SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #671 : Synonyms

Synonyms

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

DIMINUTIVE

Possible Answers:

darkening

following

rebellious

small

insulting

Correct answer:

small

Explanation:

Something that is "diminutive" is small, miniature.

Example Question #672 : Synonyms

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

ABOMINABLE

Possible Answers:

Dominant

Desirable

Detestable

Questionable

Systematic

Correct answer:

Detestable

Explanation:

"Abominable" means universally hated. If you "detest" something, you hate it. The key here is the strength of the word, an "abominable" thing is awful, not merely bad, or "questionable."

Example Question #673 : Synonyms

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

MUNDANE

Possible Answers:

Stupid

Metaphysical

Dull

Celestial

Precise

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

"Mundane" is an adjective that means "dull," without excitement, or refers to the earthly world instead of a spiritual world. 

"Precise" means exact or definitely correct. "Stupid" means unintelligent or without common sense. "Celestial" means related to the sky, or refers to something amazing. "Metaphysical" means related to the philosophy that deals with abstract concepts (being, origin of the universe) but is not grounded in scientific research.

Example Question #674 : Synonyms

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

FEEBLE

Possible Answers:

Elderly

Infantile

Cumbersome

Gleeful

Weak

Correct answer:

Weak

Explanation:

"Feeble" is an adjective that means "weak," or without strength of character.

"Elderly" is a concept related to feeble, as elderly people are often feeble, but "elderly" just means old. "Infantile" could also be related, as infants typically lack physical strength, but "infantile" simply means childish. "Gleeful" means very joyful. "Cumbersome" means inconvenient, or difficult to carry or use because of size.

Example Question #675 : Synonyms

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

EMPHATIC

Possible Answers:

To understand another's feelings

Dubious

Gregarious

Bleak

Forcefully expressing something

Correct answer:

Forcefully expressing something

Explanation:

"Emphatic" is an adjective that means to express something forcefully or to put emphasis on something.

"Gregarious" means outgoing and talkative.

"Dubious" means doubtful, or uncertain.

"Bleak" means desolate and depressing.

"To understand another's feelings" is the answer students will select if they misread emphatic as "empathetic", which means to understand another's feelings.

Example Question #676 : Synonyms

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

POIGNANT

Possible Answers:

Sharp

Wary

Heart-rending

Eerie

Pompous

Correct answer:

Heart-rending

Explanation:

"Poignant" means heart-rending, or something that evokes sadness. "Poignant" is said poin-yent. 

None of the other words is synonymous with poignant.

"Pompous" means annoyingly self-important, excessively solemn in a forced or affected way.

"Sharp" means able to cut or puncture something, or colloquially it can mean intelligent.

"Wary" means watching for danger, being cautious.

"Eerie" means strange or weird, and is sometimes spelled "eerie" as well.

Example Question #677 : Synonyms

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

DORMANT

Possible Answers:

Rife

Wakeful

Inert

Dutiful

Rocky

Correct answer:

Inert

Explanation:

"Dormant" means "inert," unmoving, asleep or comatose.

None of the other words are synonyms of dormant:

"Rife" means abundant or plentiful.

"Dutiful" means obedient, following one's duties or conscientious.

"Rocky" means rough with stones, pebbles or rocks. Often dormant is used to describe inactive volcanoes, so "rocky" is meant to be a trick answer that triggers an association with dormant volcanoes.

"Wakeful" means awake, not asleep, or attentive. It is the opposite of dormant.

Example Question #678 : Synonyms

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

SHEER

Possible Answers:

Furry

Utter

Floral

Fluffy

Fuzzy

Correct answer:

Utter

Explanation:

The adjectives "sheer" and "utter" are synonymous. "Sheer" means nothing other than and utter means complete, absolute, or total. Here are two examples of their use: 1) His "utter" fascination with the magician made his mother smile. 2) He used nothing but his "sheer" imagination to draw the comic. The other words are not synonymous with "sheer."

Example Question #679 : Synonyms

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

PORTENTOUS

Possible Answers:

Ominous

Irrevocable

Frigid

Timorous

Reckless

Correct answer:

Ominous

Explanation:

"Portentous" means "ominous" or foreboding. A portent is a premonition or a forewarning.

"Irrevocable" means can't be taken back, or can't be undone; final.

"Timorous" means fearful, afraid, or shuddering.

"Reckless" means careless, irresponsible or negligent.

"Frigid" means very cold, or unwelcoming.

Example Question #680 : Synonyms

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

APROPOS

Possible Answers:

Unsuitable

Grave

Obedient

Relevant

Inventive

Correct answer:

Relevant

Explanation:

"Apropos" means "relevant" or suitable; appropriate for a situation. The final "s" is not pronounced.

"Obedient" means compliant; describes someone who obeys.

"Grave" means very serious or gloomy.

"Inventive" means new, original, creative.

"Unsuitable" means inappropriate or not proper. It is an antonym of "apropos."

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