SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1491 : Synonyms

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

PENURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Ignominious

Auspicious

Propitious

Impoverished

Emblematic

Correct answer:

Impoverished

Explanation:

"Penury" is extreme poverty. "Ignominy" means shame and humiliation, and "emblematic" means symbolic. "Propitious" and "auspicious" are synonyms that both mean favorable and promising.

Example Question #1492 : Synonyms

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

LACONIC

Possible Answers:

Apposite

Slothful

Mercurial

Tasteless

Terse

Correct answer:

Terse

Explanation:

"Laconic" is a synonym for "terse" or brief. "Mercurial" is a synonym for "capricious," and "apposite" means apt. "Tasteless" and "tasteful" are antonyms, "slothful" and "indolent" are synonyms.

Example Question #701 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONJECTURAL

Possible Answers:

Grotesque

Belligerent

Vicarious

Elliptical

Speculative

Correct answer:

Speculative

Explanation:

"Conjectural" means "speculative," supposed, hypothetical. "Belligerent" is a synonym for "aggressive," and "grotesque" is a synonym for "gruesome." "Elliptical" means obscure and impossible to comprehend. "Vicarious" is a synonym for "secondhand," indirect.

Example Question #702 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INSOLVENT

Possible Answers:

Greedy

Bankrupt

Inane

Infrequent

Aloof

Correct answer:

Bankrupt

Explanation:

The adjective "insolvent" means unable to pay one's debts due to running out of money. This is closest in definition to "bankrupt." Additionally, "aloof" means distant, withdrawn from human company; "inane" means pointless and silly.

Example Question #703 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PUTATIVE

Possible Answers:

Presumed

Apocryphal

Effervescent

Morose

Gilded

Correct answer:

Presumed

Explanation:

"Putative" means assumed, so-called, or supposed. "Effervescent" means bubbly and can describe a liquid or a personality, and "morose" is a synonym for glum or gloomy. "Gilded" means shiny or covered in a gold or gold-like coating. "Apocryphal" means fictitious or false.

Example Question #704 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GAUCHE

Possible Answers:

Supercilious

Tasteful

Superfluous

Inelegant

Haughty

Correct answer:

Inelegant

Explanation:

Something "gauche" is gaudy, tasteless, or "inelegant." This is an antonym for "tasteful." "Haughty" and "supercilious" are synonyms that mean stuck up. "Superfluous," on the other hand, means surplus, extra, or redundant.

Example Question #705 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EMBLEMATIC

Possible Answers:

Symbolic

Pedantic 

Garrulous

Bewitching

Shrewd

Correct answer:

Symbolic

Explanation:

Something that is "emblematic" is symbolic or representational. "Pedantic" means fussy or overly picky. "Shrewd" means sharp or astute, and "garrulous" means talkative. "Bewitching" means charming or enchanting.

Example Question #706 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Lascivious

Jingoistic

Fragmented

Irascible

Lecherous

Correct answer:

Irascible

Explanation:

"Fractious" means grumpy, irritable, and "irascible." This is different from "fragmented," which means broken into small pieces, not joined together. "Jingoistic" is a synonym for "chauvinistic," and "lecherous" is a synonym for "lustful" or lascivious.

Example Question #707 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMPECUNIOUS

Possible Answers:

Exhausted

Intense

Absurd

Poor

Wealthy

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

The adjective "impecunious" means penniless, "poor," completely without money or possessions. Additionally, "absurd" means ridiculous.

Example Question #708 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INEXORABLE

Possible Answers:

Ignominious

Tacit

Impending

Obstreperous

Unyielding

Correct answer:

Unyielding

Explanation:

"Inexorable" means relentless, unstoppable, or "unyielding." "Tacit" is a synonym for "unspoken," and "impending" is a synonym for "imminent." "Ignominious" means shameful or disgraceful. "Obstreperous" means rambunctious and boisterous.

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