SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #341 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GROTESQUE

Possible Answers:

Interrogative

Deformed

Ancient

Religious

Praiseworthy

Correct answer:

Deformed

Explanation:

"Grotesque" and "deformed" both mean physically misshapen. "Ancient" means very old, and "religious" describes something related to or ascribing to a religion. To "interrogate" is to ask questions. "Praiseworthy" means deserving of praise or approval; meritorious.

Example Question #342 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FEATHERY

Possible Answers:

Elegy

Terrestrial

Aviary

Wispy

Eulogy

Correct answer:

Wispy

Explanation:

"Feathery" and "wispy" are synonyms. "Elegy" and "eulogy" are not adjectives at all; they are speeches that people deliver upon the death of a friend or relative. "Terrestrial" means of the earth. While an "aviary" is a place that birds live, it is not related to feathers and is therefore not a good synonym.

Example Question #343 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STICKY

Possible Answers:

Umber

Ochre

Lewd

Gluey

Flowery

Correct answer:

Gluey

Explanation:

"Sticky" and "gluey" are synonyms. "Ochre" is a yellowish brown color, and "umber" is a brown color. "Lewd" means offensive or obscene. "Flowery" means resembling or related to flowers.

Example Question #344 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GREASY

Possible Answers:

Organic

Scrappy

Scrawny

Oily

Harsh

Correct answer:

Oily

Explanation:

"Greasy" and "oily" are synonyms describing a slippery, buttery texture. "Scrappy" means determined and eager to fight, and "scrawny" means too skinny. "Organic" describes living matter (as opposed to inorganic), and "harsh" can mean either grating and raspy or cruel and severe.

Example Question #345 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNGENT

Possible Answers:

Smooth

Strong-smelling

Soft

Naive

Voracious

Correct answer:

Strong-smelling

Explanation:

"Pungent" aromas are ones that smell strongly and usually unpleasantly. "Naive" means innocent, trusting, or inexperienced. "Soft" and "hard" are antonyms, as are "smooth" and "rough." "Voracious" means very hungry, ravenous.

Example Question #346 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SILKEN

Possible Answers:

Hushed

Homespun

Beneficial

Soft

Equable

Correct answer:

Soft

Explanation:

Something "silken" is made of silk and very soft. "Homespun" means simple and plain. "Equable" means even-tempered and calm. "Beneficial" means advantageous. "Hushed" means very quiet.

Example Question #347 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BITTER

Possible Answers:

Fiscal

Rural

Acidic

Strong-smelling

Captive

Correct answer:

Acidic

Explanation:

"Bitter" and "acidic" are similarly sharp, unpleasant, and un-sweet flavors. "Fiscal" means financial, and "captive" means imprisoned. "Rural" describes the countryside and is the antonym of "urban."

Example Question #73 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

LIMBER

Possible Answers:

Tranquil

Flexible

Placid

Urban

Rough

Correct answer:

Flexible

Explanation:

"Limber" means "flexible," agile or lithe.

"Tranquil" means quiet or peaceful.

"Placid" means calm, gentle or even-tempered.

"Urban" means city, or somewhere that is not rural.

"Rough" means uneven, irregular, coarse.

Example Question #348 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STRIKING

Possible Answers:

Unremarkable

Unimpressive

Unimportant

Stalwart

Astonishing

Correct answer:

Astonishing

Explanation:

"Striking" and "astonishing" are synonyms which can be used to praise someone or something's appearance. The other answer choices do not share this meaning.

Example Question #349 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FRAGRANT

Possible Answers:

Pernicious

Fragile

Frantic

Fraternal

Perfumed

Correct answer:

Perfumed

Explanation:

"Fragrant" and "perfumed" are synonyms describing a pleasant scent. The other answer choices do not have meanings related to fragrant. The "fra" prefix does not have anything to do with smell.

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