SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #168 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FLUSTERED

Possible Answers:

Thoughtful

Discombobulated

Alert

Logical

Clearheaded

Correct answer:

Discombobulated

Explanation:

"Flustered" and "discombobulated" are synonymous; they refer to someone who is frustrated with a situation. The other words do not come close to being synonyms. In fact, "thoughtful," "logical," "alert," and "clearheaded" are actually all somewhat related to each other. The one word that really stands out is "discombobulated."

Example Question #169 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LEERY

Possible Answers:

Affable

Congenial

Magnanimous

Cautious

Munificent

Correct answer:

Cautious

Explanation:

"Leery" means cautious and wary. "Affable" means friendly or amiable. "Magnanimous" is a synonym for generous, as is "munificent." "Congenial" means personable, hospitable, and genial.

Example Question #921 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RASH

Possible Answers:

Direct

Cheerful

Aggressive

Iconic

Reckless

Correct answer:

Reckless

Explanation:

"Rash" means hasty and reckless. "Direct" and "indirect" are antonyms, as are "cheerful" and "unhappy." "Iconic" means classic. "Aggressive" means antagonistic and hostile.

Example Question #922 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISTRAUGHT

Possible Answers:

Bashful

Bewildered

Grim

Dismal

Distressed

Correct answer:

Distressed

Explanation:

"Distraught" means distressed and upset. "Bashful" means shy, and "bewildered" means confused or confounded. "Dismal" means glum and dreary, and "grim" means dark, stern, or dire, depending on context.

Example Question #923 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARDENT

Possible Answers:

Zealous

Parochial

Illustrious

Eminent

Avid

Correct answer:

Zealous

Explanation:

"Ardent" means fervid, passionate, or zealous. "Parochial" and "provincial" are synonyms, as are "eminent" and "illustrious." "Avid" means keen and eager.

Example Question #924 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

HOSTILE

Possible Answers:

Euphoric

Inimical

Envious

Skeptical

Livid

Correct answer:

Inimical

Explanation:

"Hostile" and "inimical" are synonyms. "Envious" means jealous, "skeptical" means dubious, and "euphoric" means ecstatic. "Livid" means extremely angry.

Example Question #925 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Acerbic

Abrasive

Bewildered

Supercilious

Superficial

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" means "bewildered" or puzzled. "Abrasive" means harsh or rough. "Superficial" means shallow, and "supercilious" means haughty or arrogant. "Acerbic" and "caustic" are synonyms.

Example Question #926 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

EBULLIENT

Possible Answers:

Exuberant

Decadent

Deleterious

Imminent

Forbidding

Correct answer:

Exuberant

Explanation:

"Ebullient" and "exuberant" both mean very happy and cheerful. "Imminent" means upcoming or impending. "Deleterious" mean harmful, and "decadent" means dissolute or morally degenerate. "Forbidding" means grim or unwelcoming.

Example Question #927 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

SLEEPY

Possible Answers:

Convincing

Somnolent

Lascivious

Sugary

Bashful

Correct answer:

Somnolent

Explanation:

"Somnolent" is another word for "sleepy." "Sugary" means sweet, and "lascivious" means lecherous, lustful. "Bashful" is another word for shy, and "convincing" means persuasive.

Example Question #928 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HISTRIONIC

Possible Answers:

Inane

Insipid

Capacious

Theatrical

Recondite

Correct answer:

Theatrical

Explanation:

The adjective "histrionic" is used to describe someone who is overly dramatic or theatrical. Additionally, "recondite" means (of knowledge) known by only a few people, arcane and esoteric; "insipid" means tasteless, lacking flavor or character; "capacious" means roomy, spacious, voluminous; "inane" means pointless and stupid, meaningless.

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