SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #851 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SIBILANT

Possible Answers:

Exquisite

Hissing

Orotund

Soporific

Sonorous

Correct answer:

Hissing

Explanation:

"Sibilant" describes a "hissing" or snakelike noise. "Exquisite" means lovely and beautiful, and "soporific" is sleep-inducing. "Orotund" and "sonorous" are synonyms for pleasant sounding.

Example Question #852 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Cyan

Decadent

Burnished

Noisy

Scrumptious

Correct answer:

Noisy

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means "noisy," resonant, clanging. "Burnished" means polished, and "cyan" is a shade of blue. "Scrumptious" means absolutely delicious, and "decadent" means either depraved or luxurious and indulgent, as in a decadent chocolate cake.

Example Question #853 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Spacious

Minute

Apparent

Pulchritudinous

Miniscule

Correct answer:

Spacious

Explanation:

"Commodious" is a synonym for "spacious," roomy, or capacious. This is an antonym for "minute," which means minuscule or tiny. "Apparent" is another word for obvious or evident. "Pulchritudinous" is another word for visually beautiful.

Example Question #854 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TUMESCENT

Possible Answers:

Eloquent

Turbulent

Enigmatic

Distended

Zany

Correct answer:

Distended

Explanation:

"Tumescent" is a synonym for "distended," swollen, or turgid. Don't confuse this with "tumultuous," or turbulent. "Eloquent" means fluent or articulate. "Enigmatic" means mysterious. "Zany" means weird or eccentric.

Example Question #855 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOISOME

Possible Answers:

Orotund

Ocular

Suppurating

Foul

Accidental

Correct answer:

Foul

Explanation:

"Noisome" describes an unpleasant or disagreeable smell. "Accidental" means not on purpose, and "orotund" means sonorous or pleasant sounding. "Suppurating" is another word for festering or rotting. "Ocular" means related to the eye.

Example Question #856 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Spartan

Undulating

Helpful

Asinine

Excruciating

Correct answer:

Spartan

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, "spartan," or monastic. While an "ascetic" lifestyle may be unpleasant, it is not the same as "excruciating," or extremely painful. "Undulating" is another word for wavy. "Asinine" means inane or stupid. "Helpful" is an antonym for "helpless," of course.

Example Question #857 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUAT

Possible Answers:

Ecumenical

Scrumptious

Laudatory

Munificent

Stubby

Correct answer:

Stubby

Explanation:

"Squat" means "stubby," thickset, short, and stocky. "Scrumptious" is another word for delicious, and "ecumenical" is another word for all-encompassing, universal. "Munificent" means generous or magnanimous. "Laudatory" means commendable, praiseworthy.

Example Question #858 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LEONINE

Possible Answers:

Lionlike

Sordid

Avian

Storklike

Contemplative

Correct answer:

Lionlike

Explanation:

"Leonine" means "lionlike," regal, or handsome. Don't confuse this with "avian," or birdlike. "Contemplative" means deeply thoughtful. "Sordid" means filthy, dirty, squalid. "Storklike" means tall, stalky, thin.

Example Question #859 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Elegant

Guilty

Ecstatic

Delicious

Hateful

Correct answer:

Delicious

Explanation:

"Delectable" means really yummy.

I couldn’t stop staring at the delectable looking pastries in the bakery window.

So "delicious" is the best answer.

Example Question #860 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPARTAN

Possible Answers:

Ritualistic

Cantankerous

Fetid

Austere

Manifold

Correct answer:

Austere

Explanation:

"Spartan" means austere or ascetic. "Fetid" is a synonym for rotting, and "cantankerous" means grumpy or ill-tempered. "Manifold" means diverse and varied. "Ritualistic" means in the manner of a ritual or ceremonial rite.

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