SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #511 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CYNICAL

Possible Answers:

Distrustful

Glistening

Quiet

Anxious

Faint

Correct answer:

Distrustful

Explanation:

Someone "cynical" generally distrusts or looks down upon things that society or other people believe and value. "Anxious" and "nervous" are synonyms. "Quiet" means making little noise, "glistening" means sparkling or gleaming, and "faint" means weak, indistinct, or barely perceptible.

Example Question #512 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MIRTHLESS

Possible Answers:

Sweet

Humorless

Rigid

Mysterious

Harsh

Correct answer:

Humorless

Explanation:

"Mirth" is amusement or humor. "Rigid" means stiff or inflexible. "Sweet" means pleasant or tasty. "Harsh" means rough, cruel, and grating. "Mysterious" means impossible to understand to explain or understand.

Example Question #513 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SARCASTIC

Possible Answers:

Immense

Viscous

Stable

Cruel

Sardonic

Correct answer:

Sardonic

Explanation:

"Sarcastic" means sardonic. "Immense" means extremely great or large, and "stable" means secure and steady. "Viscous" describes the thickness of a liquid, and "cruel" means savage or brutal.

Example Question #514 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PECKISH

Possible Answers:

Solitary

Polite

Cheerful

Hungry

Talkative

Correct answer:

Hungry

Explanation:

"Peckish" means hungry (usually slightly hungry as opposed to ravenous). "Talkative" and "garrulous" are synonyms. "Solitary" means existing alone, and "polite" means respectful, considerate. "Cheerful" means happy, jolly, or merry.

Example Question #515 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REVERENT

Possible Answers:

Unholy

Worshipful

Subordinate

Wrathful

Dominant

Correct answer:

Worshipful

Explanation:

"Reverent" means feeling/showing deep respect or worship. "Unholy" and "holy" are antonyms, with "unholy" meaning sinful or wicked. Something "subordinate" is lower in rank than something else, which is the opposite of dominant, something important and powerful. "Wrathful" means full or rage or fury.

Example Question #516 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADVENTUROUS

Possible Answers:

Contradictory

Imminent

Intrepid

Innate

Wrathful

Correct answer:

Intrepid

Explanation:

"Adventurous" and "intrepid" both mean daring, bold, and fearless. "Imminent" means about to happen, inevitable. "Wrathful" means full of rage. "Innate" means inborn or inherent. "Contradictory" means in disagreement with something else.

Example Question #517 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTEMPLATIVE

Possible Answers:

Ironic

Hasty

Scarce

Thoughtful

Damaged

Correct answer:

Thoughtful

Explanation:

"Contemplative" means thoughtful or reflective. "Hasty" means rushed or too quick. "Scarce" means not plentiful enough, insufficient in quantity. A synonym for "ironic" is sarcastic or sardonic. A synonym for "damaged" is "harmed."

Example Question #518 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Mad

Careful

Easy

Rash

Arbitrary

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Prudent" means wise, sensible, and cautious. "Mad" can mean either angry or crazy, depending on the concept. The antonym of easy is "difficult." "Arbitrary" means based on random or personal choice rather than a specific set of rules. "Rash," when used as an adjective, means hasty and reckless.

Example Question #519 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Childlike

Deceptive

Even-tempered

Skillful

Stormy

Correct answer:

Deceptive

Explanation:

Someone who is "devious" is deceptive, underhanded, or sly. A synonym for "childlike" is "innocent," and a synonym for "even-tempered" is serene. "Skillful" and "deft" are synonyms, and "stormy" and "tempestuous" are synonyms.

Example Question #520 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUSTIFIED

Possible Answers:

Surprised

Holy

Indignant

Righteous

Illegal

Correct answer:

Righteous

Explanation:

Someone who is "justified" in his/her behavior is righteous or morally correct. "Surprised" means shocked, showing surprised. "Indignant" means angry or annoyed at unfairness. "Holy" and "evil" are antonyms, as are "illegal" and "legal."

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