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 #2154 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

UNDERSTOOD

Possible Answers:

Relayed

Tacit

Confounded

Purported

Adjunct

Correct answer:

Tacit

Explanation:

The word "understood" means implied but not stated. "Tacit" is the best answer choice because it has a similar definition: understood without being openly expressed. Considering the other choices, "confound" means to surprise or confuse, "purport" means to profess or claim, "relay" means to deliver (as in "to relay a message"), and "adjunct" means something that is added to something else but is unessential.

Example Question #981 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

BLATANT

Possible Answers:

Patent

Terrible

Expected

Blaring

Subtle

Correct answer:

Patent

Explanation:

"Blatant" is an adjective meaning done in a shameless manner when referring to bad behavior, and overt and obvious in other instances. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like obvious. Since "patent" can mean obvious when used as an adjective, "patent" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "blatant" and the correct answer.

Example Question #982 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FAR-FETCHED

Possible Answers:

Proportionate

Expected

Operational

Languishing

Improbable

Correct answer:

Improbable

Explanation:

“Far-fetched” is an adjective that means implausible, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like unlikely. That means that “expected” cannot be the correct answer, because “expected” means thought of as likely to occur, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “far-fetched.” “Improbable,” however, is an adjective that means either not likely to occur or be true, and because “improbable” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “far-fetched,” “improbable” is the correct answer.

Example Question #983 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONFOUNDING

Possible Answers:

Ponderous

Considerate 

Noteworthy 

Benevolent 

Puzzling 

Correct answer:

Puzzling 

Explanation:

“Confounding” means confusing or puzzling, so "puzzling" is the correct answer. For clarification, "ponderous" means very slow or overelaborate; "noteworthy" means significant; "benevolent" means possessing a good or virtuous nature; and "considerate" means thoughtful.

Example Question #2302 : Synonyms

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

CONTENTIOUS

Possible Answers:

renowned

controversial

remarkable

forgiving

ill-timed

Correct answer:

controversial

Explanation:

"Contentious" means likely to cause argument, or controversial.

Example Question #984 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

VIABLE

Possible Answers:

Tremendous

Influential

Feasible

Manifold

Courageous

Correct answer:

Feasible

Explanation:

"Viable" means realistic and capable of meeting with success, or "feasible."

Example Question #2161 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SALIENT

Possible Answers:

Significant 

Flavorful

Salty

Corporeal

Elegant 

Correct answer:

Significant 

Explanation:

“Salient” means significant or noticeable. For clarification, "corporeal" means concerning bodily things (especially in contrast to spiritual things) and "elegant" means sophisticated and graceful.

Example Question #2162 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LIMPID

Possible Answers:

Ornery

Laconic

Lucid 

Intrepid

Listless 

Correct answer:

Lucid 

Explanation:

Something expressed in a “limpid” way is expressed clearly and lucidly and easily understood. So the correct answer is “lucid” which also means clear. For clarification, "listless" means lacking energy; "laconic" means terse or brief; "ornery" means irritable or bad-tempered; "intrepid" means adventurous.

Example Question #2163 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUCID

Possible Answers:

Risky

Timid

Cloudy

Intelligible

Insane

Correct answer:

Intelligible

Explanation:

"Lucid" means expressed clearly, or intelligible.

Example Question #2164 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUCID

Possible Answers:

Mystified 

Mandatory

Clear

Healthy

Shameful

Correct answer:

Clear

Explanation:

"Lucid" means clear.  

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