SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #191 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FRENZIED

Possible Answers:

Assiduous

Arcane

Congenial

Depraved

Frantic

Correct answer:

Frantic

Explanation:

"Frenzied," "frantic," and "frenetic" are all synonyms. "Arcane" means abstruse or obscure. "Congenial" means friendly and personable. "Depraved" means corrupt or dissolute. "Assiduous" means sedulous or hardworking.

Example Question #192 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

REPROACHFUL

Possible Answers:

Disapproving

Conjectural

Multifarious

Fallacious

Suave

Correct answer:

Disapproving

Explanation:

"Reproachful" and "disapproving" are synonyms. "Multifarious" means manifold or diverse. "Fallacious" means false or erroneous. "Conjectural" is a synonym for speculative, theoretical, or hypothetical. "Suave" and "sophisticated" are synonyms.

Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

ADDLED

Possible Answers:

Terrified

Somber

Blissful

Perplexed

Lonesome

Correct answer:

Perplexed

Explanation:

The adjective "addled" means confused, perplexed, unable to think clearly (due to drug use or mental illness). Additionally, "somber" means grave and serious; "blissful" means very happy.

Example Question #193 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INCENDIARY

Possible Answers:

Flammable

Precarious

Instantaneous

Fastidious

Sinewy

Correct answer:

Flammable

Explanation:

"Incendiary" means flammable, combustible, likely to catch on fire. It can also be used to describe comments and statements, in which case it means provocative, likely to cause a passionate reaction. Additionally, "precarious" means dangerous; "fastidious" means hard to please, obsessive; "sinewy" means strong, muscular and brawny; "instantaneous" means occurring in an instant.

Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

CENSORIOUS

Possible Answers:

Fatuous

Academic

Facile

Hypercritical

Dulcet

Correct answer:

Hypercritical

Explanation:

"Censorious" means overly critical. "Academic" describes institutionalized study, usually at a university. "Dulcet" means mellifluous or sweet sounding. "Fatuous" is another word for "silly," and "facile" is a synonym for "simplistic" or superficial.

Example Question #194 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONTRITE

Possible Answers:

Erratic

Onerous

Penitent

Fallacious

Asinine

Correct answer:

Penitent

Explanation:

"Contrite" means "penitent," repentant, or sorry. "Fallacious" means erroneous or false. "Asinine" is another word for stupid or idiotic. "Erratic" is a synonym for "unpredictable." "Onerous" is a synonym for "laborious" or difficult.

Example Question #195 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

VULNERABLE

Possible Answers:

Prudent

Rash

Potent

Solicitous

Defenseless

Correct answer:

Defenseless

Explanation:

"Vulnerable" means "defenseless," powerless, or helpless. This is an antonym for "potent," or powerful. "Rash" is a synonym for "reckless" and an antonym for "prudent" or cautious. "Solicitous" means concerned and caring.

Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

UNFLAPPABLE

Possible Answers:

imperturbable

Gravid

Laudatory

Somnolent

Eremitic

Correct answer:

imperturbable

Explanation:

"Imperturbable" and "unflappable" both mean unable to be upset easily. "Somnolent" means sleepy, and "gravid" means pregnant (literally or figuratively). "Laudatory" is another word for congratulatory or praiseworthy. "Eremitic" is another word for reclusive, solitary.

Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

CONCILIATORY

Possible Answers:

Crucial

Penurious

Placatory

Winsome

Integral

Correct answer:

Placatory

Explanation:

"Conciliatory" means "placatory" or appeasing. "Crucial" means essential, as does integral. "Winsome" is a synonym for "attractive." "Penurious" means impoverished, penniless.

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

IMPERTERBABLE

Possible Answers:

Obsequious

Composed

Spurious

Confounded

Eloquent

Correct answer:

Composed

Explanation:

"Imperturbable" means calm, "composed," unable to be shaken. "Obsequious" means fawning or flattering, and "spurious" means false or fictitious. "Eloquent" means articulate and fluent. "Confounded" means bewildered.

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