SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2391 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ONEROUS

Possible Answers:

Vituperative

Phlegmatic

Difficult

Vacuous

Excessive

Correct answer:

Difficult

Explanation:

"Onerous" means difficult and burdensome. "Vacuous" means silly and inane, and "vituperative" means bitter and abusive. "Phlegmatic" is a synonym for "calm" and "composed." "Excessive" means too much.

Example Question #2392 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAUNTING

Possible Answers:

Malleable

Gauche

Immutable

Enervated

Formidable

Correct answer:

Formidable

Explanation:

"Daunting" and "formidable" are synonyms that mean intimidating. "Immutable" means unchanging, which is an antonym for "malleable," or flexible and easily changing. "Gauche" is a synonym for "inelegant" and "tasteless." "Enervated" means weakened and lacking in energy.

Example Question #2393 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXIGENT

Possible Answers:

Frenzied

Urgent

Impecunious

Baronial

Garish

Correct answer:

Urgent

Explanation:

"Exigent" means "urgent" and dire. "Impecunious" means penniless and destitute. "Baronial" means grand and stately. "Frenzied" is a synonym for "frantic," and "garish" is a synonym for "tawdry."

Example Question #2394 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPECIOUS

Possible Answers:

Misleading

Onerous

Strenuous

Advantageous

Gleeful

Correct answer:

Misleading

Explanation:

"Specious" means deceitful or "misleading." "Onerous" and "strenuous" are synonyms that both mean laborious, difficult. "Gleeful" means delightful, joyful. "Advantageous" and "beneficial" are synonyms.

Example Question #2395 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LAUDATORY

Possible Answers:

Munificent

Distraught

Supercilious

Euphoric

Congratulatory

Correct answer:

Congratulatory

Explanation:

"Laudatory" means "congratulatory" and complimentary. "Munificent" is a synonym for "bountiful" or generous. "Distraught" is a synonym for "distressed." "Euphoric" means ecstatic or elated. "Supercilious" means haughty, arrogant.

Example Question #2396 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BIZARRE

Possible Answers:

Common

Impeccable

Derelict

Unusual

Soft

Correct answer:

Unusual

Explanation:

The adjective "bizarre" means weird, unfamiliar and unusual. Additionally, "impeccable" means flawless, perfect; "derelict" means (of a building) in poor condition, falling down.

Example Question #2397 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISPARATE

Possible Answers:

Dispassionate

Benighted

Subjective

Contrasting

Objective

Correct answer:

Contrasting

Explanation:

The adjective "disparate" means different from, distinct and varied, contrasting. Additionally, "objective" means unbiased and "subjective" means biased, based on one's own perceptions - these two words are antonyms. Finally, "benighted" means ignorant; "dispassionate" means calm, under control.

Example Question #2398 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PREVALENT

Possible Answers:

Portentous

Profane

Ambiguous

Widespread

Unknown

Correct answer:

Widespread

Explanation:

The adjective "prevalent" means widespread, common in a certain large area. Additionally, "ambiguous" means vague, unclear; "profane" means irreverent, sacrilegious, offensive (particularly to a religion); "portentous" means ominous, suggesting something negative might happen.

Example Question #2399 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Evasive

Contrite

Apocryphal

Exotic

Adulterated

Correct answer:

Apocryphal

Explanation:

"Spurious" means fictitious or "apocryphal." "Exotic" means strange or foreign, and "contrite" means penitent or repentant. "Elusive" is a synonym for "evasive." "Adulterated" means contaminated or impure.

Example Question #2400 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FALLACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Erroneous

Inimical

Distraught

Despondent

Illusory

Correct answer:

Erroneous

Explanation:

"Fallacious" is another word for falsified or "erroneous." "Inimical" means hostile, and "illusory" means delusive. "Distraught" means distressed. "Despondent" is another word for despairing.

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