SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SALIENT

Possible Answers:

Constituent

Postponed

Subtle

Qualified

Conspicuous

Correct answer:

Conspicuous

Explanation:

"Salient" is an adjective that means "most noticeable or important," so we need to pick out a word that means something like "most noticeable." While "constituent" and "conspicuous" might sound quite similar, "constituent" means "being a part of the whole," while "conspicuous" means "standing out so as to be clearly visible" or "attracting notice or attention." Since "conspicuous" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "salient," "conspicuous" is the correct answer.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

BURLY

Possible Answers:

Portly 

Tall

Stocky 

Comely 

Lanky 

Correct answer:

Stocky 

Explanation:

Someone who is "burly" is stocky and well-built, so "stocky," a word that means strappingheavyset, or brawny, is the correct answer. For clarification, "lanky" describes someone who is tall and skinny, portly means stout or fat, and comely means cute or attractive.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INTACT

Possible Answers:

Spoiled

Social

Complete

Accurate

Broken

Correct answer:

Complete

Explanation:

"Intact" means complete. "Broken" is an antonym of "intact" and means smashed or shattered. "Spoiled" means coddled. "Social" can mean having to do with society. "Accurate" means correct or precise.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the words that are most similar in meaning.

Vacuous

Possible Answers:

Legendary

Conditional

Empty

Elevated

Wordless

Correct answer:

Empty

Explanation:

"Vacuous" means empty. It also means lacking ideas or intelligence.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

Durable

Possible Answers:

Sturdy

Legal

Unique

Steep

Flaccid

Correct answer:

Sturdy

Explanation:

"Durable" means strong and sturdy; Flaccid means limp; Unique means special or different; and Legal means lawful.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

DURABLE

Possible Answers:

Tall

Quick

Temporary

Sturdy

Fragile

Correct answer:

Sturdy

Explanation:

"Durable" is an adjective used to describe something that is difficult to break or damage. Of the answer choices, the word with the closest meaning is "stable." 

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

VIVID

Possible Answers:

Confused

Lamentable

Bright

Fuzzy

Excited

Correct answer:

Bright

Explanation:

"Vivid" means bright or colorful, so "bright" is the correct answer.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

A synonym of "nebulous" is . .

Possible Answers:

precursor

novel

fundamental

indefinite

exact

Correct answer:

indefinite

Explanation:

"Nebulous" is an adjective that means "in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy," or when used to refer to concepts or ideas, "unclear, vague, or ill-defined." So, we need to pick out a word that means something like "hazy" or "unclear." Since "indefinite" means "not clearly expressed or defined; vague," it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "nebulous," and the correct answer.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

VORACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Delicious

Ravenous 

Tempestuous

Alluring 

Enticing 

Correct answer:

Ravenous 

Explanation:

“Voracious” means extremely hungry or desiring or consuming great quantities. The only answer which means extremely hungry is “ravenous”; the words are linked by their suffix "-ous" which means characterized by. To help you, “tedious” means tiring or boring due to repetition, and  “tempestuous” means stormy. “Alluring” and “enticing” both mean tempting.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

HAGGARD

Possible Answers:

Chop 

Hag 

Rugged

Sorceress 

Tired

Correct answer:

Tired

Explanation:

“Haggard” means looking very thin and tired, especially due to great hunger, worry, or pain. So, "haggard" is most similar in meaning to “tired.” To help you, do not mistake "haggard" with “hag,” which means witch. Also do not confuse "haggard" with “hacked,” which means chopped. “Rugged” means having a rough, uneven surface or rough but attractive features.

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