SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1741 : Synonyms

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

ASCETICALLY

Possible Answers:

Saccharinely

Guilelessly

Sardonically

Picturesquely

Austerely

Correct answer:

Austerely

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, severe, lacking in enjoyment and full of strict discipline. "Picturesque" means attractive or charming and usually describes landscapes. "Sardonic" is a synonym for "sarcastic," and "saccharine" means overly sentimental or sweet. "Guileless" means ingenuous or naive.

Example Question #1742 : Synonyms

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

RETICENTLY

Possible Answers:

Gregariously

Melodically

Zealously

Shyly

Grotesquely

Correct answer:

Shyly

Explanation:

Someone "reticent" is shy, withdrawn, or introverted. This is an antonym for "gregarious," which means social or outgoing. "Grotesque" means hideous and deformed. "Zealous" means ardent, impassioned, or fanatical. "Melodic," of course, is the adjective form of melody, a song or musical tune.

Example Question #1743 : Synonyms

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

UNWITTINGLY

Possible Answers:

Eruditely

Unknowingly

Glibly

Serendipitously

Reluctantly

Correct answer:

Unknowingly

Explanation:

"Unwitting" means unknowing or unaware. "Erudite" means scholarly and learned. "Reluctant" is a synonym for "hesitant," while "serendipitous" means lucky or fortune. "Glib" means smooth-talking, slick, polished.

Example Question #1744 : Synonyms

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

SUBLIMINALLY

Possible Answers:

Punitively

Subconsciously

Thrillingly

Esoterically

Copiously

Correct answer:

Subconsciously

Explanation:

Something "subliminal" is below someone's consciousness or awareness. "Esoteric" is a synonym for "abstruse" or scholarly, and "copious" means abundant or profuse. "Punitive" is another word for punishing. "Thrilling" means exciting, galvanizing, or even shocking.

Example Question #1745 : Synonyms

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

CIRCUMSPECTLY

Possible Answers:

Repetitively

Repentantly

Inquisitively

Bodaciously

Cautiously

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

"Circumspect" means cautious, wary, or guarded. "Bodacious" means excellent or very admirable, and "inquisitive" means questioning or curious. "Repentant" is a synonym for "penitent" or contrite. Another word for "repetitive" is "redundant."

Example Question #1746 : Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Repugnantly

Ephemerally

Idealistically

Pessimistically

Loudly

Correct answer:

Loudly

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means loud, clamorous, noisy. "Pessimistic" is an antonym for "optimistic" or hopeful. Another word for "idealistic" is quixotic, a word derived from the Spanish novel Don Quixote. "Repugnant" means vile or loathsome. "Ephemeral" means short-lived, fleeting, brief.

Example Question #1747 : Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Laconically

Hypocritically

Libelously

Dreadfully

Courageously

Correct answer:

Libelously

Explanation:

"Scurrilous" describes slanderous (false) and often scandalous or vulgar rumors designed to discredit a person or group. "Laconic" means concise or terse. "Courageous" is a synonym for "brave," and "dreadful" is a synonym for "frightful" and awful. A "hypocrite" is someone who pretends to hold certain beliefs or live by certain standards that he/she does not actually abide by.

Example Question #1748 : Synonyms

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

UNSAVORILY

Possible Answers:

Subliminally

Disreputably

Determinedly

Rambunctiously

Petulantly

Correct answer:

Disreputably

Explanation:

"Unsavory" means disagreeable, disreputable. It often describes a person, area, or situation. "Rambunctious" is another word for boisterous, and "subliminal" is another word for subconscious. "Determined" is a synonym for "dogged" or "resolute." "Petulant" is a synonym for "peevish" or irritable.

Example Question #1749 : Synonyms

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

FORLORNLY

Possible Answers:

Sublimely

Childishly

Ingenuously

Daringly

Sadly

Correct answer:

Sadly

Explanation:

"Forlorn" means sad, pathetic, and downcast. "Sublime" means exalted, awesome. "Ingenuous" can mean innocent, naive, or even childish. Something "daring" is bold or risky.

Example Question #1750 : Synonyms

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

UNCOUTHLY

Possible Answers:

Hatefully

Bombastically

Pompously

Pruriently

Rudely

Correct answer:

Rudely

Explanation:

"Uncouth" means coarse, unrefined, brutish, or rude. "Prurient" means lustful and lecherous. "Bombastic" and "pompous" are synonyms. "Hateful" and "loving" are antonyms, of course.

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