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 #396 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DEJECTED 

Possible Answers:

Dispirited

Elated

Misled

Isolated

Joyful

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 #397 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Arid

Advantageous

Harmful

Beneficial

Biting

Correct answer:

Harmful

Explanation:

The correct answer is "harmful."

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

Example Question #398 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PORTENTOUS

Possible Answers:

Juvenile

Repugnant 

Boring

Foreboding

Inviting

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 #399 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PEDANTIC

Possible Answers:

Dull 

Transient

Unkind 

Temporary 

Voluble 

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 #391 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "plumb" is . . .

Possible Answers:

vex

bilk

horizontal

fruit

utterly

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 #1 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

GINGERLY

Possible Answers:

Gingery

Cautiously

Reddening

Hastily

Fastening 

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 #1 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

URGENTLY

Possible Answers:

Dangerously

Tenderly

Pressingly

Vocationally

Frighteningly

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 #2 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ELEGANTLY

Possible Answers:

Blindly

Richly

Squeamishly

Sophisticatedly

Tastelessly

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 #3 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

SELFISHLY

Possible Answers:

Egocentrically

Grandly

Selflessly

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 #4 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EXCITEDLY

Possible Answers:

Enthusiastically

Patiently

Severally

Profusely

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.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors