SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1513 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIFFIDENTLY

Possible Answers:

Funnily

Shyly

Difficultly

Boisterously

Believably

Correct answer:

Shyly

Explanation:

"Diffident" means shy, modest, or timid. "Difficult" means challenging or hard, and "boisterous" means rowdy. "Funny" can mean humorous or strange, depending on the context. Something "believable" is plausible or credible.

Example Question #1514 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TANGIBLY

Possible Answers:

Palpably

Taxingly

Zesty

Gaudily

Peripherally

Correct answer:

Palpably

Explanation:

Something "tangible" is palpable or perceptible by touch. Something "taxing" is punishing or demanding. "Peripheral" means external or on the outside border. "Gaudy" means showy, and "zesty," an adjective, means tangy or strong tasting and not tangible.

Example Question #1521 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASTUTELY

Possible Answers:

Naively

Courageously

Obstusely

Hastily

Shrewdly

Correct answer:

Shrewdly

Explanation:

Someone "astute" is shrewd, sharp, or clever. "Obtuse" is an antonym of "astute." "Naive" means inexperienced, and "hasty" means hurried. "Courageous" and "brave" are synonyms.

Example Question #1522 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HEATEDLY

Possible Answers:

Dubiously

Combatively

Deliberately

Intentionally

Passionately

Correct answer:

Passionately

Explanation:

"Heated" means passionate, fiery, or spirited. "Deliberate" and "intentional" are synonyms, as are "combative" and "aggressive." "Dubious" means doubtful.

Example Question #1523 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LISTLESSLY

Possible Answers:

Reverently

Lecherously

Jubilantly

Tiredly

Thankfully

Correct answer:

Tiredly

Explanation:

Someone "listless" is tired or lacking in energy. "Lecherous" means lustful, and "reverent" means worshipful or respectful. "Jubilant" means joyful, and "thankful" means grateful.

Example Question #1524 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TURBULENTLY

Possible Answers:

Placidly

Eternally

Aerially

Eagerly

Tempestuously

Correct answer:

Tempestuously

Explanation:

"Turbulent" means stormy or tempestuous, which are antonyms of "placid" and "calm." "Eager" means enthusiastic, and "eternal" means lasting forever. While "turbulence" is often encountered by airplanes in the stratosphere, "turbulent" and "aerial" are not synonyms.

Example Question #1525 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LOQUACIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Earnestly

Dramatically

Auspiciously

Talkatively

Lasciviously

Correct answer:

Talkatively

Explanation:

"Loquacious" is a synonym for "talkative" and "garrulous." "Lascivious" means lewd or lustful. "Earnest" means serious or sincere. "Dramatic" can mean sudden and striking, or it can mean related to drama and the theater. "Auspicious" means promising or favorable.

Example Question #1526 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STERNLY

Possible Answers:

Responsible

Quarrelsomely

Strictly

Dutifully

Diffidently

Correct answer:

Strictly

Explanation:

"Stern" means strict or rigorous and is usually used to describe authorities or rules. "Quarrelsome" and "combative" are synonyms, as are "diffident" and "shy." "Dutiful" means responsible.

Example Question #1527 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VALIANTLY

Possible Answers:

Bravely

Energetically

Royally

Wholly

Vigorously

Correct answer:

Bravely

Explanation:

"Valiant" is a synonym for "brave" and "courageous." "Vigorous" means robust, healthy, or energetic. "Royal" is a word used to describe monarchs and rulers, particularly kings and queens. "Wholly" means entirely or completely.

Example Question #1528 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNISHINGLY

Possible Answers:

Smugly

Taxingly

Exuberantly

Explicitly

Grimily

Correct answer:

Taxingly

Explanation:

While to "punish" can mean to make someone suffer in response to a bad action, "punishing" can also mean grueling, demanding, or taxing (usually in the context of a particular situation or action). "Grimy" means dirty, "smug" means self-satisfied, and "exuberant" means joyful. "Explicit" means clear and straightforward.

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