SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Antonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #411 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Immemorial is to __________ as conditional is to plenary.

Possible Answers:

archaic

ancient

perspicacious

modern

supreme 

Correct answer:

modern

Explanation:

"Conditional" means not absolute, subject to certain conditions or situations. Whereas, "plenary" means unqualified, not conditional, not subject to constraints. These two words are therefore antonyms, so to solve this analogy you need to determine the best available antonym for "immemorial." Well, "immemorial" means ancient, before the beginning of recorded history. So, the correct answer is "modern." Additionally, "archaic" means ancient and outmoded, no longer in contemporary use; "supreme" means best, greatest; "perspicacious" means discerning, having a keen insight into things, able to notice things

Example Question #412 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Phlegmatic is to __________ as quiescent is to energetic.

Possible Answers:

verdant

mordant

salubrious

volatile

cerulean

Correct answer:

volatile

Explanation:

"Energetic" means full of energy. Whereas, "quiescent" means at rest, in a state of inactivity. These two words are therefore antonyms, so to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the opposite meaning to "phlegmatic." Well, "phlegmatic" means (of a person) calm and emotionally stable, composed and tranquil. So, the correct answer is "volatile," which means unstable, likely to change in a negative or even catastrophic fashion. Additionally, "cerulean" means having a sky-blue color; "verdant" means green, having the color of grass; "salubrious" means promoting good health, beneficial; "mordant" means (of humor) sarcastic, cutting, and scathing.

Example Question #413 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Validate is to __________ as retard is to accelerate.

Possible Answers:

protrude 

extirpate 

waive 

quash

remonstrate 

Correct answer:

quash

Explanation:

"Retard" means to slow the progress of, to slow something down. It is therefore an antonym of "accelerate." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is an antonym of "validate." Well, "validate" means demonstrate the validity of, prove to be true, substantiate. It is therefore an antonym of "quash," which means reject or make null and void. Additionally, "remonstrate" means protest passionately against; "extirpate" means destroy completely; "waive" means give away certain rights; "protrude" means stick out from.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors