SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #671 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEJECTED 

Possible Answers:

Isolated

Joyful

Elated

Dispirited

Misled

Correct answer:

Dispirited

Explanation:

The correct answer is "dispirited." 

"Dejected" is an adjective that means sad and depressed. "Dispirited" is a synonym of "dejected."

Example Question #672 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Biting

Beneficial

Harmful

Advantageous

Arid

Correct answer:

Harmful

Explanation:

The correct answer is "harmful."

"Noxious" is an adjective that is defined as harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

Example Question #673 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PORTENTOUS

Possible Answers:

Repugnant 

Boring

Inviting

Juvenile

Foreboding

Correct answer:

Foreboding

Explanation:

"Portentous" means foreboding or ominous.

"Juvenile" means immature or childish.

"Repugnant" means repulsive or detestable.

"Inviting" means desirable, appealing or attractive.

"Boring" means uninteresting or droll.

Example Question #674 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PEDANTIC

Possible Answers:

Transient

Temporary 

Voluble 

Dull 

Unkind 

Correct answer:

Dull 

Explanation:

"Pedantic" means dull or focused on the mundane, so "dull" is the correct answer. For clarification, "temporary" means not expected to last long, "transient" means fleeting or passing, and "voluble" means talking fluently.

Example Question #675 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "plumb" is . . .

Possible Answers:

bilk

fruit

vex

utterly

horizontal

Correct answer:

utterly

Explanation:

"Plumb" is an adverb that means "exactly" when used informally, we need to pick out a word which means something like "exactly." While "fruit" may look like an appealing answer because "plumb" is pronounced in exactly the same way as "plum," a kind of fruit, "plumb" and "plum" mean completely different things, so "fruit" cannot be the correct answer. Since "utterly" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "plumb," "utterly" is the correct answer.

Example Question #676 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GINGERLY

Possible Answers:

Hastily

Fastening 

Cautiously

Gingery

Reddening

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

If you do something “gingerly,” you do it cautiously or carefully. Do not confuse it with, "gingery," which means related to the spice ginger. To clarify the other terms, “reddening” means turning red, such as when blushing; a “fastening” is something you use to affix things together; “hastily” means hurriedly or quickly.

Example Question #677 : Identifying Synonyms

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

URGENTLY

Possible Answers:

Pressingly

Frighteningly

Tenderly

Vocationally

Dangerously

Correct answer:

Pressingly

Explanation:

If something is "urgent," it demands immediate or pressing attention. "Frightening" means scary, "dangerous" means risky, and "tender" means gentle. "Vocational" means relating to a job or occupation.

Example Question #678 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ELEGANTLY

Possible Answers:

Tastelessly

Richly

Blindly

Squeamishly

Sophisticatedly

Correct answer:

Sophisticatedly

Explanation:

"Elegant" can mean graceful, stylish, or sophisticated. "Squeamish" means easily made sick or queasy. A synonym for "rich" is affluent. "Tasteless" means lacking in either flavor or good judgment.

Example Question #679 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SELFISHLY

Possible Answers:

Grandly

Selflessly

Egocentrically

Cumulatively

Abashedly

Correct answer:

Egocentrically

Explanation:

To be "selfish" is to lack concern for others, to be egocentric. "Abashed" means embarrassed or ashamed. "Selfless" is the opposite of selfish. "Cumulative" means growing by accumulation. "Grand" means large and impressive.

Example Question #680 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXCITEDLY

Possible Answers:

Profusely

Enthusiastically

Patiently

Severally

Meekly

Correct answer:

Enthusiastically

Explanation:

"Excitedly" means enthusiastically or eagerly. "Profusely" means excessively or extravagantly. "Meekly" means mildly or timidly. "Severally" means individually or separately. "Patient" means enduring difficulty or challenges with calmness.

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