SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2191 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PIVOTAL

Possible Answers:

Bitter

Sarcastic

Essential

Minor

Trivial

Correct answer:

Essential

Explanation:

"Pivotal" means essential. "Trivial" and "minor" are antonyms of "pivotal." They each mean small and unimportant. "Bitter" can mean having a sharp taste, or be used to describe someone who is resentful.

Example Question #2192 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CARDINAL

Possible Answers:

Principal

Questionable

Wrapped

Real

Incorrect

Correct answer:

Principal

Explanation:

"Cardinal" means principal or of chief importance, so "principal" is the correct answer. None of the other words are close in meaning to "cardinal": "wrapped" means covered; "real" means authentic; "questionable" means debatable; and "incorrect" means wrong or not true.

Example Question #2193 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SEMINAL

Possible Answers:

Influential

Clean

Secretive

Severe

Contemporary

Correct answer:

Influential

Explanation:

"Seminal" means influential, formative, or primary, so "influential" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "seminal": "severe" means harsh; "clean" means tidy, "secretive" means private; and "contemporary" means current.

Example Question #2194 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PARAMOUNT

Possible Answers:

Committed

Redacted

Predominant

Affectionate

Cinematic

Correct answer:

Predominant

Explanation:

"Paramount" means most important, and the correct answer "predominant" means most important, powerful, or noticeable. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "cinematic" means relating to films, "affectionate" means loving, "redacted" means censored, and "committed" means obligated.

Example Question #2195 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SEMINAL

Possible Answers:

Insignificant

Detailed

Regular

Bothersome

Influential

Correct answer:

Influential

Explanation:

"Seminal" means innovative, original, or "influential."

Example Question #2196 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NEGLIGIBLE

Possible Answers:

Easygoing

Aggressive

Essential

Insignificant

Opposite

Correct answer:

Insignificant

Explanation:

"Negligible" means so small it's not worth considering, or "insignificant."

Example Question #2197 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONFOUNDING

Possible Answers:

Astounding

Mesmerizing

Baffling

Aggravating

Belittling

Correct answer:

Baffling

Explanation:

"Confounding" means confusing and difficult to figure out. "Baffling" means puzzling. Given how similar "confounding" and "baffling" are in meaning, they are synonyms.

Example Question #2198 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROMINENT

Possible Answers:

Talkative

Important

Reserved

Pale

Personable

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

Prominent means well-known or famous.

Example Question #2199 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUBSTANTIAL

Possible Answers:

Practical

Kind

Considerable

Heavy

Rough

Correct answer:

Considerable

Explanation:

Substantial means of considerable importance or worth.

Example Question #2200 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FUNDAMENTAL

Possible Answers:

Pesky

Underlying

Constructive

Capital

Violent

Correct answer:

Underlying

Explanation:

Foundational means basic or underlying.

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