SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Highly intelligent

Bewildered

Ignorant

Nautical

Benighted

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" and "confused" both mean bewildered. "Benighted" and "ignorant" both mean lacking knowledge. "Nautical" means maritime, which is a word often used to describe sailors or sailing. "Intelligent" and "stupid" are antonyms.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

BITTER

Possible Answers:

Resentful

Delighted

Gleeful

Placating

Forgiving

Correct answer:

Resentful

Explanation:

While "bitter" can describe a sharp, acid taste, it can also describe an angry or resentful emotional state. This word is the opposite of "forgiving". To "placate" someone is to soothe or calm that person. "Gleeful" and "delighted" are synonyms.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DEFEATED

Possible Answers:

Quizzical

Demoralized

Victorious

Expectant

Neutral

Correct answer:

Demoralized

Explanation:

"Defeated" and "victorious" are antonyms, but "defeated" and "demoralized" are synonyms. "Expectant" means anticipatory. "Quizzical" means puzzled. "Neutral" means taking neither side in an argument or conflict.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MODEST

Possible Answers:

Humble

Aggressive

Precise

Pushy

Meek

Correct answer:

Humble

Explanation:

"Modest" and "humble" mean self-effacing and moderate. "Aggressive" and "pushy" both mean forceful. "Precise" and "accurate" are near synonyms, as are "meek" and "submissive."

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

QUIZZICAL

Possible Answers:

Appeased

Puzzled

Mollified

Erroneous

Chic

Correct answer:

Puzzled

Explanation:

"Quizzical" and "puzzled" are synonyms referring to the state of being confused. "Mollified" and "appeased" both mean soothed or placated. "Erroneous" means wrong, incorrect. "Chic" means stylish or fashionable.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

VIGILANT

Possible Answers:

Curious

Alert

Strong

Energetic

Mystical

Correct answer:

Alert

Explanation:

 To be "vigilant" is to be watchful and alert for any possible danger. "Mystical" describes a sense of spiritual awe and fascination. "Energetic" and "strong" are synonyms to vigorous, not vigilant.

Example Question #401 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

RESIGNED

Possible Answers:

Accepting

Inelegant

Graceful

sage

Sinful

Correct answer:

Accepting

Explanation:

To be "resigned" to a situation (often an unpleasant one) is to accept it. "Graceful" and "inelegant" are antonyms. "Sinful" means immoral, and "sage" means wise.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

APPREHENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Abrupt

Bewitching

Terrified

Worried

Glamorous

Correct answer:

Worried

Explanation:

"Apprehensive" and "worried" are synonyms referring to the state of unpleasantly anticipating or fearful. "Abrupt" means sudden, unexpected. "Glamorous" means beautiful and bewitching. "Terrified" is too strong a word for "apprehensive," which at most describes a moderate amount of fear and worry.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

JEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Clean

Wary

Critical

Envious

Agitated

Correct answer:

Envious

Explanation:

"Jealous" and "envious" are synonyms; they both refer to the feeling of being upset by the success of someone else. "Critical" means important or serious, and "wary" means cautious or careful. "Clean" and "dirty" are antonyms, as are "agitated" and "calm."

Example Question #401 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

TENDER

Possible Answers:

Boreal

Sappy

Affectionate

Rare

Infectious

Correct answer:

Affectionate

Explanation:

"Tender" can mean gentle, loving, or affectionate, depending on the context. "Infectious" and "contagious" are synonyms, as are "rare" and "uncommon." "Boreal" is a word meaning Northern. While something tender could be sentimental, "sappy" means excessively sentimental and is therefore not the best fit.

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