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

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #181 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Pariah is to outcast as raconteur is to __________.

Possible Answers:

progressive 

leader 

assailant

innovator 

storyteller 

Correct answer:

storyteller 

Explanation:

"Pariah" and "outcast" are synonyms that are both used to describe someone who is excluded from a group by others. To solve this analogy you have to identify which of the answer choices is the best synonym for "raconteur," which is a narrator or storyteller. For clarification, an "innovator" is someone who comes up with new ideas; an "assailant" is an attacker; "progressive" means to be moving forward or to be forward thinking.

Example Question #182 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Conscientious is to scrupulous as carefully is to __________.

Possible Answers:

disdainfully 

disproportionately

distastefully

appropriately

gingerly 

Correct answer:

gingerly 

Explanation:

"Conscientious" and "scrupulous" are synonyms that both mean to be deliberate with making decisions that are morally defensible. To solve this analogy you must therefore identify the best synonym for "carefully," which is “gingerly.” For clarification, "distastefully" describes something done without taste or class; "disdainfully" is something done to disrespect or criticize somebody; "disproportionately" means something done without equality or fairness.

Example Question #183 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Hidden is to clandestine as obscure is to __________.

Possible Answers:

obliterate 

helpful 

abstract 

enliven 

nonchalant 

Correct answer:

abstract 

Explanation:

"Clandestine" is a synonym for "hidden," and most nearly means concealed or unauthorized. To solve this analogy you must identify the best available synonym for "obscure," which means hard to understand or indistinct or unknown. The best answer is therefore “abstract,” which means theoretical or indistinct. For clarification, "enliven" means to energize; "obliterate" means to completely destroy; "nonchalant" means apathetic.

Example Question #231 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Inflexible is to unyielding as hinder is to __________.

Possible Answers:

bemoan 

hamper 

help 

honor 

flexible 

Correct answer:

hamper 

Explanation:

"Inflexible" and "unyielding" are synonyms that both mean rigid or impossible to change. To "hinder" something means to stand in the way of something happening. This is a synonym for “hamper.” For clarification, "bemoan" means to express dismay or grief.

Example Question #184 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Introverted is to shy as extroverted is to __________.

Possible Answers:

timid 

bashful 

miserly 

outgoing 

ashamed 

Correct answer:

outgoing 

Explanation:

A "shy" person is "introverted," so you must identify which of the answer choices describes how someone who is "extroverted" might feel and act. This should lead you to “outgoing,” which is a synonym for "extroverted." For clarification, "timid" means shy; "miserly" means not generous; "bashful" means easily embarrassed.

Example Question #111 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Eclectic is to diverse as revere is to __________.

Possible Answers:

inherit 

haughty 

venerate 

propagate 

disrespect

Correct answer:

venerate 

Explanation:

Eclectic and diverse are synonyms that both mean widespread and varied. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for revere. Revere means to treat or hold somebody with admiration and respect. So the correct answer is “venerate” which means to respect somebody greatly. For clarification, "propagate" means to spread; "haughty" means bold.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Avid is to ardent as emaciated is to __________.

Possible Answers:

culinary

jubilant 

delectable 

gaunt 

satiated

Correct answer:

gaunt 

Explanation:

Avid and ardent are synonyms that both mean eager, keen or enthusiastic. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for emaciated. Emaciated means dangerously skinny so the correct answer is “gaunt” which means extremely thin and bony. For clarification, "culinary" relates to food or cooking; "delectable" describes something delicious; "satiated" describes the feeling of being full or satisfied; "jubilant" means very happy.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Enigma is to mystery as penurious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

celebration 

imagination 

destitution 

domination 

conflagration 

Correct answer:

destitution 

Explanation:

Enigma and mystery are synonyms for one another that both mean not understood or puzzling. So to solve this analogy you must identify the best available synonym for penurious. Penurious means very poor so the correct answer is “destitution” which also means very poor or completely downtrodden to the point of deep impoverishment. For clarification, "conflagration" refers to a large fire or heated disagreement between two people or groups.

Example Question #114 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Sagacious is to wise as malevolent is to __________.

Possible Answers:

brave

foolish 

good 

intelligent 

evil 

Correct answer:

evil 

Explanation:

Sagacious is another way of saying wise so to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for malevolent. "Malevolent" means evil.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Pygmy is to dwarf as lilliputian is to __________.

Possible Answers:

fat 

tall 

tiny 

ugly 

giant 

Correct answer:

tiny 

Explanation:

Pygmy, dwarf, and lilliputian are all synonyms that loosely mean short or very small; the correct answer is “tiny.”

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