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 #1451 : Synonyms

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

SUBSERVIENT

Possible Answers:

Appropriate

Asinine

Acquiescent

Intellectual 

Impoverished 

Correct answer:

Acquiescent

Explanation:

“Subservient” means eager to obey, inherently submissive. Of the five answer choices, this is most similar in meaning to acquiescent, which means compliant, eager to obey. For clarification, asinine means silly or foolish.

Example Question #124 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

UNILATERAL

Possible Answers:

One-sided

Entitled

Latitudinal

Untitled

Bilateral

Correct answer:

One-sided

Explanation:

"Unilateral" and "one-sided" are synonymous adjectives. The other words share some roots (namely lat- or side) but their meanings do not align with the word unilateral.

Example Question #1452 : Synonyms

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

DISMAL

Possible Answers:

Sterile

Bleak

Dry

Clean

Arid

Correct answer:

Bleak

Explanation:

"Dismal" and "bleak" are synonyms referring to a state of being inhospitable and dark (in all senses). Their meanings obviously have a negative connotation. "Clean" and "sterile" have definitions related to the idea of being free from dirt, mess, or (in the case of "sterile") germs. "Arid" and "dry" refer to areas that lack water

Example Question #1453 : Synonyms

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

EXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Foreign

Intolerable

Merciful

Domestic

Reckless

Correct answer:

Foreign

Explanation:

Something "exotic" is strange or foreign. This is the opposite of "domestic." "Reckless" and "risky" are synonyms, as are "intolerable" and "insufferable." "Merciful" means compassionate and forgiving.

Example Question #1454 : Synonyms

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

INEBRIATED

Possible Answers:

Intoxicated

Quarrelsome

Circuitous

Pessimistic

Militant

Correct answer:

Intoxicated

Explanation:

"Inebriated" means drunk or intoxicated. "Quarrelsome" means argumentative, which is also a synonym for "antagonistic." "Pessimistic" and "optimistic" are antonyms, as are "direct" and "circuitous." "Militant" means fanatical, overly zealous.

Example Question #1455 : Synonyms

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

EVOCATIVE

Possible Answers:

Abrupt

Graceful

Tasteless

Redolent

Clumsy

Correct answer:

Redolent

Explanation:

"Evocative" and "redolent" are synonyms. "Graceful" means elegant or fluid, and "tasteless" is the opposite of tasteful. "Clumsy" means physically awkward, and "abrupt" means sudden.

Example Question #1456 : Synonyms

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

PREFATORY

Possible Answers:

Garrulous

Arboreal

Introductory

Loquacious

Convivial

Correct answer:

Introductory

Explanation:

A "preface" is a type of introduction, so something "prefatory" would be "introductory." "Garrulous" and "loquacious" are two synonyms for talkative. "Convivial" means cheerful. "Arboreal" is a word used to describe trees (think of Arbor Day).

Example Question #1457 : Synonyms

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

FAMISHED

Possible Answers:

Forthcoming

Hideous

Ravenous

Pugnacious

Imminent

Correct answer:

Ravenous

Explanation:

"Famished" means super hungry. "Hideous" means extremely ugly, and "pugnacious" means combative. "Imminent" means impending, approaching, or forthcoming.

Example Question #1458 : Synonyms

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

ELIGIBLE

Possible Answers:

Enterprising

Excruciating

Qualified

Advantageous

Somber

Correct answer:

Qualified

Explanation:

To be "eligible" for something is to be qualified for it. "Enterprising" means resourceful, and "excruciating" means very painful. "Somber' means solemn or grave. "Advantageous" means beneficial.

Example Question #1459 : Synonyms

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

PEREMPTORY

Possible Answers:

Vague

Brusque

Exotic

Boisterous

Distinct

Correct answer:

Brusque

Explanation:

"Peremptory" means abrupt and authoritarian. "Vague" means indistinct and unclear. "Distinct" means clear and well-defined. "Boisterous" and "rambunctious" are synonyms, as are "exotic" and "foreign."

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors