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 #1511 : Synonyms

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Dormant

Restless

Indecisive

Incisive

Festive

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 #1512 : Synonyms

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

TANGENTIAL

Possible Answers:

Global

Peripheral

Philosophical

Shadowy

Mathematical

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 #1513 : Synonyms

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

SOPORIFIC

Possible Answers:

Tacit

Joy-inducing

Sleep-inducing

Plain

Fear-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 #1514 : Synonyms

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

DIABOLICAL

Possible Answers:

Devilish

Famished

Inebriated

Putative

Eligible

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 #1515 : Synonyms

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

PUNITIVE

Possible Answers:

Punishing

Legendary

Puerile

Fabled

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 #1516 : Synonyms

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

TACIT

Possible Answers:

Jubilant

Eligible

Unspoken

Ecstatic

Explicit

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 #1517 : Synonyms

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

INSUPERABLE

Possible Answers:

Repugnant

Cheerful

Zealous

Acrobatic

Insurmountable

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 #1518 : Synonyms

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

EXTANT

Possible Answers:

Annihilated

Not destroyed

Exuberant

Spectacular

Myriad

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 #1519 : Synonyms

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

DISCURSIVE

Possible Answers:

Redundant

Gravid

Digressive

Thwarted

Alabaster

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 #1520 : Synonyms

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

DESPOTIC

Possible Answers:

Macabre

Tyrannical

Tacit

Archaic

Hopeful

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.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors