SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1413 : Synonyms

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

ONEROUS

Possible Answers:

Pathetic

Enjoyable

Arduous

Profane

Honorable

Correct answer:

Arduous

Explanation:

"Onerous" means challenging, burdensome, and difficult, so "arduous," a word that means difficult and taxing, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #1414 : Synonyms

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

TORPID

Possible Answers:

Speedy 

Forbidden 

Winsome 

Effortless

Lethargic

Correct answer:

Lethargic

Explanation:

“Torpid” means sluggish or lacking energy, so it is a synonym for “lethargic,” which means physically or mentally exhausted. For clarification, "winsome" means charming and innocent.

Example Question #1415 : Synonyms

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

INNOCUOUS

Possible Answers:

Haughty 

Diabolical 

Harmless

Dangerous 

Pointless 

Correct answer:

Harmless

Explanation:

“Innocuous” is an adjective used to describe something harmless in effect or unlikely to provoke a reaction. It is opposite in meaning to “dangerous” and “diabolical.”

Example Question #1416 : Synonyms

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Quintessential

Bland

Strange

Unusual 

Inactive

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Quiescent" means still and quiet. Something that is "inactive" tends to not make sound or movement. Given how similar the meanings of these words are, they are synonyms. A tempting wrong answer is "quintessential" because it sounds like "quiescent," but has a very different meaning. ("Quintessential" means ideal.)

Example Question #1417 : Synonyms

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

IMPERIAL

Possible Answers:

Aggravated

Motionless

Careless

Antiquated

Royal

Correct answer:

Royal

Explanation:

Imperial means "of or relating to an emperor." It also means "characteristic of or exercising supreme authority." Royal means "of or pertaining to a king, queen, or some other ruler."

Example Question #1418 : Synonyms

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

INTRICATE

Possible Answers:

Porous

Intrinsic

Creative

Assiduous

Complex

Correct answer:

Complex

Explanation:

Intricate means complex.  

Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

COMPLEX

Possible Answers:

Caring

Intertwined

Complicated

Extinct

Previous

Correct answer:

Complicated

Explanation:

Complex means involving many parts, or complicated.

Example Question #92 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ACCOUNTABLE

Possible Answers:

Forgetful

Responsible

Critical

Distinct

Computational

Correct answer:

Responsible

Explanation:

Accountable means expected to justify actions, or responsible.

Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

IMPOSING

Possible Answers:

Disappointing

Striking

Well-mannered

Attractive

Clear

Correct answer:

Striking

Explanation:

Imposing means grand, impressive, or striking.

Example Question #94 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

DOMINANT

Possible Answers:

Minor 

Small 

Focused 

Descendent

Leading 

Correct answer:

Leading 

Explanation:

The word “dominant” describes someone who is in control or in command over others. The answer choice that most resembles this definition is “leading.”  

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