SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #931 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BEATIFIC

Possible Answers:

Malicious

Garrulous

Rapturous

Vehement

Obstinate

Correct answer:

Rapturous

Explanation:

The adjective "beatific" means blissfully happy, deeply joyous, or "rapturous" which means ecstatic, showing great joy. Additionally, "garrulous" means loquacious, talkative; "malicious" means spiteful, showing ill-will, hateful; "obstinate" means stubborn, recalcitrant, refusing to change one's mind; "vehement" means showing a forceful passion and commitment to.

Example Question #932 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROTEAN

Possible Answers:

Assured

Rapacious

Unstable

Listless

Substantiated

Correct answer:

Unstable

Explanation:

The adjective "protean" is used to describe something that frequently changes and is inconsistent. This is closest in meaning to "unstable." Additionally, "substantiated" means proved through evidence; "assured" means self-confident; "listless" means lacking energy and enthusiasm; "rapacious" means extremely greedy.

Example Question #933 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VORACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Timorous

Gauche

Insatiable

Bereft

Venal

Correct answer:

Insatiable

Explanation:

The adjective "voracious" means starving, not able to be satisfied, or "insatiable." Additionally, "bereft" means deprived of, sad due to a loss; "venal" means corrupt, able to be bribed; "gauche" means impolite, lacking social graces; "timorous" means prone to nervousness and anxiety.

Example Question #934 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MAUDLIN

Possible Answers:

Sentimental

Naive

Hurtful

Painstaking

Chipper

Correct answer:

Sentimental

Explanation:

"Maudlin" means "sentimental," exaggeratedly and often tearfully so. "Naive" means innocent and childlike, while "painstaking" means very careful and thorough. "Chipper" means very cheerful.

Example Question #935 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Volatile

Facetious

Stern

Lassitudinous

Glum

Correct answer:

Glum

Explanation:

"Morose" is a synonym for "glum" or lugubrious. "Facetious" means flippant, inappropriately using humor. "Stern" means strict, and "volatile" means temperamental, explosive. "Lassitude" is lethargy or sluggishness.

Example Question #936 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESPONDENT

Possible Answers:

Insufferable

Eager

Enthusiastic

Despairing

Poignant

Correct answer:

Despairing

Explanation:

"Despondent" and "despairing" are synonyms, as are "eager" and "enthusiastic." "Poignant" means touching, tragic, or plaintive. "Insufferable" is a synonym for "unbearable" or intolerable.

Example Question #937 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ENERVATED

Possible Answers:

Energized

Melancholic

Pulchritudinous 

Debilitated

Invigorated

Correct answer:

Debilitated

Explanation:

"Enervated" and "debilitated" both mean severely weakened. This is an antonym for both "energetic" and "invigorated." "Pulchritudinous" means very beautiful, and "melancholic" means sad.

Example Question #938 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHOLERIC

Possible Answers:

Incorrigible

Obsequious

Emaciated

Irritable

Perfidious

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

The adjective "choleric" means bad-tempered and easily annoyed, making "irritable" the best answer. Additionally, "emaciated" means starving, very underweight from lack of nutrition; "incorrigible" means unable to be controlled; "perfidious" means disloyal; and "obsequious" means servile, subservient, and easily dominated by others

Example Question #939 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EMOTIVE

Possible Answers:

Exquisite

Expressive

Manifold

Laudable

Contrite

Correct answer:

Expressive

Explanation:

Someone who is "emotive" is very "expressive" and open about sharing emotions. "Exquisite" is another word for lovely or beautiful, and "laudable" means commendable or praiseworthy. "Manifold" is a synonym for "diverse" or varied. "Contrite" means repentant or penitent.

Example Question #940 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISCONSOLATE

Possible Answers:

Ebullient

Lurid

Doleful

Asinine

Despicable

Correct answer:

Doleful

Explanation:

"Disconsolate" means "doleful," mournful, and sorrowful. "Despicable" is a synonym for "loathsome." "Ebullient" is a synonym for exuberant and exultant. "Asinine" means silly, stupid, or foolish. "Lurid" means sensational, shocking, or overly vivid.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors