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:

Selfless

Aghast

Bewildered

Greedy

Slovenly

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:

Juvenile

Generous

Serene

Talkative

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:

Impartial

Cordial

Genial

Solitary

Depraved

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 #274 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

OBDURATE

Possible Answers:

Compliant

Pliant

Profligate

Surreptitious

Stubborn

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 #275 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PRESUMPTUOUS

Possible Answers:

Garish

Enigmatic

Erudite

Brazen

Succinct

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 #276 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PHLEGMATIC

Possible Answers:

Frigid

Stolid

Laconic

Insufferable

Effervescent

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 #277 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

EPIGRAMMATIC

Possible Answers:

Pithy

Haughty

Supercilious

Prolix

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 #278 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PUGILISTIC

Possible Answers:

Sedulous

Excitable

Belligerent

Suave

Assiduous

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 #279 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SANGUINE

Possible Answers:

Shy

Cheerful

Enervated

Indefatigable

Gregarious

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 #280 : 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

Linguistic

Conspiratorial

Gleeful

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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