SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #861 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUPPLE

Possible Answers:

Verbatim

Bendable

Wizened

Seditious

Graceless

Correct answer:

Bendable

Explanation:

"Supple" means lithe, graceful, and able to bend easily, so "bendable" is the best answer. "Supple" is an antonym of "graceless." "Verbatim" means word for word, exact. "Wizened" means shriveled and wrinkled as a result of being old. "Seditious" is a synonym for subversive and rebellious.

Example Question #862 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ALABASTER

Possible Answers:

Shocking

White

Stalwart

Haughty

Sordid

Correct answer:

White

Explanation:

As an adjective, "alabaster" means white. (As a noun, it refers to a white type of stone.) "Sordid" is a synonym for filthy. "Stalwart" means loyal and steadfast. "Haughty" means disdainful due to one thinking one is better than someone else.

Example Question #863 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HARROWING.

Possible Answers:

Energizing

Incredible 

Suggestive 

Fortunate 

Traumatizing

Correct answer:

Traumatizing

Explanation:

A “harrowing” experience is one that is scary and traumatizing. For clarification, something that is "traumatizing" causes the traumatized to feel lasting emotional shock.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

FORLORN. 

Possible Answers:

Suspicious 

Despondent 

Perplexed

Jubilant

Fearful

Correct answer:

Despondent 

Explanation:

“Forlorn” means very sad and as such is most similar in meaning to “despondent” which means to feel sad and without hope. For clarification, jubilant means very happy; perplexed means confused or puzzled.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

SANGUINE.

Possible Answers:

Miserable

Cheerful

Suggestive

Garrulous 

Virulent 

Correct answer:

Cheerful

Explanation:

“Sanguine” means cheerful and optimistic. For clarification, garrulous means talkative; suggestive means easily affected by the words of others; virulent means strong and dangerous.

Example Question #864 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STOLID.

Possible Answers:

Goad 

Emotionless

Merciless 

Perceptive

Remorseless 

Correct answer:

Emotionless

Explanation:

“Stolid” means devoid of emotion, so the correct answer is “emotionless.” For clarification, perceptive means insightful; remorseless and merciless are synonyms that mean cruel and insensitive; goad means provoke.

Example Question #865 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PHLEGMATIC.

Possible Answers:

Unhealthy 

Sickly 

Indifferent 

Safe 

Volatile

Correct answer:

Indifferent 

Explanation:

“Phlegmatic” means apathetic or indifferent. For clarification, volatile means unsafe.

Example Question #118 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Daunted

Possible Answers:

Brisk

Unidentified

Cagey

Intimidated

Dignified

Correct answer:

Intimidated

Explanation:

"Daunted" means intimidated.

Example Question #866 : Identifying Synonyms

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

DESPONDENT

Possible Answers:

patriarchal

crestfallen

malleable

old-fashioned

rude

Correct answer:

crestfallen

Explanation:

"Despondent" means in low spirits, or crestfallen.

Example Question #867 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms

Morose

Possible Answers:

Sullen

Stubborn

Careful

Flexible

Obdurate

Correct answer:

Sullen

Explanation:

"Morose" means sullen or gloomy. Obdurate and stubborn are synonyms.

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