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 #1493 : Synonyms

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

CONJECTURAL

Possible Answers:

Elliptical

Speculative

Belligerent

Vicarious

Grotesque

Correct answer:

Speculative

Explanation:

"Conjectural" means "speculative," supposed, hypothetical. "Belligerent" is a synonym for "aggressive," and "grotesque" is a synonym for "gruesome." "Elliptical" means obscure and impossible to comprehend. "Vicarious" is a synonym for "secondhand," indirect.

Example Question #1494 : Synonyms

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

INSOLVENT

Possible Answers:

Greedy

Bankrupt

Aloof

Infrequent

Inane

Correct answer:

Bankrupt

Explanation:

The adjective "insolvent" means unable to pay one's debts due to running out of money. This is closest in definition to "bankrupt." Additionally, "aloof" means distant, withdrawn from human company; "inane" means pointless and silly.

Example Question #1495 : Synonyms

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

PUTATIVE

Possible Answers:

Effervescent

Morose

Gilded

Apocryphal

Presumed

Correct answer:

Presumed

Explanation:

"Putative" means assumed, so-called, or supposed. "Effervescent" means bubbly and can describe a liquid or a personality, and "morose" is a synonym for glum or gloomy. "Gilded" means shiny or covered in a gold or gold-like coating. "Apocryphal" means fictitious or false.

Example Question #163 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

GAUCHE

Possible Answers:

Inelegant

Supercilious

Tasteful

Superfluous

Haughty

Correct answer:

Inelegant

Explanation:

Something "gauche" is gaudy, tasteless, or "inelegant." This is an antonym for "tasteful." "Haughty" and "supercilious" are synonyms that mean stuck up. "Superfluous," on the other hand, means surplus, extra, or redundant.

Example Question #164 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

EMBLEMATIC

Possible Answers:

Garrulous

Bewitching

Symbolic

Shrewd

Pedantic 

Correct answer:

Symbolic

Explanation:

Something that is "emblematic" is symbolic or representational. "Pedantic" means fussy or overly picky. "Shrewd" means sharp or astute, and "garrulous" means talkative. "Bewitching" means charming or enchanting.

Example Question #165 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Fragmented

Lascivious

Irascible

Jingoistic

Lecherous

Correct answer:

Irascible

Explanation:

"Fractious" means grumpy, irritable, and "irascible." This is different from "fragmented," which means broken into small pieces, not joined together. "Jingoistic" is a synonym for "chauvinistic," and "lecherous" is a synonym for "lustful" or lascivious.

Example Question #171 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

IMPECUNIOUS

Possible Answers:

Exhausted

Intense

Poor

Absurd

Wealthy

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

The adjective "impecunious" means penniless, "poor," completely without money or possessions. Additionally, "absurd" means ridiculous.

Example Question #172 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

INEXORABLE

Possible Answers:

Ignominious

Obstreperous

Unyielding

Impending

Tacit

Correct answer:

Unyielding

Explanation:

"Inexorable" means relentless, unstoppable, or "unyielding." "Tacit" is a synonym for "unspoken," and "impending" is a synonym for "imminent." "Ignominious" means shameful or disgraceful. "Obstreperous" means rambunctious and boisterous.

Example Question #173 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

IMPECUNIOUS

Possible Answers:

Imperial

Impertinent

Impoverished

Impudent

Impudent

Correct answer:

Impoverished

Explanation:

"Impecunious" means "impoverished," penniless, destitute. "Impudent" means impertinent, insolent, and cheeky. "Imperial" is the adjective form of emperor or empire.

Example Question #174 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

PLAINTIVE

Possible Answers:

Gauche

Irascible

Mournful

Spectral

Imperturbable

Correct answer:

Mournful

Explanation:

"Imperturbable" means unable to be bothered. This is an antonym for "irascible," which means irritable, cranky. "Plaintive" means "mournful" or wistful. "Gauche" is a synonym for inelegant, tasteless. "Spectral" is a synonym for "ghostly."

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