SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

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

ABSCOND. 

Possible Answers:

Flee

Ameliorate

Annoy

Profound 

Obdurate

Correct answer:

Flee

Explanation:

To “abscond” means to run away or flee. For clarification, "profound" means deep and meaningful; "ameliorate" means to relieve; "obdurate" means stubborn.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

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

SEMINAL.

Possible Answers:

Soliloquy

Ground-breaking 

Sensual 

Sardonic 

Sound

Correct answer:

Ground-breaking 

Explanation:

“Seminal” means ground-breaking work. For clarification, "soliloquy" is part of a play in which a character talks alone to the audience; "sardonic" means ironic and whimsical; "sensual" means relating to physical pleasure.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms

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

UMBRAGE.

Possible Answers:

Soft

Offense

Youthful

Loud

Understanding

Correct answer:

Offense

Explanation:

To take “umbrage” means to take offense and resent somebody.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms

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

VIVACIOUS.

Possible Answers:

Energetic 

Lethargic

Generous

Critical

Miserly

Correct answer:

Energetic 

Explanation:

To be “vivacious” means to feel energetic. For clarification, "lethargic" means very lazy and exhausted; "miserly" is an antonym of generous.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms

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

INIMICAL.

Possible Answers:

Winsome

Comely 

Pulchritudinous 

Adverse

Bountiful

Correct answer:

Adverse

Explanation:

Something that is “inimical” is unfavorable or adverse. For clarification pulchritudinous means beautiful and comely means cute; winsome means charming and bountiful means plentiful.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms

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

BRUMAL.

Possible Answers:

Wintry

Colloquial

Meaningful

Provocative

Incendiary

Correct answer:

Wintry

Explanation:

“Brumal” is a synonym for cold and wintry conditions. For clarification incendiary and provocative are synonyms that both mean likely to provoke an adverse reaction; colloquial refers to a type of speaking distinct to a certain people or area.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

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

BATTERY. 

Possible Answers:

Assault

Create 

Power

Defense 

Energy 

Correct answer:

Assault

Explanation:

“Battery” describes the unlawful use of force against somebody. The best available synonym would therefore be “assault.”

Example Question #7 : Synonyms

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

SYNOPSIS.

Possible Answers:

Forensic 

Umbrage 

Summary 

Deleterious

Disease 

Correct answer:

Summary 

Explanation:

A “synopsis” is a summary of events and is usually used as in “a synopsis of the movie . . .” For clarification, "deleterious" means very harmful; "umbrage" means to take offense; forensic is the science of crime-solving.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms

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

TEDIOUS. 

Possible Answers:

Provocative

Elusive 

Dull

Careful

Understanding

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

Tedious means dull or boring. For clarification provocative means challenging and stimulating; elusive means hard to track down.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms

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

SURFEIT.

Possible Answers:

Excess

Shortage 

Lack 

Deficiency

Deviancy

Correct answer:

Excess

Explanation:

Having a “surfeit” of something means you have an excess of it. For clarification, "lack," "deficiency," and "shortage" are all synonyms that mean to not have enough of something making them antonyms of “surfeit” and excess; "deviancy" refers to immoral behavior.

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