SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1521 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASTUTELY

Possible Answers:

Courageously

Shrewdly

Naively

Obstusely

Hastily

Correct answer:

Shrewdly

Explanation:

Someone "astute" is shrewd, sharp, or clever. "Obtuse" is an antonym of "astute." "Naive" means inexperienced, and "hasty" means hurried. "Courageous" and "brave" are synonyms.

Example Question #1522 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HEATEDLY

Possible Answers:

Passionately

Intentionally

Dubiously

Combatively

Deliberately

Correct answer:

Passionately

Explanation:

"Heated" means passionate, fiery, or spirited. "Deliberate" and "intentional" are synonyms, as are "combative" and "aggressive." "Dubious" means doubtful.

Example Question #1523 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LISTLESSLY

Possible Answers:

Thankfully

Lecherously

Tiredly

Jubilantly

Reverently

Correct answer:

Tiredly

Explanation:

Someone "listless" is tired or lacking in energy. "Lecherous" means lustful, and "reverent" means worshipful or respectful. "Jubilant" means joyful, and "thankful" means grateful.

Example Question #1524 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TURBULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Aerially

Placidly

Eternally

Tempestuously

Eagerly

Correct answer:

Tempestuously

Explanation:

"Turbulent" means stormy or tempestuous, which are antonyms of "placid" and "calm." "Eager" means enthusiastic, and "eternal" means lasting forever. While "turbulence" is often encountered by airplanes in the stratosphere, "turbulent" and "aerial" are not synonyms.

Example Question #1525 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LOQUACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Earnestly

Auspiciously

Talkatively

Lasciviously

Dramatically

Correct answer:

Talkatively

Explanation:

"Loquacious" is a synonym for "talkative" and "garrulous." "Lascivious" means lewd or lustful. "Earnest" means serious or sincere. "Dramatic" can mean sudden and striking, or it can mean related to drama and the theater. "Auspicious" means promising or favorable.

Example Question #1526 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STERNLY

Possible Answers:

Strictly

Responsible

Diffidently

Dutifully

Quarrelsomely

Correct answer:

Strictly

Explanation:

"Stern" means strict or rigorous and is usually used to describe authorities or rules. "Quarrelsome" and "combative" are synonyms, as are "diffident" and "shy." "Dutiful" means responsible.

Example Question #1527 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VALIANTLY

Possible Answers:

Vigorously

Wholly

Royally

Energetically

Bravely

Correct answer:

Bravely

Explanation:

"Valiant" is a synonym for "brave" and "courageous." "Vigorous" means robust, healthy, or energetic. "Royal" is a word used to describe monarchs and rulers, particularly kings and queens. "Wholly" means entirely or completely.

Example Question #1528 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNISHINGLY

Possible Answers:

Exuberantly

Smugly

Taxingly

Explicitly

Grimily

Correct answer:

Taxingly

Explanation:

While to "punish" can mean to make someone suffer in response to a bad action, "punishing" can also mean grueling, demanding, or taxing (usually in the context of a particular situation or action). "Grimy" means dirty, "smug" means self-satisfied, and "exuberant" means joyful. "Explicit" means clear and straightforward.

Example Question #1529 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INSCRUTABLY

Possible Answers:

Flexibly

Obediently

Inexplicably

Nostalgically

Hostilely

Correct answer:

Inexplicably

Explanation:

Something "inscrutable" is inexplicable, difficult or impossible to explain. "Flexible" means accommodating. "Hostile" means angry. "Nostalgic" means sentimental. "Obedient" means compliant.

Example Question #1530 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RELATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Shoddily

Purportedly

Absolutely

Comparatively

Grievously

Correct answer:

Comparatively

Explanation:

"Relative" and 'comparative" are synonyms. "Absolutely" is the antonym of these two words. "Grievous" means serious or severe, and "purported" means supposed. "Shoddy" and "cheap" are synonyms.

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