All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2371 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ABOMINABLE
Loathsome
Undeserving
Wizened
Venerable
Quixotic
Loathsome
The adjective "abominable" means horrible, gruesome, detestable and "loathsome." Additionally, "wizened" means weakened and wrinkled with age; "quixotic" means unrealistic, extremely impractical, based on romantic notions; "venerable" means deeply respected due to age and experience.
Example Question #2372 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RECONDITE
Esoteric
Surreptitious
Spasmodic
Haggard
Wholesome
Esoteric
The adjective "recondite" means (of knowledge) privileged and ancient. This is identical in meaning to useful vocabulary like "arcane," "abstruse," and "esoteric." All four of these words (recondite, abstruse, esoteric, and arcane) might appear on the test - all four relate to knowledge known to only a few people. Additionally, "haggard" means having the appearance of being tired and overworked; "spasmodic" means intermittent, erratic, occurring at irregular intervals; "wholesome" means good-natured, virtuous; "surreptitious" means secretive, clandestine.
Example Question #2373 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GRANDIOSE
Uncouth
Resplendent
Circumspect
Luminary
Supercilious
Resplendent
The adjective "grandiose" means magnificent, imposing, and majestic (particularly in an unnecessarily exaggerated fashion). This is closest in meaning to "resplendent" which means spectacular, splendid, brilliant. Additionally, "uncouth" means (of a person) rude and uncivilized, vulgar and unrefined; "luminary" means notable or famous within a particular area; "circumspect" means thoughtful and cautious; "supercilious" means arrogant, acting as if one thinks one is better than others, haughty and patronizing.
Example Question #2374 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LURID
Impecunious
Sensational
Maudlin
Banal
Trite
Sensational
"Lurid" and "sensational" are synonyms, as are "maudlin" and "sentimental." "Trite" means banal, and "impecunious" means impoverished.
Example Question #2375 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INCHOATE
Laborious
Concrete
Esoteric
Abstract
Nascent
Nascent
"Inchoate" and "nascent" both mean not fully formed. "Laborious" means arduous and difficult, and "esoteric" means abstruse. "Abstract" and "concrete" are antonyms.
Example Question #2376 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ADULTERATED
Laconic
Contaminated
Disreputable
Execrable
Distraught
Contaminated
"Adulterated" means "contaminated," tainted, and impure. "Execrable" is a synonym for "dreadful," and "laconic" is a synonym for "terse." "Distraught" means distressed. "Disreputable" means notorious.
Example Question #2377 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HEINOUS
Atrocious
Crushed
Sparse
Torpid
Scanty
Atrocious
"Heinous" and "atrocious" are synonyms. "Torpid" is another word for sluggish or lethargic. "Scanty" and "sparse" are synonyms, as are "crushed" and "devastated."
Example Question #2378 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ERRATIC
Derogatory
Wholesome
Apposite
Distraught
Unpredictable
Unpredictable
"Erratic" means sporadic or "unpredictable." "Distraught" is a synonym for "distressed," and "wholesome" is a synonym for "healthful." "Apposite" means apt or appropriate for the circumstances. "Derogatory" is a synonym for "disparaging" or denigratory.
Example Question #2379 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MANIFOLD
Homogenous
Multifarious
Bewildered
Fabled
Bewitching
Multifarious
"Manifold" and "multifarious" both mean diverse and heterogenous, an antonym for "homogenous." "Fabled" and "legendary" are synonyms, as are "bewitching" and "enchanting." "Bewildered" means confused.
Example Question #2380 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EGREGIOUS
Gregarious
Chauvinistic
Appalling
Penurious
Jingoistic
Appalling
"Egregious" means outstandingly bad, shocking, or "appalling." "Penurious" and "impoverished" are synonyms, as are "jingoistic" and "chauvinistic." "Gregarious" is another word for outgoing and social.