SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1469 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Dormant

Festive

Indecisive

Incisive

Restless

Correct answer:

Dormant

Explanation:

"Quiescent" is a synonym for "dormant" or inactive. "Incisive" means cutting or trenchant. "Indecisive," on the other hand, means unable to make up one's mind. "Festive" describes the state of merriness, celebration. "Restless" means unable to sit still.

Example Question #1470 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TANGENTIAL

Possible Answers:

Mathematical

Philosophical

Shadowy

Global

Peripheral

Correct answer:

Peripheral

Explanation:

Something "tangential" is "peripheral," of very limited relevance to the matter at hand. "Global" means worldwide, and "shadowy" can mean literally or figuratively shady. "Philosophical" can describe lofty, abstract ideas or can describe the academic study of philosophy. Although "tangents" are a mathematical concept, "tangential" is not a synonym for "mathematical."

Example Question #1471 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SOPORIFIC

Possible Answers:

Fear-inducing

Tacit

Sleep-inducing

Plain

Joy-inducing

Correct answer:

Sleep-inducing

Explanation:

Something "soporific" will lull someone to sleep, not cause fear or joy. "Plain" is an antonym for "fancy." "Tacit" describes something unspoken or silent but still understood by all.

Example Question #1472 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIABOLICAL

Possible Answers:

Inebriated

Eligible

Putative

Famished

Devilish

Correct answer:

Devilish

Explanation:

"Diabolical" and "devilish" are synonyms. "Putative" means presumed or supposed. "Eligible" means qualified, and "inebriated" is another word for intoxicated or drunk. "Famished" means starving.

Example Question #1473 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNITIVE

Possible Answers:

Legendary

Puerile

Fabled

Punishing

Trifling

Correct answer:

Punishing

Explanation:

"Punitive" means "punishing." "Trifling" means trivial, unimportant. "Fabled" and "legendary" are synonyms. "Puerile" is another word for juvenile or immature.

Example Question #1474 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TACIT

Possible Answers:

Unspoken

Ecstatic

Jubilant

Explicit

Eligible

Correct answer:

Unspoken

Explanation:

Something "tacit" is understood without being spoken, implicit. This is an antonym for "explicit." "Ecstatic" means euphoric, and "jubilant" means overjoyed. "Eligible" and "qualified" are synonyms.

Example Question #1475 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INSUPERABLE

Possible Answers:

Acrobatic

Repugnant

Insurmountable

Cheerful

Zealous

Correct answer:

Insurmountable

Explanation:

"Insuperable" is a synonym for "insurmountable," difficult to overcome. "Zealous" means impassioned, fervent. "Repugnant" means loathsome, vile. "Acrobatic" can mean literally like an acrobat or more figuratively skilled and flexible at physical feats. "Cheerful" is a synonym for "jolly" and "merry."

Example Question #1476 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXTANT

Possible Answers:

Not destroyed

Exuberant

Annihilated

Myriad

Spectacular

Correct answer:

Not destroyed

Explanation:

"Extant," which often describes archaeological or historical artifacts, means still in existence, "not destroyed." This is an antonym for "annihilated," or totally destroyed. "Myriad" means innumerable. "Spectacular" is a synonym for "stunning." "Exuberant" means overjoyed.

Example Question #1477 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISCURSIVE

Possible Answers:

Alabaster

Redundant

Gravid

Digressive

Thwarted

Correct answer:

Digressive

Explanation:

"Discursive" means rambling, meandering, or "digressive." "Gravid" means swollen or pregnant. "Alabaster" means white. Something that has been "thwarted" has been stalled, stopped, or foiled. "Redundant" means excessively repetitive.

Example Question #1473 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESPOTIC

Possible Answers:

Hopeful

Tyrannical

Archaic

Macabre

Tacit

Correct answer:

Tyrannical

Explanation:

"Despotic" is a synonym for "tyrannical," cruel, and dictatorial. "Hopeful" means optimistic, and "archaic" means outdated or obsolete. "Macabre" is a synonym for "ghastly." "Tacit" means unspoken but understood.

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