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 #1671 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OPPROBRIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Vituperatively

Belligerently

Recalcitrantly

Reluctantly

Lyrically

Correct answer:

Vituperatively

Explanation:

"Opprobrious" and "vituperative" both mean verbally abusive. "Recalcitrant" means uncooperative and stubborn. "Reluctant" means hesitant, and "lyrical" means poetic. "Belligerent" is another word for aggressive.

Example Question #1672 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SALACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Gently

Barbarously

Vivaciously

Pruriently

Decorously

Correct answer:

Pruriently

Explanation:

"Salacious" and "prurient" both describe an indecent interest in sexual matters. "Decorous," which means polite and proper, is an antonym for this. "Barbarous" means cruel and savage. "Gentle" means tender and kind. "Vivacious" means lively.

Example Question #1673 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SEAMLESSLY

Possible Answers:

Stalwart

Vicariously

Continuously

Intransigently

Epigrammatically

Correct answer:

Continuously

Explanation:

"Seamless" means without a seam, bump, or interruption. "Epigrammatic" means pithy, and "stalwart" means loyal. "Intransigent" is another word for stubborn. "Vicarious" is a synonym for "secondhand" or indirect.

Example Question #1674 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNITIVELY

Possible Answers:

Triflingly

Clangorously

Punishingly

Fanatically

Gelidly

Correct answer:

Punishingly

Explanation:

"Punitive" is a synonym for "punishing." "Clangorous" means loud and clamorous. "Gelid" is a synonym for "icy" or cold. "Trifling" means trivial and unimportant. "Fanatic" means zealously militant.

Example Question #1675 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SANGUINELY

Possible Answers:

Optimistically

Prophetically

Frankly

Cynically

Unlawfully

Correct answer:

Optimistically

Explanation:

"Sanguine" means cheerful and "optimistic." This is an antonym for "cynical," or pessimistic. "Prophetic" means clairvoyant, able to see the future. Another word for "unlawful" is illegal, and another word for "frank" is forthright.

Example Question #1676 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPREHENSIBLY

Possible Answers:

Indigently

Indignantly

Fantastically

Deplorably

Petulantly

Correct answer:

Deplorably

Explanation:

"Reprehensible" is a synonym for deplorable, detestable. Another word for "fantastical" is magical, and another word for "petulant" is irritable or peevish. "Indignant" means resentful, offended, and annoyed, whereas "indigent" means vagrant or penniless.

Example Question #1677 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISCURSIVELY

Possible Answers:

Shrewdly

Congenially

Superficially

Solemnly

Ramblingly

Correct answer:

Ramblingly

Explanation:

"Discursive" means rambling and digressive. "Shrewd" means astute, and "congenial" means personable, friendly. Another word for "solemn" is somber. Another word for "superficial" is shallow.

Example Question #1678 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VOCIFEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Misanthropically

Pruriently

Lethargically

Vehemently

Sanguinely

Correct answer:

Vehemently

Explanation:

"Vociferous" means vehement, loud, clamorous, and protesting. "Sanguine" means optimistic and cheerful. "Lethargy" is lassitude or sluggishness. "Misanthropic" means antisocial or unfriendly, and "prurient" means lustful, inordinately concerned with sexual matters.

Example Question #1679 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PEJORATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Complaisantly

Derogatorily

Luridly

Pleasantly

Morbidly

Correct answer:

Derogatorily

Explanation:

"Pejorative" means disparaging or derogatory. "Lurid" is a synonym for "bright" and garish. "Complaisant" means obliging, agreeable, or giving in easily. "Pleasant" means enjoyable, friendly, or nice. "Morbid" means macabre or abnormally interested in death and disease.

Example Question #1680 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Truthfully

Ostentatiously

Scandalously

Infectiously

Pithily

Correct answer:

Scandalously

Explanation:

Something "scurrilous" spreads slanderous, scandalous, and sometimes humorous claims about someone. A synonym for "infectious" is contagious, and a synonym for "truthful" is "honest." "Pithy" means succinct and terse, to the point. "Ostentatious" means showy or pretentious.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors