SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1461 : Synonyms

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

OPTIMAL

Possible Answers:

Usable

Optional

Defective

Worst

Ideal

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

"Optimal" is an adjective describing a noun that is the best or as well-suited to something as can be. Of the answer choices, "ideal" has the closest meaning. 

Example Question #1462 : Synonyms

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

RAMSHACKLE

Possible Answers:

Pristine

Destructive

Nuanced

Dilapidated

Annoying

Correct answer:

Dilapidated

Explanation:

“Ramshackle” means in very poor condition, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means in disrepair. That means that “pristine” cannot be the correct answer, because “pristine” is an adjective that can mean, spotlessperfect, or in something's original condition making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “ramshackle.” “Dilapidated,” however, is an adjective that is used of a building or object and means in disrepair, and because “dilapidated” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “ramshackle,” “dilapidated” is the correct answer.

Example Question #2261 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

IMPECCABLE

Possible Answers:

Invincible

Brown

Utilitarian

Perfect

Affectionate

Correct answer:

Perfect

Explanation:

"Impeccable" means flawless, or "perfect."

Example Question #1463 : Synonyms

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

HACKNEYED

Possible Answers:

Original 

Destitute

Trite 

Weird

Homeless 

Correct answer:

Trite 

Explanation:

"Hackneyed" means trite, unoriginal or old-fashioned, so "trite" is the correct answer. For clarification, "destitute" means very poor, "original" means first or authentic, "homeless" means not having a home, and "weird" means eerie or strange.

Example Question #1464 : Synonyms

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

SUBLIME

Possible Answers:

Paltry 

Magnificent

Denigrate 

Noxious 

Absolution 

Correct answer:

Magnificent

Explanation:

"Sublime" means perfect or awe-inspiring, so "magnificent," which means impressive, striking, or excellent, is the correct answer. For clarification, "paltry" means meager, "noxious" means toxic or poisonous, "absolution" means forgiveness, and "denigrate" means belittle or criticize.

Example Question #1465 : Synonyms

A synonym of "insipid" is . . .

Possible Answers:

flavorful

ennui

humdrum

quixotic

exciting

Correct answer:

humdrum

Explanation:

"Insipid" is an adjective that means "tasteless, flavorless, or bland" when referring to food or drink, and "unimaginative, drab, or tedious" when referring to writing, art, or ideas. While "ennui" might look like a good candidate for a synonym of "insipid," ennui is a noun that means "a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement," and while something that is insipid might cause a state of ennui, "ennui" is a noun and "insipid" an adjective, so "ennui" cannot be the correct answer. "Humdrum," however, can be used as an adjective meaning "lacking excitement or variety; dull; monotonous." Because "humdrum" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "insipid," "humdrum" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1466 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Glorious

Possible Answers:

Arrogant

Huge

Depressing

Wonderful

Dependable

Correct answer:

Wonderful

Explanation:

"Glorious" means wonderful, or having glory.

Example Question #1467 : Synonyms

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

MEDIOCRE

Possible Answers:

Strange

Exceptional

Ordinary

Distinct

Wonderful

Correct answer:

Ordinary

Explanation:

"Mediocre" means common or ordinary, so "ordinary" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1468 : Synonyms

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

MEAGER

Possible Answers:

Deduce

Reluctant

Marginal

Ample

Scarce

Correct answer:

Scarce

Explanation:

"Meager" is an adjective that describes a very small amount. For example, "His meager meal included one piece of bread and a small cup of milk." If something is "scarce,' it is not abundant. These two words are very similar. "Ample" is an antonym to "meager."

Example Question #2271 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

PROFUSE

Possible Answers:

Sparse

Substantial

Abundant

Benign

Infinite

Correct answer:

Abundant

Explanation:

"Profuse" is an adjective that means "abundant" or plentiful.

"Infinite" means limitless, or impossible to measure or calculate. "Substantial" means important, large, or valuable. "Benign" means gentle or kind, and in medical terms means not harmful. "Sparse" is an antonym of "profuse" and means few or infrequent.

 

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