SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1411 : Synonyms

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

SCURRYING

Possible Answers:

Slow

Melodious

Leisurely

Sedate

Hurried

Correct answer:

Hurried

Explanation:

To "scurry" is to hurry or to move quickly. "Sedate" and "leisurely" both mean slow, and all three words are antonyms of "scurrying." "Melodious" is the adjective form of "melody" and can mean pleasant-sounding or harmonious.

Example Question #1412 : Synonyms

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

PLUNGING

Possible Answers:

Diving

Dashing

Clearing

Sonic

Clogging

Correct answer:

Diving

Explanation:

"Plunging" means diving or jumping quickly. To "clog" and to "clear" are opposite actions; the first means to obstruct and the second means to remove an obstruction. "Dashing" means stylish or handsome, and "sonic" is the adjective form of "sound."

Example Question #1413 : Synonyms

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

BOLTING

Possible Answers:

Scheming

Stifling

Darting

Calculating

Sluggish

Correct answer:

Darting

Explanation:

"Bolting" and "darting" both describe sudden swift movements. "Sluggish" means slow and inactive. "Stifling" can mean either very hot or very oppressive and controlling, depending on the context. "Calculating" and "scheming" are synonyms.

Example Question #1414 : Synonyms

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

GLIDING

Possible Answers:

Sliding

Leaping

Crawling

Longing

Embracing

Correct answer:

Sliding

Explanation:

To "glide" is to slide or move smoothly. "Longing" means nostalgic or wistful. To "leap" is to jump, and to "crawl" is to move forward haltingly on hands and knees. "Embracing" means hugging, holding, or accepting.

Example Question #1415 : Synonyms

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

AMBLING

Possible Answers:

Violent

Amiable

Strolling

Darting

Humble

Correct answer:

Strolling

Explanation:

To "amble" is to walk or stroll in a leisurely manner. To "dart" is to move quickly and suddenly. "Violent" means brutal or vicious, "amiable" means friendly or pleasant, and "humble" means modest.

Example Question #1416 : Synonyms

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

SQUIRMING

Possible Answers:

Wriggling

Highlighted

Variegated

Tortured 

Buzzing

Correct answer:

Wriggling

Explanation:

To 'squirm" is to wriggle or writhe. To "buzz" is to make a vibrating or humming sound. "Variegated" means having patches or spots of different colors. "Highlighted" means emphasized or underscored.

Example Question #1417 : Synonyms

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

SLOUCHED

Possible Answers:

Upright

Wistful

Dawdling

Hurried

Slumped

Correct answer:

Slumped

Explanation:

To "slouch" is to slump or adopt a drooping posture, and "upright" is a good antonym for "slouched." "Hurried" and "hasty" are synonyms. "Dawdling" and "lingering" are synonyms. "Longing" and "wistful" are synonyms.

Example Question #1418 : Synonyms

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

FLAILING

Possible Answers:

Shouting angrily

Grinning hungrily

Waving wildly

Peeking slyly

Smiling broadly

Correct answer:

Waving wildly

Explanation:

To "flail" is to wave or thrash around wildly. To "smile" and to "grin" are near synonyms. To "shout" and to "scream" are near synonyms as well. To "peek" is to glance quickly or stealthily.

Example Question #1419 : Synonyms

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

GALLOPING

Possible Answers:

Declaiming

Racing

Exclaiming

Dawdling

Hesitating

Correct answer:

Racing

Explanation:

A "gallop" is the fastest gait at which a horse can run, so "racing" is the best synonym for "galloping." To "hesitate" is to pause, to "exclaim" is to cry out, and to "declaim" is to deliver a speech. "Dawdling" and "lingering" are synonyms.

Example Question #1420 : Synonyms

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

DARTING

Possible Answers:

Dashing

Exclaiming

Obscuring

Unnerving

Exclamatory

Correct answer:

Dashing

Explanation:

Both "darting" and "dashing" describe quick, sudden movements, so they are the closest synonyms. To "obscure" is to hide or conceal, and to "exclaim" is to cry out. "Exclamatory" means in the manner of an exclamation. "Unnerving" means discouraging or unsettling.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors