SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1901 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Gregarious 

Extravagant

Ostentatious 

Impoverished 

Austere

Correct answer:

Austere

Explanation:

“Ascetic” is an adjective used to describe the quality of living an austere life, focused on personal discipline and the rejection of material comforts. “Extravagant” and “ostentatious” are antonyms because they both describe the quality of showing wealth and living in luxury. "Gregarious" means very friendly; "impoverished" is somewhat similar in meaning to "ascetic" but "ascetic" implies a conscious choice to live a certain lifestyle, whereas "impoverished" indicates that material comforts are not rejected; rather they are simply not an option.

Example Question #1902 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Mature 

Thoughtful 

Careless 

Childish 

Wizened 

Correct answer:

Childish 

Explanation:

“Juvenile” is an adjective used to describe the youthful quality of something. It generally has a connotation of immaturity or childishness when used to describe people. The best answer choice here is therefore “childish.” Mature is an antonym, as is “wizened,” which describes the appearance of looking shriveled up.

Example Question #1903 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

COMPELLING

Possible Answers:

Unmotivated

Artisanal

Dull

Captivating

Courageous

Correct answer:

Captivating

Explanation:

Compelling menas capturing interest, or captivating

Example Question #1904 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

FRUGAL

Possible Answers:

Calculating

Thrifty 

Decorated

Colorless

Harmful

Correct answer:

Thrifty 

Explanation:

Frugal and thrifty both mean not spending a lot of money.  

Example Question #1905 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

CRYPTIC

Possible Answers:

Beneficial

Whimsical

Mysterious

Flushed

Limited

Correct answer:

Mysterious

Explanation:

Cryptic means mysterious.  The root word 'crypticus' means hidden.  

Example Question #1906 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

NAIVE

Possible Answers:

Bitter

Primary

Inexperienced 

Digital

Delayed

Correct answer:

Inexperienced 

Explanation:

Naïve means inexperienced or having a lack of judgment.  

Example Question #1107 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Exclusive

Outdated

Cautious

Murky

Odorous

Correct answer:

Cautious

Explanation:

Prudent means cautious or wise.  

Example Question #1907 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

RECALCITRANT

Possible Answers:

Loyal 

Hardworking

Disobedient 

Lazy 

Jubilant 

Correct answer:

Disobedient 

Explanation:

“Recalcitrant” is an adjective used to describe someone’s disobedience or stubborn resistance. Note that “jubilant” means very happy.

Example Question #1153 : Synonyms

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

JAUNTY

Possible Answers:

Colorful

Broken

Macabre

Provocative

Lively

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

Jaunty means cheerful, confident, and lively.

Example Question #1908 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

CHARISMATIC

Possible Answers:

Whimsical

Intellectual

Regulated

Magnetic

Shabby

Correct answer:

Magnetic

Explanation:

Charismatic describes a person who is charming, compelling, or has a magnetic personality.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors