SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1641 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POIGNANTLY

Possible Answers:

Feistily

Cruelly

Plaintively

Superficially

Dissonantly

Correct answer:

Plaintively

Explanation:

"Poignant" means touching, moving, emotional, and plaintive. "Cruel" is a synonym for "vicious," while "feisty" is a synonym for "spunky" or spirited. "Superficial" means shallow, either literally or figuratively, and "dissonant" means discordant or unharmonious.

Example Question #1642 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APOCRYPHALLY

Possible Answers:

Melodically

Nostalgically

Lugubriously

Direly

Fictitiously

Correct answer:

Fictitiously

Explanation:

An "apocryphal" story is a fictitious or falsified one. "Melodically" is the adverb form of "melody" and usually describes music. "Lugubrious" is a synonym for "glum" and "morose," and "dire" is a synonym for 'urgent." "Nostalgic' means wistful or longing.

Example Question #1643 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MISANTHROPICALLY

Possible Answers:

Antisocially

Ingeniously

Apocryphally

Vituperatively

Inexorably

Correct answer:

Antisocially

Explanation:

"Misanthropic" means unfriendly and "antisocial." "Apocryphal" means false or fictitious. "Vituperative" is another word for bitter, and "ingenious" is another word for clever, crafty, or innovative. "Inexorable" means unstoppable or unyielding.

Example Question #1644 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECLUSIVELY

Possible Answers:

rowdily

Hermitically

Histrionically

Dolefully

Fallaciously

Correct answer:

Hermitically

Explanation:

"Reclusive" means "hermitic" or solitary. "Fallacious" is a synonym for "false." "Doleful" means mournful. "Histrionic" means melodramatic and overly theatrical. "Rowdy" is a synonym for "boisterous."

Example Question #1645 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CRAVENLY

Possible Answers:

Saccharinely

Lugubriously

Abjectly

Resiliently

Profligately

Correct answer:

Abjectly

Explanation:

"Craven" means cowardly or abject. "Profligate" means wasteful. "Lugubrious" means glum and morose. "Saccharine" means overly sweet and sentimental. "Resilient" means strong and able to withstand great adversity.

Example Question #1646 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ONEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Treacherously

Arduously

Intractably

Petulantly

Presumptuous

Correct answer:

Arduously

Explanation:

"Onerous" means "arduous," difficult, and burdensome. "Treacherous" and "traitorous" are synonyms, as are "petulant" and "peevish." "Intractable" is a synonym for "stubborn." "Presumptuous" is a synonym for "brazen."

Example Question #1647 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABSTEMIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Mordantly

Moderately

Grandiloquently

Salubriously

Prodigally

Correct answer:

Moderately

Explanation:

"Abstemious" means temperate, moderate. "Grandiloquent" is a synonym for pompous. "Salubrious" and "healthful" are synonyms, as are "prodigal" and "wasteful." "Mordant," "trenchant," and "caustic" are all synonyms.

Example Question #1648 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GUILELESSLY

Possible Answers:

Wantonly

Strenuously

Onerously

Stringently

Ingenuously

Correct answer:

Ingenuously

Explanation:

"Guileless" means ingenuous, innocent, and naive. "Onerous" means difficult and laborious. "Strenuous" similarly means arduous. "Stringent" means rigid and strict. "Wanton" means immoral or promiscuous.

Example Question #1649 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BOMBASTICALLY

Possible Answers:

Pompously

Complaisantly

Acrimoniously

Smarmily

Ingratiatingly

Correct answer:

Pompously

Explanation:

"Bombastic" is a synonym for grandiloquent and pompous. "Complaisant" is a synonym for "acquiescent" and "amenable." "Ingratiating" and "smarmy" are synonyms. "Acrimonious" means caustic or bitter.

Example Question #1650 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTRITELY

Possible Answers:

Penitently

Superciliously

Haughtily

Parsimoniously

Illustriously

Correct answer:

Penitently

Explanation:

"Contrite" means penitent or repentant. "Haughty" and "supercilious" are synonyms that both mean stuck up, conceited. "Illustrious" means distinguished or eminent. "Parsimonious" means stingy or cheap.

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