Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Understanding, and Importance - SSAT Middle Level Verbal

Obscure means vague.

Plausible means conceivable.

“Artificial” is an adjective that means “made by people rather than nature,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “produced by humans rather than occurring naturally.” That means that “natural” cannot be the correct answer, because “natural” means “existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “artificial.” “Man-made,” however, is an adjective that means “made or caused by human beings (as opposed to occurring or being made naturally); artificial,” and because “man-made” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “artificial,” “man-made” is the correct answer.

“Extant” is an adjective that means “still in existence; surviving,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “still in existence.” That means that “destroyed” cannot be the correct answer, because “destroyed” is an antonym, not a synonym, of “extant.” “Remaining,” however, when used as an adjective, can mean “still existing, present, or in use; surviving,” and because “remaining” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “extant,” “remaining” is the correct answer.

“Obligatory” is an adjective that means “required by a legal, moral, or other rule; compulsory,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “compulsory.” That means that “voluntary” cannot be the correct answer, because “voluntary” means “acting of one’s own free will,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “obligatory.” “Mandatory,” however, is an adjective that means “required by law or rules; compulsory,” and because “mandatory” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “obligatory,” “mandatory” is the correct answer.

"Relevant" means appropriate, or "pertinent."

"Dubious" means doubtful.

Words you may not know:

• "Deliberate" means c_arefully considered; intentional_.
• "Inconsiderate" means not considerate. The prefix "in-" means not.

"Vague" means unclear.

"Accurate" means precise.

"Prime" means main, so "main" is the correct answer. "Secondary" means less important or crucial than something else. "Last" means final. "Unimportant" means not important, as one can infer from the word being a combination of the negative prefix "un_-," which means not, and "important._" "Average" means common or ordinary.

"Artificial" means unnatural or man-made, so "unnatural" is the correct answer. "Natural" is an antonym of "artificial" and means produced in nature or not man-made. "Pure" means unmixed or uncontaminated. "Restored" means returned to an original state. "Gracious" means courteous or elegant.

If you are "dubious" about something, you are unsure or doubtful about the outcome. For clarification, "serendipitous" means owed to good fortune or unexpected, "dilatory" means slow or lacking, "inundate" means overwhelm or flood, and "remedy" means to fix.

When people are "skeptical" about something they are doubtful about that thing, so "doubtful" is the correct answer. For clarification, "bellicose" means aggressive, "vivacious" means full of energy, "supportive" means encouraging, and "efficient" means achieving a goal without wasting time, money, or effort.

"Obscure" means hidden or unusual. For clarification, "merry" means happy; "serendipitous" means owed to good fortune; "placate" means appease; "placid" means easygoing, docile.

"Paramount" means upmost or supreme, as in the commonly heard phrase, “of paramount importance.” For clarification, "mediocre" means average in a negative way; "penitent" means feeling regret for sinful behavior; "outlawed" means banned or criminalized.

"Authentic" means real or genuine, so "genuine" is the correct answer. "Fake" is an antonym of "authentic" and "genuine"; it means not real, not genuine, or sham. "Artistic" means creative or having the ability to make creative works. "Absolute" means complete or total. "Adjacent" means next to.

"Partisan" means prejudiced or biased, so "biased" is the correct answer. "Neutral" is an antonym of "partisan" and "biased"; it means not helping or supporting either side or viewpoint. "Descriptive" means providing information and details about something. "Fabulous" means tremendous or exceptional. "Sluggish" means slow-moving or lazy.

"Sham" means fake or pretended, so "fake" is the correct answer_._ "Genuine" is an antonym of "sham" and "fake"; it means real or authentic. "Disgusting" means revolting or sickening. "Pungent" means having a strong taste or smell. "Tedious" means dull or boring.

"Candid" means truthful or honest, so "honest" is the correct answer. "Deceitful" is an antonym of "candid" and "honest"; it means dishonest or trying to trick someone. "Gigantic" means extremely large. "Persuasive" means very convincing. "Injured" means hurt or having an injury.