SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms, Antonyms, and Changes in Intensity

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #224 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Pariah is to outcast as raconteur is to __________.

Possible Answers:

storyteller 

assailant

progressive 

innovator 

leader 

Correct answer:

storyteller 

Explanation:

"Pariah" and "outcast" are synonyms that are both used to describe someone who is excluded from a group by others. To solve this analogy you have to identify which of the answer choices is the best synonym for "raconteur," which is a narrator or storyteller. For clarification, an "innovator" is someone who comes up with new ideas; an "assailant" is an attacker; "progressive" means to be moving forward or to be forward thinking.

Example Question #225 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Conscientious is to scrupulous as carefully is to __________.

Possible Answers:

gingerly 

disproportionately

disdainfully 

distastefully

appropriately

Correct answer:

gingerly 

Explanation:

"Conscientious" and "scrupulous" are synonyms that both mean to be deliberate with making decisions that are morally defensible. To solve this analogy you must therefore identify the best synonym for "carefully," which is “gingerly.” For clarification, "distastefully" describes something done without taste or class; "disdainfully" is something done to disrespect or criticize somebody; "disproportionately" means something done without equality or fairness.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Hidden is to clandestine as obscure is to __________.

Possible Answers:

enliven 

helpful 

obliterate 

nonchalant 

abstract 

Correct answer:

abstract 

Explanation:

"Clandestine" is a synonym for "hidden," and most nearly means concealed or unauthorized. To solve this analogy you must identify the best available synonym for "obscure," which means hard to understand or indistinct or unknown. The best answer is therefore “abstract,” which means theoretical or indistinct. For clarification, "enliven" means to energize; "obliterate" means to completely destroy; "nonchalant" means apathetic.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Inflexible is to unyielding as hinder is to __________.

Possible Answers:

honor 

flexible 

bemoan 

help 

hamper 

Correct answer:

hamper 

Explanation:

"Inflexible" and "unyielding" are synonyms that both mean rigid or impossible to change. To "hinder" something means to stand in the way of something happening. This is a synonym for “hamper.” For clarification, "bemoan" means to express dismay or grief.

Example Question #232 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Introverted is to shy as extroverted is to __________.

Possible Answers:

outgoing 

ashamed 

miserly 

timid 

bashful 

Correct answer:

outgoing 

Explanation:

A "shy" person is "introverted," so you must identify which of the answer choices describes how someone who is "extroverted" might feel and act. This should lead you to “outgoing,” which is a synonym for "extroverted." For clarification, "timid" means shy; "miserly" means not generous; "bashful" means easily embarrassed.

Example Question #231 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Eclectic is to diverse as revere is to __________.

Possible Answers:

propagate 

disrespect

haughty 

venerate 

inherit 

Correct answer:

venerate 

Explanation:

Eclectic and diverse are synonyms that both mean widespread and varied. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for revere. Revere means to treat or hold somebody with admiration and respect. So the correct answer is “venerate” which means to respect somebody greatly. For clarification, "propagate" means to spread; "haughty" means bold.

Example Question #232 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Avid is to ardent as emaciated is to __________.

Possible Answers:

jubilant 

gaunt 

delectable 

culinary

satiated

Correct answer:

gaunt 

Explanation:

Avid and ardent are synonyms that both mean eager, keen or enthusiastic. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for emaciated. Emaciated means dangerously skinny so the correct answer is “gaunt” which means extremely thin and bony. For clarification, "culinary" relates to food or cooking; "delectable" describes something delicious; "satiated" describes the feeling of being full or satisfied; "jubilant" means very happy.

Example Question #233 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Enigma is to mystery as penurious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

celebration 

conflagration 

destitution 

imagination 

domination 

Correct answer:

destitution 

Explanation:

Enigma and mystery are synonyms for one another that both mean not understood or puzzling. So to solve this analogy you must identify the best available synonym for penurious. Penurious means very poor so the correct answer is “destitution” which also means very poor or completely downtrodden to the point of deep impoverishment. For clarification, "conflagration" refers to a large fire or heated disagreement between two people or groups.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Sagacious is to wise as malevolent is to __________.

Possible Answers:

intelligent 

evil 

foolish 

brave

good 

Correct answer:

evil 

Explanation:

Sagacious is another way of saying wise so to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for malevolent. "Malevolent" means evil.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Pygmy is to dwarf as lilliputian is to __________.

Possible Answers:

ugly 

fat 

tall 

tiny 

giant 

Correct answer:

tiny 

Explanation:

Pygmy, dwarf, and lilliputian are all synonyms that loosely mean short or very small; the correct answer is “tiny.”

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors