SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

TRUCULENT.

Possible Answers:

Defiant 

Indistinct

Portentous 

Nonsensical 

Miserable 

Correct answer:

Defiant 

Explanation:

To be “truculent” means to be aggressively defiant. For clarification, "nonsensical" means meaningless or ridiculous; "portentous" means self-important; "indistinct" means unclear.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

MYRIAD.

Possible Answers:

Countless

Enigmatic 

Lackadaisical

Mysterious 

Infrequent

Correct answer:

Countless

Explanation:

“Myriad” means very diverse and too numerous to be counted. For clarification, "lackadaisical" means careless and lazy; mysterious and enigmatic are synonyms.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BUFFET.

Possible Answers:

Portray 

Consume 

Allay 

Strike 

Nourish 

Correct answer:

Strike 

Explanation:

A “buffet” is a heavy or repeated blow with the fist or hand. This is not to be confused with the adapted French word “buffet” which is a self-service meal. The answer choices about consumption and nourishment are thrown in there to try and trick you. The correct answer is “strike.” For clarification, "allay" means to calm or alleviate.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SAVOR. 

Possible Answers:

Somnolent 

Wanton 

Flourish 

Enjoy 

Saint 

Correct answer:

Enjoy 

Explanation:

To savor something means to enjoy something unhurriedly. For clarification, to "flourish" means to do well or be healthy; "wanton" means random, lacking reason; "somnolent" means sleepy.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CHOREOGRAPHED. 

Possible Answers:

Frightened

Constructed 

Implied 

Arranged 

Meandered

Correct answer:

Arranged 

Explanation:

“Choreographed” means arranged as in “choreographed dance routine.” For clarification, "meander" is a type of slow, indirect movement usually seen in rivers.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

STUPEFY. 

Possible Answers:

Jubilant 

Laud 

Foolish 

Astonish 

Antagonize

Correct answer:

Astonish 

Explanation:

If you are “stupefied” by something you are astonished by it. For clarification, "jubilant" means very happy; "antagonize" means to irritate; "laud" means to praise.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VARIEGATE.

Possible Answers:

Caring 

Change 

Deleterious

Apathy 

Virtuous 

Correct answer:

Change 

Explanation:

“Variegate” is a transitive verb that means to add variety to or change the look of something. So the correct answer is “change.” For clarification, "deleterious" means harmful; "virtuous" means good; "apathy" is an antonym of caring.

Example Question #18 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SOMNOLENT.

Possible Answers:

Saintly 

Effusive 

Intransigent

Sleepy 

Kind 

Correct answer:

Sleepy 

Explanation:

“Somnolent” is an adjective that describes someone who is feeling sleepy. For clarification, "intransigent" means stubborn and inflexible; "effusive" means demonstrative.

Example Question #19 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ALOOF. 

Possible Answers:

Ascetic 

Skeptical 

Foolish 

Favorable

Distant 

Correct answer:

Distant 

Explanation:

To be “aloof” means to be remote and distant in manner. For clarification, someone who is "skeptical" is doubtful and critical; an "ascetic" is someone who rejects material comforts.

Example Question #20 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

FLOUT. 

Possible Answers:

Create 

Ignore 

Lose 

Administer 

Forgive 

Correct answer:

Ignore 

Explanation:

To “flout” something means to ignore or break as in “he flouted the rules.”

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