SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #849 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNDULATING

Possible Answers:

Winsome

Wavy

Shrieking

Wizened

Average

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 #850 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MINISCULE

Possible Answers:

Tiny

Tawdry

Misunderstood

Frigid

Gelid

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 #851 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SIBILANT

Possible Answers:

Exquisite

Hissing

Orotund

Soporific

Sonorous

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 #852 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Cyan

Decadent

Burnished

Noisy

Scrumptious

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 #853 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Spacious

Minute

Apparent

Pulchritudinous

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 #854 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TUMESCENT

Possible Answers:

Eloquent

Turbulent

Enigmatic

Distended

Zany

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 #855 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOISOME

Possible Answers:

Orotund

Ocular

Suppurating

Foul

Accidental

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 #856 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Spartan

Undulating

Helpful

Asinine

Excruciating

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 #857 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUAT

Possible Answers:

Ecumenical

Scrumptious

Laudatory

Munificent

Stubby

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 #858 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LEONINE

Possible Answers:

Lionlike

Sordid

Avian

Storklike

Contemplative

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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