SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1251 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPETUOUS

Possible Answers:

Bestial

Haughty

Maudlin

Rash

Pusillanimous

Correct answer:

Rash

Explanation:

The adjective "impetuous" means done too quickly without proper care or consideration, rash, impulsive, reckless. Additionally, "maudlin" means overly serious and sentimental; "haughty" means proud, arrogant and brash; "bestial" means savage (like a beast); "pusillanimous" means cowardly, timid.

Example Question #1252 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMENABLE

Possible Answers:

Iconic

Laconic

Cooperative

Drastic

Labyrinthine

Correct answer:

Cooperative

Explanation:

The adjective "amenable" is used to describe someone who is cooperative and agreeable, open to a suggestion and capable of being persuaded to do something. Additionally, "labyrinthine" means maze-like, puzzling; "laconic" means brief, not long-lasting; "iconic" means widely-recognized and well-regarded; "drastic" means extreme and desperate.

Example Question #1261 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COERCIVE

Possible Answers:

Prophetic

Sedulous

Lascivious

Forceful

Sardonic

Correct answer:

Forceful

Explanation:

"Coercive" means "forceful" or threatening. "Lascivious" is a synonym for "lecherous" or lustful, and "prophetic" is a synonym for "clairvoyant" or farsighted. "Sedulous" means hardworking, assiduous. "Sardonic" is a synonym for "sarcastic."

Example Question #1262 : Identifying Synonyms

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

XENOPHOBIC

Possible Answers:

Fearful of foreigners

Fear of germs

Fearful of water

Fearful of open spaces

Fearful of heights

Correct answer:

Fearful of foreigners

Explanation:

Someone "xenophobic" is afraid of or hateful toward foreigners. "Agoraphobia" is a fear of open spaces or a fear of crowded spaces, and "aquaphobia" is a fear of water. "Acrophobia" is a fear of heights. "Fear of germs and infection" is known as mysophobia or germophobia.

Example Question #1263 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUCCINCT

Possible Answers:

Indefatigable

Gregarious

Invective

Abrasive

Concise

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Succinct" means "concise," laconic, or pithy. "Abrasive" means harsh or grating. "Indefatigable" means untiring, and "invective" is verbal abuse or a tirade. "Gregarious" means outgoing or sociable.

Example Question #1264 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Solipsistic

Warlike

Controlling

Congenial

Vituperative

Correct answer:

Warlike

Explanation:

"Bellicose" means belligerent or "warlike." "Solipsistic" means egotistical or self-centered. "Congenial" means personable, hospitable, or friendly. "Vituperative" means bitter and opprobrious.

Example Question #1265 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STALWART

Possible Answers:

Loyal

Bucolic

Energetic

Ambulatory

Succinct

Correct answer:

Loyal

Explanation:

"Stalwart" means steadfast and loyal. "Succinct" is another word for pithy, concise, or laconic. "Energetic" can mean invigorated or enthusiastic. "Bucolic" means rural or rustic. "Ambulatory" means able to walk, or, more generally, mobile.

Example Question #1266 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHARY

Possible Answers:

Imminent

Deleterious

Wary

Gullible

Obdurate

Correct answer:

Wary

Explanation:

"Chary" means cautious, wary, and even suspicious. This is a near antonym for "gullible," which means overly willing to believe or trust. "Deleterious" is another word for harmful. "Imminent" is a synonym for "impending," and "obdurate" is a synonym for "stubborn" or unyielding.

Example Question #1267 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SLAVISH

Possible Answers:

Pertinent

Arbitrary

Clear

Sagacious

Servile

Correct answer:

Servile

Explanation:

"Slavish" can literally mean in the manner of a slave, but it can more broadly mean servile, subservient, or fawning. "Pertinent" is another word for relevant. "Sagacious" means wise, and "arbitrary" means random or based on whim. Another word for "clear" is "lucid."

Example Question #1268 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPITOUS

Possible Answers:

Fault-finding

Crestfallen

Risky

Praiseworthy

Fairly judging

Correct answer:

Fault-finding

Explanation:

Someone who is "captious" is constantly nitpicking and finding flaws in people or things. "Praiseworthy" means commendable, and "risky" means reckless. "Crestfallen" is another word for woebegone. To judge something fairly is to be "unbiased," not "captious."

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