SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #851 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Delicious

Hateful

Elegant

Ecstatic

Guilty

Correct answer:

Delicious

Explanation:

"Delectable" means really yummy.

I couldn’t stop staring at the delectable looking pastries in the bakery window.

So "delicious" is the best answer.

Example Question #852 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPARTAN

Possible Answers:

Austere

Ritualistic

Manifold

Fetid

Cantankerous

Correct answer:

Austere

Explanation:

"Spartan" means austere or ascetic. "Fetid" is a synonym for rotting, and "cantankerous" means grumpy or ill-tempered. "Manifold" means diverse and varied. "Ritualistic" means in the manner of a ritual or ceremonial rite.

Example Question #861 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUPPLE

Possible Answers:

Graceless

Wizened

Bendable

Seditious

Verbatim

Correct answer:

Bendable

Explanation:

"Supple" means lithe, graceful, and able to bend easily, so "bendable" is the best answer. "Supple" is an antonym of "graceless." "Verbatim" means word for word, exact. "Wizened" means shriveled and wrinkled as a result of being old. "Seditious" is a synonym for subversive and rebellious.

Example Question #862 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ALABASTER

Possible Answers:

Sordid

White

Stalwart

Haughty

Shocking

Correct answer:

White

Explanation:

As an adjective, "alabaster" means white. (As a noun, it refers to a white type of stone.) "Sordid" is a synonym for filthy. "Stalwart" means loyal and steadfast. "Haughty" means disdainful due to one thinking one is better than someone else.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

HARROWING.

Possible Answers:

Energizing

Traumatizing

Incredible 

Fortunate 

Suggestive 

Correct answer:

Traumatizing

Explanation:

A “harrowing” experience is one that is scary and traumatizing. For clarification, something that is "traumatizing" causes the traumatized to feel lasting emotional shock.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

FORLORN. 

Possible Answers:

Fearful

Despondent 

Jubilant

Suspicious 

Perplexed

Correct answer:

Despondent 

Explanation:

“Forlorn” means very sad and as such is most similar in meaning to “despondent” which means to feel sad and without hope. For clarification, jubilant means very happy; perplexed means confused or puzzled.

Example Question #863 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SANGUINE.

Possible Answers:

Miserable

Cheerful

Virulent 

Suggestive

Garrulous 

Correct answer:

Cheerful

Explanation:

“Sanguine” means cheerful and optimistic. For clarification, garrulous means talkative; suggestive means easily affected by the words of others; virulent means strong and dangerous.

Example Question #863 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STOLID.

Possible Answers:

Remorseless 

Goad 

Emotionless

Perceptive

Merciless 

Correct answer:

Emotionless

Explanation:

“Stolid” means devoid of emotion, so the correct answer is “emotionless.” For clarification, perceptive means insightful; remorseless and merciless are synonyms that mean cruel and insensitive; goad means provoke.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

PHLEGMATIC.

Possible Answers:

Unhealthy 

Indifferent 

Volatile

Sickly 

Safe 

Correct answer:

Indifferent 

Explanation:

“Phlegmatic” means apathetic or indifferent. For clarification, volatile means unsafe.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Daunted

Possible Answers:

Dignified

Unidentified

Brisk

Intimidated

Cagey

Correct answer:

Intimidated

Explanation:

"Daunted" means intimidated.

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