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 #5 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

THOUGHTFULLY

Possible Answers:

Pensively

Hurriedly

Viciously

Ferociously

Frantically

Correct answer:

Pensively

Explanation:

"Thoughtfully" and "pensively" are synonymous adverbs referring to doing something in a considered and intelligent manner. The other words do not have related meanings. In fact, they have meaning that are opposite to "thoughtfully."

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ELUSIVELY

Possible Answers:

Despairingly

Skillfully

Evasively

Immediately

Mysteriously

Correct answer:

Evasively

Explanation:

"Elusive" and "evasive" are synonyms meaning difficult to catch. "Despairing" means hopeless, and "mysterious" means difficult or impossible to explain. "Skillful" means expert or accomplished. "Immediate" means instantaneous.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PRESENTLY

Possible Answers:

Urgently

Generously

Soon

Exotically

Recently

Correct answer:

Soon

Explanation:

"Presently" can mean currently, but it can also mean directly or soon. Although the word does express a time relationship, it does not mean "recently." "Exotic" means foreign, and "generous" means giving. "Urgent" means dire or pressing.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EXPERTLY

Possible Answers:

Extremely

Presently

Cleverly

Skillfully

Pretentiously

Correct answer:

Skillfully

Explanation:

"Expert" means skilled or skillful. While an "expert" may be "clever," the two words are not synonymous. "Pretentious" means pretending to be more important or cultured than one actually is. "Presently" means soon or currently. "Very" and "extremely" are synonyms.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

BELLIGERENTLY

Possible Answers:

Drably

Aggressive

Stickily

Damply

Punishingly

Correct answer:

Aggressive

Explanation:

"Belligerent" means aggressive and hostile. "Punishing" means arduous, demanding, or taxing. "Damp" and "dry" are antonyms, and "drab" and "colorful" are antonyms. "Sticky" means gluey.

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

GROTESQUELY

Possible Answers:

Treacherous

Gruesomely

Faithfully

Wickedly

Amenably

Correct answer:

Gruesomely

Explanation:

"Grotesque" means gruesome or disfigured. "Amenable" means cooperative. "Wicked" means sinful or evil. "Treacherous" means traitorous or disloyal, which is the opposite of "faithful."

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

VICARIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Dubiously

Indirectly

Capably

Alertly

Contemplatively

Correct answer:

Indirectly

Explanation:

Something "vicarious" is indirect or secondhand. "Dubious" means doubtful. "Alert" means vigilant. "Capable" and "incapable" are antonyms, as are "contemplatively" and "thoughtlessly."

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

CRUCIALLY

Possible Answers:

Messily

Sarcastically

Imperatively

Cynically

Tidily

Correct answer:

Imperatively

Explanation:

"Crucial" and "imperative" both mean very important. "Sarcastic" means ironic. Someone who is "cynical" tends to believe the worse about people and situations. "Messy" and "tidy" are antonyms.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PLASTICALLY

Possible Answers:

Entertainingly

Plausibly

Malleably

Boringly

Immediately

Correct answer:

Malleably

Explanation:

"Plastic" and "malleable" both mean pliable. "Plausible" means credible, and "immediate" means instantaneous. "Entertaining" and "boring" are antonyms.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ELLIPTICALLY

Possible Answers:

Incomprehensibly

Lucidly

Magnanimously

Stingily

Humorously

Correct answer:

Incomprehensibly

Explanation:

Something "elliptical" is incomprehensible, unclear, and impossible to understand. This is the opposite of "lucid," or "clear." "Magnanimous" means generous, which is the opposite of "stingy." "Humorous" means funny.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors