SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #281 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

IMPETUOUS

Possible Answers:

Rash

Pusillanimous

Haughty

Maudlin

Bestial

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 #2051 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

AMENABLE

Possible Answers:

Laconic

Cooperative

Labyrinthine

Iconic

Drastic

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 #511 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

COERCIVE

Possible Answers:

Forceful

Sardonic

Sedulous

Prophetic

Lascivious

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 #512 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

XENOPHOBIC

Possible Answers:

Fear of germs

Fearful of heights

Fearful of foreigners

Fearful of open spaces

Fearful of water

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 #513 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SUCCINCT

Possible Answers:

Indefatigable

Concise

Gregarious

Abrasive

Invective

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 #514 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Controlling

Warlike

Vituperative

Solipsistic

Congenial

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 #515 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

STALWART

Possible Answers:

Loyal

Ambulatory

Bucolic

Succinct

Energetic

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 #516 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CHARY

Possible Answers:

Wary

Gullible

Deleterious

Imminent

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 #517 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SLAVISH

Possible Answers:

Arbitrary

Pertinent

Clear

Servile

Sagacious

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 #518 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CAPITOUS

Possible Answers:

Crestfallen

Fairly judging

Risky

Fault-finding

Praiseworthy

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."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors