SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, and Variety

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2373 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GRANDIOSE

Possible Answers:

Uncouth

Circumspect

Luminary

Supercilious

Resplendent

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 #2374 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LURID

Possible Answers:

Banal

Impecunious

Trite

Maudlin

Sensational

Correct answer:

Sensational

Explanation:

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

Example Question #2375 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCHOATE

Possible Answers:

Esoteric

Nascent

Concrete

Laborious

Abstract

Correct answer:

Nascent

Explanation:

"Inchoate" and "nascent" both mean not fully formed. "Laborious" means arduous and difficult, and "esoteric" means abstruse. "Abstract" and "concrete" are antonyms.

Example Question #2376 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADULTERATED

Possible Answers:

Disreputable

Contaminated

Distraught

Execrable

Laconic

Correct answer:

Contaminated

Explanation:

"Adulterated" means "contaminated," tainted, and impure. "Execrable" is a synonym for "dreadful," and "laconic" is a synonym for "terse." "Distraught" means distressed. "Disreputable" means notorious.

Example Question #2377 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HEINOUS

Possible Answers:

Sparse

Atrocious

Scanty

Crushed

Torpid

Correct answer:

Atrocious

Explanation:

"Heinous" and "atrocious" are synonyms. "Torpid" is another word for sluggish or lethargic. "Scanty" and "sparse" are synonyms, as are "crushed" and "devastated."

Example Question #2378 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ERRATIC

Possible Answers:

Derogatory

Apposite

Unpredictable

Distraught

Wholesome

Correct answer:

Unpredictable

Explanation:

"Erratic" means sporadic or "unpredictable." "Distraught" is a synonym for "distressed," and "wholesome" is a synonym for "healthful." "Apposite" means apt or appropriate for the circumstances. "Derogatory" is a synonym for "disparaging" or denigratory.

Example Question #2379 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MANIFOLD

Possible Answers:

Multifarious

Fabled

Bewitching

Bewildered

Homogenous

Correct answer:

Multifarious

Explanation:

"Manifold" and "multifarious" both mean diverse and heterogenous, an antonym for "homogenous." "Fabled" and "legendary" are synonyms, as are "bewitching" and "enchanting." "Bewildered" means confused.

Example Question #2380 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EGREGIOUS

Possible Answers:

Penurious

Gregarious

Chauvinistic

Appalling

Jingoistic

Correct answer:

Appalling

Explanation:

"Egregious" means outstandingly bad, shocking, or "appalling." "Penurious" and "impoverished" are synonyms, as are "jingoistic" and "chauvinistic." "Gregarious" is another word for outgoing and social.

Example Question #2381 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INSIPID

Possible Answers:

Tasteless

Hopeless

Luckless

Aimless

Helpless

Correct answer:

Tasteless

Explanation:

The adjective "insipid" means lacking flavor, tasteless. Additionally, "aimless" means without goals or direction; "luckless" means unfortunate, hapless

Example Question #2382 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXQUISITE

Possible Answers:

Appalling

Abrasive

Disheartening

Delightful

Unnerving

Correct answer:

Delightful

Explanation:

The adjective "exquisite" means lovely, beautiful, and delightful. "Appalling" means disgusting and shocking or horrifying and sickening; "disheartening" means causing one to lose faith, making one less optimistic; "unnerving" means unsettling and making one feel nervous and uncomfortable; and "abrasive" means rude and obnoxious.

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