SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

TRUCULENT.

Possible Answers:

Defiant 

Indistinct

Portentous 

Miserable 

Nonsensical 

Correct answer:

Defiant 

Explanation:

To be “truculent” means to be aggressively defiant. For clarification, "nonsensical" means meaningless or ridiculous; "portentous" means self-important; "indistinct" means unclear.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

MYRIAD.

Possible Answers:

Enigmatic 

Lackadaisical

Countless

Mysterious 

Infrequent

Correct answer:

Countless

Explanation:

“Myriad” means very diverse and too numerous to be counted. For clarification, "lackadaisical" means careless and lazy; mysterious and enigmatic are synonyms.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BUFFET.

Possible Answers:

Portray 

Allay 

Nourish 

Consume 

Strike 

Correct answer:

Strike 

Explanation:

A “buffet” is a heavy or repeated blow with the fist or hand. This is not to be confused with the adapted French word “buffet” which is a self-service meal. The answer choices about consumption and nourishment are thrown in there to try and trick you. The correct answer is “strike.” For clarification, "allay" means to calm or alleviate.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SAVOR. 

Possible Answers:

Wanton 

Somnolent 

Saint 

Flourish 

Enjoy 

Correct answer:

Enjoy 

Explanation:

To savor something means to enjoy something unhurriedly. For clarification, to "flourish" means to do well or be healthy; "wanton" means random, lacking reason; "somnolent" means sleepy.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CHOREOGRAPHED. 

Possible Answers:

Implied 

Constructed 

Arranged 

Frightened

Meandered

Correct answer:

Arranged 

Explanation:

“Choreographed” means arranged as in “choreographed dance routine.” For clarification, "meander" is a type of slow, indirect movement usually seen in rivers.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

STUPEFY. 

Possible Answers:

Astonish 

Laud 

Antagonize

Foolish 

Jubilant 

Correct answer:

Astonish 

Explanation:

If you are “stupefied” by something you are astonished by it. For clarification, "jubilant" means very happy; "antagonize" means to irritate; "laud" means to praise.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VARIEGATE.

Possible Answers:

Caring 

Change 

Apathy 

Deleterious

Virtuous 

Correct answer:

Change 

Explanation:

“Variegate” is a transitive verb that means to add variety to or change the look of something. So the correct answer is “change.” For clarification, "deleterious" means harmful; "virtuous" means good; "apathy" is an antonym of caring.

Example Question #18 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SOMNOLENT.

Possible Answers:

Intransigent

Kind 

Effusive 

Saintly 

Sleepy 

Correct answer:

Sleepy 

Explanation:

“Somnolent” is an adjective that describes someone who is feeling sleepy. For clarification, "intransigent" means stubborn and inflexible; "effusive" means demonstrative.

Example Question #19 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ALOOF. 

Possible Answers:

Distant 

Foolish 

Ascetic 

Favorable

Skeptical 

Correct answer:

Distant 

Explanation:

To be “aloof” means to be remote and distant in manner. For clarification, someone who is "skeptical" is doubtful and critical; an "ascetic" is someone who rejects material comforts.

Example Question #20 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

FLOUT. 

Possible Answers:

Create 

Ignore 

Lose 

Administer 

Forgive 

Correct answer:

Ignore 

Explanation:

To “flout” something means to ignore or break as in “he flouted the rules.”

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