All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1549 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GRACEFULLY
Brashly
Violently
Hurriedly
Fluidly
Harshly
Fluidly
"Gracefully" and "fluidly" both refer to an action that is performed without sudden interruptions. The other adverbs refer to actions that are performed aggressively or harshly rather than elegantly, as the word "gracefully" would signal. Simple process of elimination can help you arrive at the correct answer.
Example Question #1550 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EFFECTIVELY
Worthlessly
Ineffectively
Efficaciously
Uselessly
Weak
Efficaciously
"Effectively" and "efficaciously" are synonymous adverbs. The words even look very similar! More importantly, all of the other answer choices are antonyms of the word "effectively." They all seem to refer to modify a word by describing it as not useful or effective.
Example Question #1551 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PREDICTABLY
Gratifyingly
Incomprehensibly
Unlawfully
Festively
Forseeably
Forseeably
Something "predictable" is foreseeable, able to be seen or guessed in advance. Something "incomprehensible" is totally unclear. "Unlawful" means illegal. "Gratifying" means rewarding or pleasing. "Festive" means merry and cheerful.
Example Question #1552 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MERCIFULLY
Nostalgically
Earnestly
Tenderly
Compassionately
Modestly
Compassionately
Someone who shows "mercy" is compassionate or forgiving. "Earnest" means sincere, and "humble" means modest. "Nostalgic" means wistful, yearning, or longing for another time, place, or person. "Tender" means gentle and loving.
Example Question #1553 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRANKLY
Frighteningly
Forthrightly
Shrewdly
Somberly
Elegantly
Forthrightly
"Frank" means open and forthright. "Frightening" and "scary" are synonyms, as are "elegant" and "graceful." "Shrewd" means astute. "Somber" means solemn.
Example Question #1554 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DESIRABLY
Drunkenly
Attractively
Charismatically
Miserly
Ravenously
Attractively
Something or someone "desirable" is attractive or popular. "Miserly" means stingy or cheap. "Drunk" means intoxicated, and "ravenous" means famished. "Charismatic" means charming, which is not quite the same as "desirable."
Example Question #1555 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SOLEMNLY
Somberly
Tranquilly
Recklessly
Agonizingly
Merrily
Somberly
"Solemn" means grave, somber, or serious. This is the opposite of "merry," which means cheerful, lively, and carefree. "Risky" and "reckless" are synonyms. "Tranquil" and "placid" are synonyms. "Agonizing" and "excruciating" are synonyms.
Example Question #1556 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AUSPICIOUSLY
Miserably
Truthfully
Unfavorably
Promisingly
Euphorically
Promisingly
An "auspicious" sign is a promising, fortuitous, or favorable sign. This is an antonym of "unfavorable." "Euphoric" means elated or very happy, and "miserable" means very unhappy. "Truthful" and "dishonest" are antonyms.
Example Question #1557 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONSCIENTIOUSLY
Passionately
Rashly
Dutifully
Irresponsibly
Confidently
Dutifully
"Conscientious" means responsible or dutiful. This is an antonym of both "irresponsible" and "rash." "Confident," on the other hand, means self-assured. "Passionate" means ardent or impassioned.
Example Question #1558 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACIDLY
Eagerly
Tranquilly
Ecstatically
Grimly
Quarrelsomely
Tranquilly
"Placid" means calm, peaceful, and tranquil. "Quarrelsome" means argumentative or pugnacious. "Ecstatic" and "euphoric" are synonyms, as are "eager" and "enthusiastic." "Grim" means dark or foreboding.