SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1281 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASTONISHING

Possible Answers:

Astral

Stellar

Astounding

Astronomical

Celestial

Correct answer:

Astounding

Explanation:

"Astonishing" and "astounding" are synonyms. The other words, "astronomical," "astral,"  "stellar," and "celestial," all describe the sky, stars, and space! Note that astronomical and astral share a root!

Example Question #1282 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Unusual

Extraordinary

Abnormal

Representative

Uncommon

Correct answer:

Representative

Explanation:

The words "typical" and "representative" can be used to describe something with distinctive qualities. The other words do not have meanings that are as closely related those of "typical" and "representative." In fact, the other answer choices are antonyms of the word "typical."

Example Question #1283 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SIMPLE

Possible Answers:

Rude

Symptomatic

Complex

Rebellious

Facile

Correct answer:

Facile

Explanation:

The words "simple" and "facile" are synonyms. The other words do not have related meanings. "Rude" and "rebellious" are somewhat related to each other but not to the word "simple." "Symptomatic" is not at all relevant, as it is a medical term referring to showing symptoms of a disease or illness. Finally, the word "complex" is actually an antonym of the word "simple."

Example Question #1284 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ORTHODOX

Possible Answers:

Effusive

Secular

Traditional

Toilsome

Apocryphal

Correct answer:

Traditional

Explanation:

"Orthodox" means "traditional," according to the book, or conservative.

"Apocryphal" means questionable, fake, inaccurate.

"Effusive" means gushing, profuse or unrestrained.

"Toilsome" means difficult or laborious

"Secular" means not spiritual or religious.

Example Question #1285 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WOEFUL

Possible Answers:

Unhinged

Sturdy

Repulsive

Pathetic

Frantic

Correct answer:

Pathetic

Explanation:

The adjective "woeful" means terribly sad and pitiful, pathetic and tragic. Additionally, "repulsive" means gross, disgusting, not attractive; "frantic" means hurried, stressed; "sturdy" means reliable, strong and firm, unlikely to fall over or break; "unhinged" means disturbed, mentally imbalanced, crazy.

Example Question #1286 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPORADIC

Possible Answers:

Dependable

Occasional

Frequent

Common

Immediate

Correct answer:

Occasional

Explanation:

"Sporadic" is an adjective defined as occurring at irregular intervals. The term "occasional means occurring, appearing, or done infrequently. This makes "occasional" the correct answer as a synonym "sporadic."

Example Question #1287 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ECLECTIC

Possible Answers:

Colorful

Limited

Tasteful

Scarce

Varied

Correct answer:

Varied

Explanation:

The correct answer is "varied." "Eclectic" is an adjective defined as broad and diverse range of sources.

Varied means showing "variation or variety," making it a synonym of "eclectic."

Example Question #1281 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AGGREGATE

Possible Answers:

Firm

Nothing

Mutual

Total

Unreliable

Correct answer:

Total

Explanation:

The noun and adjective "aggregate" refers to the sum of multiple parts, the total, the whole. To "aggregate" means to form or calculate a whole from multiple parts. Additionally, "mutual" means shared; "unreliable" means not reliable, not trustworthy, not responsible.

Example Question #1282 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RICKETY

Possible Answers:

Implied

Unlucky

Improbable

Unstable

Indecisive

Correct answer:

Unstable

Explanation:

The adjective "rickety" means shaky, unsteady, poorly made and likely to fall. Additionally, "implied" means not directly stated, but suggested; "improbable" means not likely to happen; "indecisive" means hesitant, not able to decide between two or more options.

Example Question #1283 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ENGAGING

Possible Answers:

Repulsive

Cohesive

Interesting

Comprehensive

Meticulous

Correct answer:

Interesting

Explanation:

The adjective "engaging" means captivating, charming and appealing, interesting, worthy of attention. Additionally, "meticulous" means paying close attention to detail, hard-working; "repulsive" means not attractive, disgusting; "cohesive" means fitting well together, well-matched; "comprehensive" means complete, thorough, not omitting anything.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors