SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2515 : Synonyms

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

ABOMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Quixotic

Wizened

Loathsome

Venerable

Undeserving

Correct answer:

Loathsome

Explanation:

The adjective "abominable" means horrible, gruesome, detestable and "loathsome." Additionally, "wizened" means weakened and wrinkled with age; "quixotic" means unrealistic, extremely impractical, based on romantic notions; "venerable" means deeply respected due to age and experience.

Example Question #2516 : Synonyms

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

RECONDITE

Possible Answers:

Spasmodic

Wholesome

Haggard

Surreptitious

Esoteric

Correct answer:

Esoteric

Explanation:

The adjective "recondite" means (of knowledge) privileged and ancient. This is identical in meaning to useful vocabulary like "arcane," "abstruse," and "esoteric." All four of these words (recondite, abstruse, esoteric, and arcane) might appear on the test - all four relate to knowledge known to only a few people. Additionally, "haggard" means having the appearance of being tired and overworked; "spasmodic" means intermittent, erratic, occurring at irregular intervals; "wholesome" means good-natured, virtuous; "surreptitious" means secretive, clandestine.

Example Question #2517 : Synonyms

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

GRANDIOSE

Possible Answers:

Uncouth

Circumspect

Resplendent

Supercilious

Luminary

Correct answer:

Resplendent

Explanation:

The adjective "grandiose" means magnificent, imposing, and majestic (particularly in an unnecessarily exaggerated fashion). This is closest in meaning to "resplendent" which means spectacular, splendid, brilliant. Additionally, "uncouth" means (of a person) rude and uncivilized, vulgar and unrefined; "luminary" means notable or famous within a particular area; "circumspect" means thoughtful and cautious; "supercilious" means arrogant, acting as if one thinks one is better than others, haughty and patronizing.

Example Question #2518 : Synonyms

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

LURID

Possible Answers:

Sensational

Impecunious

Trite

Maudlin

Banal

Correct answer:

Sensational

Explanation:

"Lurid" and "sensational" are synonyms, as are "maudlin" and "sentimental." "Trite" means banal, and "impecunious" means impoverished.

Example Question #2519 : Synonyms

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

INCHOATE

Possible Answers:

Nascent

Concrete

Laborious

Abstract

Esoteric

Correct answer:

Nascent

Explanation:

"Inchoate" and "nascent" both mean not fully formed. "Laborious" means arduous and difficult, and "esoteric" means abstruse. "Abstract" and "concrete" are antonyms.

Example Question #2520 : Synonyms

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

ADULTERATED

Possible Answers:

Contaminated

Disreputable

Laconic

Distraught

Execrable

Correct answer:

Contaminated

Explanation:

"Adulterated" means "contaminated," tainted, and impure. "Execrable" is a synonym for "dreadful," and "laconic" is a synonym for "terse." "Distraught" means distressed. "Disreputable" means notorious.

Example Question #2521 : Synonyms

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

HEINOUS

Possible Answers:

Torpid

Sparse

Scanty

Crushed

Atrocious

Correct answer:

Atrocious

Explanation:

"Heinous" and "atrocious" are synonyms. "Torpid" is another word for sluggish or lethargic. "Scanty" and "sparse" are synonyms, as are "crushed" and "devastated."

Example Question #2522 : Synonyms

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

ERRATIC

Possible Answers:

Unpredictable

Wholesome

Derogatory

Distraught

Apposite

Correct answer:

Unpredictable

Explanation:

"Erratic" means sporadic or "unpredictable." "Distraught" is a synonym for "distressed," and "wholesome" is a synonym for "healthful." "Apposite" means apt or appropriate for the circumstances. "Derogatory" is a synonym for "disparaging" or denigratory.

Example Question #2523 : Synonyms

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

MANIFOLD

Possible Answers:

Multifarious

Bewitching

Homogenous

Bewildered

Fabled

Correct answer:

Multifarious

Explanation:

"Manifold" and "multifarious" both mean diverse and heterogenous, an antonym for "homogenous." "Fabled" and "legendary" are synonyms, as are "bewitching" and "enchanting." "Bewildered" means confused.

Example Question #2524 : Synonyms

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

EGREGIOUS

Possible Answers:

Appalling

Jingoistic

Gregarious

Penurious

Chauvinistic

Correct answer:

Appalling

Explanation:

"Egregious" means outstandingly bad, shocking, or "appalling." "Penurious" and "impoverished" are synonyms, as are "jingoistic" and "chauvinistic." "Gregarious" is another word for outgoing and social.

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