SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #2501 : Synonyms

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

ABUNDANT

Possible Answers:

Scarce

Bountiful

Abusive

Limited

Exclusive

Correct answer:

Bountiful

Explanation:

"Abundant" and "bountiful" are synonyms describing a plentiful supply or amount of something. The other words do not share this meaning, though they some may appear similar in spelling.

Example Question #2502 : Synonyms

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Myriad

Miniature

Little

Minute

Small

Correct answer:

Myriad

Explanation:

Although the words "plethora" and "myriad" are quite advanced vocabulary, notice that the meanings of the other answer choices are all so closely related that one can solve the problem through process of elimination. "Plethora" and "myriad" both refer to a huge, often excessive amount of something.

Example Question #2503 : Synonyms

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

AUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Wry

Blurry

Punctual

Promising

Cranky

Correct answer:

Promising

Explanation:

Something "auspicious" is promising or to one's advantage. "Wry" means dry, ironic, and sarcastic. "Punctual" means prompt or timely. "Blurry" and "unclear" are synonyms, as are "cranky" and "irritable."

Example Question #2504 : Synonyms

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Innumerable

Couple

Several

Few

Countable

Correct answer:

Innumerable

Explanation:

"Myriad" and "innumerable" are synonyms referring to a quantity that is too large to count. The other answer choices all share a similar meaning, referring to quantities that can be counted. Consider that the word "few" is really an antonym of the word "myriad."

Example Question #2505 : Synonyms

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

NUMERICAL

Possible Answers:

Enlightened

Illuminated

Brilliant

Categorical

Blossoming

Correct answer:

Categorical

Explanation:

"Numerical" and "categorical" are closest in meaning as they refer to a manner of organizing information. The other words are completely unrelated in meaning. "Brilliant," "enlightened," and "illuminated" are all closely related in meaning. "Blossoming" is not at all related in meaning to the word "numerical." Simple process of elimination can help one arrive at the correct answer when dealing with tricky words that are not obviously synonymous.

Example Question #2506 : Synonyms

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

ADVANTAGEOUS

Possible Answers:

Imminent

Inebriated

Beneficial

Peachy

Excellent

Correct answer:

Beneficial

Explanation:

"Advantageous" and "beneficial" are synonyms. "Peachy" means fine and excellent. "Inebriated" means drunk and intoxicated. "Imminent" means impending. "Excellent" means superb, very good.

Example Question #2507 : Synonyms

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

ABYSMAL

Possible Answers:

Terrible

Electric

Arboreal

Ludicrous

Sedulous

Correct answer:

Terrible

Explanation:

"Abysmal" means "terrible" and dreadful. "Electric" can mean thrilling, exciting, or charged. "Ludicrous" means ridiculous, absurd. "Arboreal" means treelike, related to trees. "Sedulous" means hardworking.

Example Question #2508 : Synonyms

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

MUNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Tranquil

Bountiful

Eligible

Prefatory

Placid

Correct answer:

Bountiful

Explanation:

"Munificent" means "bountiful," generous, and bounteous. "Eligible" means qualified. "Tranquil" means placid, calm, and serene. A "preface" is an introduction.

Example Question #1191 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MEASLY

Possible Answers:

Bucolic

Obsolete

Confounded

Archaic

Paltry

Correct answer:

Paltry

Explanation:

"Measly" means "paltry" or scant. "Archaic" and "obsolete" both mean outdated. "Bucolic" means rustic and rural. "Confounded" means bewildered and confused.

Example Question #1192 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MOTLEY

Possible Answers:

Varied

Adamant

Insufferable

Hardy

Bizarre

Correct answer:

Varied

Explanation:

The adjective "motley" means varied, diverse, disparate. It is generally used to refer to a varied group of people. Additionally, "insufferable" means very annoying; "hardy" means tough; "bizarre" means weird, unusual; "adamant" means stubborn, obstinate, certain that something is true.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors