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

Stupid

Tiny

Funny

Degrading

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:

Identification

Cusp

Loyalty

Transfer

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:

Scholarly

Central

Free

Malevolent

New

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:

Lurk

Persuade

Rest

Cancel

Clean

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:

Tiring

Hackneyed

Melodramatic

Plentiful

Distinct

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

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

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

COMPLACENT

Possible Answers:

Amphibious

Wounded

Smug

Central

Surprising

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 #24 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

COSMOPOLITAN

Possible Answers:

Vital

Transferable 

Scourged

Worldly

Agitated

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 #2245 : Synonyms

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

MAGNATE

Possible Answers:

Indulgence

Tycoon

Dissipation

Penalty

Viability

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 #2246 : Synonyms

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

ODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Speechless

Smelly

Detestable

Grandiose

Just

Correct answer:

Detestable

Explanation:

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

Example Question #2247 : Synonyms

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

GRANDILOQUENT

Possible Answers:

Concealed

Known

Enormous

Pretentious

Uniting

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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