SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1001 : Synonyms

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

VOCIFEROUS

Possible Answers:

Gravid

Effervescent

Imperturbable

Lucid

Clamorous

Correct answer:

Clamorous

Explanation:

"Vociferous" means "clamorous," vocal, and vehement. "Imperturbable" is another word for unflappable, unable to be upset. "Lucid" means clear, and "gravid" means pregnant or swollen. "Effervescent" is bubbly.

Example Question #1002 : Synonyms

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

EFFUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Fastidious

Debonair

Fulsome

Quiescent

Timorous

Correct answer:

Fulsome

Explanation:

The adjective "effusive" means unrestrained or excessively enthusiastic in praise of something. This is closest in meaning to "fulsome" which means excessively complimentary. Additionally, "quiescent" means at rest, inactive; "debonair" means charming and sophisticated; "timorous" means easily scared and shy; "fastidious" means hard to please, overly concerned with details, meticulous.

Example Question #1003 : Synonyms

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

DISPASSIONATE 

Possible Answers:

Sad

Angry

Envious

Frightened

Calm

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The adjective "dispassionate" means not emotional, not passionate, not feeling strong emotions. This is closest in meaning to "calm." Other synonyms for "dispassionate" include "unruffled," "composed," and "impassive."

Example Question #1004 : Synonyms

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

SALACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Proper

Libidinous

Prudish

Subdued

Energetic

Correct answer:

Libidinous

Explanation:

"Salacious" means lewd, "libidinous," or obscene. This is an antonym for "proper" and "prudish." "Subdued" means somber, downcast. "Energetic" means high-spirited and full of energy.

Example Question #1005 : Synonyms

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

HANGDOG

Possible Answers:

Broke

Abject

Criminal

Shamefaced

Indulgent

Correct answer:

Shamefaced

Explanation:

"Hangdog" means shamefaced, "abashed," or "ashamed" and often describes a person's facial expression. "Broke" means temporarily or currently short on money, and "criminal" as an adjective means inclined to commit or having already committed crime. "Abject" means craven, miserable. "Indulgent" means lenient, generous, or softhearted.

Example Question #1006 : Synonyms

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

LACHRYMOSE

Possible Answers:

Nutty

Weepy

Sickened

Appetizing

Confounded

Correct answer:

Weepy

Explanation:

"Lachrymose" means weepy," tearful, or sad. "Appetizing" means appealing, tasty. "Confounded" means bewildered, and "nutty" means zany or crazy. "Sickened" means ill, ailing.

Example Question #1007 : Synonyms

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

VIRULENT

Possible Answers:

Bizarre

Innocuous

Congenial

Affable

Hostile

Correct answer:

Hostile

Explanation:

"Virulent" can mean dangerously toxic or venomous, but it can also mean "hostile," bitter, and rancorous. This is an antonym for "innocuous," which means harmless. "Bizarre" means outlandish or strange, and "congenial" means friendly or personable. "Affable" has a similar meaning of friendly, amiable, and cordial.

Example Question #1008 : Synonyms

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

CRESTFALLEN

Possible Answers:

Emotive

Leery

Woebegone

Calamitous

Unlucky

Correct answer:

Woebegone

Explanation:

"Crestfallen" means downhearted, sad, and "woebegone." "Leery" is another word for cautious or guarded, and "calamitous" is another word for disastrous. "Emotive" means expressive of one's feelings. An antonym for "unlucky" is serendipitous.

Example Question #1009 : Synonyms

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

SPLENETIC

Possible Answers:

Superstitious

Bizarre

Quizzical

Frenzied

Angry

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

"Splenetic" means "angry" or irritable. ("Spleen" is an old-fashioned word for anger and frustration.) Don't confuse this with "frenetic," which means frenzied. "Quizzical" means curious or puzzling, and "bizarre" means strange or outlandish. "Superstitious" means having an irrational belief in superstitions.

Example Question #1010 : Synonyms

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

HOMICIDAL

Possible Answers:

Puerile

Prurient

Embarrassed

Doleful

Murderous

Correct answer:

Murderous

Explanation:

"Homicidal" can mean literally "murderous" or figuratively very violent and brutal. "Prurient" means lustful, while "puerile" means immature or juvenile. "Embarrassed" is another word for ashamed. "Doleful" is another word for forlorn or mournful.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors