SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms, Antonyms, and Changes in Intensity

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Augur is to soothsayer as memorial is to __________.

Possible Answers:

border

wave

treaty

monument

orchard

Correct answer:

monument

Explanation:

"Augur" and "soothsayer" are synonyms of one another, both words are used to describe someone who claims to be able to predict the future, an oracle. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "memorial?" Well, a "memorial" is a "monument," to someone, particularly someone who died fighting in a war.

Example Question #122 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Dicey is to uncertain as __________ is to embryonic.

Possible Answers:

rudimentary

torpid

sinewy

pusillanimous

pugnacious

Correct answer:

rudimentary

Explanation:

"Dicey" and "uncertain" are synonyms, both words mean not certain, (of a situation) risky and unsafe. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "embryonic." Well, "embryonic" means in a state of infancy, in the beginning stages. This is identical in meaning to "rudimentary." Additionally, "sinewy" means brawny, muscular; "torpid" means lethargic, sluggish, lacking vigor; "pugnacious" means aggressive, seeking to fight; "pusillanimous" means cowardly.

Example Question #123 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Abeyance is to suspension as accouterments is to __________.

Possible Answers:

strength

equipment

notions

armaments

politics

Correct answer:

equipment

Explanation:

"Abeyance" means "suspension," a temporary state of pausing or immobility. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "accouterments?" Well, "accouterments" means items carried or owned for specific use. This is the same meaning as "equipment." Additionally, "notions" are ideas, thoughts; "armaments" are weapons.

Example Question #124 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Insouciant is to __________ as ostensible is to apparent.

Possible Answers:

loquacious

abstruse

blasé

nominal

drastic

Correct answer:

blasé

Explanation:

"Ostensible" and "apparent" are synonyms, both words mean manifest and obvious or having the appearance of being true but not necessarily being so. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "insouciant?" Well, "insouciant" means indifferent, showing an inappropriate lack of concern for something. This is identical in meaning to "blasé." Additionally, "loquacious" means talkative; "drastic" means extreme, intense; "nominal" means insignificant, not important; "abstruse" means esoteric, hard to understand.

Example Question #125 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Fracas is to _______________ as missive is to letter.

Possible Answers:

aplomb

guise

hiatus

shard

brawl

Correct answer:

brawl

Explanation:

A "missive" is a "letter," particularly an official "letter." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "fracas." Well, a "fracas" is a quarrel, a noisy and chaotic fight. This is very close in definition to a "brawl," which means a chaotic fight, usually involving more than two people. Additionally, "aplomb" means skill or poise; "guise" is a likeness, an appearance of; "shard" means fragment, broken off piece of something; a "hiatus" is an extended break from something

Example Question #126 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Herald is to ________________ as miff is to vex.

Possible Answers:

announce

operate

plead

respond

hide

Correct answer:

announce

Explanation:

"Miff" and "vex" are synonyms of one another, they both mean to annoy, irritate, and slightly confuse someone. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "herald." Well, to "herald" something means to "announce" that something is coming, to signal an imminent change. Additionally, "operate" means drive or use; "plead" means beg, urge.

Example Question #127 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Fledgling is to _______________ as schismatic is to discordant.

Possible Answers:

nascent

hospitable

venal

feverish

ponderous

Correct answer:

nascent

Explanation:

"Schismatic" and "discordant" are loosely synonyms, both words mean favoring or encouraging disorder, disagreement, and conflict within a group or organization. So, which of these words is a synonym of "fledgling?" Well, "fledgling" means someone or something that is inexperienced and just getting started. This is very similar in definition to "nascent," which means just coming into existence. Additionally, "feverish" means sick with a fever or overly excited and agitated by; "ponderous" means slow-moving; "venal" means corrupt, wicked; "hospitable" means welcoming or able to be inhabited by.

Example Question #128 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Begrime is to blacken as ______________ is to whip.

Possible Answers:

prognosticate

flagellate

misappropriate

elevate

masticate

Correct answer:

flagellate

Explanation:

"Begrime" means to make dirty, to "blacken." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words is a synonym of "whip." Well, the correct answer is "flagellate." Additionally, "masticate" means chew; "prognosticate" means make a prediction about the future; "elevate" means raise or lift up; "misappropriate" means take something and use it for misguided or incorrect purposes.

Example Question #129 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Permit is to tolerate as defile is to __________.

Possible Answers:

squander

usurp

opine

sojourn

sully

Correct answer:

sully

Explanation:

"Permit" and "tolerate" are synonyms, both words mean accept and allow or 'put up with.' So, which of these words has the same meaning as "defile," which means ruin, debase, desecrate, spoil? The correct answer is "sully." Additionally, "usurp" means take over power or control from; "squander" means waste, spend unwisely; "opine" means suggest, state an opinion; "sojourn" means live somewhere temporarily

Example Question #130 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Inscrutable is to unfathomable as ______________ is to terminal.

Possible Answers:

onerous

hale

awry

ponderous

moribund

Correct answer:

moribund

Explanation:

"Inscrutable" and "unfathomable" are synonyms, both words mean impossible to understand or scrutinize. So, which of these words is a synonym of "terminal?" Well, when used as an adjective, "terminal" means either last, final or (of a disease) incurable and going to lead to death. So, the correct answer is "moribund," which means dying, near death. Additionally, "awry" means amiss, out of place, gone wrong; "ponderous" means slow-moving; "hale" means fit, healthy; "onerous" means hard to accomplish, arduous, grueling

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors