SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1116 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters

ERRATIC

Possible Answers:

violent

large

antique

unpredictable

pretty

Correct answer:

unpredictable

Explanation:

Erratic means not having a regular pattern, or unpredictable.

Example Question #2431 : Synonyms

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

PORTABLE

Possible Answers:

Debatable

Mobile

Inconsistent

Thirsty

Formulaic

Correct answer:

Mobile

Explanation:

Portable means movable or mobile.

Example Question #2291 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERIODICAL

Possible Answers:

Syntactical

Occasional

Journalistic

Investigative

Grammatical

Correct answer:

Occasional

Explanation:

"Periodical" and "occasional" are synonyms describing periods of time. The other words do not have meanings that relate to time. 

Example Question #2292 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOMENTARY

Possible Answers:

Sentimental

Eternal

Timeless

Passing

Momentum

Correct answer:

Passing

Explanation:

"Momentary" and "passing" are synonymous adjectives similar in meaning to the word fleeting or temporary. The other words do not have related meanings. "Eternal" and "timeless" are synonyms describing the property of being immutable.

Example Question #2293 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANACHRONISTIC

Possible Answers:

From another time

Senior

Soon

Elderly 

Recent

Correct answer:

From another time

Explanation:

"Elderly" and "senior" are both closely related in meaning. These answer choices, however, are not perfectly aligned with "anachronistic," which is in fact synonymous with from a time other than the present time. "Soon" and "recent" are also closely related words related to time, they are more specific terms than anachronistic.

Example Question #2294 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROVISIONAL

Possible Answers:

Erroneous

Aloof

Temporary

Elusive

Permanent

Correct answer:

Temporary

Explanation:

The adjective "provisional" means temporary, conditional, designed to be impermanent. Additionally, "permanent" means lasting forever; "elusive" means hard to catch, hard to find, hard to identify; "erroneous" means based on a mistaken belief; "aloof" means distant and withdrawn, detached from human contact and unfriendly.

Example Question #2295 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Incendiary

Adjoining

Capricious

Beatific

Abominable

Correct answer:

Adjoining

Explanation:

The adjective "contiguous" means not separate, touching one another, adjacent, or adjoining. Additionally, "beatific" means joyous and blissful; "incendiary" means flammable or likely to cause an offended and passionate reaction; "capricious" means fickle, inconsistent, and changeable; and "abominable" means loathsome and hated.

Example Question #2296 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INEXORABLE

Possible Answers:

Abstruse

Relentless

Unscathed

Poised

Indispensable

Correct answer:

Relentless

Explanation:

The adjective "inexorable" means unstoppable, "relentless," impossible to prevent from happening. Additionally, "unscathed" means unharmed by; "indispensable" means vital, needed, essential; "abstruse" means (of knowledge) hard to understand, esoteric, arcane, recondite; "poised" means showing calm and composure in a stressful situation.

Example Question #2297 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRECIPITOUS

Possible Answers:

Dormant

Wide

Steep

Loose

Narrow

Correct answer:

Steep

Explanation:

The adjective "precipitous" means dangerously steep, sheer. It can also mean sudden and abrupt. Additionally, "dormant" means sleeping, at rest, not active.

Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

INOPPORTUNE

Possible Answers:

Assiduous

Enigmatic. 

Insidious

Untimely

Pusillanimous

Correct answer:

Untimely

Explanation:

The adjective "inopportune" means occurring at the wrong time, inappropriate for the moment, or "untimely." To provide further help, "untimely" means happening at a time deemed unfortunate or inappropriate. Additionally, "enigmatic "means mysterious, puzzling; "pusillanimous" means cowardly, not brave; "assiduous" means hard-working, meticulous, showing 'attention to detail'; "insidious" means treacherous, advancing in a deceptively slow fashion that nonetheless leads to devastating consequences.

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