SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1051 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IGNOBLE

Possible Answers:

Soft

Flighty

Assertive

Complete

Dishonorable

Correct answer:

Dishonorable

Explanation:

"Ignoble" means dishonorable or of low character, so "dishonorable" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "ignoble": “assertive” means confident; “soft” means not hard; “complete,” when used as an adjective, means whole; and “flighty” means erratic or fickle.

Example Question #1052 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMURE

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Rich

Shy

Free

Surprising

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Demure" means reserved or shy, so "shy" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "demure": “free” means enjoying liberty;“surprising” means unexpected; “energetic” means active or full of vigor; and "rich” means wealthy.

Example Question #1053 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EVENHANDED

Possible Answers:

Biased

Partial

Unbiased

Truthful

Unfair

Correct answer:

Unbiased

Explanation:

While "unfair" and "unbiased" may look like similar answer choices, they are actually antonyms. Since "evenhanded" means impartial when judging, "unbiased" is its closest synonym amongst the answer choices, as it means fair—specifically, showing no preferences or inclinations towards or against something. So, the correct answer is "unbiased."

Example Question #1054 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TIGHTFISTED

Possible Answers:

Impecunious

Overt

Prodigal

Nebulous

Thrifty

Correct answer:

Thrifty

Explanation:

"Tightfisted" is an adjective that has to do with money and specifically means avoiding spending money or miserly. Of the possible answer choices, three have to do with money: "thrifty," "prodigal," and "impecunious." Since "prodigal" means recklessly extravagant and "impecunious" means poor or lacking money, "thrifty," which means frugal, is the best choice.

Example Question #1055 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUS

Possible Answers:

Serendipitous 

Eloquent 

Bashful 

Vulgar 

Tranquil 

Correct answer:

Vulgar 

Explanation:

“Scurrilous” means foul-mouthed, vulgar, abusive, or wicked. For clarification, "bashful" means easily embarrassed; "eloquent" means speaking with clarity and style; "serendipitous" means fortunate; "tranquil" means peaceful or calm.

Example Question #1056 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMURE

Possible Answers:

Brave 

Bold 

Implacable 

Modest 

Arrogant 

Correct answer:

Modest 

Explanation:

“Demure” is an adjective used to describe someone who is shy or "modest." The answer choices “brave,” “bold,” and “arrogant” are all antonyms of the word “demure.” Implacable means pitiless or merciless.

Example Question #1057 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CANTANKEROUS

Possible Answers:

Dank

Grouchy

Wild 

Intelligent 

Brave

Correct answer:

Grouchy

Explanation:

“Cantankerous” means bad-tempered. This means that the best possible answer choice is “grouchy,” as this also describes someone who is bad-tempered.

Example Question #1058 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAFT

Possible Answers:

Foolish 

Ecstatic

Forceful 

Wise 

Miserable

Correct answer:

Foolish 

Explanation:

A “daft” person is foolish. For clarification, "ecstatic" means very happy.

Example Question #1101 : Synonyms

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

CORDIAL

Possible Answers:

Implacable 

Meaningless

Amiable 

Redundant 

Effervescent

Correct answer:

Amiable 

Explanation:

Someone who is “cordial” is very polite and friendly. "Amiable" means friendly or sociable, so it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "cordial." For clarification, "implacable" means relentless; "redundant" means rendered insignificant or useless; and "effervescent" means sparkling or energetic.

Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

RESTIVE

Possible Answers:

weary

hurtful

unruly

mollified

momentous

Correct answer:

unruly

Explanation:

"Restive" means difficult to control, impatient, and unruly.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors