SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1121 : Synonyms

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

ECCENTRIC

Possible Answers:

Timid

Genius

Peculiar

Moist

Augmented

Correct answer:

Peculiar

Explanation:

"Eccentric" means unconventional or strange, as does the correct answer "peculiar." The other choices do not have similar definitions: "augmented" means increased or improved; "genius" means extremely smart; "moist" means damp; and "timid" means shy.

Example Question #1122 : Synonyms

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

SINISTER

Possible Answers:

Menacing

Familial

Intimate

Unpleasant

Convoluted

Correct answer:

Menacing

Explanation:

"Sinister" means evil or criminal, and the correct answer "menacing" means threatening or intimidating. The other choices are not similar to "sinister" or "menacing": "familial" means relating to the family, "unpleasant" means disagreeable, "convoluted" means confusing, and "intimate" means close and personal.

Example Question #1123 : Synonyms

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

FERAL

Possible Answers:

Clean

Artificial

Painful

Barbarous

Wild

Correct answer:

Wild

Explanation:

"Feral" means untamed, or "wild."

Example Question #1124 : Synonyms

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

TERSE

Possible Answers:

Unhappy

Concise

Stern 

Unfriendly

Brilliant

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Terse" means using very few words in order to make a point. "Concise" means using the minimum amount of words to communicate an idea. Given the similarities in meaning between these words, they are synonyms. While "terse" and "tense" may sound similar, they have different meanings and therefore are not synonyms.

Example Question #1125 : Synonyms

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

SPONTANEOUS

Possible Answers:

Premeditated

Clandestine

Dejected

Exceptional

Extemporaneous

Correct answer:

Extemporaneous

Explanation:

"Spontaneous" is an adjective that means "performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus," so we need to pick out a word that means about the same thing - roughly, "unplanned." While "premeditated" might seem like a good answer because like "spontaneous," it has to do with preparation, "premeditated" actually means "thought out or planned beforehand" and often is used to refer to crimes. So, "premeditated" is an antonym of "spontaneous" and is not the word we're looking for. "Extemporaneous," on the other hand, is an adjective that means "spoken or done without preparation," and since it is closest in meaning to "spontaneous," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #1126 : Synonyms

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

CANTANKEROUS

Possible Answers:

Economical

Aspiring

Querulous

Assertive

Condescending

Correct answer:

Querulous

Explanation:

Since "cantankerous" means "bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative," we're looking for another adjective that means "bad-tempered." While "condescending" may sound like a potentially correct answer, "condescending" actually means "having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority." Since "condescending" doesn't mean "bad-tempered," it can't be the right answer. "Querulous," however, means "complaining in a petulant or whining manner," and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "cantankerous," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #1127 : Synonyms

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

BELLIGERENT

Possible Answers:

Amicable

Placid

Belie

Assertive

Confrontational

Correct answer:

Confrontational

Explanation:

"Belligerent" is an adjective meaning "angry and aggressive; feeling or showing readiness to fight," so we should pick out another word that means "aggressive." While "assertive" and "confrontational" might both look like potentially correct answers, "confrontational" is the better answer. This is because "assertive" means "confident in behavior in style," and is thus not a synonym of "belligerent," while "confrontational" means "tending to deal with situations in an aggressive way; hostile or argumentative," which is synonymous with "belligerent."

Example Question #1128 : Synonyms

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

OBDURATE

Possible Answers:

Affluent

Docile

Placid

Submissive

Adamant

Correct answer:

Adamant

Explanation:

"Obdurate" is used to describe someone that is stubborn or headstrong. Adamant is a synonym of Obdurate. Submissive and Docile are antonyms of Obdurate because they describe someone that is easy to control. Affluent means wealthy and Placid means calm and tranquil. Both of these words have no relation to Obdurate.

Example Question #1129 : Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Grandiose

Rash

Careful

Reckless

Well-known

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Prudent" means to be careful, so that would be the synonym. Rash and Reckless have the opposite meaning of prudent. Grandiose describes something or someone that is overly showy. Well-known describes something or someone that known my many people. These last two words have no relationship to Prudent in this instance.

Example Question #1130 : Synonyms

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

BOISTEROUS

Possible Answers:

Subdued

Commodious

Calm

Deft

Loud

Correct answer:

Loud

Explanation:

"Boisterous" means to be loud and unrestrained. Subdued and Quiet have the opposite meaning of Boisterous. Commodious means to be roomy, and Deft means to be skilled. These two words have no relation to the Boisterous.

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