SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #891 : Synonyms

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

UNDULATING

Possible Answers:

Wizened

Wavy

Shrieking

Winsome

Average

Correct answer:

Wavy

Explanation:

"Undulating" means "wavy" and often describes a wavelike motion. "Average" means ordinary, not uncommon. A "shriek" is a high-pitched cry or scream. "Winsome" means attractive, and "wizened" means wrinkled and shriveled.

Example Question #892 : Synonyms

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

MINISCULE

Possible Answers:

Gelid

Frigid

Misunderstood

Tawdry

Tiny

Correct answer:

Tiny

Explanation:

"Minuscule" means minute, tiny. "Gelid" and "frigid" are synonyms for very cold. "Tawdry" is another word for garish or flashy. "Misunderstood" is an antonym for "understood," of course.

Example Question #893 : Synonyms

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

SIBILANT

Possible Answers:

Orotund

Exquisite

Hissing

Sonorous

Soporific

Correct answer:

Hissing

Explanation:

"Sibilant" describes a "hissing" or snakelike noise. "Exquisite" means lovely and beautiful, and "soporific" is sleep-inducing. "Orotund" and "sonorous" are synonyms for pleasant sounding.

Example Question #894 : Synonyms

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

CLANGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Cyan

Decadent

Scrumptious

Burnished

Noisy

Correct answer:

Noisy

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means "noisy," resonant, clanging. "Burnished" means polished, and "cyan" is a shade of blue. "Scrumptious" means absolutely delicious, and "decadent" means either depraved or luxurious and indulgent, as in a decadent chocolate cake.

Example Question #895 : Synonyms

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

COMMODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Pulchritudinous

Spacious

Apparent

Minute

Miniscule

Correct answer:

Spacious

Explanation:

"Commodious" is a synonym for "spacious," roomy, or capacious. This is an antonym for "minute," which means minuscule or tiny. "Apparent" is another word for obvious or evident. "Pulchritudinous" is another word for visually beautiful.

Example Question #896 : Synonyms

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

TUMESCENT

Possible Answers:

Distended

Turbulent

Zany

Eloquent

Enigmatic

Correct answer:

Distended

Explanation:

"Tumescent" is a synonym for "distended," swollen, or turgid. Don't confuse this with "tumultuous," or turbulent. "Eloquent" means fluent or articulate. "Enigmatic" means mysterious. "Zany" means weird or eccentric.

Example Question #897 : Synonyms

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

NOISOME

Possible Answers:

Foul

Orotund

Ocular

Suppurating

Accidental

Correct answer:

Foul

Explanation:

"Noisome" describes an unpleasant or disagreeable smell. "Accidental" means not on purpose, and "orotund" means sonorous or pleasant sounding. "Suppurating" is another word for festering or rotting. "Ocular" means related to the eye.

Example Question #898 : Synonyms

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

ASCETIC

Possible Answers:

Undulating

Excruciating

Asinine

Spartan

Helpful

Correct answer:

Spartan

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, "spartan," or monastic. While an "ascetic" lifestyle may be unpleasant, it is not the same as "excruciating," or extremely painful. "Undulating" is another word for wavy. "Asinine" means inane or stupid. "Helpful" is an antonym for "helpless," of course.

Example Question #899 : Synonyms

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

SQUAT

Possible Answers:

Laudatory

Stubby

Ecumenical

Scrumptious

Munificent

Correct answer:

Stubby

Explanation:

"Squat" means "stubby," thickset, short, and stocky. "Scrumptious" is another word for delicious, and "ecumenical" is another word for all-encompassing, universal. "Munificent" means generous or magnanimous. "Laudatory" means commendable, praiseworthy.

Example Question #900 : Synonyms

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

LEONINE

Possible Answers:

Storklike

Contemplative

Sordid

Avian

Lionlike

Correct answer:

Lionlike

Explanation:

"Leonine" means "lionlike," regal, or handsome. Don't confuse this with "avian," or birdlike. "Contemplative" means deeply thoughtful. "Sordid" means filthy, dirty, squalid. "Storklike" means tall, stalky, thin.

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