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 #1701 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNWITTINGLY

Possible Answers:

Unknowingly

Glibly

Eruditely

Serendipitously

Reluctantly

Correct answer:

Unknowingly

Explanation:

"Unwitting" means unknowing or unaware. "Erudite" means scholarly and learned. "Reluctant" is a synonym for "hesitant," while "serendipitous" means lucky or fortune. "Glib" means smooth-talking, slick, polished.

Example Question #1702 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUBLIMINALLY

Possible Answers:

Punitively

Subconsciously

Esoterically

Copiously

Thrillingly

Correct answer:

Subconsciously

Explanation:

Something "subliminal" is below someone's consciousness or awareness. "Esoteric" is a synonym for "abstruse" or scholarly, and "copious" means abundant or profuse. "Punitive" is another word for punishing. "Thrilling" means exciting, galvanizing, or even shocking.

Example Question #1703 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CIRCUMSPECTLY

Possible Answers:

Repentantly

Bodaciously

Cautiously

Repetitively

Inquisitively

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

"Circumspect" means cautious, wary, or guarded. "Bodacious" means excellent or very admirable, and "inquisitive" means questioning or curious. "Repentant" is a synonym for "penitent" or contrite. Another word for "repetitive" is "redundant."

Example Question #1704 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Ephemerally

Idealistically

Loudly

Pessimistically

Repugnantly

Correct answer:

Loudly

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means loud, clamorous, noisy. "Pessimistic" is an antonym for "optimistic" or hopeful. Another word for "idealistic" is quixotic, a word derived from the Spanish novel Don Quixote. "Repugnant" means vile or loathsome. "Ephemeral" means short-lived, fleeting, brief.

Example Question #1705 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Dreadfully

Hypocritically

Libelously

Courageously

Laconically

Correct answer:

Libelously

Explanation:

"Scurrilous" describes slanderous (false) and often scandalous or vulgar rumors designed to discredit a person or group. "Laconic" means concise or terse. "Courageous" is a synonym for "brave," and "dreadful" is a synonym for "frightful" and awful. A "hypocrite" is someone who pretends to hold certain beliefs or live by certain standards that he/she does not actually abide by.

Example Question #1706 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNSAVORILY

Possible Answers:

Subliminally

Petulantly

Determinedly

Disreputably

Rambunctiously

Correct answer:

Disreputably

Explanation:

"Unsavory" means disagreeable, disreputable. It often describes a person, area, or situation. "Rambunctious" is another word for boisterous, and "subliminal" is another word for subconscious. "Determined" is a synonym for "dogged" or "resolute." "Petulant" is a synonym for "peevish" or irritable.

Example Question #1707 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FORLORNLY

Possible Answers:

Sublimely

Ingenuously

Sadly

Daringly

Childishly

Correct answer:

Sadly

Explanation:

"Forlorn" means sad, pathetic, and downcast. "Sublime" means exalted, awesome. "Ingenuous" can mean innocent, naive, or even childish. Something "daring" is bold or risky.

Example Question #1708 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNCOUTHLY

Possible Answers:

Bombastically

Hatefully

Pruriently

Rudely

Pompously

Correct answer:

Rudely

Explanation:

"Uncouth" means coarse, unrefined, brutish, or rude. "Prurient" means lustful and lecherous. "Bombastic" and "pompous" are synonyms. "Hateful" and "loving" are antonyms, of course.

Example Question #1709 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BALEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Gleefully

Candidly

Menacingly

Drunkenly

Saucily

Correct answer:

Menacingly

Explanation:

"Baleful" means threatening, menacing, and hostile. "Candid" means sincere and frank. "Drunken" is a synonym for "inebriated," and "saucy" is a synonym for "cheeky." Gleeful" means joyful, elated.

Example Question #1710 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBSEQUIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Abstemiously

Haughtily

Sycophantically

Superciliously

Drolly

Correct answer:

Sycophantically

Explanation:

"Obsequious" means sycophantic, fawning, flattering, or servile. This is an antonym for "haughty," which also means supercilious. "Droll" means humorous, particularly in a dry way. "Abstemious" means temperate or moderate.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors