SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #859 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Elegant

Guilty

Ecstatic

Delicious

Hateful

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 #860 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPARTAN

Possible Answers:

Ritualistic

Cantankerous

Fetid

Austere

Manifold

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:

Wizened

Verbatim

Bendable

Seditious

Graceless

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:

White

Sordid

Haughty

Shocking

Stalwart

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 #863 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HARROWING.

Possible Answers:

Traumatizing

Incredible 

Fortunate 

Energizing

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 #864 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FORLORN. 

Possible Answers:

Jubilant

Despondent 

Suspicious 

Perplexed

Fearful

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 #865 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SANGUINE.

Possible Answers:

Cheerful

Suggestive

Virulent 

Garrulous 

Miserable

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 #866 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STOLID.

Possible Answers:

Emotionless

Merciless 

Remorseless 

Goad 

Perceptive

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 #867 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PHLEGMATIC.

Possible Answers:

Safe 

Indifferent 

Volatile

Sickly 

Unhealthy 

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:

Intimidated

Unidentified

Dignified

Brisk

Cagey

Correct answer:

Intimidated

Explanation:

"Daunted" means intimidated.

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