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: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DIAPHANOUS

Possible Answers:

Webbed

Sturdy

Gauzy

Ominous

Frangible

Correct answer:

Gauzy

Explanation:

"Diaphanous" is an adjective that often is used to describe fabrics, and means delicate and not completely opaque. So, the answer choices closest in meaning to "diaphanous" are "gauzy" and "frangible." While "frangible" means easily breakable, "gauzy" means thin and not completely opaque. Since "gauzy" is the closest synonym of "diaphanous" amongst the possible answer choices, it is the correct answer.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LITHE

Possible Answers:

Graceful 

Cantankerous 

Portly 

Noble 

Dull 

Correct answer:

Graceful 

Explanation:

“Lithe” means flexible and/or graceful, so "graceful" is the correct answer. For clarification, "portly" means fat, and "cantankerous" means bad-tempered.

Example Question #811 : Synonyms

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

KITSCHY

Possible Answers:

Gaudy

Adorable

Unconventional

Chipper

Old-fashioned

Correct answer:

Gaudy

Explanation:

"Kitschy" and "gaudy" are both words to describe something that is cheap and tacky.

Example Question #812 : Synonyms

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

RADIANT

Possible Answers:

Paltry

Enthused

Scientific

Beaming

Poisonous

Correct answer:

Beaming

Explanation:

"Radiant" means luminous, or "beaming."

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

OPULENT

Possible Answers:

Sumptuous

Opaque

Complex

Benevolent

Putrid

Correct answer:

Sumptuous

Explanation:

"Opulent" is an adjective that means lavish, and since "sumptuous" means expensive-looking, it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "opulent," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #813 : Synonyms

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

PULCHRITUDE

Possible Answers:

Beauty

Removal

Nightmare

Exit

Conception

Correct answer:

Beauty

Explanation:

"Pulchritude" means beauty, so "beauty" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "pulchritude": "exit" means departure; "conception" means start; "nightmare" means bad dream; and "removal" means elimination.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

IMPERVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Independent

Unaffected

Flawless

Stained

Insignificant

Correct answer:

Unaffected

Explanation:

"Impervious" means not letting things pass through, or unaffected by something. One might write, "While everyone else got sick, Michael seemed impervious to germs."

Example Question #814 : Synonyms

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

NEBULOUS

Possible Answers:

Nefarious 

Celebrated 

Indistinct 

Morose 

Concrete 

Correct answer:

Indistinct 

Explanation:

“Nebulous” means murky or indistinct. For clarification, "morose" means very sad; "nefarious" means wicked or infamous.

Example Question #815 : Synonyms

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

STRIDENT

Possible Answers:

Written

Immature

Retroactive

Ambiguous

Harsh

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

"Strident" means loud or harsh.

Example Question #816 : Synonyms

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

DIAPHANOUS

Possible Answers:

Munificent

Light 

Wise 

Audible 

Bifocal 

Correct answer:

Light 

Explanation:

“Diaphanous” means light, and is most commonly used to describe fabric or material. For clarification, "audible" means able to be heard; "bifocal" means having two focal lengths,and refers to a type of glasses; "munificent" means very generous.

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