SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #67 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

DRABLY

Possible Answers:

Brightly

Greenly

Cheerily

Pessimistically

Dully

Correct answer:

Dully

Explanation:

"Drab" means dull or colorless and is an antonym of "bright." "Cheery" means optimistic or happy and is an antonym of "pessimistic." Because "green" is a specific color, it's obviously not a good fit for a word that means "colorless."

Example Question #68 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

IMPERATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Importantly

Lovingly

Gigantically

Royally

Minutely

Correct answer:

Importantly

Explanation:

Something "imperative" is very important or essential. Something "minute" is tiny; something "gigantic" is huge. "Royal" and "imperious" are both words related to ruling, so it would be easy to confuse "imperious" (commanding, arrogant) with imperative. "Lovingly" and "tenderly" are synonyms.

Example Question #69 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PRODUCTIVELY

Possible Answers:

Fruitfully

Concurrently

Finally

Passively

Perilously

Correct answer:

Fruitfully

Explanation:

To be "productive" is to be fruitful or bear many results. "Concurrent" means happening at the same time as another event; "final" means coming at the end. "Passively" and "actively" are antonyms. "Perilously" (dangerously) and "safely" are also antonyms.

Example Question #70 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ARROGANTLY

Possible Answers:

Tidily

Bravely

Hastily

Triumphantly

Haughtily

Correct answer:

Haughtily

Explanation:

Someone "arrogant" is haughty, stuck up, or conceited. Something "hasty" is hurried, something "tidy" is neat and orderly, and something "triumphant" is victorious. "Brave" is a good synonym for "courageous."

Example Question #741 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MYSTERIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Wittily

Hauntingly

Glumly

Cleverly

Enigmatically

Correct answer:

Enigmatically

Explanation:

Another name for a "mystery" is an enigma. While "mysteries" may be "haunting" (emotional or eerie), the two words are not necessarily synonymous. "Cleverly" and "wittily" are synonyms. "Glum" means dejected or gloomy.

Example Question #742 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SHODDILY

Possible Answers:

Impoverished

Cheaply

Childishly

Dingily

Gloomily

Correct answer:

Cheaply

Explanation:

"Shoddy" work is work that is cheaply or poorly made. "Dingy" means gloomy and dark. "Childish" and "mature" are near antonyms, as are "wealthy" and "impoverished."

Example Question #743 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MOCKINGLY

Possible Answers:

Perilously

Scornfully

Robustly

Preciously

Vigorously

Correct answer:

Scornfully

Explanation:

To "mock" someone or something is to express scorn or contempt for that person or thing. "Robust" means strong, sturdy, or vigorous. "Precious" means valuable or beloved. "Perilous" means dangerous.

Example Question #744 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ROBUSTLY

Possible Answers:

Strongly

Incorruptibly

Healthily

Talkatively

Sinfully

Correct answer:

Strongly

Explanation:

"Robust" means sturdy, strong, vigorous, or energetic. "Healthy" and "sick" are antonyms, as are "incorruptible" and "sinful." "Talkative" and "taciturn" (quiet) are also antonyms.

Example Question #745 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HONESTLY

Possible Answers:

Incorruptibly

Comfortingly

Femininely

Soothingly

Egocentrically

Correct answer:

Incorruptibly

Explanation:

To be "incorruptible" is to be "honest" and unable to be led astray by others. "Feminine" and "masculine" are antonyms, as are "egocentric" and "selfless." To "soothe" is to calm someone or alleviate his/her discomfort, which makes it a close synonym to the verb to comfort.

Example Question #746 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DASHINGLY

Possible Answers:

Condescendingly

Stylishly

Patronizingly

Unattractively

Clumsily

Correct answer:

Stylishly

Explanation:

"Dashing" means lively, spirited, stylish, or attractive. It is a near antonym of "unattractive." "Clumsy" means awkward or uncoordinated. To "patronize" someone is to treat him or her condescendingly or look down on him or her.

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