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 #1419 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARBOREAL

Possible Answers:

Celestial

Aquatic

Terrestrial

Treelike

Waterlike

Correct answer:

Treelike

Explanation:

"Arboreal" is an adjective used to describe things related to or dwelling in trees, not water. "Terrestrial" describes things of the earth, and "aquatic" describes things of the water. "Celestial" means heavenly.

Example Question #1420 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADEPT

Possible Answers:

Magnanimous

Adroit

Leery

Peachy

Dire

Correct answer:

Adroit

Explanation:

"Adept" means "adroit." 'Peachy" means fine, and "leery' means cautious. "Magnanimous" means generous. "Dire" means urgent.

Example Question #1421 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CELESTIAL

Possible Answers:

Incomprehensible

Intuitive

Elusive

Heavenly

Elliptical

Correct answer:

Heavenly

Explanation:

"Celestial" means heavenly, either in the holy sense or the planetary sense. "Elliptical" means obscure or difficult to understand. "Elusive" and "evasive" are synonyms, as are "intuitive" and "insightful."

Example Question #1422 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JINGOISTIC

Possible Answers:

Garrulous

Avaricious

Opulent

Xenophobic

Patriotic

Correct answer:

Patriotic

Explanation:

"Jingoistic" means excessively patriotic or nationalistic. While this attitude often accompanies "xenophobia," or fear of foreign people and cultures, the two words are not synonymous. "Avaricious" means greedy, and "opulent" means very wealthy. "Garrulous" means talkative.

Example Question #1423 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PEACHY

Possible Answers:

Simple

Elegant

Grotesque

Fine

Rotten

Correct answer:

Fine

Explanation:

If something is "peachy" it is "fine" or even excellent. "Rotten" and "decaying" are synonyms, as are "grotesque" and "deformed." "Simple" and "complex" are antonyms, as are "elegant" and "graceless."

Example Question #1424 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CANDID

Possible Answers:

Elliptical

Grammatical

Intelligible

Frank

Balletic

Correct answer:

Frank

Explanation:

"Candid" means frank, outspoken, or sincere. "Elliptical" means obscure or incomprehensible, an antonym of "intelligible." "Grammatical" is the adjective form of grammar, and "balletic" is the adjective form of ballet.

Example Question #1425 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ETERNAL

Possible Answers:

Transient

Chivalrous

Ephemeral

Fleeting

Everlasting

Correct answer:

Everlasting

Explanation:

"Eternal" means everlasting, enduring forever. "Transient," "fleeting," and "ephemeral" all mean short-lived, temporary, making them all antonyms of "eternal." "Chivalrous" means gallant, noble, or respectful.

Example Question #1426 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADROIT

Possible Answers:

Eerie

Ecstatic

Skillful

Elated

Sinister

Correct answer:

Skillful

Explanation:

"Adroit" means adept or skillful. "Elated" means extremely happy or ecstatic. "Eerie" means frightening or uncanny. "Sinister" and "ominous" are synonyms.

Example Question #1427 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMMINENT

Possible Answers:

Pristine

Palatable

Impending

Prefatory

Vivacious

Correct answer:

Impending

Explanation:

"Imminent" means impending or upcoming. "Palatable" means acceptable or edible, depending on the context. "Prefatory" means introductory. "Pristine" means extremely clean. "Vivacious" means lively.

Example Question #1428 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRANQUIL

Possible Answers:

Avid

Prophetic

Drugged

Restless

Placid

Correct answer:

Placid

Explanation:

"Tranquil" means placid, calm, or serene. "Restless" or "agitated" are near antonyms of this word. "Avid" means keen or eager. "Prophetic" means farsighted. While "tranquilizers" are a kind of drug, "tranquil" does not necessarily mean "drugged" or "intoxicated."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors