SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2585 : Synonyms

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

INCONGRUOUS

Possible Answers:

Disjunctive

Clashing

Torpid

Lethargic

Ailing

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 #2586 : Synonyms

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

EXPOSITORY

Possible Answers:

Gravid

Adulterated

Explanatory

Forbidding

Laudatory

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 #2587 : Synonyms

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Despised

Outdated

Troubled

Ghastly

Unmanageable

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Outdated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If something is "antiquated," it is old-fashioned or out of date.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So "outdated" is the best answer.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 #2588 : Synonyms

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

SEVERE

Possible Answers:

Short

Cut

Misguided

Harsh

Rude

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

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

Example Question #2589 : Synonyms

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

DISARMING

Possible Answers:

Beguiling

Imminent

Unwitting

Aggressive

Hazardous

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 #2590 : Synonyms

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

DISJUNCTIVE

Possible Answers:

Protracted

Protean

Disconnected

Inchoate

Nascent

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 #2441 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BANNED

Possible Answers:

Presaged

Exact

Deleterious

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 #2442 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERBATIM

Possible Answers:

Reprehensible

Unconscionable

Fatuous

Exact

Egregious

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 #2443 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SALIENT

Possible Answers:

Specious

Munificent

Forestalled

Important

Preempted

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 #2444 : Identifying Synonyms

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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