SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1451 : Synonyms

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

SUBSERVIENT

Possible Answers:

Impoverished 

Appropriate

Acquiescent

Intellectual 

Asinine

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 #1452 : Synonyms

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

UNILATERAL

Possible Answers:

One-sided

Bilateral

Entitled

Untitled

Latitudinal

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 #1453 : Synonyms

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

DISMAL

Possible Answers:

Dry

Arid

Clean

Sterile

Bleak

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 #1454 : Synonyms

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

EXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Intolerable

Reckless

Merciful

Foreign

Domestic

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 #1455 : Synonyms

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

INEBRIATED

Possible Answers:

Pessimistic

Militant

Quarrelsome

Circuitous

Intoxicated

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 #1456 : Synonyms

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

EVOCATIVE

Possible Answers:

Tasteless

Clumsy

Abrupt

Redolent

Graceful

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 #1457 : Synonyms

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

PREFATORY

Possible Answers:

Introductory

Garrulous

Loquacious

Convivial

Arboreal

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 #1458 : Synonyms

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

FAMISHED

Possible Answers:

Hideous

Pugnacious

Forthcoming

Imminent

Ravenous

Correct answer:

Ravenous

Explanation:

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

Example Question #1459 : Synonyms

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

ELIGIBLE

Possible Answers:

Somber

Qualified

Advantageous

Enterprising

Excruciating

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 #1460 : Synonyms

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

PEREMPTORY

Possible Answers:

Distinct

Brusque

Vague

Boisterous

Exotic

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."

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