SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1069 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CALLOUS

Possible Answers:

Annoyed

Heartless

Compassionate

Elegant

Considerable

Correct answer:

Heartless

Explanation:

While both "heartless" and "annoyed" may seem like potential synonyms for "callous," "callous" is an adjective meaning "showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others," so "heartless" is the best answer, because its meaning is closer to "callous" than that of "annoyed" is.

Example Question #1112 : Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Slack

Fleeting

Obtuse

Careful

Diligent

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Prudent" means careful or cautious.

Example Question #321 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INSOLENT

Possible Answers:

Lonely

Crude

Rude

Disgusting

Ugly

Correct answer:

Rude

Explanation:

"Insolent" means exhibiting disrespectful behavior or speech. "Rude" means showing a lack of politeness. Given that politeness is a sign of respect, "insolent" and "rude" are very close in meaning. They are therefore synonyms.

Example Question #322 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SUPERCILIOUS

Possible Answers:

Serious

Scornful 

Suspicious

Doubtful

Agitated

Correct answer:

Scornful 

Explanation:

"Supercilious" means looking down on others, or haughty. To be "scornful" means seeing others as being of less value than oneself. These two words are very similar in meaning and therefore synonyms. The other answer choices are unrelated.

Example Question #323 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PRODIGAL

Possible Answers:

Foreseen

Unruly

Coincidental 

Imprudent

Disciplined

Correct answer:

Imprudent

Explanation:

"Prodigal" means spending money in a carefree and reckless way. Thus, "imprudent" (which means not prudent or not careful or wise with one's resources) is the best synonym. (e.g. "The prodigal daughter bought whatever her heart desired, knowing that her relatives would continue to fund her spending habits.")

Example Question #324 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VILLIANOUS

Possible Answers:

Wicked

Benevolent

Toxic

Submissive

Portly

Correct answer:

Wicked

Explanation:

"Villianous" means evil or "wicked." The suffix "-ous" means similar to or like, so you can infer that "villainous" means like a villain. "Benevolent" means kind and generous. "Submissive" means obedient or willing to listen and follow the orders of other people. "Toxic" means contaminated and poisonous. "Portly" means stout or overweight.

Example Question #325 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONTEMPTIBLE

Possible Answers:

Noteworthy

Euphoric

Polite

Filthy

Hateful

Correct answer:

Hateful

Explanation:

"Contemptible" means "hateful" or despicable. "Filthy" means dirty or disgusting. "Polite" means well-mannered and well-behaved. "Euphoric" means extremely happy and joyful. "Noteworthy" means important and signficant.

Example Question #326 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DOGGED

Possible Answers:

Stubborn

Pious

Illiterate

Skeptical

Enthusiastic

Correct answer:

Stubborn

Explanation:

"Dogged" means "stubborn" and unyielding in one's opinion. "Enthusiastic" means lively and excited about something. "Illiterate" means unable to read or write. "Pious" means very religious. "Skeptical" means doubtful or not easily convinced that something is true.

Example Question #327 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DISCURSIVE

Possible Answers:

Patterned

Harmful

Rambling

Modest

Exhaustive

Correct answer:

Rambling

Explanation:

“Discursive” means rambling or lacking order, so "rambling" is the correct answer.  None of the other answers are close in meaning to “discursive”. “Harmful” means damaging. “Exhaustive” means thorough. “Patterned” means decorated with a recurring design. “Modest” means unpretentious or humble.  

Example Question #328 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PROFICIENT

Possible Answers:

Vague

Wealthy

Scrutinized

Inauspicious

Capable

Correct answer:

Capable

Explanation:

"Proficient" means having the ability to do something. The correct answer "capable" also means skilled or being able to do something. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "inauspicious" means unlucky or unfavorable; "vague" means unclear; "wealthy" means having lots of money; and "scrutinized" means closely watched.

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