SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2991 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DIMINUTIVE

Possible Answers:

Degrading

Funny

Insulting

Stupid

Tiny

Correct answer:

Tiny

Explanation:

"Diminutive" means small, so the synonym you want is "tiny." This comes from the Latin root "minute," meaning a small thing, as in "minute" (small measure of time) and "mini-" (a prefix meaning anything small in size) or "minus" (to make smaller by subtracting).

Example Question #2992 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

FIDELITY

Possible Answers:

Transfer

Identification

Loyalty

Cusp

Carnage

Correct answer:

Loyalty

Explanation:

The root 'fid' means faith or trust.  Fidelity means loyalty.  

Example Question #2993 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

NOVEL

Possible Answers:

Free

Malevolent

Central

Scholarly

New

Correct answer:

New

Explanation:

The root 'nov' means new.  Thus, novel means new.  

Example Question #2994 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

NULLIFY

Possible Answers:

Cancel

Rest

Clean

Lurk

Persuade

Correct answer:

Cancel

Explanation:

"To nullify" is to cancel. The Latin root word, "nullus," means no or none.

Example Question #2995 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

COPIOUS

Possible Answers:

Tiring

Distinct

Melodramatic

Plentiful

Hackneyed

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

"Copious" means plentiful or large in quantity. The Latin root word, "copia," means abundance.

Example Question #3001 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

COMPLACENT

Possible Answers:

Wounded

Central

Surprising

Amphibious

Smug

Correct answer:

Smug

Explanation:

"Complacent" means pleased, especially with oneself or one's situation. Thus, the best answer choice is smug. The root word "plac-" means please.

Example Question #3002 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

COSMOPOLITAN

Possible Answers:

Transferable 

Worldly

Scourged

Agitated

Vital

Correct answer:

Worldly

Explanation:

"Cosmopolitan" means familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures. It also means sophisticated. Thus, the best answer choice is "worldly," which also means sophisticated. The root word "cosmo-" means world or universe, and the root word "poli" means city.

Example Question #3003 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Synonyms: pick the word that is most similar in meaning to the word in question.

MAGNATE

Possible Answers:

Tycoon

Viability

Dissipation

Penalty

Indulgence

Correct answer:

Tycoon

Explanation:

A "magnate" is an influential or powerful person. A tycoon is a businessperson of great power and wealth. The root word "magnus" means great.

Example Question #3004 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Grandiose

Just

Detestable

Speechless

Smelly

Correct answer:

Detestable

Explanation:

"Odious" means detestable or causing hatred. The Latin root word, "odium," means hatred.

Example Question #3005 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

GRANDILOQUENT

Possible Answers:

Pretentious

Uniting

Concealed

Known

Enormous

Correct answer:

Pretentious

Explanation:

"Grandiloquent" means pompous or extravagant in one's speaking. The best answer choice is "pretentious." The Latin root word, "grandis," means great, and the Latin root word, "loqui," means to speak.

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