SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2441 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCONGRUOUS

Possible Answers:

Disjunctive

Lethargic

Ailing

Clashing

Torpid

Correct answer:

Clashing

Explanation:

Something "incongruous" is unsuited, "clashing," or out of place. Don't confuse "incongruous" with "languorous," which means lethargic, tired, or torpid. "Ailing" means ill or sickly. "Disjunctive" means disconnected.

Example Question #2442 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPOSITORY

Possible Answers:

Adulterated

Gravid

Laudatory

Explanatory

Forbidding

Correct answer:

Explanatory

Explanation:

"Expository" writing, for example, is writing intended to explain or explicate. "Laudatory" is a synonym for "complimentary" or congratulatory. "Forbidding" means threatening, while "adulterated" means contaminated. "Gravid" is a synonym for "pregnant."

Example Question #2443 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Troubled

Outdated

Ghastly

Unmanageable

Despised

Correct answer:

Outdated

Explanation:

If something is "antiquated," it is old-fashioned or out of date.

The 200 year old house’s antiquated heating system still used coal as its fuel source.

So "outdated" is the best answer.

Example Question #2444 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SEVERE

Possible Answers:

Harsh

Misguided

Rude

Cut

Short

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

"Severe" means extreme or harsh. Hmm, guess that gave it away..."harsh" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #2445 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISARMING

Possible Answers:

Unwitting

Beguiling

Aggressive

Imminent

Hazardous

Correct answer:

Beguiling

Explanation:

"Disarming" can mean charming, persuasive, or beguiling and often describes someone's smile or demeanor. "Unwitting," on the other hand, means unaware. Don't confuse "disarming" with weapons and choose "aggressive" or "hazardous." "Imminent" means forthcoming or impending.

Example Question #2446 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISJUNCTIVE

Possible Answers:

Nascent

Inchoate

Disconnected

Protean

Protracted

Correct answer:

Disconnected

Explanation:

"Disjunctive" is a synonym for "disconnected." "Protracted" is a synonym for "prolonged." "Protean," on the other hand, means changeable or mutable. "Inchoate" and "nascent" are both synonyms for unformed, rudimentary.

Example Question #2447 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BANNED

Possible Answers:

Exact

Celestial

Forbidden

Deleterious

Presaged

Correct answer:

Forbidden

Explanation:

"Banned" means "forbidden." "Presaged" is a synonym for "foreseen," and "exact" is a synonym for precise. "Deleterious" means harmful. "Celestial" describes heavenly beings or objects in the sky, depending on the context.

Example Question #2448 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERBATIM

Possible Answers:

Egregious

Fatuous

Exact

Reprehensible

Unconscionable

Correct answer:

Exact

Explanation:

"Verbatim" means "exact," word for word. "Reprehensible" means loathsome, and "unconscionable" similarly means indefensible. "Fatuous" is a synonym for "silly" or foolish. "Egregious" means shockingly bad or outstanding for bad reasons.

Example Question #2449 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SALIENT

Possible Answers:

Important

Forestalled

Specious

Munificent

Preempted

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

The "salient" details of something are its most important or principal details. "Forestalled" and "preempted" are synonyms. "Specious" means false or misleading. "Munificent" means very generous and philanthropic.

Example Question #2450 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SWANKY

Possible Answers:

Zany

Luxurious

Prolix

Inchoate

Herculean

Correct answer:

Luxurious

Explanation:

"Swanky" means elegant, stylish, and "luxurious." "Prolix" is a synonym for "verbose," and "herculean" is a synonym for "onerous." "Inchoate" means nascent and unformed. "Zany" means eccentric and bizarre.

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