SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1267 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INCONGRUOUS

Possible Answers:

Ailing

Disjunctive

Torpid

Clashing

Lethargic

Correct answer:

Clashing

Explanation:

Something "incongruous" is unsuited, "clashing," or out of place. Don't confuse "incongruous" with "languorous," which means lethargic, tired, or torpid. "Ailing" means ill or sickly. "Disjunctive" means disconnected.

Example Question #3341 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

EXPOSITORY

Possible Answers:

Explanatory

Laudatory

Gravid

Adulterated

Forbidding

Correct answer:

Explanatory

Explanation:

"Expository" writing, for example, is writing intended to explain or explicate. "Laudatory" is a synonym for "complimentary" or congratulatory. "Forbidding" means threatening, while "adulterated" means contaminated. "Gravid" is a synonym for "pregnant."

Example Question #3342 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Unmanageable

Ghastly

Despised

Outdated

Troubled

Correct answer:

Outdated

Explanation:

If something is "antiquated," it is old-fashioned or out of date.

The 200 year old house’s antiquated heating system still used coal as its fuel source.

So "outdated" is the best answer.

Example Question #3343 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SEVERE

Possible Answers:

Harsh

Short

Rude

Cut

Misguided

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

"Severe" means extreme or harsh. Hmm, guess that gave it away..."harsh" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #3344 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DISARMING

Possible Answers:

Imminent

Beguiling

Unwitting

Hazardous

Aggressive

Correct answer:

Beguiling

Explanation:

"Disarming" can mean charming, persuasive, or beguiling and often describes someone's smile or demeanor. "Unwitting," on the other hand, means unaware. Don't confuse "disarming" with weapons and choose "aggressive" or "hazardous." "Imminent" means forthcoming or impending.

Example Question #3345 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DISJUNCTIVE

Possible Answers:

Protean

Protracted

Nascent

Disconnected

Inchoate

Correct answer:

Disconnected

Explanation:

"Disjunctive" is a synonym for "disconnected." "Protracted" is a synonym for "prolonged." "Protean," on the other hand, means changeable or mutable. "Inchoate" and "nascent" are both synonyms for unformed, rudimentary.

Example Question #3346 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

BANNED

Possible Answers:

Presaged

Deleterious

Exact

Celestial

Forbidden

Correct answer:

Forbidden

Explanation:

"Banned" means "forbidden." "Presaged" is a synonym for "foreseen," and "exact" is a synonym for precise. "Deleterious" means harmful. "Celestial" describes heavenly beings or objects in the sky, depending on the context.

Example Question #3347 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

VERBATIM

Possible Answers:

Exact

Egregious

Reprehensible

Fatuous

Unconscionable

Correct answer:

Exact

Explanation:

"Verbatim" means "exact," word for word. "Reprehensible" means loathsome, and "unconscionable" similarly means indefensible. "Fatuous" is a synonym for "silly" or foolish. "Egregious" means shockingly bad or outstanding for bad reasons.

Example Question #3348 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SALIENT

Possible Answers:

Specious

Munificent

Important

Preempted

Forestalled

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

The "salient" details of something are its most important or principal details. "Forestalled" and "preempted" are synonyms. "Specious" means false or misleading. "Munificent" means very generous and philanthropic.

Example Question #3349 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SWANKY

Possible Answers:

Prolix

Inchoate

Luxurious

Zany

Herculean

Correct answer:

Luxurious

Explanation:

"Swanky" means elegant, stylish, and "luxurious." "Prolix" is a synonym for "verbose," and "herculean" is a synonym for "onerous." "Inchoate" means nascent and unformed. "Zany" means eccentric and bizarre.

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