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

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #131 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Imperious is to domineering as __________ is to otiose.

Possible Answers:

debonair

impious

superficial

frank

forlorn

Correct answer:

superficial

Explanation:

"Imperious" means controlling, assuming control of a situation without the support of others. This is very similar in meaning to "domineering" (controlling, authoritative). So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has a similar meaning to "otiose." Well, "otiose" means not serving any practical purpose. This is very similar to "superficial," not serious, not serving much use or purpose. Additionally, "debonair" means confident and charming, attractive and stylish; "impious" means heretical, not devout, ungodly; "frank" means honest, often uncomfortably or brutally honest; "forlorn" means feeling sad due to loneliness, pitifully miserable

Example Question #307 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Emollient is to __________ as peevish is to querulous.

Possible Answers:

forming

soothing

cooling

warming

mocking

Correct answer:

soothing

Explanation:

"Peevish" and "querulous" are synonyms, both words mean easily irritated or annoyed by minor things. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "emollient." Well, "emollient" means moisturizing, softening, "soothing."

Example Question #132 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Beguile is to charm as __________ is to distribute.

Possible Answers:

renege

flout

blazon

apportion

insult

Correct answer:

apportion

Explanation:

"Beguile" means "charm," enchant or attract someone. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "distribute?" The correct answer is "apportion," which means to allocate, to give to someone according to their share. Additionally, "blazon" means embellish, display or decorate; "renege" means break a promise, go back on one's word; "flout" means break or ignore the rules.

Example Question #351 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Endow is to bestow as meliorate is to __________.

Possible Answers:

protect

enhance

reduce

succumb

assail

Correct answer:

enhance

Explanation:

"Endow" and "bestow" are synonyms, both words mean to grant a sum of money, to confer a title, to give to. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "meliorate." Well, "meliorate" means ameliorate, to soothe or make better. This is fairly close in definition to "enhance," so this is the correct answer. Additionally, "assail" means attack; "succumb" means be unable to resist, 'give in to.'

Example Question #310 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Abscond is to __________ as claim is to arrogate.

Possible Answers:

grouse

convene

capture

return

escape

Correct answer:

escape

Explanation:

"Arrogate" means to "claim" something without authority or justification. It is therefore loosely a synonym of "claim," so which of these words has a similar meaning to "abscond?" Well, "abscond" means to leave in a quick and secretive fashion usually with someone else, to flee, to "escape." Additionally, "convene" means meet up, come together; "grouse" means complain about something minor.

Example Question #352 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Indefatigable is to unflagging as __________ is to disingenuous.

Possible Answers:

juvenile

mendacious

sincere

truculent

debauched

Correct answer:

mendacious

Explanation:

"Indefatigable" and "unflagging" are synonyms, both words mean relentless, tireless, persistent and tenacious. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "disingenuous." Well, "disingenuous" means not truthful, deceptive. So, the correct answer is "mendacious." Additionally, "truculent" means aggressive; "juvenile" means immature, youthful; "sincere" means open and honest, genuine; "debauched" means depraved, wicked, (of behavior) sinful.

Example Question #232 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Encumber is to __________ as contort is to twist.

Possible Answers:

assume

express

acknowledge

betray

burden

Correct answer:

burden

Explanation:

"Contort" and "twist" are synonyms, both words mean to bend out of shape. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "encumber." Well, "encumber" means weigh down with, restrict the movement of. This is very similar in definition to "burden."

Example Question #353 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Transient is to ephemeral as perspicacious is to ______________.

Possible Answers:

fraudulent

shrewd

adulterated 

extenuating

penitent 

Correct answer:

shrewd

Explanation:

"Transient" and "ephemeral" are synonyms, both words mean fleeting, not eternal, lasting a short time. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "perspicacious?" Well, "perspicacious" means discerning, astute, able to understand and perceive things. This is the same definition as "shrewd." Additionally, "fraudulent" means inauthentic, not genuine, faked; "adulterated" means edited and made impure; "penitent" means feeling contrite and seeking forgiveness for; "extenuating" means (of circumstances) excusable

Example Question #354 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Aeronaut is to pilot as __________ is to arena.

Possible Answers:

libation 

amphitheater

mutineer 

platitude 

innuendo 

Correct answer:

amphitheater

Explanation:

An "aeronaut" is a "pilot," someone who operates planes. So, which of these words is a synonym of "arena?" The correct answer is "amphitheater." An "amphitheater" is an arena for sporting events or artistic performances. Additionally, a "mutineer" is a renegade, a rebel; a "platitude" is an unoriginal or insincere comment; "innuendo" is a remark that is generally suggestive and involves word-play; a "libation" is a religious offering, typically of a liquid.

Example Question #355 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Febrile is to feverish as __________ is to extraordinary.

Possible Answers:

mundane

insidious

ineffable

assiduous

maudlin

Correct answer:

ineffable

Explanation:

"Febrile" and "feverish" are synonyms, both words mean having a fever, being in a state of fevered excitement and nervousness. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "extraordinary" (incredible, unusual and remarkable). The correct answer is "ineffable," which means so "extraordinary" as to be impossible to describe. Additionally, "mundane" means ordinary and boring; "maudlin" means overly sentimental; "assiduous" means hard-working, showing great care and effort; "insidious" means treacherous, having a gradual, but negative, effect.

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