SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2371 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABOMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Loathsome

Undeserving

Wizened

Venerable

Quixotic

Correct answer:

Loathsome

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Esoteric

Surreptitious

Spasmodic

Haggard

Wholesome

Correct answer:

Esoteric

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Uncouth

Resplendent

Circumspect

Luminary

Supercilious

Correct answer:

Resplendent

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Impecunious

Sensational

Maudlin

Banal

Trite

Correct answer:

Sensational

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Laborious

Concrete

Esoteric

Abstract

Nascent

Correct answer:

Nascent

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Laconic

Contaminated

Disreputable

Execrable

Distraught

Correct answer:

Contaminated

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Atrocious

Crushed

Sparse

Torpid

Scanty

Correct answer:

Atrocious

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Derogatory

Wholesome

Apposite

Distraught

Unpredictable

Correct answer:

Unpredictable

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Homogenous

Multifarious

Bewildered

Fabled

Bewitching

Correct answer:

Multifarious

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Gregarious

Chauvinistic

Appalling

Penurious

Jingoistic

Correct answer:

Appalling

Explanation:

"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.

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