SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #401 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Bewildered

Benighted

Nautical

Ignorant

Highly intelligent

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" and "confused" both mean bewildered. "Benighted" and "ignorant" both mean lacking knowledge. "Nautical" means maritime, which is a word often used to describe sailors or sailing. "Intelligent" and "stupid" are antonyms.

Example Question #402 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BITTER

Possible Answers:

Resentful

Delighted

Placating

Forgiving

Gleeful

Correct answer:

Resentful

Explanation:

While "bitter" can describe a sharp, acid taste, it can also describe an angry or resentful emotional state. This word is the opposite of "forgiving". To "placate" someone is to soothe or calm that person. "Gleeful" and "delighted" are synonyms.

Example Question #403 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEFEATED

Possible Answers:

Quizzical

Demoralized

Expectant

Neutral

Victorious

Correct answer:

Demoralized

Explanation:

"Defeated" and "victorious" are antonyms, but "defeated" and "demoralized" are synonyms. "Expectant" means anticipatory. "Quizzical" means puzzled. "Neutral" means taking neither side in an argument or conflict.

Example Question #404 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MODEST

Possible Answers:

Humble

Meek

Precise

Pushy

Aggressive

Correct answer:

Humble

Explanation:

"Modest" and "humble" mean self-effacing and moderate. "Aggressive" and "pushy" both mean forceful. "Precise" and "accurate" are near synonyms, as are "meek" and "submissive."

Example Question #405 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIZZICAL

Possible Answers:

Puzzled

Chic

Mollified

Appeased

Erroneous

Correct answer:

Puzzled

Explanation:

"Quizzical" and "puzzled" are synonyms referring to the state of being confused. "Mollified" and "appeased" both mean soothed or placated. "Erroneous" means wrong, incorrect. "Chic" means stylish or fashionable.

Example Question #406 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIGILANT

Possible Answers:

Alert

Curious

Energetic

Mystical

Strong

Correct answer:

Alert

Explanation:

 To be "vigilant" is to be watchful and alert for any possible danger. "Mystical" describes a sense of spiritual awe and fascination. "Energetic" and "strong" are synonyms to vigorous, not vigilant.

Example Question #407 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESIGNED

Possible Answers:

Inelegant

Accepting

Graceful

Sinful

sage

Correct answer:

Accepting

Explanation:

To be "resigned" to a situation (often an unpleasant one) is to accept it. "Graceful" and "inelegant" are antonyms. "Sinful" means immoral, and "sage" means wise.

Example Question #408 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APPREHENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Glamorous

Bewitching

Abrupt

Terrified

Worried

Correct answer:

Worried

Explanation:

"Apprehensive" and "worried" are synonyms referring to the state of unpleasantly anticipating or fearful. "Abrupt" means sudden, unexpected. "Glamorous" means beautiful and bewitching. "Terrified" is too strong a word for "apprehensive," which at most describes a moderate amount of fear and worry.

Example Question #409 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Wary

Agitated

Critical

Clean

Envious

Correct answer:

Envious

Explanation:

"Jealous" and "envious" are synonyms; they both refer to the feeling of being upset by the success of someone else. "Critical" means important or serious, and "wary" means cautious or careful. "Clean" and "dirty" are antonyms, as are "agitated" and "calm."

Example Question #410 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TENDER

Possible Answers:

Sappy

Rare

Affectionate

Infectious

Boreal

Correct answer:

Affectionate

Explanation:

"Tender" can mean gentle, loving, or affectionate, depending on the context. "Infectious" and "contagious" are synonyms, as are "rare" and "uncommon." "Boreal" is a word meaning Northern. While something tender could be sentimental, "sappy" means excessively sentimental and is therefore not the best fit.

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