SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2481 : Synonyms

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

HACKNEYED

Possible Answers:

Ludicrous

Overused

Cantankerous

Slipshod

Imaginative

Correct answer:

Overused

Explanation:

"Hackneyed" means trite, unoriginal, or overused.

Example Question #1161 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

VAPID

Possible Answers:

Trusting

Problematic

Edible

Fiery 

Dull

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

"Vapid" means dull or flat, so "dull" is the correct answer. None of the other words are close in meaning to "vapid": "fiery" means characterized by fire; "problematic" means difficult; "trusting" means believing; and "edible" means able to be eaten.  

Example Question #1162 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

ATROCIOUS

Possible Answers:

Confidential

Wicked

Belligerent

Delightful

Eloquent

Correct answer:

Wicked

Explanation:

"Atrocious" means wicked or brutal. "Eloquent" means expressive or persuasive in speech. "Belligerent" means aggressive and war-like. "Delightful" means pleasant or enjoyable. "Confidential" means secret and unknown to the public.

Example Question #1163 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

INSIPID

Possible Answers:

Amphibian

Favorable

Hasty

Competent

Bland

Correct answer:

Bland

Explanation:

"Insipid" means bland or without taste. "Amphibian" is used to describe an animal or item that can exist or can function on land and in water. "Favorable" means approving or advantageous. "Competent" means capable and having the required skills to complete something. "Hasty" means done with speed, but not with thoroughness.

Example Question #1164 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MARVELOUS

Possible Answers:

Natural

Interesting

Astonishing

Big

Typical

Correct answer:

Astonishing

Explanation:

Something that is "marvelous" is amazing or beyong belief. "Astonishing" is the best choice because it means causing surprise or wonder. Considering the other choices, something that is "typical" is common and would not amaze anyone as a result. The other choices have no relation in meaning to "marvelous."

Example Question #1165 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EXCEPTIONAL

Possible Answers:

Reflective

Morose

Garrulous

Pungent

Prodigious

Correct answer:

Prodigious

Explanation:

"Exceptional" means outstanding or brilliant, as does the correct answer, "prodigious." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "exceptional": "garrulous" means talkative, "pungent" means having a strong smell or taste, "morose" means gloomy, and "reflective" means either reflecting light or thoughtful.

Example Question #1166 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

BANAL

Possible Answers:

Unoriginal

Notorious 

Unseemly 

Shallow

Determined 

Correct answer:

Unoriginal

Explanation:

“Banal” means unoriginal and boring, so "unoriginal" is the correct answer. For clarification, "unseemly" means unpleasant or undesirable; "determined" means motivated; "shallow" describes someone who is not thinking or feeling deeply; and "notorious" means infamous.

Example Question #1167 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

VAPID

Possible Answers:

detrimental

curious

parallel

insipid

intriguing

Correct answer:

insipid

Explanation:

“Vapid” is an adjective that means “offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; empty” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “not stimulating or challenging.” That means that “intriguing” cannot be the correct answer, because “intriguing” means “arousing one’s curiosity or interest; fascinating,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “vapid.” “Insipid,” however, is an adjective that means either “lacking flavor” or “lacking vigor or interest,” and because “insipid” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “vapid,” “insipid” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1171 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PROSAIC

Possible Answers:

Legendary

Commonplace 

Rhetorical

Diction 

Chaotic

Correct answer:

Commonplace 

Explanation:

“Prosaic” describes something ordinary or commonplace. You might have thought the correct answer is “rhetorical” because of the relationship between “prose” and “rhetoric,” but “prosaic” is unrelated to “prose.” For clarification, "rhetorical" means relating to the skill of persuasive language, and "diction" means spoken clarity or choice of words.

Example Question #1172 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMPECCABLE

Possible Answers:

Normal

Risky

Durable

Wet

Flawless

Correct answer:

Flawless

Explanation:

"Impeccable" means faultless or flawless.

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