SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #501 : Synonyms

A synonym of "devious" is __________.

Possible Answers:

deceitful

amiable

perspicacious

jocular

naïve

Correct answer:

deceitful

Explanation:

"Devious" is an adjective that means "showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "underhanded." Naïve," then, cannot be the correct answer, because when used to describe people, naive either means "showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment," or "natural and unaffected; innocent," neither of which is synonymous with the meaning of "devious." "Deceitful," however, is an adjective that means "guilty of or involving deceit; deceiving or misleading others," and because "deceitful" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "devious," "deceitful" is the correct answer.

Example Question #502 : Synonyms

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

IMPUDENT

Possible Answers:

Debonair

Reticent

Timid

Sassy

Urbane

Correct answer:

Sassy

Explanation:

"Impudent" means boldly rude. "Urbane" and "debonair" both mean polite and sophisticated. Here's a hint: when solving synonym questions, eliminate answer choices that are synonyms of each other. "Timid" means shy, and "reticent" means not saying much. So, "sassy," which means cheeky, is the answer!

Example Question #503 : Synonyms

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

NEGLIGENT

Possible Answers:

Vociferous

Responsible

Determined

Blunt

Lax

Correct answer:

Lax

Explanation:

“Negligent” is an adjective that means “failing to take proper care,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “not doing something carefully.” That means that “responsible” cannot be the correct answer, because “responsible” means “capable of being trusted,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “negligent.” “Lax,” however, is an adjective that can mean “not sufficiently attentive,” and because “lax” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “negligent,” “lax” is the correct answer.

Example Question #504 : Synonyms

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

SURLY

Possible Answers:

Ignorant

Humorous

Rude or hostile

Stubborn

Jumpy

Correct answer:

Rude or hostile

Explanation:

"Surly" means "rude or hostile," irritable

"Humorous" means being funny or comical.

"Jumpy" means nervous or subject to sudden, involuntary starts.

"Stubborn" means headstrong, or unreasonably set in purpose or opinion.

"Ignorant" means lacking in knowledge or training.

Example Question #505 : Synonyms

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

ENIGMATIC

Possible Answers:

Stupid

Untrustworthy

Mischievous 

Deceitful

Puzzling

Correct answer:

Puzzling

Explanation:

"Enigmatic" means "puzzling" or mysterious.

"Deceitful" means prone to lying or deceit.

"Mischievous" means maliciously or playfully annoying.

"Stupid" means lacking ordinary mental quickness.

"Untrustworthy" means not deserving or trust or confidence.

Example Question #506 : Synonyms

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

UNSCRUPULOUS

Possible Answers:

Malicious

Cruel

Without conscience

Stern

Devout

Correct answer:

Without conscience

Explanation:

"Unscrupulous" means "without conscience" or unprincipled.

"Stern" means strict, harsh, or uncompromising.

"Cruel" means willfully or knowingly causing pain or distress to others.

"Malicious" means intentionally harmful or spiteful.

"Devout" means sincerely religious, earnest, pious.

Example Question #507 : Synonyms

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

COURTEOUS

Possible Answers:

Restrained

Exuberant

Polite

Flirtatious

Princely

Correct answer:

Polite

Explanation:

"Courteous" means "polite," well mannered or respectful.

None of the other words are synonyms of courteous:

"Exuberant" means to be filled with excitement.

"Flirtatious" means to suggest playful attraction to someone.

"Princely" means splendid or related to a prince.

"Restrained" means unemotional, moderate and reserved.

Example Question #508 : Synonyms

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

FICKLE

Possible Answers:

Stoic

Sentimental

Frequently changing loyalties

Musical

Steadfast in one's beliefs

Correct answer:

Frequently changing loyalties

Explanation:

"Fickle" means frequently changing loyalties, interests or allegiances.

"Sentimental" means predisposed to feeling tender, sad, or nostalgic. "Stoic" means experiencing pain or hardship without showing your feelings. "Musical" means related to music, or melodious. "Steadfast" in one's beliefs means committed to your beliefs.

Example Question #509 : Synonyms

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

ZEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Ornery

Crazed

Jealous

Very passionate

Quirky

Correct answer:

Very passionate

Explanation:

"Zealous" is an adjective that refers to a person who is "very passionate" or is fanatical or extremely committed to some cause. 

"Ornery" means bad tempered, grouchy and headstrong. "Quirky" means peculiar or having unusual qualities. "Crazed" means insane or very excited. "Jealous" means being envious of someone because of his or her desirable traits or advantages. 

Example Question #510 : Synonyms

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

MEEK

Possible Answers:

Kind

Submissive

Belligerent

Garrulous

Attractive

Correct answer:

Submissive

Explanation:

"Meek" is an adjective which means submissive, quiet or the quality of being easily imposed on.

"Garrulous" means excessively chatty. "Attractive" means sensorily pleasing. "Kind" means being benevolent or good. "Belligerent" means being hostile and malicious. 

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