SSAT Elementary Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #521 : Synonyms

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

INTELLECTUAL

Possible Answers:

Dangerous

Cerebellum

Interesting

Educated

Lyrical

Correct answer:

Educated

Explanation:

"Intellectual" is defined as relating to reasoning and understanding, especially with regard to abstract and rational matters; thus "educated" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #522 : Synonyms

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

COARSE

Possible Answers:

Verbose

Vulgar

High

Soft

Dull

Correct answer:

Vulgar

Explanation:

Coarse means rough in texture or rude and vulgar, so "vulgar" is the correct answer. For instance, swear words are often referred to as "coarse language" or "vulgar language."

Example Question #521 : Synonyms

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

MILD

Possible Answers:

Understanding

Harsh

Congratulatory

Doubtful

Gentle

Correct answer:

Gentle

Explanation:

"Mild" is an adjective that can mean gentle or moderate. So, "harsh" cannot be the correct answer, because "harsh" is an adjective that can mean severe, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "mild." "Gentle," however, is an adjective that means mild and tender or moderate. So, because "gentle" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "mild," "gentle" is the correct answer.

Example Question #522 : Synonyms

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

TIMID

Possible Answers:

Silent 

Calm 

Bold 

Shy 

Audible 

Correct answer:

Shy 

Explanation:

"Timid" means shy, so "shy" is the correct answer. To help you, "bold" means brave and confident, and "audible" means able to be heard. (The root "aud" is often found in words that have to do with hearing, like "auditory" (having to do with sound and hearing) and "auditorium" (a large room in which concerts and performances are held).)

Example Question #523 : Synonyms

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

VALIANT

Possible Answers:

Humorous 

Brave 

Timid 

Meek 

Shocked 

Correct answer:

Brave 

Explanation:

Someone who is "valiant" is very brave, so "brave" is the correct answer. To help you, "humorous" means funny, "shocked" means surprised, and "meek" and "timid" are both synonyms of shy.

Example Question #526 : Synonyms

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

METICULOUS

Possible Answers:

Synchronized 

Severed

Disastrous 

Uncoordinated

Precise 

Correct answer:

Precise 

Explanation:

“Meticulous” means careful or paying attention to detail, which is the same as if someone is “precise,” which means paying attention to detail. So, "precise" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "meticulous": “uncoordinated” means not organized or clumsy; “synchronized” means in or on time with something; “severed” means cut off; and “disastrous” means unfortunate or terrible.

Example Question #527 : Synonyms

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

RELIABLE

Possible Answers:

Dependable

Interesting

Unsteady

Astounding

Hearty

Correct answer:

Dependable

Explanation:

"Reliable" means able to be relied on or trustworthy, so the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "reliable" is "dependable," which means able to be depended on or trustworthy. "Irresponsible" is an opposite, or antonym, of "reliable," and means not acting responsibly or not able to be relied upon. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "reliable": "hearty" means substantial when referring to food and boisterous and cheerful when referring to people; "astounding" means amazing or shocking; and "interesting" means holding one's attention or fascinating.

Example Question #528 : Synonyms

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

COMPASSIONATE

Possible Answers:

Kind

Trusting

Sympathetic

Wonderful

Needy

Correct answer:

Kind

Explanation:

To be compassionate is to be caring. "Kind" means caring and supportive, and thus is a close synonym to "compassionate."

Example Question #529 : Synonyms

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

CANNY

Possible Answers:

Perilous 

Clever 

Fortunate 

Foolish 

Wistful

Correct answer:

Clever 

Explanation:

Someone who is “canny” is sneaky, clever, and cunning. In nature, foxes are often described as “canny,” while in human society, you might call a politician or a salesman “canny.” To provide further help, “foolish” means silly; “wistful” means thinking about the past in a sad way; “perilous” means dangerous; “fortunate” means lucky.

Example Question #530 : Synonyms

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

HEROIC

Possible Answers:

Literary

Boastful 

Brave 

Beneficial 

Puny

Correct answer:

Brave 

Explanation:

Something “heroic” has the characteristics of a hero, and as such it is most similar to the word “brave.” To provide further help, someone who is “boastful” likes talking about him- or herself; and “beneficial” means helpful.

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