SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #59 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

RASH

Possible Answers:

Aggressive

Reckless

Direct

Iconic

Cheerful

Correct answer:

Reckless

Explanation:

"Rash" means hasty and reckless. "Direct" and "indirect" are antonyms, as are "cheerful" and "unhappy." "Iconic" means classic. "Aggressive" means antagonistic and hostile.

Example Question #60 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

DISTRAUGHT

Possible Answers:

Grim

Bewildered

Distressed

Bashful

Dismal

Correct answer:

Distressed

Explanation:

"Distraught" means distressed and upset. "Bashful" means shy, and "bewildered" means confused or confounded. "Dismal" means glum and dreary, and "grim" means dark, stern, or dire, depending on context.

Example Question #921 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARDENT

Possible Answers:

Avid

Zealous

Eminent

Parochial

Illustrious

Correct answer:

Zealous

Explanation:

"Ardent" means fervid, passionate, or zealous. "Parochial" and "provincial" are synonyms, as are "eminent" and "illustrious." "Avid" means keen and eager.

Example Question #922 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

HOSTILE

Possible Answers:

Envious

Livid

Skeptical

Euphoric

Inimical

Correct answer:

Inimical

Explanation:

"Hostile" and "inimical" are synonyms. "Envious" means jealous, "skeptical" means dubious, and "euphoric" means ecstatic. "Livid" means extremely angry.

Example Question #923 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Supercilious

Bewildered

Superficial

Acerbic

Abrasive

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" means "bewildered" or puzzled. "Abrasive" means harsh or rough. "Superficial" means shallow, and "supercilious" means haughty or arrogant. "Acerbic" and "caustic" are synonyms.

Example Question #924 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

EBULLIENT

Possible Answers:

Imminent

Exuberant

Deleterious

Decadent

Forbidding

Correct answer:

Exuberant

Explanation:

"Ebullient" and "exuberant" both mean very happy and cheerful. "Imminent" means upcoming or impending. "Deleterious" mean harmful, and "decadent" means dissolute or morally degenerate. "Forbidding" means grim or unwelcoming.

Example Question #925 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

SLEEPY

Possible Answers:

Bashful

Convincing

Somnolent

Sugary

Lascivious

Correct answer:

Somnolent

Explanation:

"Somnolent" is another word for "sleepy." "Sugary" means sweet, and "lascivious" means lecherous, lustful. "Bashful" is another word for shy, and "convincing" means persuasive.

Example Question #926 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HISTRIONIC

Possible Answers:

Recondite

Capacious

Theatrical

Inane

Insipid

Correct answer:

Theatrical

Explanation:

The adjective "histrionic" is used to describe someone who is overly dramatic or theatrical. Additionally, "recondite" means (of knowledge) known by only a few people, arcane and esoteric; "insipid" means tasteless, lacking flavor or character; "capacious" means roomy, spacious, voluminous; "inane" means pointless and stupid, meaningless.

Example Question #927 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCENSED

Possible Answers:

Calm

Alone

Lenient

Angry

Happy

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

The adjective "incensed" means made furious by, deeply angry at. Additionally, "lenient" means tolerant, not strict.

Example Question #928 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AVERSE

Possible Answers:

Unbecoming

Unfortunate

Untimely

Unwilling

Unlikely

Correct answer:

Unwilling

Explanation:

The adjective "averse" means opposed to, "unwilling." Additionally, "untimely" means happening at the wrong or an inappropriate time; "unbecoming" means not flattering, not attractive, inappropriate.

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