SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

GRACEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Fluidly

Harshly

Brashly

Hurriedly

Violently

Correct answer:

Fluidly

Explanation:

"Gracefully" and "fluidly" both refer to an action that is performed without sudden interruptions. The other adverbs refer to actions that are performed aggressively or harshly rather than elegantly, as the word "gracefully" would signal. Simple process of elimination can help you arrive at the correct answer.

Example Question #64 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EFFECTIVELY

Possible Answers:

Weak

Uselessly

Efficaciously

Worthlessly

Ineffectively

Correct answer:

Efficaciously

Explanation:

"Effectively" and "efficaciously" are synonymous adverbs. The words even look very similar! More importantly, all of the other answer choices are antonyms of the word "effectively." They all seem to refer to modify a word by describing it as not useful or effective.

Example Question #65 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PREDICTABLY

Possible Answers:

Incomprehensibly

Unlawfully

Gratifyingly

Festively

Forseeably

Correct answer:

Forseeably

Explanation:

Something "predictable" is foreseeable, able to be seen or guessed in advance. Something "incomprehensible" is totally unclear. "Unlawful" means illegal. "Gratifying" means rewarding or pleasing. "Festive" means merry and cheerful.

Example Question #66 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

MERCIFULLY

Possible Answers:

Modestly

Earnestly

Tenderly

Nostalgically

Compassionately

Correct answer:

Compassionately

Explanation:

Someone who shows "mercy" is compassionate or forgiving. "Earnest" means sincere, and "humble" means modest. "Nostalgic" means wistful, yearning, or longing for another time, place, or person. "Tender" means gentle and loving.

Example Question #67 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

FRANKLY

Possible Answers:

Frighteningly

Somberly

Forthrightly

Elegantly

Shrewdly

Correct answer:

Forthrightly

Explanation:

"Frank" means open and forthright. "Frightening" and "scary" are synonyms, as are "elegant" and "graceful." "Shrewd" means astute. "Somber" means solemn.

Example Question #1551 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESIRABLY

Possible Answers:

Miserly

Attractively

Ravenously

Drunkenly

Charismatically

Correct answer:

Attractively

Explanation:

Something or someone "desirable" is attractive or popular. "Miserly" means stingy or cheap. "Drunk" means intoxicated, and "ravenous" means famished. "Charismatic" means charming, which is not quite the same as "desirable."

Example Question #69 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

SOLEMNLY

Possible Answers:

Merrily

Tranquilly

Somberly

Agonizingly

Recklessly

Correct answer:

Somberly

Explanation:

"Solemn" means grave, somber, or serious. This is the opposite of "merry," which means cheerful, lively, and carefree. "Risky" and "reckless" are synonyms. "Tranquil" and "placid" are synonyms. "Agonizing" and "excruciating" are synonyms.

Example Question #70 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

AUSPICIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Truthfully

Unfavorably

Promisingly

Euphorically

Miserably

Correct answer:

Promisingly

Explanation:

An "auspicious" sign is a promising, fortuitous, or favorable sign. This is an antonym of "unfavorable." "Euphoric" means elated or very happy, and "miserable" means very unhappy. "Truthful" and "dishonest" are antonyms.

Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

CONSCIENTIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Rashly

Passionately

Confidently

Dutifully

Irresponsibly

Correct answer:

Dutifully

Explanation:

"Conscientious" means responsible or dutiful. This is an antonym of both "irresponsible" and "rash." "Confident," on the other hand, means self-assured. "Passionate" means ardent or impassioned.

Example Question #72 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PLACIDLY

Possible Answers:

Tranquilly

Eagerly

Grimly

Ecstatically

Quarrelsomely 

Correct answer:

Tranquilly

Explanation:

"Placid" means calm, peaceful, and tranquil. "Quarrelsome" means argumentative or pugnacious. "Ecstatic" and "euphoric" are synonyms, as are "eager" and "enthusiastic." "Grim" means dark or foreboding.

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