SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1631 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INGENIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Innocuously

Innovatively

Naively

Histrionically

Innocently

Correct answer:

Innovatively

Explanation:

"Ingenious" means clever, inventive, or innovative. Don't confuse it with "ingenuous," which means naive and innocent. "Histrionic" means melodramatic or overly theatrical, and "innocuous" means harmless.

Example Question #1632 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXECRABLY

Possible Answers:

Romantically

Scientifically

Wonderfully

Dreadfully

Wondrously

Correct answer:

Dreadfully

Explanation:

"Execrable" means extremely bad, awful, and dreadful. This is an antonym for both "wonderful" and "wondrous." "Scientifically" means in a scientific manner, and "romantic" is a synonym for "amorous."

Example Question #1633 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARDUOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Mendaciously

Indigently

Laboriously

Duplicitously

Indolently

Correct answer:

Laboriously

Explanation:

Something that is "arduous" is "laborious" or strenuous, requiring hard and often difficult work. "Indolent" means lazy, and "indigent" means impoverished or homeless. "Mendacious" and "duplicitous" are both synonyms for dishonest.

Example Question #1634 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INDECOROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Perilously

Impecuniously

Sporadically

Properly

Immodestly

Correct answer:

Immodestly

Explanation:

"Indecorous" and "immodest" are both synonyms for improper. This is an antonym for "proper." "Impecunious" means penniless, impoverished. "Sporadic" means infrequent, irregular, or random, and "perilous" means dangerous.

Example Question #1635 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HISTRIONICALLY

Possible Answers:

Immaculately

Newly

Triflingly

Melodramatically

Qualitatively

Correct answer:

Melodramatically

Explanation:

"Histrionic" means melodramatic, overdramatic, or theatrical. "New" is an antonym for "old," and "qualitative" is an antonym for "quantitative." "Immaculate" means pristine or spotless, and "trifling" means unimportant.

Example Question #1636 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VITUPERATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Indefatigably

Arduously

Impartially

Bitterly

Parsimoniously

Correct answer:

Bitterly

Explanation:

"Vituperative" means bitter, critical, and abusive. "Arduous" means laborious, difficult. "Impartial" is unbiased, while "parsimonious" is stingy and miserly. "Indefatigable" means untiring or inexhaustible.

Example Question #1637 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WANTONLY

Possible Answers:

Immorally

Decently

Ostentatiously

Perceptively

Obstreperously

Correct answer:

Immorally

Explanation:

When used to describe a person, "wanton" can mean immoral, promiscuous, or indecent. "Decent" is an antonym of this concept. In other contexts, "wanton" can also mean deliberately destructive, such as a wanton act of violence. "Perceptive" means perceiving, attentive. "Obstreperous" means boisterous. "Ostentatious" means showy or pretentious.

Example Question #1638 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPLAISANTLY

Possible Answers:

Smugly

Doggedly

Frugally

Prodigally

Acquiescently

Correct answer:

Acquiescently

Explanation:

"Complaisant" means acquiescent, cheerfully agreeing to do things for others. This isn't to be confused with "complacent," which means smug and self-satisfied. "Prodigal" means wasteful, which is an antonym of "frugal," or economical. "Dogged" means determined and persistent.

Example Question #1639 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Ingeniously

Trenchantly

Unpredictably

Ingenuously

Cryptically

Correct answer:

Unpredictably

Explanation:

"Capricious" means fickle, unpredictable, and whimsical. "Trenchant" means cutting or incisive. "Ingenious" is another word for "clever" or innovative, while "ingenuous" is another word for "innocent" or naive. Something "cryptic" is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Example Question #1640 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOLEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Impecuniously

Mournfully

Mellifluously

Gregariously

Confidently

Correct answer:

Mournfully

Explanation:

Someone who is "doleful" is mournful and sorrowful. "Gregarious" is another word for social or outgoing, and "mellifluous" is another word for harmonious or sweet-sounding. "Confidence" is self-assurance. "Impecunious" means impoverished or penniless.

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