SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ROUNDLY

Possible Answers:

Falsely

Openly

Emphatically

Cheerfully

Marginally

Correct answer:

Emphatically

Explanation:

"Roundly" means done in an emphatic or vehement way.

Example Question #2286 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

VICIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Invincible

Vicinity

Heart-rending

Ferociously

Visibly

Correct answer:

Ferociously

Explanation:

"Viciously" and "ferociously" are synonymous adverbs describing a savage, violent or destructive way of performing an action, attacking viciously, for example. The other words do not share this meaning. In fact, some of the other answer choices are not even adverbs. 

Example Question #2287 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

THOUGHTFULLY

Possible Answers:

Viciously

Ferociously

Frantically

Pensively

Hurriedly

Correct answer:

Pensively

Explanation:

"Thoughtfully" and "pensively" are synonymous adverbs referring to doing something in a considered and intelligent manner. The other words do not have related meanings. In fact, they have meaning that are opposite to "thoughtfully."

Example Question #2288 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ELUSIVELY

Possible Answers:

Skillfully

Despairingly

Evasively

Mysteriously

Immediately

Correct answer:

Evasively

Explanation:

"Elusive" and "evasive" are synonyms meaning difficult to catch. "Despairing" means hopeless, and "mysterious" means difficult or impossible to explain. "Skillful" means expert or accomplished. "Immediate" means instantaneous.

Example Question #2289 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

PRESENTLY

Possible Answers:

Urgently

Recently

Soon

Generously

Exotically

Correct answer:

Soon

Explanation:

"Presently" can mean currently, but it can also mean directly or soon. Although the word does express a time relationship, it does not mean "recently." "Exotic" means foreign, and "generous" means giving. "Urgent" means dire or pressing.

Example Question #1491 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPERTLY

Possible Answers:

Extremely

Presently

Pretentiously

Skillfully

Cleverly

Correct answer:

Skillfully

Explanation:

"Expert" means skilled or skillful. While an "expert" may be "clever," the two words are not synonymous. "Pretentious" means pretending to be more important or cultured than one actually is. "Presently" means soon or currently. "Very" and "extremely" are synonyms.

Example Question #1492 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BELLIGERENTLY

Possible Answers:

Punishingly

Aggressive

Damply

Stickily

Drably

Correct answer:

Aggressive

Explanation:

"Belligerent" means aggressive and hostile. "Punishing" means arduous, demanding, or taxing. "Damp" and "dry" are antonyms, and "drab" and "colorful" are antonyms. "Sticky" means gluey.

Example Question #1493 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GROTESQUELY

Possible Answers:

Wickedly

Faithfully

Gruesomely

Treacherous

Amenably

Correct answer:

Gruesomely

Explanation:

"Grotesque" means gruesome or disfigured. "Amenable" means cooperative. "Wicked" means sinful or evil. "Treacherous" means traitorous or disloyal, which is the opposite of "faithful."

Example Question #1531 : Synonyms

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

VICARIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Contemplatively

Indirectly

Alertly

Dubiously

Capably

Correct answer:

Indirectly

Explanation:

Something "vicarious" is indirect or secondhand. "Dubious" means doubtful. "Alert" means vigilant. "Capable" and "incapable" are antonyms, as are "contemplatively" and "thoughtlessly."

Example Question #1532 : Synonyms

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

CRUCIALLY

Possible Answers:

Sarcastically

Messily

Tidily

Cynically

Imperatively

Correct answer:

Imperatively

Explanation:

"Crucial" and "imperative" both mean very important. "Sarcastic" means ironic. Someone who is "cynical" tends to believe the worse about people and situations. "Messy" and "tidy" are antonyms.

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