SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1371 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPOSING

Possible Answers:

Well-mannered

Striking

Attractive

Disappointing

Clear

Correct answer:

Striking

Explanation:

Imposing means grand, impressive, or striking.

Example Question #1372 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOMINANT

Possible Answers:

Minor 

Focused 

Small 

Leading 

Descendent

Correct answer:

Leading 

Explanation:

The word “dominant” describes someone who is in control or in command over others. The answer choice that most resembles this definition is “leading.”  

Example Question #1421 : Synonyms

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

DAUNTING

Possible Answers:

Intimidating

Calibrating

Bothersome

Wavering

Pensive

Correct answer:

Intimidating

Explanation:

Daunting means seemingly difficult or intimidating.

Example Question #1422 : Synonyms

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

POTENT

Possible Answers:

Blotchy

Powerful

Obsessive 

Peaceful

Doubtful

Correct answer:

Powerful

Explanation:

Potent means powerful.  

Example Question #1423 : Synonyms

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

ELEMENTARY

Possible Answers:

Fundamental

Bungling

Fraudulent

Desiccated

Advanced

Correct answer:

Fundamental

Explanation:

“Elementary” is an adjective that can mean “of or relating to the most rudimentary aspects of a subject,” “easily dealt with; straightforward and uncomplicated,” or “not decomposable into elements or other primary constituents.” We need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “simple.” That means that “advanced” cannot be the correct answer, because “advanced” means “far on or ahead in development,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “elementary.” “Fundamental,” however, is an adjective that can mean “forming a necessary base or core; of central importance” or “so basic as to be hard to alter, resolve, or overcome,” and because “fundamental” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “elementary,” “fundamental” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1424 : Synonyms

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

ARDUOUS

Possible Answers:

Bearable

Bold

Difficult

Hairy

Shifty

Correct answer:

Difficult

Explanation:

"Arduous" means "difficult" or requiring a lot of energy.  

Example Question #1425 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONCISE.

Possible Answers:

Demanding 

Inclusive

Replete

Pulchritudinous

Succinct 

Correct answer:

Succinct 

Explanation:

“Concise” means brief and to the point and is therefore closest in meaning to “succinct.” Succinct describes something expressed with brevity and clarity, brief, and to the point. For clarification, replete means filled-up, overflowing; pulchritudinous means very beautiful.

Example Question #1426 : Synonyms

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

TERSE

Possible Answers:

Itinerant

Previous

Challenging

Abrupt

Lengthy

Correct answer:

Abrupt

Explanation:

"Terse" means not using many words, or "abrupt."

Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

SUCCINCT

Possible Answers:

Concise

Argumentative

Converse

Sweet

Helpful

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Succinct" means expressed clearly and concisely, so "concise" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

PROLIX

Possible Answers:

Verbose

Tasteful

Linguistic

Merry

Forthcoming

Correct answer:

Verbose

Explanation:

"Prolix" means using too many words, or verbose.

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