SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

FORMIDABLE

Possible Answers:

Remiss

Charming

Optimistic

Intimidating

Tranquil

Correct answer:

Intimidating

Explanation:

"Formidable" means strong and capable of instilling fear and respect in the eyes of other people. So, "intimidating" is the correct answer. "Remiss" means negligent or not careful. "Optimistic" means positive about the future or hopeful. "Tranquil" means calm or peaceful. "Charming" means attractive or pleasant.

Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

FORMIDABLE

Possible Answers:

Complex

Shapely

Fundamental

Encouraging

Intimidating

Correct answer:

Intimidating

Explanation:

"Formidable" means very large, powerful, or intense. The correct answer "intimidating" is similar in meaning; it means making someone feel afraid or making someone feel timid. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "complex" means complicated; "shapely" means curvy; "fundamental" means basic; and "encouraging" means supportive.

Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

EXIGENT

Possible Answers:

Supporting 

Suppressing

Energetic

Demanding 

Nomadic 

Correct answer:

Demanding 

Explanation:

To be “exigent” means to be demanding or to require immediate action from somebody. For clarification suppressing means to keep an ideology or individual from achieving growth or independence; nomadic refers to a type of living characterized by frequent movement and lack of material comfort; energetic means full of energy.

Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TYRANNICAL

Possible Answers:

Blatant

Inquisitive

Exhaustive

Angry

Despotic

Correct answer:

Despotic

Explanation:

"Tyrannical" and "despotic" are both words to describe a person who holds the majority of the power and abuses it.

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ONEROUS

Possible Answers:

Enjoyable

Honorable

Pathetic

Arduous

Profane

Correct answer:

Arduous

Explanation:

"Onerous" means challenging, burdensome, and difficult, so "arduous," a word that means difficult and taxing, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #86 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TORPID

Possible Answers:

Winsome 

Forbidden 

Lethargic

Effortless

Speedy 

Correct answer:

Lethargic

Explanation:

“Torpid” means sluggish or lacking energy, so it is a synonym for “lethargic,” which means physically or mentally exhausted. For clarification, "winsome" means charming and innocent.

Example Question #87 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

INNOCUOUS

Possible Answers:

Harmless

Dangerous 

Pointless 

Haughty 

Diabolical 

Correct answer:

Harmless

Explanation:

“Innocuous” is an adjective used to describe something harmless in effect or unlikely to provoke a reaction. It is opposite in meaning to “dangerous” and “diabolical.”

Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Bland

Inactive

Unusual 

Strange

Quintessential

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Quiescent" means still and quiet. Something that is "inactive" tends to not make sound or movement. Given how similar the meanings of these words are, they are synonyms. A tempting wrong answer is "quintessential" because it sounds like "quiescent," but has a very different meaning. ("Quintessential" means ideal.)

Example Question #89 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

IMPERIAL

Possible Answers:

Motionless

Careless

Antiquated

Aggravated

Royal

Correct answer:

Royal

Explanation:

Imperial means "of or relating to an emperor." It also means "characteristic of or exercising supreme authority." Royal means "of or pertaining to a king, queen, or some other ruler."

Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

INTRICATE

Possible Answers:

Creative

Porous

Complex

Intrinsic

Assiduous

Correct answer:

Complex

Explanation:

Intricate means complex.  

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