SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #811 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXQUISITE

Possible Answers:

Auspicious

Anomalous

Evocative

Propitious

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Beautiful

Explanation:

"Exquisite" can mean "beautiful," elegant, or delicate. "Anomalous" means abnormal, and "propitious" and "auspicious "are both synonyms for favorable. "Evocative" means redolent or reminiscent.

Example Question #812 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SORDID

Possible Answers:

Arboreal

Maudlin

Impossible

Filthy

Ravenous

Correct answer:

Filthy

Explanation:

"Sordid" and "filthy" both mean very dirty. "Maudlin" means overly sentimental. "Arboreal" means treelike, and "ravenous" means famished or very hungry. "Impossible" is an antonym of "possible," of course.

Example Question #821 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISCORDANT

Possible Answers:

Harmonious

Dissonant

Excruciating

Munificent

Mellifluous

Correct answer:

Dissonant

Explanation:

"Discordant" and "dissonant" both mean clashing, disharmonious. This is an antonym of both "harmonious" and "mellifluous." "Munificent" means generous or bountiful. "Excruciating" means agonizingly painful.

Example Question #822 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TURGID

Possible Answers:

Shiny

Swollen

Timid

Hideous

Lucid

Correct answer:

Swollen

Explanation:

"Turgid" means swollen or bloated. "Lucid" means clear, and "timid" means meek. "Shiny" and "matte" are antonyms, as are "hideous" and "beautiful."

Example Question #823 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WINSOME

Possible Answers:

Dulcet

Abrasive

Attractive

Bucolic

Archaic

Correct answer:

Attractive

Explanation:

"Winsome" means "attractive" or appealing. It is a somewhat antiquated term. "Archaic" means obsolete or outdated. "Dulcet" means harmonious or sweet sounding. "Abrasive" means harsh or grating, and "bucolic" means rustic or rural.

Example Question #824 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EMACIATED

Possible Answers:

Gargantuan

Lilliputian

Corpulent

Gaunt

Obese

Correct answer:

Gaunt

Explanation:

The adjective "emaciated" means extremely and unhealthily thin, starving, "gaunt," and skeletal. Additionally, "corpulent" and "obese" are synonyms, both words mean fat, overweight; "lilliputian" means very small; "gargantuan" means very large.

Example Question #825 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REDOUBTABLE

Possible Answers:

Erroneous

Opulent

Petulant

Daunting

Egregious

Correct answer:

Daunting

Explanation:

The adjective "redoubtable" means formidable, awe-inspiring, daunting and intimidating. Additionally, "petulant" means disobedient and badly-behaved; "erroneous" means incorrect, based on a mistaken belief; "egregious" means particularly shocking, especially bad; "opulent" means ostentatious, showy and luxurious.

Example Question #826 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBTRUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Conspicuous

Cognizant

Inopportune

Inimical

Indubitable

Correct answer:

Conspicuous

Explanation:

The adjective "obtrusive" means in the way and easily noticeable. This is closest in definition to "conspicuous" which means easily seen and not well hidden. Additionally, "cognizant" means aware and capable of noticing and understanding; "inimical" means very unfriendly; "inopportune" means happening at the wrong time; "indubitable" means certain and unquestionable.

Example Question #827 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MELLIFLUOUS

Possible Answers:

Cacophonous

Splendid

Egregious

Chaotic

Dulcet

Correct answer:

Dulcet

Explanation:

"Mellifluous" and "dulcet" both describe pleasant, sweet sounds. This is the opposite of "cacophonous," or disharmonious. "Chaotic" means random and disorganized, and "splendid" means magnificent or excellent. "Egregious" means outstandingly bad, shocking, or appalling.

Example Question #828 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PULCHRITUDINOUS

Possible Answers:

Beautiful

Calamitous

Religious

Diseased

Ravaged

Correct answer:

Beautiful

Explanation:

Although it isn't a pleasant sounding word, "pulchritudinous" actually means "beautiful." It does not mean "diseased" (infected/sickly) or "ravaged" (devastated/damaged). "Calamitous" means catastrophic or disastrous. "Religious" is the adjective form of "religion."

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