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:

Deformed

Interrogative

Ancient

Praiseworthy

Religious

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:

Aviary

Elegy

Wispy

Terrestrial

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:

Ochre

Flowery

Umber

Lewd

Gluey

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

Oily

Scrappy

Scrawny

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

Naive

Soft

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:

Soft

Homespun

Beneficial

Hushed

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:

Captive

Fiscal

Acidic

Rural

Strong-smelling

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 #348 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LIMBER

Possible Answers:

Rough

Placid

Flexible

Tranquil

Urban

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 #349 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STRIKING

Possible Answers:

Unimportant

Stalwart

Unremarkable

Astonishing

Unimpressive

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 #350 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FRAGRANT

Possible Answers:

Perfumed

Fraternal

Pernicious

Fragile

Frantic

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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