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 #41 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Officious is to overbearing as gregarious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Expressive 

Mindful

Outgoing 

Domineering

Tight 

Correct answer:

Outgoing 

Explanation:

Officious and overbearing are synonyms that both describe someone who is bossy and self-important so to solve this analogy it is necessary to find the best available synonym for gregarious. Gregarious means friendly or sociable, so the correct answer is “outgoing.”

Example Question #42 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Cavort is to frolic as carouse is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Mourn 

Repose 

Plan 

Frighten 

Party 

Correct answer:

Party 

Explanation:

Cavort and frolic are synonyms that both describe joyful, carefree movement so to solve this analogy you must identify the answer choice that most resembles the meaning of carouse. To carouse means to drink and party. For clarification, repose means rest.

Example Question #136 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Plethora is to abundance as pertinacious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Reformed

Arrogant 

Persuasive

Diabolical 

Obstinate

Correct answer:

Obstinate

Explanation:

Plethora and abundance are synonyms which both mean to have more of something than is needed so to solve this analogy you must identify the best synonym for pertinacious. Pertinacious means stubborn so the correct synonym is “obstinate.” For clarification, diabolical means evil.

Example Question #137 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Maudlin is to sentimental as impecunious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Garrulous 

Loquacious

Impeccable

Mercurial

Destitute 

Correct answer:

Destitute 

Explanation:

Maudlin means overly-sentimental and emotional, so to solve this analogy you have to find a synonym for impecunious. Impecunious means extremely poor, so the correct answer is “destitute” which also means poor, possessing absolutely nothing. For clarification, loquacious and garrulous both mean talkative; mercurial means mysterious or unpredictable; impeccable means perfect.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Copious is to abundant as concoct is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Demand

Accentuate 

Wonder 

Liken 

Invent 

Correct answer:

Invent 

Explanation:

Copious and abundant are synonyms that both mean plentiful, so to solve this analogy you have to determine the best available synonym for concoct. To concoct something means to create or invent, so the correct answer is “invent.” For clarification, accentuate means highlight or exaggerate.

Example Question #141 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Tenuous is to precarious as malign is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Praise 

Slander

Encourage 

Docile 

Effective 

Correct answer:

Slander

Explanation:

Tenuous and precarious are synonyms that both mean unstable or insecure. So to solve this analogy you have to find the best available synonym for malign. To malign someone is to slander them. For clarification, something that is docile is calm and obedient.

Example Question #142 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Tranquil is to peaceful as hapless is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Quixotic 

Quintessential 

Soporific 

Deformed 

Unlucky 

Correct answer:

Unlucky 

Explanation:

Tranquil is a synonym for peaceful, so to solve this analogy you have to determine the best available synonym for hapless. Hapless means unlucky. For clarification, deformed means misshapen; soporific means sleep-inducing; quintessential means typical; quixotic means idealistic, and is one of my favorite words.

Example Question #221 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Guile is to cunning as callous is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Quiescent

Heartless 

Perplexing 

Theology 

Remorseful

Correct answer:

Heartless 

Explanation:

Guile is a synonym of cunning, so to solve this analogy you have to determine which is the best available synonym for callous. Callous means cruel or harsh, so the nearest answer is “heartless.” For clarification, remorseful means full of regret; theology is the study of religion; quiescent means quiet or inactive; perplexing means confusing.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Fickle is to capricious as flabbergasted is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Inherent 

Defaced 

Astounded 

Understood 

Prosaic 

Correct answer:

Astounded 

Explanation:

Fickle and capricious are synonyms that both mean unpredictable, changeable, and impulsive. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for flabbergasted. Flabbergasted means shocked or astounded. For clarification, defaced means ruined, tarnished; inherent means innate, inbuilt; prosaic means mundane.

Example Question #143 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Flout is to ignore as goad is to __________.

Possible Answers:

Demand 

Provoke 

Accuse 

Harangue

Laud 

Correct answer:

Provoke 

Explanation:

Flout is a synonym for ignore and is most commonly heard in the expression “to flout the rules;” therefore, in order to solve this analogy, you must determine the best available synonym for goad. Goad means to provoke or encourage. For clarification, harangue means berate, scold; laud means praise.

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