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 #661 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DISMAL

Possible Answers:

Sterile

Dry

Bleak

Arid

Clean

Correct answer:

Bleak

Explanation:

"Dismal" and "bleak" are synonyms referring to a state of being inhospitable and dark (in all senses). Their meanings obviously have a negative connotation. "Clean" and "sterile" have definitions related to the idea of being free from dirt, mess, or (in the case of "sterile") germs. "Arid" and "dry" refer to areas that lack water

Example Question #662 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Reckless

Intolerable

Domestic

Merciful

Foreign

Correct answer:

Foreign

Explanation:

Something "exotic" is strange or foreign. This is the opposite of "domestic." "Reckless" and "risky" are synonyms, as are "intolerable" and "insufferable." "Merciful" means compassionate and forgiving.

Example Question #663 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INEBRIATED

Possible Answers:

Intoxicated

Circuitous

Quarrelsome

Pessimistic

Militant

Correct answer:

Intoxicated

Explanation:

"Inebriated" means drunk or intoxicated. "Quarrelsome" means argumentative, which is also a synonym for "antagonistic." "Pessimistic" and "optimistic" are antonyms, as are "direct" and "circuitous." "Militant" means fanatical, overly zealous.

Example Question #664 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EVOCATIVE

Possible Answers:

Graceful

Abrupt

Clumsy

Redolent

Tasteless

Correct answer:

Redolent

Explanation:

"Evocative" and "redolent" are synonyms. "Graceful" means elegant or fluid, and "tasteless" is the opposite of tasteful. "Clumsy" means physically awkward, and "abrupt" means sudden.

Example Question #665 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PREFATORY

Possible Answers:

Loquacious

Arboreal

Garrulous

Convivial

Introductory

Correct answer:

Introductory

Explanation:

A "preface" is a type of introduction, so something "prefatory" would be "introductory." "Garrulous" and "loquacious" are two synonyms for talkative. "Convivial" means cheerful. "Arboreal" is a word used to describe trees (think of Arbor Day).

Example Question #666 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FAMISHED

Possible Answers:

Imminent

Ravenous

Forthcoming

Pugnacious

Hideous

Correct answer:

Ravenous

Explanation:

"Famished" means super hungry. "Hideous" means extremely ugly, and "pugnacious" means combative. "Imminent" means impending, approaching, or forthcoming.

Example Question #667 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ELIGIBLE

Possible Answers:

Qualified

Advantageous

Excruciating

Somber

Enterprising

Correct answer:

Qualified

Explanation:

To be "eligible" for something is to be qualified for it. "Enterprising" means resourceful, and "excruciating" means very painful. "Somber' means solemn or grave. "Advantageous" means beneficial.

Example Question #668 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PEREMPTORY

Possible Answers:

Distinct

Brusque

Vague

Boisterous

Exotic

Correct answer:

Brusque

Explanation:

"Peremptory" means abrupt and authoritarian. "Vague" means indistinct and unclear. "Distinct" means clear and well-defined. "Boisterous" and "rambunctious" are synonyms, as are "exotic" and "foreign."

Example Question #669 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ARBOREAL

Possible Answers:

Aquatic

Celestial

Treelike

Waterlike

Terrestrial

Correct answer:

Treelike

Explanation:

"Arboreal" is an adjective used to describe things related to or dwelling in trees, not water. "Terrestrial" describes things of the earth, and "aquatic" describes things of the water. "Celestial" means heavenly.

Example Question #670 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ADEPT

Possible Answers:

Peachy

Leery

Dire

Adroit

Magnanimous

Correct answer:

Adroit

Explanation:

"Adept" means "adroit." 'Peachy" means fine, and "leery' means cautious. "Magnanimous" means generous. "Dire" means urgent.

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