdly

Deservedly

Disguisedly

Wretchedly

Humbly

Correct answer:

Absurdly

Explanation:

"Preposterous" means absurd, outlandish. Don't confuse this with an "impostor," or someone who disguises themselves to look like another person. "Deservedly" means well-earned. "Wretched" is a synonym for "miserable" or abject, and "humble" is a synonym for "modest."

Example Question #1725 : Synonyms

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

EFFICACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Haphazardly

Effectively

Stringently

Irascibly

Capaciously

Correct answer:

Effectively

Explanation:

"Efficacious" is a synonym for "effectual" or effective. "Capacious" means spacious, perhaps even palatial. "Stringent" means strict, severe, or demanding. "Haphazard" means random, slapdash. "Irascible" is a synonym for "irritable," petulant.

Example Question #1726 : Synonyms

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

LACHRYMOSELY

Possible Answers:

Histrionically

Illegitimately

Ravenously

Cholerically

Tearfully

Correct answer:

Tearfully

Explanation:

"Lachrymose" is a word for tearful, weepy. "Illegitimate" is an antonym for "legitimate," and "choleric" is a synonym for "irritable" or irascible. "Ravenous" means very hungry, voracious. "Histrionic" means melodramatic, hysterical.

Example Question #1727 : Synonyms

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

VIRULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Superfluously

Ostentatiously

Innovatively

Bitterly

Ingeniously

Correct answer:

Bitterly

Explanation:

"Virulent" means bitter or extremely harmful, depending on the context (e.g. a virulent tirade or a virulent disease). "Ingenious" is a synonym for "clever" and "innovative." "Superfluous" means excessive or unnecessary. "Ostentatious" means showy in a conspicuous, pretentious way.

Example Question #1728 : Synonyms

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

UNIRONICALLY

Possible Answers:

Insincerely

Mordantly

Deplorably

Earnestly

Trenchantly

Correct answer:

Earnestly

Explanation:

If something is "not ironic," it is sincere or in earnest. "Mordant" and "trenchant" are synonyms for harsh, cutting. "Deplorable" means reprehensible or disgraceful.

Example Question #1731 : Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Sibilantly

Fortunately

Cacophonously

Heedlessly

Religiously

Correct answer:

Fortunately

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luck or random good fortune. This isn't the same thing as "religious" or "faithful." "Heedless" means reckless, unmindful, and incautious. "Sibilant" describes a hissing sound, and "cacophonous" describes a chaotic mess of sound.

Example Question #1732 : Synonyms

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

JOCULARLY

Possible Answers:

Disarmingly

Insufferably

Execrably

Obdurately

Jokingly

Correct answer:

Jokingly

Explanation:

"Jocular" means joking, humorous. "Execrable" means terrible, dreadful. "Insufferable" is a synonym for "dreadful." "Obdurate" means stubborn, recalcitrant. "Disarming" means charming or beguiling.

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