SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Verbal) 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Derelict means:

Inhabited
Abandoned (Correct answer)
Responsible
Destroyed

Correct answer: Abandoned

The word 'derelict' describes something that has been abandoned and allowed to fall into disrepair, often referring to buildings or ships. It implies neglect and disuse. Therefore, 'abandoned' is the closest synonym.

Question 2: OBSCURE synonym or closest definition:

benign
offensive
unclear (Correct answer)
opinionated

Correct answer: unclear

'Obscure' means not discovered or known about; uncertain, or not clearly expressed or easily understood. Therefore, 'unclear' is the most direct and accurate synonym, describing something difficult to perceive or comprehend.

Question 3: DETER means:

turn
hinder (Correct answer)
halt
steer

Correct answer: hinder

To 'deter' means to discourage someone from doing something, or to prevent something from happening. 'Hinder' means to create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction. Both words convey the idea of impeding progress or action.

Question 4: TIGHTFISTED means:

Nebulous
Impecunious
Thrifty (Correct answer)
Prodigal

Correct answer: Thrifty

'Tightfisted' describes someone who is reluctant to spend money; stingy. While 'thrifty' also implies carefulness with money, it carries a more positive connotation of being economical and prudent. Among the given options, 'thrifty' is the closest in meaning, as both relate to managing money carefully, though 'tightfisted' leans towards excessive frugality.

Question 5: Culpable means:

Blameworthy (Correct answer)
Having integrity
Innocent
Touchable

Correct answer: Blameworthy

'Culpable' means deserving blame; guilty. If someone is culpable, they are responsible for a fault or wrong. Therefore, 'blameworthy' is a direct synonym, indicating that a person or action merits blame.

Question 6: EVENHANDED closest meaning:

Unfair
Biased
Partial
Unbiased (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unbiased

'Evenhanded' describes someone who is fair and impartial in their judgment or treatment of different people or groups. It implies a lack of favoritism or prejudice. Therefore, 'unbiased' is the closest synonym, meaning without prejudice or favoritism.

Question 7: HOSTILE means:

doubtful
indifferent
suspicious
friendly
unfriendly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: unfriendly

'Hostile' describes someone or something that is unfriendly, antagonistic, or showing strong opposition. It implies a readiness to fight or disagree. Therefore, 'unfriendly' is the most direct and accurate synonym.

Question 8: REMISS synonym or closest definition:

negligent (Correct answer)
meticulous
timely
diligent

Correct answer: negligent

'Remiss' means lacking care or attention to duty; negligent. It implies a failure to perform one's obligations or responsibilities properly. Therefore, 'negligent' is a direct synonym, meaning failing to take proper care in doing something.

Question 9: Gregarious means:

Shy
Angry
Sociable (Correct answer)
Introverted

Correct answer: Sociable

'Gregarious' describes a person who is fond of company; sociable. It implies enjoying being with other people and being outgoing. Therefore, 'sociable' is the most accurate synonym.

Question 10: DIAPHANOUS closest meaning

Ominous
Frangible
Webbed
Sturdy
Gauzy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gauzy

'Diaphanous' describes something light, delicate, and translucent. It refers to material that is so fine and sheer that one can see through it. 'Gauzy' similarly describes something made of or resembling gauze, which is a thin, transparent fabric.

Question 11: UTILIZE means:

undo
make use of (Correct answer)
sing
utilities

Correct answer: make use of

To 'utilize' means to make practical and effective use of something. It is a more formal way of saying 'use.' Therefore, 'make use of' is the direct and most accurate definition.

Question 12: GRIEVOUS synonym or closest definition:

delighted
serious (Correct answer)
frightening
casual

Correct answer: serious

'Grievous' describes something very severe or serious, often referring to a wrong, injury, or loss. It implies causing great suffering or distress. Therefore, 'serious' is the closest synonym, indicating something of great importance or severity.

Question 13: The hotel suite was opulent.

Spacious
Smelly
Clean
Luxurious (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Luxurious

'Opulent' means rich and luxurious or lavish. It describes something characterized by great wealth or abundance. Therefore, 'luxurious' is the most fitting synonym, conveying a sense of richness and extravagance.

