SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2581 : Synonyms

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

AUTOCHTHONOUS

Possible Answers:

Despotic

Chary

Measly

Indigenous

Excessive

Correct answer:

Indigenous

Explanation:

Something "autochthonous" is native or indigenous to a particular area, the opposite of an "immigrant." "Chary" means cautious, wary. "Despotic" is a synonym for "tyrannical," and "excessive" means too much. "Measly" is another word for paltry or too little.

Example Question #2582 : Synonyms

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

INTERMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Effervescent

Erroneous

Unending

Fallacious

Philanthropic

Correct answer:

Unending

Explanation:

"Interminable" means ceaseless or long-lasting. "Effervescent" is a synonym for "bubbly," and "charitable" is a synonym for "philanthropic." "Fallacious" and "erroneous" are synonyms that both mean false or mistaken.

Example Question #2583 : Synonyms

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

IRKSOME

Possible Answers:

Secretive

Burnished

Garish

Ill-tempered

Annoying

Correct answer:

Annoying

Explanation:

"Irksome" is a synonym for bothersome or irritating. Don't confuse this with "irascible," or ill-tempered. "Secretive" is another word for "furtive, "and "garish" is a synonym for "tawdry." "Burnished" means well-polished and gleaming.

Example Question #2584 : Synonyms

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

INSIPID

Possible Answers:

Unequivocal

Erratic

Paltry

Measly

Uninteresting

Correct answer:

Uninteresting

Explanation:

"Insipid" can mean "uninteresting," dull, or unimaginative, such as an "insipid joke." "Unequivocal" means unambiguous, and "erratic" means unpredictable. "Measly" and "paltry" are synonyms for small, insufficient.

Example Question #2441 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCONGRUOUS

Possible Answers:

Disjunctive

Lethargic

Ailing

Clashing

Torpid

Correct answer:

Clashing

Explanation:

Something "incongruous" is unsuited, "clashing," or out of place. Don't confuse "incongruous" with "languorous," which means lethargic, tired, or torpid. "Ailing" means ill or sickly. "Disjunctive" means disconnected.

Example Question #2442 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPOSITORY

Possible Answers:

Adulterated

Gravid

Laudatory

Explanatory

Forbidding

Correct answer:

Explanatory

Explanation:

"Expository" writing, for example, is writing intended to explain or explicate. "Laudatory" is a synonym for "complimentary" or congratulatory. "Forbidding" means threatening, while "adulterated" means contaminated. "Gravid" is a synonym for "pregnant."

Example Question #2443 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Troubled

Outdated

Ghastly

Unmanageable

Despised

Correct answer:

Outdated

Explanation:

If something is "antiquated," it is old-fashioned or out of date.

The 200 year old house’s antiquated heating system still used coal as its fuel source.

So "outdated" is the best answer.

Example Question #2444 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SEVERE

Possible Answers:

Harsh

Misguided

Rude

Cut

Short

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

"Severe" means extreme or harsh. Hmm, guess that gave it away..."harsh" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #2445 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISARMING

Possible Answers:

Unwitting

Beguiling

Aggressive

Imminent

Hazardous

Correct answer:

Beguiling

Explanation:

"Disarming" can mean charming, persuasive, or beguiling and often describes someone's smile or demeanor. "Unwitting," on the other hand, means unaware. Don't confuse "disarming" with weapons and choose "aggressive" or "hazardous." "Imminent" means forthcoming or impending.

Example Question #2446 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISJUNCTIVE

Possible Answers:

Nascent

Inchoate

Disconnected

Protean

Protracted

Correct answer:

Disconnected

Explanation:

"Disjunctive" is a synonym for "disconnected." "Protracted" is a synonym for "prolonged." "Protean," on the other hand, means changeable or mutable. "Inchoate" and "nascent" are both synonyms for unformed, rudimentary.

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