SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2367 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WHOLESOME

Possible Answers:

Avid

Healthy

Duplicitous

Frivolous

Manifold

Correct answer:

Healthy

Explanation:

Something "wholesome" is good for the health. "Frivolous" means fun and carefree. "Avid" is a word that means keen and eager, and "duplicitous" means deceitful or dishonest. "Manifold" means diverse and varied.

Example Question #2368 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARCANE

Possible Answers:

Abstruse

Levity

Brevity

Convivial

Decadent

Correct answer:

Abstruse

Explanation:

"Arcane" means "abstruse" and esoteric. "Levity" means lightheartedness, while "brevity" means briefness. "Decadent" is a synonym for "depraved," and "convivial" is a synonym for cheerful and lively.

Example Question #2369 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MULTIFARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Diverse

Querulous

Homogeneous

Bigoted

Bucolic

Correct answer:

Diverse

Explanation:

"Multifarious" is a synonym for "diverse" and varied. This is an antonym for "homogeneous." "Bigoted" means biased, and "querulous" means cranky and irritated. "Bucolic" is a synonym for rural and rustic.

Example Question #2370 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UBIQUITOUS

Possible Answers:

Evasive

Intuitive

Omnipresent

Elaborate

Elusive

Correct answer:

Omnipresent

Explanation:

"Ubiquitous" and "omnipresent" both mean present everywhere. "Elaborate" is a synonym for complex, and "intuitive" means insightful. "Elusive" is a synonym for "evasive," or difficult to find/catch.

Example Question #2371 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABOMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Undeserving

Quixotic

Loathsome

Venerable

Wizened

Correct answer:

Loathsome

Explanation:

The adjective "abominable" means horrible, gruesome, detestable and "loathsome." Additionally, "wizened" means weakened and wrinkled with age; "quixotic" means unrealistic, extremely impractical, based on romantic notions; "venerable" means deeply respected due to age and experience.

Example Question #2371 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECONDITE

Possible Answers:

Spasmodic

Wholesome

Surreptitious

Esoteric

Haggard

Correct answer:

Esoteric

Explanation:

The adjective "recondite" means (of knowledge) privileged and ancient. This is identical in meaning to useful vocabulary like "arcane," "abstruse," and "esoteric." All four of these words (recondite, abstruse, esoteric, and arcane) might appear on the test - all four relate to knowledge known to only a few people. Additionally, "haggard" means having the appearance of being tired and overworked; "spasmodic" means intermittent, erratic, occurring at irregular intervals; "wholesome" means good-natured, virtuous; "surreptitious" means secretive, clandestine.

Example Question #2372 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GRANDIOSE

Possible Answers:

Uncouth

Resplendent

Luminary

Circumspect

Supercilious

Correct answer:

Resplendent

Explanation:

The adjective "grandiose" means magnificent, imposing, and majestic (particularly in an unnecessarily exaggerated fashion). This is closest in meaning to "resplendent" which means spectacular, splendid, brilliant. Additionally, "uncouth" means (of a person) rude and uncivilized, vulgar and unrefined; "luminary" means notable or famous within a particular area; "circumspect" means thoughtful and cautious; "supercilious" means arrogant, acting as if one thinks one is better than others, haughty and patronizing.

Example Question #2374 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LURID

Possible Answers:

Sensational

Trite

Banal

Maudlin

Impecunious

Correct answer:

Sensational

Explanation:

"Lurid" and "sensational" are synonyms, as are "maudlin" and "sentimental." "Trite" means banal, and "impecunious" means impoverished.

Example Question #2375 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCHOATE

Possible Answers:

Nascent

Abstract

Esoteric

Concrete

Laborious

Correct answer:

Nascent

Explanation:

"Inchoate" and "nascent" both mean not fully formed. "Laborious" means arduous and difficult, and "esoteric" means abstruse. "Abstract" and "concrete" are antonyms.

Example Question #2376 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADULTERATED

Possible Answers:

Execrable

Contaminated

Laconic

Distraught

Disreputable

Correct answer:

Contaminated

Explanation:

"Adulterated" means "contaminated," tainted, and impure. "Execrable" is a synonym for "dreadful," and "laconic" is a synonym for "terse." "Distraught" means distressed. "Disreputable" means notorious.

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