SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #761 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIAPHANOUS

Possible Answers:

Webbed

Ominous

Sturdy

Frangible

Gauzy

Correct answer:

Gauzy

Explanation:

"Diaphanous" is an adjective that often is used to describe fabrics, and means delicate and not completely opaque. So, the answer choices closest in meaning to "diaphanous" are "gauzy" and "frangible." While "frangible" means easily breakable, "gauzy" means thin and not completely opaque. Since "gauzy" is the closest synonym of "diaphanous" amongst the possible answer choices, it is the correct answer.

Example Question #769 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LITHE

Possible Answers:

Dull 

Portly 

Noble 

Graceful 

Cantankerous 

Correct answer:

Graceful 

Explanation:

“Lithe” means flexible and/or graceful, so "graceful" is the correct answer. For clarification, "portly" means fat, and "cantankerous" means bad-tempered.

Example Question #771 : Identifying Synonyms

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

KITSCHY

Possible Answers:

Chipper

Adorable

Gaudy

Unconventional

Old-fashioned

Correct answer:

Gaudy

Explanation:

"Kitschy" and "gaudy" are both words to describe something that is cheap and tacky.

Example Question #772 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RADIANT

Possible Answers:

Poisonous

Paltry

Scientific

Enthused

Beaming

Correct answer:

Beaming

Explanation:

"Radiant" means luminous, or "beaming."

Example Question #812 : Synonyms

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

OPULENT

Possible Answers:

Benevolent

Opaque

Sumptuous

Complex

Putrid

Correct answer:

Sumptuous

Explanation:

"Opulent" is an adjective that means lavish, and since "sumptuous" means expensive-looking, it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "opulent," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #774 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PULCHRITUDE

Possible Answers:

Removal

Conception

Nightmare

Exit

Beauty

Correct answer:

Beauty

Explanation:

"Pulchritude" means beauty, so "beauty" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "pulchritude": "exit" means departure; "conception" means start; "nightmare" means bad dream; and "removal" means elimination.

Example Question #775 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPERVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Insignificant

Unaffected

Stained

Independent

Flawless

Correct answer:

Unaffected

Explanation:

"Impervious" means not letting things pass through, or unaffected by something. One might write, "While everyone else got sick, Michael seemed impervious to germs."

Example Question #776 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NEBULOUS

Possible Answers:

Celebrated 

Morose 

Indistinct 

Nefarious 

Concrete 

Correct answer:

Indistinct 

Explanation:

“Nebulous” means murky or indistinct. For clarification, "morose" means very sad; "nefarious" means wicked or infamous.

Example Question #811 : Synonyms

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

STRIDENT

Possible Answers:

Retroactive

Immature

Written

Harsh

Ambiguous

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

"Strident" means loud or harsh.

Example Question #812 : Synonyms

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

DIAPHANOUS

Possible Answers:

Wise 

Bifocal 

Light 

Audible 

Munificent

Correct answer:

Light 

Explanation:

“Diaphanous” means light, and is most commonly used to describe fabric or material. For clarification, "audible" means able to be heard; "bifocal" means having two focal lengths,and refers to a type of glasses; "munificent" means very generous.

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