SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1696 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASCETICALLY

Possible Answers:

Sardonically

Guilelessly

Saccharinely

Picturesquely

Austerely

Correct answer:

Austerely

Explanation:

"Ascetic" means austere, severe, lacking in enjoyment and full of strict discipline. "Picturesque" means attractive or charming and usually describes landscapes. "Sardonic" is a synonym for "sarcastic," and "saccharine" means overly sentimental or sweet. "Guileless" means ingenuous or naive.

Example Question #1697 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RETICENTLY

Possible Answers:

Zealously

Grotesquely

Melodically

Gregariously

Shyly

Correct answer:

Shyly

Explanation:

Someone "reticent" is shy, withdrawn, or introverted. This is an antonym for "gregarious," which means social or outgoing. "Grotesque" means hideous and deformed. "Zealous" means ardent, impassioned, or fanatical. "Melodic," of course, is the adjective form of melody, a song or musical tune.

Example Question #211 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

UNWITTINGLY

Possible Answers:

Glibly

Eruditely

Unknowingly

Reluctantly

Serendipitously

Correct answer:

Unknowingly

Explanation:

"Unwitting" means unknowing or unaware. "Erudite" means scholarly and learned. "Reluctant" is a synonym for "hesitant," while "serendipitous" means lucky or fortune. "Glib" means smooth-talking, slick, polished.

Example Question #212 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

SUBLIMINALLY

Possible Answers:

Esoterically

Copiously

Subconsciously

Thrillingly

Punitively

Correct answer:

Subconsciously

Explanation:

Something "subliminal" is below someone's consciousness or awareness. "Esoteric" is a synonym for "abstruse" or scholarly, and "copious" means abundant or profuse. "Punitive" is another word for punishing. "Thrilling" means exciting, galvanizing, or even shocking.

Example Question #213 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

CIRCUMSPECTLY

Possible Answers:

Repetitively

Inquisitively

Bodaciously

Cautiously

Repentantly

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

"Circumspect" means cautious, wary, or guarded. "Bodacious" means excellent or very admirable, and "inquisitive" means questioning or curious. "Repentant" is a synonym for "penitent" or contrite. Another word for "repetitive" is "redundant."

Example Question #214 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

CLANGOROUSLY

Possible Answers:

Loudly

Idealistically

Ephemerally

Repugnantly

Pessimistically

Correct answer:

Loudly

Explanation:

"Clangorous" means loud, clamorous, noisy. "Pessimistic" is an antonym for "optimistic" or hopeful. Another word for "idealistic" is quixotic, a word derived from the Spanish novel Don Quixote. "Repugnant" means vile or loathsome. "Ephemeral" means short-lived, fleeting, brief.

Example Question #215 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

SCURRILOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Courageously

Hypocritically

Libelously

Laconically

Dreadfully

Correct answer:

Libelously

Explanation:

"Scurrilous" describes slanderous (false) and often scandalous or vulgar rumors designed to discredit a person or group. "Laconic" means concise or terse. "Courageous" is a synonym for "brave," and "dreadful" is a synonym for "frightful" and awful. A "hypocrite" is someone who pretends to hold certain beliefs or live by certain standards that he/she does not actually abide by.

Example Question #216 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

UNSAVORILY

Possible Answers:

Rambunctiously

Determinedly

Subliminally

Disreputably

Petulantly

Correct answer:

Disreputably

Explanation:

"Unsavory" means disagreeable, disreputable. It often describes a person, area, or situation. "Rambunctious" is another word for boisterous, and "subliminal" is another word for subconscious. "Determined" is a synonym for "dogged" or "resolute." "Petulant" is a synonym for "peevish" or irritable.

Example Question #221 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

FORLORNLY

Possible Answers:

Sadly

Daringly

Childishly

Sublimely

Ingenuously

Correct answer:

Sadly

Explanation:

"Forlorn" means sad, pathetic, and downcast. "Sublime" means exalted, awesome. "Ingenuous" can mean innocent, naive, or even childish. Something "daring" is bold or risky.

Example Question #222 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

UNCOUTHLY

Possible Answers:

Pruriently

Hatefully

Pompously

Bombastically

Rudely

Correct answer:

Rudely

Explanation:

"Uncouth" means coarse, unrefined, brutish, or rude. "Prurient" means lustful and lecherous. "Bombastic" and "pompous" are synonyms. "Hateful" and "loving" are antonyms, of course.

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