SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1639 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Ingenuously

Cryptically

Unpredictably

Trenchantly

Ingeniously

Correct answer:

Unpredictably

Explanation:

"Capricious" means fickle, unpredictable, and whimsical. "Trenchant" means cutting or incisive. "Ingenious" is another word for "clever" or innovative, while "ingenuous" is another word for "innocent" or naive. Something "cryptic" is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Example Question #1640 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOLEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Gregariously

Confidently

Mournfully

Mellifluously

Impecuniously

Correct answer:

Mournfully

Explanation:

Someone who is "doleful" is mournful and sorrowful. "Gregarious" is another word for social or outgoing, and "mellifluous" is another word for harmonious or sweet-sounding. "Confidence" is self-assurance. "Impecunious" means impoverished or penniless.

Example Question #1641 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POIGNANTLY

Possible Answers:

Superficially

Feistily

Dissonantly

Plaintively

Cruelly

Correct answer:

Plaintively

Explanation:

"Poignant" means touching, moving, emotional, and plaintive. "Cruel" is a synonym for "vicious," while "feisty" is a synonym for "spunky" or spirited. "Superficial" means shallow, either literally or figuratively, and "dissonant" means discordant or unharmonious.

Example Question #1642 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APOCRYPHALLY

Possible Answers:

Fictitiously

Lugubriously

Direly

Melodically

Nostalgically

Correct answer:

Fictitiously

Explanation:

An "apocryphal" story is a fictitious or falsified one. "Melodically" is the adverb form of "melody" and usually describes music. "Lugubrious" is a synonym for "glum" and "morose," and "dire" is a synonym for 'urgent." "Nostalgic' means wistful or longing.

Example Question #1643 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MISANTHROPICALLY

Possible Answers:

Vituperatively

Inexorably

Ingeniously

Antisocially

Apocryphally

Correct answer:

Antisocially

Explanation:

"Misanthropic" means unfriendly and "antisocial." "Apocryphal" means false or fictitious. "Vituperative" is another word for bitter, and "ingenious" is another word for clever, crafty, or innovative. "Inexorable" means unstoppable or unyielding.

Example Question #1644 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECLUSIVELY

Possible Answers:

Hermitically

rowdily

Dolefully

Histrionically

Fallaciously

Correct answer:

Hermitically

Explanation:

"Reclusive" means "hermitic" or solitary. "Fallacious" is a synonym for "false." "Doleful" means mournful. "Histrionic" means melodramatic and overly theatrical. "Rowdy" is a synonym for "boisterous."

Example Question #1645 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CRAVENLY

Possible Answers:

Abjectly

Lugubriously

Profligately

Saccharinely

Resiliently

Correct answer:

Abjectly

Explanation:

"Craven" means cowardly or abject. "Profligate" means wasteful. "Lugubrious" means glum and morose. "Saccharine" means overly sweet and sentimental. "Resilient" means strong and able to withstand great adversity.

Example Question #1646 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ONEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Treacherously

Arduously

Petulantly

Intractably

Presumptuous

Correct answer:

Arduously

Explanation:

"Onerous" means "arduous," difficult, and burdensome. "Treacherous" and "traitorous" are synonyms, as are "petulant" and "peevish." "Intractable" is a synonym for "stubborn." "Presumptuous" is a synonym for "brazen."

Example Question #1647 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABSTEMIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Salubriously

Moderately

Mordantly

Grandiloquently

Prodigally

Correct answer:

Moderately

Explanation:

"Abstemious" means temperate, moderate. "Grandiloquent" is a synonym for pompous. "Salubrious" and "healthful" are synonyms, as are "prodigal" and "wasteful." "Mordant," "trenchant," and "caustic" are all synonyms.

Example Question #1648 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GUILELESSLY

Possible Answers:

Stringently

Wantonly

Strenuously

Onerously

Ingenuously

Correct answer:

Ingenuously

Explanation:

"Guileless" means ingenuous, innocent, and naive. "Onerous" means difficult and laborious. "Strenuous" similarly means arduous. "Stringent" means rigid and strict. "Wanton" means immoral or promiscuous.

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