SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1589 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESPICABLY

Possible Answers:

Detrimentally

Agonizingly

Contemptibly

Excruciatingly

Furtively

Correct answer:

Contemptibly

Explanation:

"Despicable" and "contemptible" both mean loathsome. Both "agonizing" and "excruciating" both mean very painful. "Furtive" means sneaky, surreptitious, secretive. "Detrimental" means harmful and damaging.

Example Question #1590 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESOLUTELY

Possible Answers:

Determinedly

Auspiciously

Purposelessly

Earnestly

Euphorically

Correct answer:

Determinedly

Explanation:

"Resolute" means "determined" and purposeful. This is an antonym of "purposeless." "Earnest" means sincere, and "auspicious" means promising or favorable. "Euphoric" means ecstatic and elated.

Example Question #841 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DELETERIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Surreptitiously

Ecstatically

Perniciously

Furtively

Elatedly

Correct answer:

Perniciously

Explanation:

"Deleterious" and "pernicious" both mean harmful. "Surreptitious" and "furtive" both mean secretive and sneaky. "Ecstatic" means very happy, elated, or euphoric.

Example Question #842 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

STEALTHILY

Possible Answers:

Inconspicuously

Discreetly

Chronically

Solemnly

Surreptitiously

Correct answer:

Surreptitiously

Explanation:

"Stealthy" and "surreptitious" both mean secretive and sneaky. "Inconspicuous" and "discreet" are synonyms. "Chronic" means persistent or long-term. "Solemn" means grave and somber.

Example Question #843 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OSTENSIBLY

Possible Answers:

Trifingly

Supposedly

Enervated

Listlessly

Heatedly

Correct answer:

Supposedly

Explanation:

"Ostensible" means apparent or supposed. "Heated" means passionate, and "trifling" means insignificant or unimportant. "Listless" means lacking in energy or tired, and is a near synonym for "enervated," which means weakened by exhaustion.

Example Question #844 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PERCEPTIVELY

Possible Answers:

Tempestuously

Attentively

Rashly

Hastily

Placidly

Correct answer:

Attentively

Explanation:

To be "perceptive" is to be attentive or discerning. "Rash" means hasty or reckless. "Tempestuous" means turbulent and stormy, which is a near antonym for "placid," or calm.

Example Question #845 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EQUIVOCALLY

Possible Answers:

Gregariously

Ambiguously

Insolently

Cheerily

Cynically

Correct answer:

Ambiguously

Explanation:

"Equivocal" and "ambiguous" both mean unclear, vague. "Cheery" means happy and optimistic, a near antonym for "cynical." "Gregarious" means outgoing, and "insolent" is another word for impertinent.

Example Question #846 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DOGGEDLY

Possible Answers:

Genially

Determinedly

Deleteriously

Perniciously

Superficially

Correct answer:

Determinedly

Explanation:

"Dogged" means "determined," resolute. "Deleterious" means harmful and damaging, as does "pernicious." "Superficial" means shallow (either physically or as a personality trait), and "genial" means friendly, personable.

Example Question #847 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LAVISHLY

Possible Answers:

Somnolently

Fragrantly

Dubiously

Questionably

Luxuriously

Correct answer:

Luxuriously

Explanation:

"Lavish" means "extravagant," "luxurious," or "opulent." "Dubious" means doubtful or questionable, depending on the context. "Fragrant" is the adjective form of "fragrance," which means smell or perfume, and is usually used to connote a pleasant smell. "Somnolent" means sleepy.

Example Question #848 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SUPERCILLIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Ambiguously

Modestly

Haughtily

Treacherously

Mechanically

Correct answer:

Haughtily

Explanation:

"Supercilious" means haughty, arrogant, or stuck up. This is an antonym of "modest," which means humble. "Treacherous" means traitorous, and "ambiguous" means vague, unclear, or open for interpretation

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