SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2365 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MEASLY

Possible Answers:

Bucolic

Confounded

Paltry

Archaic

Obsolete

Correct answer:

Paltry

Explanation:

"Measly" means "paltry" or scant. "Archaic" and "obsolete" both mean outdated. "Bucolic" means rustic and rural. "Confounded" means bewildered and confused.

Example Question #2366 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOTLEY

Possible Answers:

Varied

Insufferable

Bizarre

Hardy

Adamant

Correct answer:

Varied

Explanation:

The adjective "motley" means varied, diverse, disparate. It is generally used to refer to a varied group of people. Additionally, "insufferable" means very annoying; "hardy" means tough; "bizarre" means weird, unusual; "adamant" means stubborn, obstinate, certain that something is true.

Example Question #2367 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WHOLESOME

Possible Answers:

Manifold

Duplicitous

Healthy

Frivolous

Avid

Correct answer:

Healthy

Explanation:

Something "wholesome" is good for the health. "Frivolous" means fun and carefree. "Avid" is a word that means keen and eager, and "duplicitous" means deceitful or dishonest. "Manifold" means diverse and varied.

Example Question #2368 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARCANE

Possible Answers:

Brevity

Levity

Abstruse

Convivial

Decadent

Correct answer:

Abstruse

Explanation:

"Arcane" means "abstruse" and esoteric. "Levity" means lightheartedness, while "brevity" means briefness. "Decadent" is a synonym for "depraved," and "convivial" is a synonym for cheerful and lively.

Example Question #2369 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MULTIFARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Diverse

Bigoted

Bucolic

Homogeneous

Querulous

Correct answer:

Diverse

Explanation:

"Multifarious" is a synonym for "diverse" and varied. This is an antonym for "homogeneous." "Bigoted" means biased, and "querulous" means cranky and irritated. "Bucolic" is a synonym for rural and rustic.

Example Question #2370 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UBIQUITOUS

Possible Answers:

Omnipresent

Elusive

Intuitive

Elaborate

Evasive

Correct answer:

Omnipresent

Explanation:

"Ubiquitous" and "omnipresent" both mean present everywhere. "Elaborate" is a synonym for complex, and "intuitive" means insightful. "Elusive" is a synonym for "evasive," or difficult to find/catch.

Example Question #1191 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ABOMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Quixotic

Loathsome

Wizened

Undeserving

Venerable

Correct answer:

Loathsome

Explanation:

The adjective "abominable" means horrible, gruesome, detestable and "loathsome." Additionally, "wizened" means weakened and wrinkled with age; "quixotic" means unrealistic, extremely impractical, based on romantic notions; "venerable" means deeply respected due to age and experience.

Example Question #1192 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

RECONDITE

Possible Answers:

Spasmodic

Esoteric

Haggard

Wholesome

Surreptitious

Correct answer:

Esoteric

Explanation:

The adjective "recondite" means (of knowledge) privileged and ancient. This is identical in meaning to useful vocabulary like "arcane," "abstruse," and "esoteric." All four of these words (recondite, abstruse, esoteric, and arcane) might appear on the test - all four relate to knowledge known to only a few people. Additionally, "haggard" means having the appearance of being tired and overworked; "spasmodic" means intermittent, erratic, occurring at irregular intervals; "wholesome" means good-natured, virtuous; "surreptitious" means secretive, clandestine.

Example Question #1193 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GRANDIOSE

Possible Answers:

Uncouth

Luminary

Circumspect

Resplendent

Supercilious

Correct answer:

Resplendent

Explanation:

The adjective "grandiose" means magnificent, imposing, and majestic (particularly in an unnecessarily exaggerated fashion). This is closest in meaning to "resplendent" which means spectacular, splendid, brilliant. Additionally, "uncouth" means (of a person) rude and uncivilized, vulgar and unrefined; "luminary" means notable or famous within a particular area; "circumspect" means thoughtful and cautious; "supercilious" means arrogant, acting as if one thinks one is better than others, haughty and patronizing.

Example Question #1194 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LURID

Possible Answers:

Sensational

Trite

Maudlin

Banal

Impecunious

Correct answer:

Sensational

Explanation:

"Lurid" and "sensational" are synonyms, as are "maudlin" and "sentimental." "Trite" means banal, and "impecunious" means impoverished.

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