SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1513 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIFFIDENTLY

Possible Answers:

Shyly

Boisterously

Difficultly

Believably

Funnily

Correct answer:

Shyly

Explanation:

"Diffident" means shy, modest, or timid. "Difficult" means challenging or hard, and "boisterous" means rowdy. "Funny" can mean humorous or strange, depending on the context. Something "believable" is plausible or credible.

Example Question #1514 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TANGIBLY

Possible Answers:

Taxingly

Zesty

Peripherally

Gaudily

Palpably

Correct answer:

Palpably

Explanation:

Something "tangible" is palpable or perceptible by touch. Something "taxing" is punishing or demanding. "Peripheral" means external or on the outside border. "Gaudy" means showy, and "zesty," an adjective, means tangy or strong tasting and not tangible.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ASTUTELY

Possible Answers:

Obstusely

Hastily

Naively

Courageously

Shrewdly

Correct answer:

Shrewdly

Explanation:

Someone "astute" is shrewd, sharp, or clever. "Obtuse" is an antonym of "astute." "Naive" means inexperienced, and "hasty" means hurried. "Courageous" and "brave" are synonyms.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

HEATEDLY

Possible Answers:

Dubiously

Passionately

Combatively

Deliberately

Intentionally

Correct answer:

Passionately

Explanation:

"Heated" means passionate, fiery, or spirited. "Deliberate" and "intentional" are synonyms, as are "combative" and "aggressive." "Dubious" means doubtful.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

LISTLESSLY

Possible Answers:

Reverently

Jubilantly

Lecherously

Thankfully

Tiredly

Correct answer:

Tiredly

Explanation:

Someone "listless" is tired or lacking in energy. "Lecherous" means lustful, and "reverent" means worshipful or respectful. "Jubilant" means joyful, and "thankful" means grateful.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

TURBULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Tempestuously

Aerially

Eternally

Eagerly

Placidly

Correct answer:

Tempestuously

Explanation:

"Turbulent" means stormy or tempestuous, which are antonyms of "placid" and "calm." "Eager" means enthusiastic, and "eternal" means lasting forever. While "turbulence" is often encountered by airplanes in the stratosphere, "turbulent" and "aerial" are not synonyms.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

LOQUACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Lasciviously

Talkatively

Auspiciously

Dramatically

Earnestly

Correct answer:

Talkatively

Explanation:

"Loquacious" is a synonym for "talkative" and "garrulous." "Lascivious" means lewd or lustful. "Earnest" means serious or sincere. "Dramatic" can mean sudden and striking, or it can mean related to drama and the theater. "Auspicious" means promising or favorable.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

STERNLY

Possible Answers:

Strictly

Responsible

Diffidently

Dutifully

Quarrelsomely

Correct answer:

Strictly

Explanation:

"Stern" means strict or rigorous and is usually used to describe authorities or rules. "Quarrelsome" and "combative" are synonyms, as are "diffident" and "shy." "Dutiful" means responsible.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

VALIANTLY

Possible Answers:

Vigorously

Wholly

Energetically

Royally

Bravely

Correct answer:

Bravely

Explanation:

"Valiant" is a synonym for "brave" and "courageous." "Vigorous" means robust, healthy, or energetic. "Royal" is a word used to describe monarchs and rulers, particularly kings and queens. "Wholly" means entirely or completely.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PUNISHINGLY

Possible Answers:

Smugly

Exuberantly

Grimily

Taxingly

Explicitly

Correct answer:

Taxingly

Explanation:

While to "punish" can mean to make someone suffer in response to a bad action, "punishing" can also mean grueling, demanding, or taxing (usually in the context of a particular situation or action). "Grimy" means dirty, "smug" means self-satisfied, and "exuberant" means joyful. "Explicit" means clear and straightforward.

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