SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #531 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EMPATHETIC

Possible Answers:

Crude

Unemotional

Defeated

Sympathetic

Intellectual

Correct answer:

Sympathetic

Explanation:

While "sympathetic" and "empathetic" refer to slightly different traits, both concern the ability to understand or feel another person's emotions. "Intellectual" refers to the intellect or intelligence. "Defeated" and "victorious" are antonyms. "Unemotional" and "emotional" are also antonyms. "Crude" means simple, unrefined, or primitive.

Example Question #532 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPERTINENT

Possible Answers:

Humble

Rude

Friendly

Distraught

Lecherous

Correct answer:

Rude

Explanation:

"Impertinent" means rude or insolent.

"Distraught" means upset, frantic or emotionally troubled.

"Friendly" means kind, sympathetic or acting as a friend does.

"Lecherous" means lustful, lewd, or crude in a sexual manner.

"Humble" means unpretentious, or meek and mild.

Example Question #533 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COQUETTISH

Possible Answers:

Persnickety

Churlish

Flirtatious

Crude

Repentant

Correct answer:

Flirtatious

Explanation:

"Coquettish" means "flirtatious" or teasing in a friendly manner.

"Repentant" means feeling sorry or remorseful.

"Persnickety" means uptight, fussy or particular

"Churlish" means rude, crude or uncivilized.

"Crude" means vulgar, coarse or lewd.

Example Question #534 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNRULY

Possible Answers:

Righteous

Upstanding

Moral

Law-abiding

Rebellious

Correct answer:

Rebellious

Explanation:

"Unruly" and "rebellious" similarly mean going against the rules. The other choices are closely related in meaning to each other, each referring to rule abiding (whether societal or moral), but are opposite in meaning to "unruly."

Example Question #535 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CHOLERIC

Possible Answers:

Bored

Disturbed

Ill-tempered

Joyful

Perturbed

Correct answer:

Ill-tempered

Explanation:

"Choleric" and "ill-tempered" are synonymous adjectives describing someone's anger or irritability. "Perturbed" and "disturbed" are closely related but do not have meanings which are well aligned with the word "choleric." The other answer choices are not synonyms of "choleric" either.

Example Question #536 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRAISEWORTHY

Possible Answers:

Commendable

Supreme

Immense

Vile

Trustworthy

Correct answer:

Commendable

Explanation:

"Praiseworthy" and "commendable" are synonyms. "Vile" means foul or disgusting. "Immense" means huge or massive. "Supreme" means of the highest rank and is not quite a synonym for "praiseworthy," although something "supreme" may also be deserving of praise. "Trustworthy" means able to be trusted.

Example Question #537 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NAIVE

Possible Answers:

Incendiary

Sophisticated

Cosmopolitan

Inexperienced

Worldly

Correct answer:

Inexperienced

Explanation:

"Naïve" means inexperienced, innocent, or unsophisticated and is the opposite of sophisticated, worldly, and cosmopolitan. "Incendiary" means flammable or intended to cause a fire.

Example Question #538 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EQUABLE

Possible Answers:

Altruistic

Scatterbrained

Charitable

Calm

Lethargic

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

"Equable" means calm or even-tempered. "Scatterbrained" means disorganized or forgetful, and "charitable" and "altruistic" are both words that describe helping people in need. "Lethargic" means sluggish.

Example Question #539 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EGOCENTRIC

Possible Answers:

Selfish

Xenophobic

Honorable

Elusive

Noble

Correct answer:

Selfish

Explanation:

"Egocentric" and "selfish" are synonyms referring to being self-centered. "Xenophobic" means fearing foreigners, and "elusive" means difficult to find or catch. "Honorable" and "ethical" are synonyms, as are "noble" and "aristocratic." 

Example Question #540 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Assured

Secretive

Noble

Unforthcoming

Reticent

Correct answer:

Assured

Explanation:

To be "confident" is to be assured of oneself. "Noble" can mean aristocratic or honorable and righteous. "Secretive," "unforthcoming," "reticent," and "uncommunicative" are all synonyms.

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