SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #929 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PEJORATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Pleasantly

Luridly

Morbidly

Derogatorily

Complaisantly

Correct answer:

Derogatorily

Explanation:

"Pejorative" means disparaging or derogatory. "Lurid" is a synonym for "bright" and garish. "Complaisant" means obliging, agreeable, or giving in easily. "Pleasant" means enjoyable, friendly, or nice. "Morbid" means macabre or abnormally interested in death and disease.

Example Question #930 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Truthfully

Ostentatiously

Infectiously

Scandalously

Pithily

Correct answer:

Scandalously

Explanation:

Something "scurrilous" spreads slanderous, scandalous, and sometimes humorous claims about someone. A synonym for "infectious" is contagious, and a synonym for "truthful" is "honest." "Pithy" means succinct and terse, to the point. "Ostentatious" means showy or pretentious.

Example Question #1721 : Synonyms

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

SLAVISHLY

Possible Answers:

Subserviently

Notoriously

Pertinaciously

Proudly

Capriciously

Correct answer:

Subserviently

Explanation:

"Slavish" means subservient, fawning, in the manner of a servant. This is an antonym for "proud." "Notorious" means infamous, and "pertinacious" means determined or persistent. A synonym for "capricious" is mercurial.

Example Question #1722 : Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Capaciously

Exigently

Electively

Grandly

Solicitously

Correct answer:

Capaciously

Explanation:

"Commodious" means spacious, capacious, and roomy. "Exigent" is a synonym for "urgent," and "elective" is a synonym for "optional." "Solicitous" means concerned and caring. "Grand" means large, impressive, and sweeping.

Example Question #1723 : Synonyms

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

ECUMENICALLY

Possible Answers:

Speciously

Catholically

Precisely

Argumentatively

Dubiously

Correct answer:

Catholically

Explanation:

"Ecumenical" means inclusive, universal, or catholic (not to be confused with Catholic, which is a specific Christian religion). "Argumentative" means quarrelsome or combative. "Specious" means false or misleading. "Precise" is a synonym for "exact," and "dubious" is a synonym for "doubtful" or suspicious, depending on context.

Example Question #1724 : Synonyms

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

PREPOSTEROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Absurdly

Deservedly

Disguisedly

Wretchedly

Humbly

Correct answer:

Absurdly

Explanation:

"Preposterous" means absurd, outlandish. Don't confuse this with an "impostor," or someone who disguises themselves to look like another person. "Deservedly" means well-earned. "Wretched" is a synonym for "miserable" or abject, and "humble" is a synonym for "modest."

Example Question #1725 : Synonyms

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

EFFICACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Haphazardly

Effectively

Stringently

Irascibly

Capaciously

Correct answer:

Effectively

Explanation:

"Efficacious" is a synonym for "effectual" or effective. "Capacious" means spacious, perhaps even palatial. "Stringent" means strict, severe, or demanding. "Haphazard" means random, slapdash. "Irascible" is a synonym for "irritable," petulant.

Example Question #1726 : Synonyms

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

LACHRYMOSELY

Possible Answers:

Histrionically

Illegitimately

Ravenously

Cholerically

Tearfully

Correct answer:

Tearfully

Explanation:

"Lachrymose" is a word for tearful, weepy. "Illegitimate" is an antonym for "legitimate," and "choleric" is a synonym for "irritable" or irascible. "Ravenous" means very hungry, voracious. "Histrionic" means melodramatic, hysterical.

Example Question #1727 : Synonyms

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

VIRULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Superfluously

Ostentatiously

Innovatively

Bitterly

Ingeniously

Correct answer:

Bitterly

Explanation:

"Virulent" means bitter or extremely harmful, depending on the context (e.g. a virulent tirade or a virulent disease). "Ingenious" is a synonym for "clever" and "innovative." "Superfluous" means excessive or unnecessary. "Ostentatious" means showy in a conspicuous, pretentious way.

Example Question #1728 : Synonyms

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

UNIRONICALLY

Possible Answers:

Insincerely

Mordantly

Deplorably

Earnestly

Trenchantly

Correct answer:

Earnestly

Explanation:

If something is "not ironic," it is sincere or in earnest. "Mordant" and "trenchant" are synonyms for harsh, cutting. "Deplorable" means reprehensible or disgraceful.

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