SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1011 : Synonyms

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

JOCULAR

Possible Answers:

Sardonic

Humorous

Panglossian

Jubilant

Gelid

Correct answer:

Humorous

Explanation:

"Jocular" means "humorous" or joking. This is not the same as "jubilant," which means overjoyed. "Sardonic" means sarcastic, and "Panglossian" means overly optimistic and naively hopeful. "Gelid" means very cold, frigid.

Example Question #1012 : Synonyms

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

WAGGISH

Possible Answers:

Inimitable

Hedonistic

Humorous

Salacious

Maudlin

Correct answer:

Humorous

Explanation:

Someone who is behaving in a "waggish" way is being playfully or mischievously funny. This is an antonym for "maudlin," which means tearfully sentimental or excessively sorrowful. "Inimitable" means one of a kind. "Hedonistic" means concerned with the pursuit of pleasure. "Salacious" is a synonym for "prurient."

Example Question #1013 : Synonyms

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

RETICENT

Possible Answers:

Introverted

Immoral

Contrite

Amorous

Decorous

Correct answer:

Introverted

Explanation:

"Reticent" means shy, withdrawn, quiet, or "introverted." "Amorous" means loving (often in a very apparent way), and "immoral" is an antonym for "moral." "Decorous" means polite and proper, while "contrite" means penitent.

Example Question #1014 : Synonyms

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

BALEFUL

Possible Answers:

Germane

Aubergine

Quarrelsome

Auspicious

Hostile

Correct answer:

Hostile

Explanation:

"Baleful" can mean "hostile," harmful, or threatening and often describe's a person's expression or intentions. "Germane" is a synonym for "relevant." "Auspicious" means fortunate, propitious. "Aubergine" is a shade of purple (and synonymous with eggplant in British English). "Quarrelsome" has the same meaning as bickering.

Example Question #1015 : Synonyms

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

CONCUPISCENT

Possible Answers:

Bashful

Munificent

Greedy

Latitudinarian

Lustful

Correct answer:

Lustful

Explanation:

"Concupiscent" means desirous and "lustful." "Greedy" is a synonym for "avaricious," and "latitudinarian" is a synonym for "tolerant" and all-encompassing, particularly in a religious context. "Munificent" means generous.

Example Question #1016 : Synonyms

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

ADDLED

Possible Answers:

Reproachful

Frenzied

Baffled

Spurious

Maudlin

Correct answer:

Baffled

Explanation:

"Addled" is another word for baffled or confused. To be "reproachful" is to be disapproving. "Spurious" means false or apocryphal. "Frenzied" is a synonym for "frantic," and "maudlin" is a synonym for "saccharine" or sentimental.

Example Question #1017 : Synonyms

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

JOCUND

Possible Answers:

Rotund

Sniveling

Fertile

Jovial

Sonorous

Correct answer:

Jovial

Explanation:

"Jocund" means "jovial," cheerful, or merry. Don't confuse this with "fecund," which means fertile, or "orotund," which means sonorous. "Rotund" is another word for plump or robust. To "snivel" is to cry and whine.

Example Question #1018 : Synonyms

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

SAUCY

Possible Answers:

Ostentatious

Cheeky

Lachrymose

Chicanery

Opulent

Correct answer:

Cheeky

Explanation:

"Saucy" means "cheeky," bold, or irreverent. "Lachrymose" is another word for tearful or maudlin. "Chicanery" means trickery and is a noun, not an adjective. "Ostentatious" means showy, while "opulent" means wealthy and luxurious.

Example Question #1019 : Synonyms

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

INCREDULOUS

Possible Answers:

Dappled

Incongruous

Gullible

Vulnerable

Disbelieving

Correct answer:

Disbelieving

Explanation:

"Incredulous" means skeptical or "disbelieving." This is the opposite of "gullible," which means overly trusting. Something "incongruous" doesn't fit or match, and something "dappled" is marked with large and usually lovely spots. "Vulnerable" means defenseless, helpless, and weak.

Example Question #1020 : Synonyms

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

GLOWERING

Possible Answers:

Clangorously

Sullen

Forthright

Kinetic

Victorious

Correct answer:

Sullen

Explanation:

To be "glowering" is to be scowling, angry, or sullen. "Frank" is a synonym of forthright. "Victorious" is a synonym of triumphant. "Clangorous" means loud and raucous. "Kinetic" means moving or having to do with movement.

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