SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1699 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASCETICALLY

Possible Answers:

Guilelessly

Saccharinely

Picturesquely

Austerely

Sardonically

Correct answer:

Austerely

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, severe, lacking in enjoyment and full of strict discipline. "Picturesque" means attractive or charming and usually describes landscapes. "Sardonic" is a synonym for "sarcastic," and "saccharine" means overly sentimental or sweet. "Guileless" means ingenuous or naive.

Example Question #1700 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RETICENTLY

Possible Answers:

Zealously

Grotesquely

Melodically

Shyly

Gregariously

Correct answer:

Shyly

Explanation:

Someone "reticent" is shy, withdrawn, or introverted. This is an antonym for "gregarious," which means social or outgoing. "Grotesque" means hideous and deformed. "Zealous" means ardent, impassioned, or fanatical. "Melodic," of course, is the adjective form of melody, a song or musical tune.

Example Question #1701 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNWITTINGLY

Possible Answers:

Unknowingly

Glibly

Eruditely

Serendipitously

Reluctantly

Correct answer:

Unknowingly

Explanation:

"Unwitting" means unknowing or unaware. "Erudite" means scholarly and learned. "Reluctant" is a synonym for "hesitant," while "serendipitous" means lucky or fortune. "Glib" means smooth-talking, slick, polished.

Example Question #1702 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUBLIMINALLY

Possible Answers:

Punitively

Subconsciously

Esoterically

Copiously

Thrillingly

Correct answer:

Subconsciously

Explanation:

Something "subliminal" is below someone's consciousness or awareness. "Esoteric" is a synonym for "abstruse" or scholarly, and "copious" means abundant or profuse. "Punitive" is another word for punishing. "Thrilling" means exciting, galvanizing, or even shocking.

Example Question #1703 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CIRCUMSPECTLY

Possible Answers:

Repentantly

Bodaciously

Cautiously

Repetitively

Inquisitively

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

"Circumspect" means cautious, wary, or guarded. "Bodacious" means excellent or very admirable, and "inquisitive" means questioning or curious. "Repentant" is a synonym for "penitent" or contrite. Another word for "repetitive" is "redundant."

Example Question #1704 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Ephemerally

Idealistically

Loudly

Pessimistically

Repugnantly

Correct answer:

Loudly

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means loud, clamorous, noisy. "Pessimistic" is an antonym for "optimistic" or hopeful. Another word for "idealistic" is quixotic, a word derived from the Spanish novel Don Quixote. "Repugnant" means vile or loathsome. "Ephemeral" means short-lived, fleeting, brief.

Example Question #1705 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Dreadfully

Hypocritically

Libelously

Courageously

Laconically

Correct answer:

Libelously

Explanation:

"Scurrilous" describes slanderous (false) and often scandalous or vulgar rumors designed to discredit a person or group. "Laconic" means concise or terse. "Courageous" is a synonym for "brave," and "dreadful" is a synonym for "frightful" and awful. A "hypocrite" is someone who pretends to hold certain beliefs or live by certain standards that he/she does not actually abide by.

Example Question #1706 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNSAVORILY

Possible Answers:

Subliminally

Petulantly

Determinedly

Disreputably

Rambunctiously

Correct answer:

Disreputably

Explanation:

"Unsavory" means disagreeable, disreputable. It often describes a person, area, or situation. "Rambunctious" is another word for boisterous, and "subliminal" is another word for subconscious. "Determined" is a synonym for "dogged" or "resolute." "Petulant" is a synonym for "peevish" or irritable.

Example Question #1707 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FORLORNLY

Possible Answers:

Sublimely

Ingenuously

Sadly

Daringly

Childishly

Correct answer:

Sadly

Explanation:

"Forlorn" means sad, pathetic, and downcast. "Sublime" means exalted, awesome. "Ingenuous" can mean innocent, naive, or even childish. Something "daring" is bold or risky.

Example Question #1708 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNCOUTHLY

Possible Answers:

Bombastically

Hatefully

Pruriently

Rudely

Pompously

Correct answer:

Rudely

Explanation:

"Uncouth" means coarse, unrefined, brutish, or rude. "Prurient" means lustful and lecherous. "Bombastic" and "pompous" are synonyms. "Hateful" and "loving" are antonyms, of course.

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