SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #796 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GRACEFULLY

Possible Answers:

Brashly

Hurriedly

Fluidly

Violently

Harshly

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 #797 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EFFECTIVELY

Possible Answers:

Efficaciously

Ineffectively

Worthlessly

Weak

Uselessly

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 #801 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PREDICTABLY

Possible Answers:

Festively

Forseeably

Incomprehensibly

Unlawfully

Gratifyingly

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 #802 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MERCIFULLY

Possible Answers:

Compassionately

Modestly

Tenderly

Earnestly

Nostalgically

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 #803 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FRANKLY

Possible Answers:

Elegantly

Somberly

Forthrightly

Frighteningly

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 #804 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DESIRABLY

Possible Answers:

Charismatically

Drunkenly

Ravenously

Attractively

Miserly

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 #805 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SOLEMNLY

Possible Answers:

Tranquilly

Somberly

Recklessly

Agonizingly

Merrily

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 #806 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AUSPICIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Euphorically

Truthfully

Miserably

Promisingly

Unfavorably

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 #807 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONSCIENTIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Rashly

Confidently

Dutifully

Passionately

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 #808 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PLACIDLY

Possible Answers:

Eagerly

Quarrelsomely 

Ecstatically

Grimly

Tranquilly

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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