Synonyms - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

Since "azure," when used as an adjective, means having a bright blue color, and when used as a noun means a bright blue color, "blue" and "azure" are synonyms. So, we need to pick out an answer choice in which both words are synonyms—in this case, in which both words to the same color. Since "cerulean" means deep blue, "yellow is to cerulean" cannot be the correct answer. Neither can "brown is to verdant" since "verdant" can mean green like lush vegetation. Similarly, "green is to crimson" is not correct either since "crimson" means a dark red color and neither is "pink is to vermillion," since "vermillion" refers to a bright shade of orange-red. "Red is to ruddy" is the correct answer because "ruddy" means having a reddish color.

"Cajole" and "wheedle" are both verbs meaning flatter someone in order to persuade them of something or get them to do something. the two terms are synonyms, and we need to pick out an answer choice that includes a pair of synonyms. While "flatter is to intrigue" may look like a potentially correct answer choice because the meaning of "flatter" is similar to those of "cajole" and "wheedle," "flatter" does not mean the same thing as "intrigue," so "flatter is to intrigue" cannot be the correct answer; however, "transpire" and "occur" are synonymous; both mean happen. So, "transpire is to occur" is the correct answer.

"Scurry" and "hasten" are both verbs, and synonyms, as both mean move hurriedly. So, we need to pick out another pair of words which are synonyms. Since "excavate" means to remove the earth around something in the ground, often in order to dig something up, "excavate" is a synonym of "dig." Since "excavate" is a synonym of "dig" just as "scurry" is a synonym of "hasten," "dig is to excavate" is the correct answer.

Balcony and mezzanine are synonyms, as are porch and veranda.

When you avert something, you prevent it. When you augment something, you increase it.

"Placid" and "tranquil" are synonyms, as are "noxious" and "toxic."

Corpulent is a synonym for fat, so to solve this analogy you need to find the best possible synonym for diminutive. Since diminutive means tiny the best possible answer choice is small.

Enumerate is a verb which means to list options and therefore is a synonym of list. To solve this analogy you are therefore looking for the best available synonym for bombastic. Bombastic is a noun or adjective used to describe pompous or long-winded language. Verbose is the correct answer, because it means expressed using too many words. For clarification jubilant means very happy; lethargic means tired or physically drained; laconic means brief; intransigent means stubborn.

Evanescent is a synonym of fleeting so to solve this analogy you must determine the best available synonym for ephemeral. Ephemeral means short-lived. Transitory also has a similar meaning, it means not permanent or existing for a short time. Permanent and lasting are both antonyms. Nomadic means living a detached or wandering lifestyle.

Polemical is a synonym of argumentative so to solve this analogy you need to find the best available synonym for serene. Serene means quiet and peaceful.

Convivial and gregarious both mean friendly and sociable. You therefore need to identify which of the answer choices is the best available synonym for amiable. Amiable means pleasant and friendly so the correct answer is affable.

Loquacious means talkative, which is a synonym for garrulous. In order to solve this analogy you have to identify which of these answer choices is the best available synonym for prattle. Prattle is an intransitive verb that refers to idle or childish speech that lacks direction. The correct matching definition is "ramble," which means to talk aimlessly. For clarification, circumlocution means indirect or verbose speech; jumble means mix-up; loopy means crazy or silly.

Lethargic is a synonym of tired so to solve this analogy you need to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for the word gregarious. Gregarious means sociable or outgoing. For clarification, devious means sneaky; introspective means thoughtful and inwardly focused; iconic means significant; whimsical means quirky or silly.

Benevolent is a synonym for compassionate as both words refer to showing kindness or charity to others. To solve this analogy you need to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for malevolent. Malevolent means evil or exhibiting ill-will. The correct answer is therefore malicious. For clarification, miserly refers to someone who is not charitable; morose means somber.

Adroit and skillful are synonyms that refer to someone who is highly skilled or talented. To solve this analogy, look for a synonym for the word, pulchritudinous. Pulchritudinous might sound as if it means gross or disgusting, but it actually means beautiful.

“Obvious” is an adjective that means “easily perceived or understood; clear, self-evident, or apparent,” while “palpable” can mean “clear to the mind or plain to see.” So, “obvious” and “palpable” are synonyms, and we need to pick out an answer choice that also consists of two synonyms. While “translucent is to pellucid” and “noxious is to salubrious” might each look like potentially correct answers, “noxious” means “harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant,” while “salubrious” means “health-giving; healthy,” so the two words are antonyms, not synonyms, and “noxious is to salubrious” cannot be the correct answer. “Translucent,” however, is used to refer to a substance and means “allowing light, but not detailed images, to pass through; semitransparent,” while “pellucid” can mean “translucently clear.” So, because “translucent” is a synonym of “pellucid” just as “obvious” is a synonym of “palpable,” “translucent is to pellucid” is the correct answer.

Industrious and hard-working are synonyms so you are looking for the answer choice that is the best synonym for slovenly. Slovenly means messy or careless so the best answer choice is “careless”. For clarification miserly means not generous; gregarious means outgoing; affable means friendly or likable; nonchalant means apathetic.

"Bewildered" and "flummoxed" are synonyms that both means confused. "Munificent" means generous, so you must identify the answer choice that is the best synonym of generous. The correct answer is “magnanimous,” which describes someone who is generous and kind. For clarification, "benign" means not harmful; "severe" means intense; and "morose" means very sad.

Pygmy, dwarf, and lilliputian are all synonyms that loosely mean short or very small; the correct answer is “tiny.”