SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1721 : Synonyms

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

PEJORATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Luridly

Pleasantly

Derogatorily

Morbidly

Complaisantly

Correct answer:

Derogatorily

Explanation:

"Pejorative" means disparaging or derogatory. "Lurid" is a synonym for "bright" and garish. "Complaisant" means obliging, agreeable, or giving in easily. "Pleasant" means enjoyable, friendly, or nice. "Morbid" means macabre or abnormally interested in death and disease.

Example Question #1722 : Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Infectiously

Scandalously

Pithily

Ostentatiously

Truthfully

Correct answer:

Scandalously

Explanation:

Something "scurrilous" spreads slanderous, scandalous, and sometimes humorous claims about someone. A synonym for "infectious" is contagious, and a synonym for "truthful" is "honest." "Pithy" means succinct and terse, to the point. "Ostentatious" means showy or pretentious.

Example Question #1681 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SLAVISHLY

Possible Answers:

Pertinaciously

Proudly

Capriciously

Notoriously

Subserviently

Correct answer:

Subserviently

Explanation:

"Slavish" means subservient, fawning, in the manner of a servant. This is an antonym for "proud." "Notorious" means infamous, and "pertinacious" means determined or persistent. A synonym for "capricious" is mercurial.

Example Question #1682 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Capaciously

Electively

Grandly

Solicitously

Exigently

Correct answer:

Capaciously

Explanation:

"Commodious" means spacious, capacious, and roomy. "Exigent" is a synonym for "urgent," and "elective" is a synonym for "optional." "Solicitous" means concerned and caring. "Grand" means large, impressive, and sweeping.

Example Question #1683 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ECUMENICALLY

Possible Answers:

Catholically

Argumentatively

Speciously

Dubiously

Precisely

Correct answer:

Catholically

Explanation:

"Ecumenical" means inclusive, universal, or catholic (not to be confused with Catholic, which is a specific Christian religion). "Argumentative" means quarrelsome or combative. "Specious" means false or misleading. "Precise" is a synonym for "exact," and "dubious" is a synonym for "doubtful" or suspicious, depending on context.

Example Question #1684 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PREPOSTEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Absurdly

Wretchedly

Disguisedly

Deservedly

Humbly

Correct answer:

Absurdly

Explanation:

"Preposterous" means absurd, outlandish. Don't confuse this with an "impostor," or someone who disguises themselves to look like another person. "Deservedly" means well-earned. "Wretched" is a synonym for "miserable" or abject, and "humble" is a synonym for "modest."

Example Question #1685 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EFFICACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Irascibly

Stringently

Haphazardly

Capaciously

Effectively

Correct answer:

Effectively

Explanation:

"Efficacious" is a synonym for "effectual" or effective. "Capacious" means spacious, perhaps even palatial. "Stringent" means strict, severe, or demanding. "Haphazard" means random, slapdash. "Irascible" is a synonym for "irritable," petulant.

Example Question #1686 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LACHRYMOSELY

Possible Answers:

Ravenously

Histrionically

Tearfully

Illegitimately

Cholerically

Correct answer:

Tearfully

Explanation:

"Lachrymose" is a word for tearful, weepy. "Illegitimate" is an antonym for "legitimate," and "choleric" is a synonym for "irritable" or irascible. "Ravenous" means very hungry, voracious. "Histrionic" means melodramatic, hysterical.

Example Question #1687 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIRULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Bitterly

Ostentatiously

Ingeniously

Superfluously

Innovatively

Correct answer:

Bitterly

Explanation:

"Virulent" means bitter or extremely harmful, depending on the context (e.g. a virulent tirade or a virulent disease). "Ingenious" is a synonym for "clever" and "innovative." "Superfluous" means excessive or unnecessary. "Ostentatious" means showy in a conspicuous, pretentious way.

Example Question #1688 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNIRONICALLY

Possible Answers:

Insincerely

Mordantly

Trenchantly

Deplorably

Earnestly

Correct answer:

Earnestly

Explanation:

If something is "not ironic," it is sincere or in earnest. "Mordant" and "trenchant" are synonyms for harsh, cutting. "Deplorable" means reprehensible or disgraceful.

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