Synonyms: Adverbs - SSAT Upper Level: Verbal

"Merely"is an adverb meaning just, only, or solely.

"Roundly"means done in an emphatic or vehement way.

"Viciously" and "ferociously" are synonymous adverbs describing a savage, violent or destructive way of performing an action, attacking viciously, for example. The other words do not share this meaning. In fact, some of the other answer choices are not even adverbs.

"Thoughtfully" and "pensively" are synonymous adverbs referring to doing something in a considered and intelligent manner. The other words do not have related meanings. In fact, they have meaning that are opposite to "thoughtfully."

"Elusive" and "evasive" are synonyms meaning difficult to catch. "Despairing" means hopeless, and "mysterious" means difficult or impossible to explain. "Skillful" means expert or accomplished. "Immediate" means instantaneous.

"Presently" can mean currently, but it can also mean directly or soon. Although the word does express a time relationship, it does not mean "recently." "Exotic" means foreign, and "generous" means giving. "Urgent" means dire or pressing.

"Expert" means skilled or skillful. While an "expert" may be "clever," the two words are not synonymous. "Pretentious" means pretending to be more important or cultured than one actually is. "Presently" means soon or currently. "Very" and "extremely" are synonyms.

"Belligerent" means aggressive and hostile. "Punishing" means arduous, demanding, or taxing. "Damp" and "dry" are antonyms, and "drab" and "colorful" are antonyms. "Sticky" means gluey.

"Grotesque" means gruesome or disfigured. "Amenable" means cooperative. "Wicked" means sinful or evil. "Treacherous" means traitorous or disloyal, which is the opposite of "faithful."

Something "vicarious" is indirect or secondhand. "Dubious" means doubtful. "Alert" means vigilant. "Capable" and "incapable" are antonyms, as are "contemplatively" and "thoughtlessly."

"Crucial" and "imperative" both mean very important. "Sarcastic" means ironic. Someone who is "cynical" tends to believe the worse about people and situations. "Messy" and "tidy" are antonyms.

"Plastic" and "malleable" both mean pliable. "Plausible" means credible, and "immediate" means instantaneous. "Entertaining" and "boring" are antonyms.

Something "elliptical" is incomprehensible, unclear, and impossible to understand. This is the opposite of "lucid," or "clear." "Magnanimous" means generous, which is the opposite of "stingy." "Humorous" means funny.

"Esoteric" and "abstruse" both mean obscure and difficult to understand. "Envious" means jealous, and "pungent" means strong smelling. "Immature" means juvenile. "Meek" means timid.

"Cloudy" and "opaque" both mean nontransparent, which is the antonym of "transparent." "Sympathetic" and "empathetic" are loose synonyms, and "sly" means sneaky. "Eccentric" means zany or idiosyncratic.

"Circuitous" and "tortuous" both mean twisted or roundabout. They are antonyms of "direct." "Murderous" means homicidal, and "delectable" means delicious. "Incredible" means unbelievable.

"Incisive" (usually used to describe people or thought processes) means acute, sharp, or cutting. "Chronically" means persistently. "Vacant" means empty. "Vigilant" means alert and watchful. "Frivolous" means carefree, flighty, and flippant.

"Insightful" means intuitive and perceptive. "Blunt" and "sharp" are antonyms. "Convincing" and "persuasive" are synonyms. "Tired" and "weary" are synonyms.

"Lucid" means clear, well explained, and intelligible. This is the opposite of "murky." "Truthful" and "dishonest" are antonyms, as are "grimly" and "cheerfully." "Sinister" means ominous.