SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2511 : Synonyms

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

WHOLESOME

Possible Answers:

Frivolous

Healthy

Manifold

Duplicitous

Avid

Correct answer:

Healthy

Explanation:

Something "wholesome" is good for the health. "Frivolous" means fun and carefree. "Avid" is a word that means keen and eager, and "duplicitous" means deceitful or dishonest. "Manifold" means diverse and varied.

Example Question #2512 : Synonyms

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

ARCANE

Possible Answers:

Abstruse

Decadent

Levity

Convivial

Brevity

Correct answer:

Abstruse

Explanation:

"Arcane" means "abstruse" and esoteric. "Levity" means lightheartedness, while "brevity" means briefness. "Decadent" is a synonym for "depraved," and "convivial" is a synonym for cheerful and lively.

Example Question #2513 : Synonyms

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

MULTIFARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Diverse

Bucolic

Homogeneous

Bigoted

Querulous

Correct answer:

Diverse

Explanation:

"Multifarious" is a synonym for "diverse" and varied. This is an antonym for "homogeneous." "Bigoted" means biased, and "querulous" means cranky and irritated. "Bucolic" is a synonym for rural and rustic.

Example Question #2514 : Synonyms

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

UBIQUITOUS

Possible Answers:

Omnipresent

Elusive

Intuitive

Evasive

Elaborate

Correct answer:

Omnipresent

Explanation:

"Ubiquitous" and "omnipresent" both mean present everywhere. "Elaborate" is a synonym for complex, and "intuitive" means insightful. "Elusive" is a synonym for "evasive," or difficult to find/catch.

Example Question #2511 : Synonyms

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

ABOMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Undeserving

Wizened

Loathsome

Venerable

Quixotic

Correct answer:

Loathsome

Explanation:

The adjective "abominable" means horrible, gruesome, detestable and "loathsome." Additionally, "wizened" means weakened and wrinkled with age; "quixotic" means unrealistic, extremely impractical, based on romantic notions; "venerable" means deeply respected due to age and experience.

Example Question #2515 : Synonyms

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

RECONDITE

Possible Answers:

Spasmodic

Esoteric

Haggard

Wholesome

Surreptitious

Correct answer:

Esoteric

Explanation:

The adjective "recondite" means (of knowledge) privileged and ancient. This is identical in meaning to useful vocabulary like "arcane," "abstruse," and "esoteric." All four of these words (recondite, abstruse, esoteric, and arcane) might appear on the test - all four relate to knowledge known to only a few people. Additionally, "haggard" means having the appearance of being tired and overworked; "spasmodic" means intermittent, erratic, occurring at irregular intervals; "wholesome" means good-natured, virtuous; "surreptitious" means secretive, clandestine.

Example Question #2516 : Synonyms

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

GRANDIOSE

Possible Answers:

Circumspect

Resplendent

Luminary

Uncouth

Supercilious

Correct answer:

Resplendent

Explanation:

The adjective "grandiose" means magnificent, imposing, and majestic (particularly in an unnecessarily exaggerated fashion). This is closest in meaning to "resplendent" which means spectacular, splendid, brilliant. Additionally, "uncouth" means (of a person) rude and uncivilized, vulgar and unrefined; "luminary" means notable or famous within a particular area; "circumspect" means thoughtful and cautious; "supercilious" means arrogant, acting as if one thinks one is better than others, haughty and patronizing.

Example Question #1200 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LURID

Possible Answers:

Trite

Banal

Impecunious

Sensational

Maudlin

Correct answer:

Sensational

Explanation:

"Lurid" and "sensational" are synonyms, as are "maudlin" and "sentimental." "Trite" means banal, and "impecunious" means impoverished.

Example Question #1201 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INCHOATE

Possible Answers:

Concrete

Laborious

Nascent

Abstract

Esoteric

Correct answer:

Nascent

Explanation:

"Inchoate" and "nascent" both mean not fully formed. "Laborious" means arduous and difficult, and "esoteric" means abstruse. "Abstract" and "concrete" are antonyms.

Example Question #1202 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ADULTERATED

Possible Answers:

Laconic

Execrable

Distraught

Contaminated

Disreputable

Correct answer:

Contaminated

Explanation:

"Adulterated" means "contaminated," tainted, and impure. "Execrable" is a synonym for "dreadful," and "laconic" is a synonym for "terse." "Distraught" means distressed. "Disreputable" means notorious.

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