SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1519 : 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 #1520 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TANGIBLY

Possible Answers:

Peripherally

Zesty

Gaudily

Taxingly

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 #1521 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASTUTELY

Possible Answers:

Naively

Obstusely

Hastily

Shrewdly

Courageously

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 #1522 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HEATEDLY

Possible Answers:

Passionately

Deliberately

Dubiously

Combatively

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 #1523 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LISTLESSLY

Possible Answers:

Lecherously

Jubilantly

Thankfully

Tiredly

Reverently

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 #1524 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TURBULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Placidly

Eagerly

Tempestuously

Aerially

Eternally

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 #1525 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LOQUACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Earnestly

Dramatically

Auspiciously

Lasciviously

Talkatively

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 #1526 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STERNLY

Possible Answers:

Responsible

Dutifully

Strictly

Quarrelsomely

Diffidently

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 #1527 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VALIANTLY

Possible Answers:

Wholly

Bravely

Royally

Vigorously

Energetically

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 #1528 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNISHINGLY

Possible Answers:

Taxingly

Exuberantly

Explicitly

Grimily

Smugly

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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