SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1689 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Religiously

Sibilantly

Cacophonously

Heedlessly

Fortunately

Correct answer:

Fortunately

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luck or random good fortune. This isn't the same thing as "religious" or "faithful." "Heedless" means reckless, unmindful, and incautious. "Sibilant" describes a hissing sound, and "cacophonous" describes a chaotic mess of sound.

Example Question #1690 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JOCULARLY

Possible Answers:

Jokingly

Obdurately

Disarmingly

Execrably

Insufferably

Correct answer:

Jokingly

Explanation:

"Jocular" means joking, humorous. "Execrable" means terrible, dreadful. "Insufferable" is a synonym for "dreadful." "Obdurate" means stubborn, recalcitrant. "Disarming" means charming or beguiling.

Example Question #1691 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Ostentatiously

Circumspectly

Covertly

Truthfully

Mendaciously

Correct answer:

Truthfully

Explanation:

"Veracious" is a synonym for "truthful." This is an antonym for "mendacious," which means dishonest. "Circumspect" means cautious, guarded. "Covert" means furtive, secretive, or stealthy. "Ostentatious" is a synonym for "showy."

Example Question #1692 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMURELY

Possible Answers:

Unwittingly

Perceptively

Immanently

Secretively

Modestly

Correct answer:

Modestly

Explanation:

"Demure" means modest, meek, or shy and is almost always used to describe a young lady. "Immanent" is a synonym for "inherent," and "perceptive" means insightful, intuitive. "Unwitting" means unaware, unknowing, or even oblivious. "Secretive" means stealthy or furtive.

Example Question #1693 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INTERMINABLY

Possible Answers:

Dubiously

Vociferously

Rudely

Vehemently

Ceaselessly

Correct answer:

Ceaselessly

Explanation:

"Interminable" means ceaseless, unending. "Dubious" can mean doubtful or suspicious, depending on the context. "Vociferous" and "vehement" are synonyms. Another word for "rude" is impolite, discourteous.

Example Question #1694 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DROLLY

Possible Answers:

Fictitiously

Gloomily

Surreptitiously

Inexorably

Humorously

Correct answer:

Humorously

Explanation:

"Droll" is another word for humorous or mirthful. "Fictitious" means false, fabricated. "Gloomy" is a synonym for melancholy or downcast or, depending on context, dark and shadowy. "Surreptitious" and "furtive" are synonyms, as are "inexorable" and "unyielding."

Example Question #1695 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERSIPACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Elastically

Relevantly

Perceptively

Oppressively

Assiduously

Correct answer:

Perceptively

Explanation:

"Perspicacious" is another word for perceptive and astute. A synonym for "relevant" is germane, and a synonym for "oppressive" is overpowering, burdensome. To be "elastic" is to be flexible, either literally (as with fabric) or figuratively (as with a resilient personality). "Assiduous" is a synonym for "hardworking."

Example Question #1696 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLIBLY

Possible Answers:

Smoothly

Zoologically

Masterfully

Discursively

Misanthropically

Correct answer:

Smoothly

Explanation:

"Glib" speech is smooth, polished, and not always sincere. "Masterful" is another word for expert or skillful. "Zoology" is the study of animals, and "misanthropy" is the hatred or dislike of humankind. "Discursive" means rambling, wordy, or meandering and usually refers to explanations or discussions.

Example Question #1697 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RAPACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Diligently

Avariciously

Sedulously

Cleverly

Impressionably

Correct answer:

Avariciously

Explanation:

"Rapacious" means avaricious, extremely greedy. "Diligent" and "sedulous" are both synonyms for hardworking. "Clever" means smart, shrewd, or crafty. If someone is "impressionable," they are suggestible, easy to influence.

Example Question #1698 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WAGGISHLY

Possible Answers:

Woebegonely

Humorously

Veraciously

Empirically

Voraciously

Correct answer:

Humorously

Explanation:

Someone behaving "waggishly" is joking around in a mischievous or ridiculous way. This is a near antonym for "woebegone," or crestfallen. "Veracious" means truthful, while "voracious" means ravenous or very hungry. The word "empirical" describes things that are based on direct evidence rather than, say, abstract reason or emotion.

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