SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1151 : Synonyms

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

NAIVE

Possible Answers:

Primary

Digital

Delayed

Bitter

Inexperienced 

Correct answer:

Inexperienced 

Explanation:

Naïve means inexperienced or having a lack of judgment.  

Example Question #1107 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Exclusive

Outdated

Cautious

Murky

Odorous

Correct answer:

Cautious

Explanation:

Prudent means cautious or wise.  

Example Question #1152 : Synonyms

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

RECALCITRANT

Possible Answers:

Hardworking

Jubilant 

Disobedient 

Loyal 

Lazy 

Correct answer:

Disobedient 

Explanation:

“Recalcitrant” is an adjective used to describe someone’s disobedience or stubborn resistance. Note that “jubilant” means very happy.

Example Question #362 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

JAUNTY

Possible Answers:

Broken

Provocative

Macabre

Lively

Colorful

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

Jaunty means cheerful, confident, and lively.

Example Question #363 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CHARISMATIC

Possible Answers:

Regulated

Magnetic

Intellectual

Whimsical

Shabby

Correct answer:

Magnetic

Explanation:

Charismatic describes a person who is charming, compelling, or has a magnetic personality.

Example Question #1153 : Synonyms

SARDONIC

Possible Answers:

Scornful

Physical

Supportive

Hopeful

Emotional

Correct answer:

Scornful

Explanation:

“Sardonic” is an adjective that means “grimly mocking or cynical,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “cynical.” That means that “supportive” cannot be the correct answer, because “supportive” means “providing encouragement or emotional help,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “sardonic.” “Scornful,” however, is an adjective that means “feeling or expressing contempt or derision,” and because “scornful” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “sardonic,” “scornful” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1154 : Synonyms

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

PRESCIENT

Possible Answers:

Oblivious

Forgetful

Measured

Crucial

Clairvoyant

Correct answer:

Clairvoyant

Explanation:

“Prescient” is an adjective that means “having or showing knowledge of events before they take place,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “having foreknowledge of events.” That means that “Oblivious” cannot be the correct answer, because “oblivious” means “not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one,” a meaning quite distant from that of “prescient.” “Clairvoyant,” however, when used as an adjective, means “having or exhibiting an ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact,” and because “clairvoyant” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “prescient,” “clairvoyant” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1155 : Synonyms

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

INSULAR

Possible Answers:

Narrow-minded

Sordid

Worried

Presumptuous

Tolerant

Correct answer:

Narrow-minded

Explanation:

“Insular” is an adjective that can mean “ignorant of cultures, ideas, or peoples other than one's own,” or “lacking contact; isolated” or “relating to islands.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “ignorant of other cultures, ideas,” “lacking contact with other people, or “of an island.” That means that “tolerant” cannot be the correct answer, because “tolerant” means “showing willingness to allow the existence of other opinions,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “insular.” “Narrow-minded,” however, is an adjective that can mean “prejudiced,” and because “narrow-minded” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “insular,” “narrow-minded” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1156 : Synonyms

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

DISINGENUOUS

Possible Answers:

Genuine

Inveterate

Mobile

Dreary

Duplicitous

Correct answer:

Duplicitous

Explanation:

“Disingenuous” is an adjective that means “not candid or sincere,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “not sincere.” That means that “genuine” cannot be the correct answer, because “genuine” means “sincere” when referring to a person, emotion, or action, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “disingenuous.” “Duplicitous,” however, is an adjective that means “deceitful,” and because “duplicitous” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “disingenuous,” “duplicitous” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1157 : Synonyms

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

CRAVEN

Possible Answers:

Timid

Dreary

Quiet

Proud

Plucky

Correct answer:

Timid

Explanation:

“Craven” is an adjective that means “cowardly,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “cowardly.” That means that “plucky” cannot be the correct answer, because “plucky” means “courage in the face of difficulties,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “craven.” “Timid,” however, is an adjective that means “showing a lack of courage or confidence,” and because “timid” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “craven,” “timid” is the correct answer.

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