SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2241 : Synonyms

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

DIMINUTIVE

Possible Answers:

Insulting

Tiny

Stupid

Degrading

Funny

Correct answer:

Tiny

Explanation:

"Diminutive" means small, so the synonym you want is "tiny." This comes from the Latin root "minute," meaning a small thing, as in "minute" (small measure of time) and "mini-" (a prefix meaning anything small in size) or "minus" (to make smaller by subtracting).

Example Question #2242 : Synonyms

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

FIDELITY

Possible Answers:

Cusp

Transfer

Loyalty

Identification

Carnage

Correct answer:

Loyalty

Explanation:

The root 'fid' means faith or trust.  Fidelity means loyalty.  

Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Roots

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

NOVEL

Possible Answers:

New

Malevolent

Free

Scholarly

Central

Correct answer:

New

Explanation:

The root 'nov' means new.  Thus, novel means new.  

Example Question #2243 : Synonyms

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

NULLIFY

Possible Answers:

Rest

Clean

Cancel

Persuade

Lurk

Correct answer:

Cancel

Explanation:

"To nullify" is to cancel. The Latin root word, "nullus," means no or none.

Example Question #2244 : Synonyms

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

COPIOUS

Possible Answers:

Hackneyed

Distinct

Plentiful

Tiring

Melodramatic

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

"Copious" means plentiful or large in quantity. The Latin root word, "copia," means abundance.

Example Question #2245 : Synonyms

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

COMPLACENT

Possible Answers:

Surprising

Central

Smug

Amphibious

Wounded

Correct answer:

Smug

Explanation:

"Complacent" means pleased, especially with oneself or one's situation. Thus, the best answer choice is smug. The root word "plac-" means please.

Example Question #2246 : Synonyms

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

COSMOPOLITAN

Possible Answers:

Transferable 

Vital

Scourged

Agitated

Worldly

Correct answer:

Worldly

Explanation:

"Cosmopolitan" means familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures. It also means sophisticated. Thus, the best answer choice is "worldly," which also means sophisticated. The root word "cosmo-" means world or universe, and the root word "poli" means city.

Example Question #2247 : Synonyms

Synonyms: pick the word that is most similar in meaning to the word in question.

MAGNATE

Possible Answers:

Indulgence

Tycoon

Viability

Dissipation

Penalty

Correct answer:

Tycoon

Explanation:

A "magnate" is an influential or powerful person. A tycoon is a businessperson of great power and wealth. The root word "magnus" means great.

Example Question #2248 : Synonyms

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

ODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Just

Speechless

Grandiose

Detestable

Smelly

Correct answer:

Detestable

Explanation:

"Odious" means detestable or causing hatred. The Latin root word, "odium," means hatred.

Example Question #2249 : Synonyms

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

GRANDILOQUENT

Possible Answers:

Concealed

Enormous

Uniting

Known

Pretentious

Correct answer:

Pretentious

Explanation:

"Grandiloquent" means pompous or extravagant in one's speaking. The best answer choice is "pretentious." The Latin root word, "grandis," means great, and the Latin root word, "loqui," means to speak.

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