SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #99 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

UNDULATING

Possible Answers:

Average

Wavy

Wizened

Shrieking

Winsome

Correct answer:

Wavy

Explanation:

"Undulating" means "wavy" and often describes a wavelike motion. "Average" means ordinary, not uncommon. A "shriek" is a high-pitched cry or scream. "Winsome" means attractive, and "wizened" means wrinkled and shriveled.

Example Question #100 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

MINISCULE

Possible Answers:

Tawdry

Misunderstood

Tiny

Gelid

Frigid

Correct answer:

Tiny

Explanation:

"Minuscule" means minute, tiny. "Gelid" and "frigid" are synonyms for very cold. "Tawdry" is another word for garish or flashy. "Misunderstood" is an antonym for "understood," of course.

Example Question #891 : Synonyms

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

SIBILANT

Possible Answers:

Exquisite

Hissing

Sonorous

Orotund

Soporific

Correct answer:

Hissing

Explanation:

"Sibilant" describes a "hissing" or snakelike noise. "Exquisite" means lovely and beautiful, and "soporific" is sleep-inducing. "Orotund" and "sonorous" are synonyms for pleasant sounding.

Example Question #892 : Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Decadent

Burnished

Scrumptious

Cyan

Noisy

Correct answer:

Noisy

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means "noisy," resonant, clanging. "Burnished" means polished, and "cyan" is a shade of blue. "Scrumptious" means absolutely delicious, and "decadent" means either depraved or luxurious and indulgent, as in a decadent chocolate cake.

Example Question #893 : Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Minute

Apparent

Pulchritudinous

Spacious

Miniscule

Correct answer:

Spacious

Explanation:

"Commodious" is a synonym for "spacious," roomy, or capacious. This is an antonym for "minute," which means minuscule or tiny. "Apparent" is another word for obvious or evident. "Pulchritudinous" is another word for visually beautiful.

Example Question #894 : Synonyms

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

TUMESCENT

Possible Answers:

Enigmatic

Turbulent

Eloquent

Zany

Distended

Correct answer:

Distended

Explanation:

"Tumescent" is a synonym for "distended," swollen, or turgid. Don't confuse this with "tumultuous," or turbulent. "Eloquent" means fluent or articulate. "Enigmatic" means mysterious. "Zany" means weird or eccentric.

Example Question #895 : Synonyms

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

NOISOME

Possible Answers:

Foul

Accidental

Orotund

Ocular

Suppurating

Correct answer:

Foul

Explanation:

"Noisome" describes an unpleasant or disagreeable smell. "Accidental" means not on purpose, and "orotund" means sonorous or pleasant sounding. "Suppurating" is another word for festering or rotting. "Ocular" means related to the eye.

Example Question #896 : Synonyms

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Asinine

Excruciating

Undulating

Spartan

Helpful

Correct answer:

Spartan

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, "spartan," or monastic. While an "ascetic" lifestyle may be unpleasant, it is not the same as "excruciating," or extremely painful. "Undulating" is another word for wavy. "Asinine" means inane or stupid. "Helpful" is an antonym for "helpless," of course.

Example Question #897 : Synonyms

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

SQUAT

Possible Answers:

Laudatory

Stubby

Scrumptious

Ecumenical

Munificent

Correct answer:

Stubby

Explanation:

"Squat" means "stubby," thickset, short, and stocky. "Scrumptious" is another word for delicious, and "ecumenical" is another word for all-encompassing, universal. "Munificent" means generous or magnanimous. "Laudatory" means commendable, praiseworthy.

Example Question #898 : Synonyms

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

LEONINE

Possible Answers:

Sordid

Lionlike

Storklike

Contemplative

Avian

Correct answer:

Lionlike

Explanation:

"Leonine" means "lionlike," regal, or handsome. Don't confuse this with "avian," or birdlike. "Contemplative" means deeply thoughtful. "Sordid" means filthy, dirty, squalid. "Storklike" means tall, stalky, thin.

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