SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #851 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SIBILANT

Possible Answers:

Hissing

Soporific

Sonorous

Exquisite

Orotund

Correct answer:

Hissing

Explanation:

"Sibilant" describes a "hissing" or snakelike noise. "Exquisite" means lovely and beautiful, and "soporific" is sleep-inducing. "Orotund" and "sonorous" are synonyms for pleasant sounding.

Example Question #852 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Noisy

Cyan

Burnished

Scrumptious

Decadent

Correct answer:

Noisy

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means "noisy," resonant, clanging. "Burnished" means polished, and "cyan" is a shade of blue. "Scrumptious" means absolutely delicious, and "decadent" means either depraved or luxurious and indulgent, as in a decadent chocolate cake.

Example Question #853 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Spacious

Miniscule

Apparent

Minute

Pulchritudinous

Correct answer:

Spacious

Explanation:

"Commodious" is a synonym for "spacious," roomy, or capacious. This is an antonym for "minute," which means minuscule or tiny. "Apparent" is another word for obvious or evident. "Pulchritudinous" is another word for visually beautiful.

Example Question #854 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TUMESCENT

Possible Answers:

Eloquent

Distended

Enigmatic

Zany

Turbulent

Correct answer:

Distended

Explanation:

"Tumescent" is a synonym for "distended," swollen, or turgid. Don't confuse this with "tumultuous," or turbulent. "Eloquent" means fluent or articulate. "Enigmatic" means mysterious. "Zany" means weird or eccentric.

Example Question #855 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOISOME

Possible Answers:

Suppurating

Accidental

Ocular

Foul

Orotund

Correct answer:

Foul

Explanation:

"Noisome" describes an unpleasant or disagreeable smell. "Accidental" means not on purpose, and "orotund" means sonorous or pleasant sounding. "Suppurating" is another word for festering or rotting. "Ocular" means related to the eye.

Example Question #856 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Undulating

Asinine

Excruciating

Spartan

Helpful

Correct answer:

Spartan

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, "spartan," or monastic. While an "ascetic" lifestyle may be unpleasant, it is not the same as "excruciating," or extremely painful. "Undulating" is another word for wavy. "Asinine" means inane or stupid. "Helpful" is an antonym for "helpless," of course.

Example Question #857 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUAT

Possible Answers:

Scrumptious

Laudatory

Stubby

Ecumenical

Munificent

Correct answer:

Stubby

Explanation:

"Squat" means "stubby," thickset, short, and stocky. "Scrumptious" is another word for delicious, and "ecumenical" is another word for all-encompassing, universal. "Munificent" means generous or magnanimous. "Laudatory" means commendable, praiseworthy.

Example Question #858 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LEONINE

Possible Answers:

Sordid

Lionlike

Storklike

Avian

Contemplative

Correct answer:

Lionlike

Explanation:

"Leonine" means "lionlike," regal, or handsome. Don't confuse this with "avian," or birdlike. "Contemplative" means deeply thoughtful. "Sordid" means filthy, dirty, squalid. "Storklike" means tall, stalky, thin.

Example Question #859 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Guilty

Delicious

Elegant

Hateful

Correct answer:

Delicious

Explanation:

"Delectable" means really yummy.

I couldn’t stop staring at the delectable looking pastries in the bakery window.

So "delicious" is the best answer.

Example Question #860 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPARTAN

Possible Answers:

Cantankerous

Ritualistic

Manifold

Fetid

Austere

Correct answer:

Austere

Explanation:

"Spartan" means austere or ascetic. "Fetid" is a synonym for rotting, and "cantankerous" means grumpy or ill-tempered. "Manifold" means diverse and varied. "Ritualistic" means in the manner of a ritual or ceremonial rite.

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