SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2581 : Synonyms

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

AUTOCHTHONOUS

Possible Answers:

Excessive

Despotic

Indigenous

Chary

Measly

Correct answer:

Indigenous

Explanation:

Something "autochthonous" is native or indigenous to a particular area, the opposite of an "immigrant." "Chary" means cautious, wary. "Despotic" is a synonym for "tyrannical," and "excessive" means too much. "Measly" is another word for paltry or too little.

Example Question #2582 : Synonyms

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

INTERMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Fallacious

Erroneous

Philanthropic

Unending

Effervescent

Correct answer:

Unending

Explanation:

"Interminable" means ceaseless or long-lasting. "Effervescent" is a synonym for "bubbly," and "charitable" is a synonym for "philanthropic." "Fallacious" and "erroneous" are synonyms that both mean false or mistaken.

Example Question #2583 : Synonyms

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

IRKSOME

Possible Answers:

Burnished

Secretive

Garish

Annoying

Ill-tempered

Correct answer:

Annoying

Explanation:

"Irksome" is a synonym for bothersome or irritating. Don't confuse this with "irascible," or ill-tempered. "Secretive" is another word for "furtive, "and "garish" is a synonym for "tawdry." "Burnished" means well-polished and gleaming.

Example Question #2584 : Synonyms

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

INSIPID

Possible Answers:

Measly

Unequivocal

Paltry

Erratic

Uninteresting

Correct answer:

Uninteresting

Explanation:

"Insipid" can mean "uninteresting," dull, or unimaginative, such as an "insipid joke." "Unequivocal" means unambiguous, and "erratic" means unpredictable. "Measly" and "paltry" are synonyms for small, insufficient.

Example Question #2585 : Synonyms

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

INCONGRUOUS

Possible Answers:

Torpid

Clashing

Disjunctive

Ailing

Lethargic

Correct answer:

Clashing

Explanation:

Something "incongruous" is unsuited, "clashing," or out of place. Don't confuse "incongruous" with "languorous," which means lethargic, tired, or torpid. "Ailing" means ill or sickly. "Disjunctive" means disconnected.

Example Question #2586 : Synonyms

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

EXPOSITORY

Possible Answers:

Laudatory

Forbidding

Gravid

Explanatory

Adulterated

Correct answer:

Explanatory

Explanation:

"Expository" writing, for example, is writing intended to explain or explicate. "Laudatory" is a synonym for "complimentary" or congratulatory. "Forbidding" means threatening, while "adulterated" means contaminated. "Gravid" is a synonym for "pregnant."

Example Question #2587 : Synonyms

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Despised

Ghastly

Troubled

Outdated

Unmanageable

Correct answer:

Outdated

Explanation:

If something is "antiquated," it is old-fashioned or out of date.

The 200 year old house’s antiquated heating system still used coal as its fuel source.

So "outdated" is the best answer.

Example Question #2588 : Synonyms

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

SEVERE

Possible Answers:

Rude

Cut

Misguided

Short

Harsh

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

"Severe" means extreme or harsh. Hmm, guess that gave it away..."harsh" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #2589 : Synonyms

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

DISARMING

Possible Answers:

Beguiling

Hazardous

Aggressive

Unwitting

Imminent

Correct answer:

Beguiling

Explanation:

"Disarming" can mean charming, persuasive, or beguiling and often describes someone's smile or demeanor. "Unwitting," on the other hand, means unaware. Don't confuse "disarming" with weapons and choose "aggressive" or "hazardous." "Imminent" means forthcoming or impending.

Example Question #2590 : Synonyms

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

DISJUNCTIVE

Possible Answers:

Inchoate

Protean

Nascent

Protracted

Disconnected

Correct answer:

Disconnected

Explanation:

"Disjunctive" is a synonym for "disconnected." "Protracted" is a synonym for "prolonged." "Protean," on the other hand, means changeable or mutable. "Inchoate" and "nascent" are both synonyms for unformed, rudimentary.

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