SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Understanding, And Importance

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

ABSTRUSE

Possible Answers:

Gifted

Incomprehensible

Slurred

Decadent

Gloomy

Correct answer:

Incomprehensible

Explanation:

"Abstruse" means hard to understand. The best answer choice is "incomprehensible."

Example Question #1011 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

VITAL

Possible Answers:

essential

poignant

complete

troublesome

nurturing

Correct answer:

essential

Explanation:

Vital means extremely important or essential.

Example Question #2187 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

CARDINAL

Possible Answers:

fundamental

rusty

antique

hungry

religious

Correct answer:

fundamental

Explanation:

"Cardinal" (as an adjective) means of great importance, or fundamental.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Understanding, And Importance

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

EXIGENT

Possible Answers:

Asymmetrical

Contemporary

Pressing

Rainy

Amazing

Correct answer:

Pressing

Explanation:

"Exigent" means urgent or pressing.  So, "pressing" is the correct answer because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "exigent."

Example Question #1012 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PIVOTAL

Possible Answers:

Bitter

Minor

Essential

Trivial

Sarcastic

Correct answer:

Essential

Explanation:

"Pivotal" means essential. "Trivial" and "minor" are antonyms of "pivotal." They each mean small and unimportant. "Bitter" can mean having a sharp taste, or be used to describe someone who is resentful.

Example Question #1013 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CARDINAL

Possible Answers:

Incorrect

Principal

Real

Questionable

Wrapped

Correct answer:

Principal

Explanation:

"Cardinal" means principal or of chief importance, so "principal" is the correct answer. None of the other words are close in meaning to "cardinal": "wrapped" means covered; "real" means authentic; "questionable" means debatable; and "incorrect" means wrong or not true.

Example Question #1014 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SEMINAL

Possible Answers:

Clean

Influential

Secretive

Severe

Contemporary

Correct answer:

Influential

Explanation:

"Seminal" means influential, formative, or primary, so "influential" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "seminal": "severe" means harsh; "clean" means tidy, "secretive" means private; and "contemporary" means current.

Example Question #1015 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PARAMOUNT

Possible Answers:

Predominant

Committed

Cinematic

Affectionate

Redacted

Correct answer:

Predominant

Explanation:

"Paramount" means most important, and the correct answer "predominant" means most important, powerful, or noticeable. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "cinematic" means relating to films, "affectionate" means loving, "redacted" means censored, and "committed" means obligated.

Example Question #2331 : Synonyms

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

SEMINAL

Possible Answers:

Bothersome

Insignificant

Regular

Influential

Detailed

Correct answer:

Influential

Explanation:

"Seminal" means innovative, original, or "influential."

Example Question #2332 : Synonyms

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

NEGLIGIBLE

Possible Answers:

Easygoing

Insignificant

Essential

Opposite

Aggressive

Correct answer:

Insignificant

Explanation:

"Negligible" means so small it's not worth considering, or "insignificant."

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