SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1731 : Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Sibilantly

Fortunately

Cacophonously

Heedlessly

Religiously

Correct answer:

Fortunately

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luck or random good fortune. This isn't the same thing as "religious" or "faithful." "Heedless" means reckless, unmindful, and incautious. "Sibilant" describes a hissing sound, and "cacophonous" describes a chaotic mess of sound.

Example Question #1732 : Synonyms

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

JOCULARLY

Possible Answers:

Disarmingly

Insufferably

Execrably

Obdurately

Jokingly

Correct answer:

Jokingly

Explanation:

"Jocular" means joking, humorous. "Execrable" means terrible, dreadful. "Insufferable" is a synonym for "dreadful." "Obdurate" means stubborn, recalcitrant. "Disarming" means charming or beguiling.

Example Question #1733 : Synonyms

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

VERACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Truthfully

Mendaciously

Ostentatiously

Circumspectly

Covertly

Correct answer:

Truthfully

Explanation:

"Veracious" is a synonym for "truthful." This is an antonym for "mendacious," which means dishonest. "Circumspect" means cautious, guarded. "Covert" means furtive, secretive, or stealthy. "Ostentatious" is a synonym for "showy."

Example Question #1734 : Synonyms

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

DEMURELY

Possible Answers:

Modestly

Immanently

Unwittingly

Perceptively

Secretively

Correct answer:

Modestly

Explanation:

"Demure" means modest, meek, or shy and is almost always used to describe a young lady. "Immanent" is a synonym for "inherent," and "perceptive" means insightful, intuitive. "Unwitting" means unaware, unknowing, or even oblivious. "Secretive" means stealthy or furtive.

Example Question #1735 : Synonyms

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

INTERMINABLY

Possible Answers:

Rudely

Vociferously

Ceaselessly

Vehemently

Dubiously

Correct answer:

Ceaselessly

Explanation:

"Interminable" means ceaseless, unending. "Dubious" can mean doubtful or suspicious, depending on the context. "Vociferous" and "vehement" are synonyms. Another word for "rude" is impolite, discourteous.

Example Question #1736 : Synonyms

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

DROLLY

Possible Answers:

Fictitiously

Surreptitiously

Gloomily

Inexorably

Humorously

Correct answer:

Humorously

Explanation:

"Droll" is another word for humorous or mirthful. "Fictitious" means false, fabricated. "Gloomy" is a synonym for melancholy or downcast or, depending on context, dark and shadowy. "Surreptitious" and "furtive" are synonyms, as are "inexorable" and "unyielding."

Example Question #1737 : Synonyms

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

PERSIPACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Elastically

Perceptively

Relevantly

Assiduously

Oppressively

Correct answer:

Perceptively

Explanation:

"Perspicacious" is another word for perceptive and astute. A synonym for "relevant" is germane, and a synonym for "oppressive" is overpowering, burdensome. To be "elastic" is to be flexible, either literally (as with fabric) or figuratively (as with a resilient personality). "Assiduous" is a synonym for "hardworking."

Example Question #1738 : Synonyms

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

GLIBLY

Possible Answers:

Masterfully

Zoologically

Misanthropically

Smoothly

Discursively

Correct answer:

Smoothly

Explanation:

"Glib" speech is smooth, polished, and not always sincere. "Masterful" is another word for expert or skillful. "Zoology" is the study of animals, and "misanthropy" is the hatred or dislike of humankind. "Discursive" means rambling, wordy, or meandering and usually refers to explanations or discussions.

Example Question #1739 : Synonyms

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

RAPACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Impressionably

Avariciously

Cleverly

Sedulously

Diligently

Correct answer:

Avariciously

Explanation:

"Rapacious" means avaricious, extremely greedy. "Diligent" and "sedulous" are both synonyms for hardworking. "Clever" means smart, shrewd, or crafty. If someone is "impressionable," they are suggestible, easy to influence.

Example Question #1740 : Synonyms

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

WAGGISHLY

Possible Answers:

Woebegonely

Humorously

Voraciously

Empirically

Veraciously

Correct answer:

Humorously

Explanation:

Someone behaving "waggishly" is joking around in a mischievous or ridiculous way. This is a near antonym for "woebegone," or crestfallen. "Veracious" means truthful, while "voracious" means ravenous or very hungry. The word "empirical" describes things that are based on direct evidence rather than, say, abstract reason or emotion.

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