SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

ROBUST

Possible Answers:

Humongous

Energetic

Aggressive

Healthy

Generous

Correct answer:

Healthy

Explanation:

“Robust” is an adjective that means full of strength and health. While “aggressive” and “energetic” might be characteristics of a “robust” person, they aren’t close synonyms. Of the answer choices, “healthy” has the closest meaning.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

TURGID

Possible Answers:

Swollen

Emaciated

Dissolved

Shrunken

Succulent

Correct answer:

Swollen

Explanation:

"Turgid" means "swollen" or congested

"Dissolved" means to be broken down into a liquid form.

"Shrunken" means became smaller.

"Succulent" means tender or juicy.

"Emaciated" means abnormally thin or weak.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

POTENT

Possible Answers:

Poisonous

Powerful

Alcoholic

Morbid

Calming

Correct answer:

Powerful

Explanation:

"Potent" means "powerful" or having a big influence or effect

None of the other words are synonymous. Things that are "alcoholic" can certainly be potent, but "alcoholic" simply means containing alcohol. "Calming" means to make someone or something tranquil. "Poisonous" means capable of causing illness or death if taken into the body. To be "morbid" means to take an abnormal degree of interest in death and disease.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

SWELTERING

Possible Answers:

Frigid

Windy

Uncomfortably hot

Boiling

Stringent

Correct answer:

Uncomfortably hot

Explanation:

"Sweltering" is an adjective that typically refers to weather and means "uncomfortably hot."

"Windy" means breezy or the weather pattern of significant flow. "Stringent," typically referring to rules or requirements, means strict or firm. "Frigid" means very cold. "Boiling" means bringing liquid to the temperature at which it changes from liquid to gas and evaporates.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

OBLONG

Possible Answers:

Elongated shape

Flat

Stout

Rigid

Curved

Correct answer:

Elongated shape

Explanation:

"Oblong" is an adjective that means having a long shape, for example an oval is an oblong shape.

"Rigid" means inflexible or resistant to change. "Flat" means smooth, or a surface that doesn't change its elevation. When describing a human, "flat" means dull or without emotion. "Curved", when referring to a line, means not perfectly straight. "Stout" means stocky or solidly built.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

DECREPIT

Possible Answers:

Scandalous

Dilapidated

Pessimistic

Skeptical

Suspicious

Correct answer:

Dilapidated

Explanation:

"Decrepit" and "dilapidated" both mean old, worn out, or falling apart due to neglect. Someone who is skeptical has doubts or is unconvinced, and someone who is suspicious also has doubts or distrust. "Pessimistic," the opposite of optimistic, means having a negative outlook on life, and "scandalous" means disgraceful or outrageous.

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

NONDESCRIPT

Possible Answers:

Functional

Unusual

Silent

Unremarkable

Magnificent

Correct answer:

Unremarkable

Explanation:

"Nondescript" describes something that lacks distinct or interesting characteristics, something that is not remarkable in any way. Something silent makes no noise, something functional works or functions correctly, and something unusual is strange or out of the ordinary. "Magnificent" is a word meaning beautiful, excellent, or striking.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

DAMP  

Possible Answers:

Moist

Dismal

Earthy

Nocturnal

Deep

Correct answer:

Moist

Explanation:

"Damp" means slightly wet or moist. Deep means the opposite of shallow, and "nocturnal" means taking place at night. "Earthy" is a word that can describe soil or hearty, strong people. "Dismal" means depressing and gloomy.

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

GAUZY 

Possible Answers:

Fashionable

Showy

Too loud

Talkative

Translucent

Correct answer:

Translucent

Explanation:

"Gauzy," which is often used to describe veil-like fabric, means thin and translucent. "Fashionable" means stylish and is often used to describe people or clothing. "Showy" means having a striking or flashy appearance, often drawing too much attention to itself. Someone who is "talkative" is very chatty and talks frequently.

Example Question #50 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

VACANT

Possible Answers:

Grim

Free

Obnoxious

Unoccupied

Cautious

Correct answer:

Unoccupied

Explanation:

"Vacant" means empty or unoccupied. "Free" means uncontrolled or unrestrained by others; "cautious" means wary or careful. "Grim" means depressing or forbidding, and often describes situations or people's expressions. "Obnoxious" means offensive and annoying.

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