Synonyms, Antonyms, and Changes in Intensity

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SSAT Upper Level Verbal › Synonyms, Antonyms, and Changes in Intensity

Questions 1 - 10
1

Complete this analogy.

Encumber is to                      as contort is to twist.

burden

betray

acknowledge

assume

express

Explanation

"Contort" and "twist" are synonyms, both words mean to bend out of shape. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "encumber." Well, "encumber" means weigh down with, restrict the movement of. This is very similar in definition to "burden."

2

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

BELLICOSE

Belligerent

Peaceable

Non-confrontational

Placid

Civilized

Explanation

"Bellicose" and "belligerent" share a root and are synonymous. Both adjectives refer to demonstrating aggression. The other words are antonyms to "bellicose."

3

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

magnanimous

generous

heartfelt

childish

explosive

futuristic

Explanation

"Magnanimous"means generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or subordinate.

4

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

DESOLATE

Deserted

Ambitious

Passive

Belligerent

Rash

Explanation

"Desolate" means "deserted" or lacking in people or inhabitants. "Ambitious" means determined to succeed in the future. "Passive" means submissive or not engaged in what is happening. "Belligerent" means aggressive or warlike. "Rash" means reckless or not careful.

5

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

INCISIVELY

Cuttingly

Chronically

Frivolously

Vigilantly

Vacantly

Explanation

"Incisive" (usually used to describe people or thought processes) means acute, sharp, or cutting. "Chronically" means persistently. "Vacant" means empty. "Vigilant" means alert and watchful. "Frivolous" means carefree, flighty, and flippant.

6

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

CENSORIOUS

Hypercritical

Facile

Fatuous

Dulcet

Academic

Explanation

"Censorious" means overly critical. "Academic" describes institutionalized study, usually at a university. "Dulcet" means mellifluous or sweet sounding. "Fatuous" is another word for "silly," and "facile" is a synonym for "simplistic" or superficial.

7

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

QUIXOTICALLY

Idealistically

Creatively

Zealously

Fractiously

Villainously

Explanation

"Quixotic" means hopelessly, romantically idealistic. "Villainous" is a synonym for "wicked," and "fractious" means grumpy, irritable, or unruly. "Zealous" means passionately enthusiastic. Another word for "creative" is imaginative.

8

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

CONTEMPTUOUS

Disrespectful

Comical

Famous

Useful

Daring

Explanation

"Contemptuous" means disrespectful.

9

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

INFURIATED

Enraged

Humored

Pleased

Aggravated

Annoyed

Explanation

"Infuriated" and "enraged" are synonymous adjectives describing someone who feels severe anger. "Pleased" and "humored" are antonyms. "Aggravated" and "annoyed" are synonymous with each other and may refer to someone who is irritated but not necessarily extremely angry.

10

Complete this analogy.

Flagrant is to brazen as                      is to unremarkable.

nondescript

acrimonious

grave

boisterous

truculent

Explanation

"Flagrant" and "blatant" are synonyms; both words refer tothings that are obviously and overtly offensive or in violation of the rules. To solve this analogy, you need to determine which of the answer choices is a synonym of "unremarkable." "Unremarkable" means not distinctive or having no features worth remaking on. So, the correct answer is "nondescript." Additionally, "acrimonious" refers to conflict and means bitter and spiteful; "grave" means serious and potentially threatening; "truculent" means aggressive; and "boisterous" refers to behavior and means rowdy, loud, and hard to control.

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