SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1718 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

RASH

Possible Answers:

Cheerful

Direct

Aggressive

Reckless

Iconic

Correct answer:

Reckless

Explanation:

"Rash" means hasty and reckless. "Direct" and "indirect" are antonyms, as are "cheerful" and "unhappy." "Iconic" means classic. "Aggressive" means antagonistic and hostile.

Example Question #1719 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DISTRAUGHT

Possible Answers:

Grim

Bewildered

Bashful

Dismal

Distressed

Correct answer:

Distressed

Explanation:

"Distraught" means distressed and upset. "Bashful" means shy, and "bewildered" means confused or confounded. "Dismal" means glum and dreary, and "grim" means dark, stern, or dire, depending on context.

Example Question #1720 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ARDENT

Possible Answers:

Illustrious

Avid

Eminent

Zealous

Parochial

Correct answer:

Zealous

Explanation:

"Ardent" means fervid, passionate, or zealous. "Parochial" and "provincial" are synonyms, as are "eminent" and "illustrious." "Avid" means keen and eager.

Example Question #1721 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

HOSTILE

Possible Answers:

Livid

Skeptical

Euphoric

Envious

Inimical

Correct answer:

Inimical

Explanation:

"Hostile" and "inimical" are synonyms. "Envious" means jealous, "skeptical" means dubious, and "euphoric" means ecstatic. "Livid" means extremely angry.

Example Question #1722 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Superficial

Bewildered

Abrasive

Acerbic

Supercilious

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" means "bewildered" or puzzled. "Abrasive" means harsh or rough. "Superficial" means shallow, and "supercilious" means haughty or arrogant. "Acerbic" and "caustic" are synonyms.

Example Question #1723 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

EBULLIENT

Possible Answers:

Exuberant

Forbidding

Deleterious

Imminent

Decadent

Correct answer:

Exuberant

Explanation:

"Ebullient" and "exuberant" both mean very happy and cheerful. "Imminent" means upcoming or impending. "Deleterious" mean harmful, and "decadent" means dissolute or morally degenerate. "Forbidding" means grim or unwelcoming.

Example Question #1724 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

SLEEPY

Possible Answers:

Somnolent

Lascivious

Convincing

Bashful

Sugary

Correct answer:

Somnolent

Explanation:

"Somnolent" is another word for "sleepy." "Sugary" means sweet, and "lascivious" means lecherous, lustful. "Bashful" is another word for shy, and "convincing" means persuasive.

Example Question #1725 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

HISTRIONIC

Possible Answers:

Theatrical

Inane

Capacious

Insipid

Recondite

Correct answer:

Theatrical

Explanation:

The adjective "histrionic" is used to describe someone who is overly dramatic or theatrical. Additionally, "recondite" means (of knowledge) known by only a few people, arcane and esoteric; "insipid" means tasteless, lacking flavor or character; "capacious" means roomy, spacious, voluminous; "inane" means pointless and stupid, meaningless.

Example Question #1726 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

INCENSED

Possible Answers:

Lenient

Calm

Alone

Happy

Angry

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

The adjective "incensed" means made furious by, deeply angry at. Additionally, "lenient" means tolerant, not strict.

Example Question #1727 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

AVERSE

Possible Answers:

Unwilling

Untimely

Unfortunate

Unlikely

Unbecoming

Correct answer:

Unwilling

Explanation:

The adjective "averse" means opposed to, "unwilling." Additionally, "untimely" means happening at the wrong or an inappropriate time; "unbecoming" means not flattering, not attractive, inappropriate.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors