SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1091 : Synonyms

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

STRINGENT

Possible Answers:

Yielding

Strict

Tangible

Slender

Morose

Correct answer:

Strict

Explanation:

"Stringent" means severe, tight and rigid, and the correct answer "strict" means inflexibly maintained or exact and precise. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "slender" means thin, "morose" means gloomy, "yielding" means flexible, and "tangiblemeans able to be felt.

Example Question #1043 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Idealistic

Verbose

Literary

Artificial

Melancholy

Correct answer:

Idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" means impractically hopeful or romantic, and "idealistic" means optimistic, perhaps to the point of being impractical. "Idealistic" is therefore the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "quixotic": "melancholy" means sad, "literary" means relating to literature, "artificial" means not derived from naturenot real, or man-made, and "verbose" means wordy.

Example Question #1051 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IGNOBLE

Possible Answers:

Complete

Assertive

Dishonorable

Soft

Flighty

Correct answer:

Dishonorable

Explanation:

"Ignoble" means dishonorable or of low character, so "dishonorable" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "ignoble": “assertive” means confident; “soft” means not hard; “complete,” when used as an adjective, means whole; and “flighty” means erratic or fickle.

Example Question #1092 : Synonyms

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

DEMURE

Possible Answers:

Free

Rich

Shy

Surprising

Energetic

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Demure" means reserved or shy, so "shy" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "demure": “free” means enjoying liberty;“surprising” means unexpected; “energetic” means active or full of vigor; and "rich” means wealthy.

Example Question #1093 : Synonyms

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

EVENHANDED

Possible Answers:

Partial

Unfair

Biased

Truthful

Unbiased

Correct answer:

Unbiased

Explanation:

While "unfair" and "unbiased" may look like similar answer choices, they are actually antonyms. Since "evenhanded" means impartial when judging, "unbiased" is its closest synonym amongst the answer choices, as it means fair—specifically, showing no preferences or inclinations towards or against something. So, the correct answer is "unbiased."

Example Question #1094 : Synonyms

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

TIGHTFISTED

Possible Answers:

Impecunious

Prodigal

Overt

Nebulous

Thrifty

Correct answer:

Thrifty

Explanation:

"Tightfisted" is an adjective that has to do with money and specifically means avoiding spending money or miserly. Of the possible answer choices, three have to do with money: "thrifty," "prodigal," and "impecunious." Since "prodigal" means recklessly extravagant and "impecunious" means poor or lacking money, "thrifty," which means frugal, is the best choice.

Example Question #1095 : Synonyms

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

SCURRILOUS

Possible Answers:

Eloquent 

Serendipitous 

Vulgar 

Tranquil 

Bashful 

Correct answer:

Vulgar 

Explanation:

“Scurrilous” means foul-mouthed, vulgar, abusive, or wicked. For clarification, "bashful" means easily embarrassed; "eloquent" means speaking with clarity and style; "serendipitous" means fortunate; "tranquil" means peaceful or calm.

Example Question #1096 : Synonyms

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

DEMURE

Possible Answers:

Bold 

Arrogant 

Implacable 

Modest 

Brave 

Correct answer:

Modest 

Explanation:

“Demure” is an adjective used to describe someone who is shy or "modest." The answer choices “brave,” “bold,” and “arrogant” are all antonyms of the word “demure.” Implacable means pitiless or merciless.

Example Question #1097 : Synonyms

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

CANTANKEROUS

Possible Answers:

Wild 

Intelligent 

Dank

Grouchy

Brave

Correct answer:

Grouchy

Explanation:

“Cantankerous” means bad-tempered. This means that the best possible answer choice is “grouchy,” as this also describes someone who is bad-tempered.

Example Question #1098 : Synonyms

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

DAFT

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Foolish 

Wise 

Forceful 

Miserable

Correct answer:

Foolish 

Explanation:

A “daft” person is foolish. For clarification, "ecstatic" means very happy.

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