SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #711 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HAPHAZARDLY

Possible Answers:

Randomly

Dangerously

Credibly

Sternly

Gullibly

Correct answer:

Randomly

Explanation:

"Haphazard" means random, disorganized, or chaotic. "Credibly" means believably, and "gullibly" means overly willing to believe something. "Sternly" means firmly or strictly.

Example Question #712 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VINDICTIVELY

Possible Answers:

Vacantly

Stingily

Kookily

Vengefully

Effectively

Correct answer:

Vengefully

Explanation:

"Vindictive" means vengeful or revengeful. "Effectively" and "efficaciously" are synonyms, and "vacantly" means emptily. "Repeatedly" means occurring over and over again. "Stingy" means miserly, and "kookily" and "zanily" are synonyms.

Example Question #713 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GRIEVOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Uncommonly

Seriously

Outrageously

Ruddily

Startlingly

Correct answer:

Seriously

Explanation:

"Grievously" means seriously, as in, "he was grievously wounded by the wild boar." "Ruddy" means red, "outrageous" means shockingly bad, and "startling" means surprising. "Uncommonly" and "unusually" are synonyms, but "uncommonly" can also mean remarkably.

Example Question #714 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOBLY

Possible Answers:

Originally

Musically

Furtively

Sneakily

Chivalrously

Correct answer:

Chivalrously

Explanation:

"Chivalrous" and "noble" can both mean gallant, honorable, and virtuous. To be "sneaky" or to be "furtive" is to be sly and deceptive. "Originally" can mean in the the first place, initially

Example Question #715 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXCEPTIONALLY

Possible Answers:

Subtly

Judiciously

Futilely

Outstandingly

Commonly

Correct answer:

Outstandingly

Explanation:

Something "exceptional" can be unusual or uncommon, but the word can also mean excellent and outstanding. "Commonly" and "exceptionally" are antonyms. Someone "judicious" shows good judgment, and something "futile" is pointless, fruitless. "Subtle" means so faint as to be barely perceptible.

Example Question #716 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCORNFULLY

Possible Answers:

Objectively

Knowingly

Contemptuously

Rationally

Mournfully

Correct answer:

Contemptuously

Explanation:

"Scorn" and "contempt" both describe hatred for someone or something (often something that's perceived to be worthless). "Objectively" and "subjectively" are synonyms, as are "rationally" and "irrationally." "Knowingly" can mean deliberately or it can mean in a manner that indicates secret knowledge and understanding. "Mournfully" means sadly.

Example Question #717 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNSETTLINGLY

Possible Answers:

Eagerly

Swiftly

Annoyingly

Worryingly

Squalidly

Correct answer:

Worryingly

Explanation:

Something "unsettling" is upsetting, disturbing, or worrying. "Eagerly" means enthusiastically, and "squalid" means very dirty. "Annoyingly" and "irritatingly" are synonyms. "Swiftly" means rapidly.

Example Question #718 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HANDSOMELY

Possible Answers:

Superbly

Amply

Vigilantly

Gloriously

Beautifully

Correct answer:

Amply

Explanation:

While "handsome" often means physically attractive, it is not the same as "beautiful." "Handsomely" has the additional meaning of amply or liberally, as in, “The woman was paid handsomely for her work.” "Glorious," "superb," and "wonderful" are synonyms, and "vigilantly" means watchfully.

Example Question #719 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BODILY

Possible Answers:

Mentally

Physiologically

Inquisitively

Graphically

Epically

Correct answer:

Physiologically

Explanation:

"Physiology" is the study of living organisms and their bodies. "Graphically" means vividly (often too much so), and "inquisitively" means curiously. "Epically" means of epic, grand, or monumental proportions.

Example Question #720 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIOLENTLY

Possible Answers:

Qualitatively

Peacefully

Aggressively

Vibrantly

Unexpectedly

Correct answer:

Aggressively

Explanation:

"Violence" and "aggression" both involve the inappropriate use of excessive physical force and are antonyms of peacefully. "Vibrant" can mean bright and vivid or full of energy and life. "Unexpectedly" and "expectedly" are antonyms, as are "qualitatively" and "quantitatively."

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