SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #271 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

RAPACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Greedy

Slovenly

Aghast

Bewildered

Selfless

Correct answer:

Greedy

Explanation:

The adjective "rapacious" means extremely greedy, aggressively desiring what someone else has. Additionally, "slovenly" means (of a person) messy and lazy; "aghast" means shocked and appalled by; "bewildered" means confused, perplexed, bemused.

Example Question #272 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

MUNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Talkative

Generous

Juvenile

Serene

Torpid

Correct answer:

Generous

Explanation:

The adjective "munificent" is used to describe someone who is generous with money. Additionally, "torpid" means lethargic, inactive; "serene" means tranquil, at peace; "juvenile" means childish.

Example Question #273 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

EREMITIC

Possible Answers:

Solitary

Depraved

Genial

Impartial

Cordial

Correct answer:

Solitary

Explanation:

"Eremitic" means "solitary," reclusive, or hermit-like. "Genial" means personable, affable, as does "cordial." "Impartial" is a synonym for "unbiased." "Depraved" is a synonym for "corrupt" or dissolute.

Example Question #271 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

OBDURATE

Possible Answers:

Pliant

Profligate

Surreptitious

Stubborn

Compliant

Correct answer:

Stubborn

Explanation:

"Obdurate" is another word for "stubborn," inflexible, or intransigent. This is an antonym for "compliant," or obedient. "Pliant" similarly means pliable, flexible, or elastic. "Profligate" means wasteful or spendthrift. "Surreptitious" means sly, sneaky.

Example Question #272 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PRESUMPTUOUS

Possible Answers:

Erudite

Garish

Succinct

Enigmatic

Brazen

Correct answer:

Brazen

Explanation:

To be "presumptuous" is to be bold and "brazen." "Enigmatic" means mysterious, and "erudite" means scholarly. "Succinct" means terse, concise, laconic. "Garish" is another word for "tawdry" or gaudy.

Example Question #273 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PHLEGMATIC

Possible Answers:

Laconic

Insufferable

Effervescent

Frigid

Stolid

Correct answer:

Stolid

Explanation:

"Phlegmatic" and "stolid" both mean calm, composed, and imperturbable. "Insufferable" means intolerable, and "laconic" means terse or succinct. "Effervescent" means bubbly, either literally or in terms of someone's personality. "Frigid" means very cold.

Example Question #274 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

EPIGRAMMATIC

Possible Answers:

Supercilious

Haughty

Prolix

Pithy

Seamless

Correct answer:

Pithy

Explanation:

"Epigrammatic" means "pithy" or concise. This is an antonym for "prolix," or verbose. "Supercilious" is another word for haughty or stuck up. "Seamless" means smooth, continuous, lacking gaps or bumps.

Example Question #275 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PUGILISTIC

Possible Answers:

Excitable

Assiduous

Suave

Belligerent

Sedulous

Correct answer:

Belligerent

Explanation:

A "pugilist" is a fighter, so another word for "pugilistic" is "belligerent," aggressive. "Suave" means sophisticated, and "assiduous" means sedulous or hardworking. "Excitable" is another word for volatile or high-strung.

Example Question #276 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SANGUINE

Possible Answers:

Shy

Gregarious

Enervated

Indefatigable

Cheerful

Correct answer:

Cheerful

Explanation:

"Sanguine" means "cheerful," optimistic. "Indefatigable" means untiring. This is a near antonym for "enervated," or weakened and debilitated. "Gregarious" is another word for outgoing, which is an antonym for "shy."

Example Question #277 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CONNIVING

Possible Answers:

Perfidious

Bashful

Gleeful

Linguistic

Conspiratorial

Correct answer:

Conspiratorial

Explanation:

"Conniving" is a synonym for "conspiratorial." While the act of "conniving" may involve "treacherous" (perfidious) plans, the words are not synonymous. "Bashful" is another word for shy. "Linguistic" is the adjective form of language. "Gleeful" means exuberant.

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