Question 14: CUPIDITY closest meaning:

Confidence
Lust
Shame
Avarice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Avarice

'Cupidity' refers to greed for money or possessions. It denotes an excessive desire for wealth. 'Avarice' is a direct synonym, meaning extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

Question 15: ABDICATE means:

control
disprove
resign (Correct answer)
remorse

Correct answer: resign

To 'abdicate' means to renounce one's throne, high office, or responsibility. It implies formally giving up power or a position. Therefore, 'resign' is the closest synonym, meaning to voluntarily leave a job or office.

Question 16: EXHILARATION synonym or closest definition:

elation (Correct answer)
exhalation
curiosity
aimlessness

Correct answer: elation

'Exhilaration' is a feeling of great happiness and excitement. It describes a state of high spirits and joy. 'Elation' is a direct synonym, meaning great happiness and exhilaration.

Question 17: She was in a pensive mood after watching the film.

Happy
Thoughtful (Correct answer)
Angry
Excited

Correct answer: Thoughtful

'Pensive' describes someone who is engaged in deep or serious thought. It implies a reflective or contemplative state of mind, often with a hint of sadness. Therefore, 'thoughtful' is the closest synonym, accurately describing someone lost in thought.

Question 18: BLATANT closest meaning:

Patent (Correct answer)
Expected
Terrible
Blaring

Correct answer: Patent

'Blatant' describes an action or bad behavior done openly and unashamedly, making it very obvious. 'Patent' means easily recognizable; obvious. Both words convey the idea of something being clear, evident, and unmistakable, often in a negative context.

Question 19: PROMINENT means:

secret
outstanding (Correct answer)
extravagant
surreptitious

Correct answer: outstanding

The word "prominent" means standing out so as to be easily seen, important, or famous. Therefore, "outstanding" is the best synonym, as it describes something exceptionally good, noticeable, or superior. The other options (secret, extravagant, surreptitious) have opposite or unrelated meanings.

Question 20: SIEGE synonym or closest definition:

odor
slip
severity
blockade (Correct answer)

Correct answer: blockade

A "siege" is a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies to compel surrender. This action is essentially a "blockade," which involves sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. Both terms describe the act of isolating an area to gain control.

Question 21: The principal wanted to rebuke the students.

Question
Reprimand (Correct answer)
Reward
Ignore

Correct answer: Reprimand

To "rebuke" means to express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions. "Reprimand" is a direct synonym, meaning to officially or formally express disapproval. The principal would likely criticize the students for misbehavior, making 'reprimand' the most fitting choice.

Question 22: PLACID closest meaning:

Dull
Tranquil (Correct answer)
Gregarious
Candid

Correct answer: Tranquil

"Placid" describes something that is calm, peaceful, and not easily upset or excited. "Tranquil" means free from disturbance; calm. Thus, "tranquil" is the closest synonym, accurately capturing the sense of peacefulness and serenity associated with placid.

Question 23: BOUNDARY mean:

seam
map
ceiling
hovel
limit (Correct answer)

Correct answer: limit

A "boundary" is a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. Therefore, "limit" is the most accurate synonym, as it refers to a point or level beyond which something does not or may not extend. The other options describe parts of a structure or a small dwelling, not a dividing line.

Question 24: COURTEOUS synonym or closest definition:

polite (Correct answer)
interested
aware
conscientious

Correct answer: polite

"Courteous" means polite, respectful, or considerate in behavior. "Polite" directly aligns with this definition, describing someone who shows good manners and respect for others. The other options do not capture the essence of respectful and well-mannered conduct.

Question 25: It was a succinct email.

Concise (Correct answer)
Lengthy
Late
Confusing

Correct answer: Concise

"Succinct" means expressed clearly and precisely in few words; brief. "Concise" is a perfect synonym, meaning giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words. This implies the email was to the point and efficient, unlike a "lengthy" or "confusing" email.

SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Verbal) 1

Derelict means: