SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1549 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GRACEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Brashly

Hurriedly

Fluidly

Harshly

Violently

Correct answer:

Fluidly

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Uselessly

Worthlessly

Ineffectively

Efficaciously

Weak

Correct answer:

Efficaciously

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Festively

Incomprehensibly

Unlawfully

Forseeably

Gratifyingly

Correct answer:

Forseeably

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Modestly

Nostalgically

Tenderly

Compassionately

Earnestly

Correct answer:

Compassionately

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Shrewdly

Elegantly

Frighteningly

Forthrightly

Somberly

Correct answer:

Forthrightly

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Attractively

Charismatically

Ravenously

Miserly

Drunkenly

Correct answer:

Attractively

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Recklessly

Merrily

Somberly

Tranquilly

Agonizingly

Correct answer:

Somberly

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Miserably

Unfavorably

Truthfully

Euphorically

Promisingly

Correct answer:

Promisingly

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Passionately

Confidently

Rashly

Irresponsibly

Dutifully

Correct answer:

Dutifully

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Grimly

Ecstatically

Quarrelsomely 

Tranquilly

Eagerly

Correct answer:

Tranquilly

Explanation:

"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.

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