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

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Adversary is to opponent as zealous is to __________.

Possible Answers:

unabashed 

fervent 

unkind 

felonious

unsure 

Correct answer:

fervent 

Explanation:

Adversary is a synonym for opponent so you have to identify the best available synonym for zealous. To be zealous about something means to be feverish with enthusiasm. This should lead you to the correct answer which is “fervent.” For clarification, "felonious" means of or relation to the committing of crimes; "unabashed" means brazen or bold.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Abrupt is to brusque as glimpse is to __________.

Possible Answers:

espy 

profane 

castigate 

ignore 

mourn 

Correct answer:

espy 

Explanation:

Abrupt and brusque are synonyms that both mean sudden, blunt or unexpected. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best available synonym for glimpse. To glimpse means to see, to have a quick look so the correct answer is “espy” which means suddenly see or detect something. For clarification, "castigate" means scold, tell-off; "mourn" means to express sadness for the loss of someone or something; "profane" means rude and disrespectful.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Clear is to pellucid as unclear is to __________.

Possible Answers:

pariah 

facile 

pedagogue

immutable 

opaque 

Correct answer:

opaque 

Explanation:

Pellucid is a synonym for clear; so to solve this analogy you have to identify the best available synonym for unclear. This should lead you to the correct answer which is “opaque.” For clarification, "pedagogue" is a schoolteacher; a "pariah" is a social outcast; "facile" means easy; "immutable" means not changing or not able to be changed.

Example Question #241 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Overflowing is to replete as lithe is to __________.

Possible Answers:

portly 

disdainful

illogical

supple

comely 

Correct answer:

supple

Explanation:

Overflowing is a synonym for replete. Replete means to be amply equipped, or to have surpassed full. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for lithe. Lithe means flexible and supple. For clarification, "portly" means fat; "comely" means cute; "disdainful" describes a person or action worthy of negative description.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Vilify is to slander as laud is to __________.

Possible Answers:

temerity 

inculcate

exhale

subsist 

extol

Correct answer:

extol

Explanation:

Vilify and slander are synonyms, both words describe the action of speaking maliciously about someone and condemning them. Slander usually has a connotation of being untrue. To solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for laud. To laud something means to praise so the correct answer is “extol.” “Extol” means to describe the virtues of someone or something. For clarification, "subsist" means to manage to survive, exist; "inculcate" means instill; "temerity" means audacity.

Example Question #243 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Pedagogue is to teacher as sybarite is to __________.

Possible Answers:

student 

theist 

ascetic

doctor 

hedonist 

Correct answer:

hedonist 

Explanation:

A pedagogue is a synonym for teacher; so to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is a synonym for sybarite. Sybarite means devoted to the pursuit of pleasure which is the same thing as a “hedonist.” For clarification, the opposite of "sybarite/hedonist" is an "ascetic." "Asceticism" is defined by the rejection and self-denial of luxury and material comforts. Also, a "theist" is someone who studies and believes in God. The prefix ped- is generally used in words relating to children as in pediatrician. 

Example Question #202 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Exorbitant is to excessive as careful is to __________.

Possible Answers:

haughty 

succinct 

imposing 

harrowing 

diligent

Correct answer:

diligent

Explanation:

Exorbitant and excessive are synonyms that both mean to do or have too much; so to solve this analogy you must determine the best synonym for careful. This should lead you to "diligent" which means to be conscientious, industrious and careful in work. For clarification, "succinct" means brief and to the point; "haughty" means bold; "harrowing" means frightening.

Example Question #244 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Quotidian is to ordinary as restitution is to _________.

Possible Answers:

legislation 

mitigation

invasion

monopolization 

compensation 

Correct answer:

compensation 

Explanation:

Quotidian is a synonym for ordinary so to solve this analogy you have to find the best synonym for restitution. Restitution is the return of something to its rightful owner or compensation given after a loss. The best answer is therefore “compensation.” For clarification, "mitigation" means to lessen the severity of an action, argument or crime; "legislation" refers to the making of laws; "monopolization" is an economic term for when one company controls all the distribution of a type of product.

Example Question #245 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Demeanor is to manner as __________.

Possible Answers:

hand is to thumb

liberty is to captivity

spelling is to word

delegation is to task

interest is to curiosity

Correct answer:

interest is to curiosity

Explanation:

“Demeanor” is a noun that means “outward behavior,” while “manner” is a noun that can mean “a person’s way of behaving toward others.” So, “demeanor” and “manner” are synonyms, and we need to pick out an answer choice which also consists of a pair of synonyms. While “interest is to pastime” and “delegation is to task” might each look like a potentially correct answer, “delegation” is a noun that can mean either “a body of representatives,” or “the act of delegating.” So, while a task might be delegated, “delegation” and “task” are not synonymous, so “delegation is to task” cannot be the correct answer. “Interest,” however, when used as a noun, can mean “wanting to learn about something,” while “curiosity” can mean “a strong desire to learn something.” Because “interest” and “curiosity” are synonyms just as “demeanor” and “manner” are synonyms, “interest is to curiosity” is the correct answer.

Example Question #246 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Fallacious is to misleading as inclination is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Propensity 

Atrocity 

Perception

Denial 

Inoculation

Correct answer:

Propensity 

Explanation:

"Fallacious" is a synonym of misleading, both words describe information that is confusing or deceptive, intended to give someone a false idea. In order to solve this analogy it is therefore necessary to determine the best available synonym for inclination. An inclination towards something is a tendency or a propensity towards something. For clarification, an atrocity is a terrible or horrific act committed against a group or an individual; inoculation is protection against disease.

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