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 #1211 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESOLATE

Possible Answers:

Desperate

Temporary

Bright

Friendly

Empty

Correct answer:

Empty

Explanation:

"Desolate" is an adjective defined as barren or deserted. Of the answer choices, "empty" has the closest meaning.

Example Question #1212 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

LINEAR

Possible Answers:

Fresh

Angered

Skillful

Straight

Grimy

Correct answer:

Straight

Explanation:

"Linear" means ordered in a straight line, so "straight" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "linear": "angered" means angry or upset; "grimy" means dirty or filthy; "skillful" means being an expert at a certain activity; and "fresh" means new and recent.

Example Question #1213 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

REMOTE

Possible Answers:

Impassive 

Keen 

Ravenous

Robust 

Distant 

Correct answer:

Distant 

Explanation:

If someone or something is "remote," that person or thing is distant and hard to reach. For clarification, "impassive" means not caring, "keen" means eager, "robust" means healthy or vigorous, and "ravenous" means very hungry.

Example Question #1214 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONGESTED

Possible Answers:

Empty

Disgusting

Clear

Blocked up

Unethical

Correct answer:

Blocked up

Explanation:

"Congested" means blocked up.

Example Question #1214 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARCHAIC

Possible Answers:

Eternal

New

Antiquated

Ephemeral

Permanent

Correct answer:

Antiquated

Explanation:

"Archaic" means "antiquated" or having the characteristics of an earlier period.

"Permanent" means everlasting, existing perpetually.

"Ephemeral" means lasting a very short time.

"Eternal" means without beginning or end, always existing.

"New" means of recent origin.

Example Question #1215 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DORMANT

Possible Answers:

Rock-like

Active

Inactive

Immaculate

Abnormal

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Dormant" means inactive or sleeping.

"Immaculate" means completely clean, or devoid of any corruption.

"Abnormal" means not normal, strange or bizarre.

"Rock-like" means having the quality of a rock, and often is used to mean steadfast or loyal.

"Active" means alive or in a state of movement.

Example Question #1216 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TEMPORARY

Possible Answers:

Temporal

Temperature

Temptation

Temple

Temperament

Correct answer:

Temporal

Explanation:

Although all of these words share a similar root (temp-), the word "temporal" is closest in meaning to the word "temporary." Both words can be used to refer to a period of time.

Example Question #1217 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPUN

Possible Answers:

Sarcastic

Revolved

Handcrafted

Narrative

Sardonic

Correct answer:

Revolved

Explanation:

Something that "revolves" spins around. "Handcrafted" means made by hand, and "narrative" is the adjective form of narration (storytelling). "Sarcastic" and "sardonic" are synonyms, and both indicate the use of irony in order to mock.

Example Question #1218 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCURRYING

Possible Answers:

Hurried

Sedate

Melodious

Leisurely

Slow

Correct answer:

Hurried

Explanation:

To "scurry" is to hurry or to move quickly. "Sedate" and "leisurely" both mean slow, and all three words are antonyms of "scurrying." "Melodious" is the adjective form of "melody" and can mean pleasant-sounding or harmonious.

Example Question #1219 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PLUNGING

Possible Answers:

Diving

Sonic

Dashing

Clogging

Clearing

Correct answer:

Diving

Explanation:

"Plunging" means diving or jumping quickly. To "clog" and to "clear" are opposite actions; the first means to obstruct and the second means to remove an obstruction. "Dashing" means stylish or handsome, and "sonic" is the adjective form of "sound."

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