SSAT Elementary Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #541 : Synonyms

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

RUTHLESS

Possible Answers:

Caring

Merciless

Funny

Compassionate

Correct answer:

Merciless

Explanation:

A ruthless person will stop at nothing to get what he wants. "Merciless," meaning without mercy, is the closest to this meaning. For example:  "Tim was ruthless when playing hockey and knocked over anyone in his way." "Compassionate" is an antonym to ruthless.

Example Question #542 : Synonyms

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

CRUEL

Possible Answers:

Mean-spirited

Crummy

Unusual

Odd

Brutal

Correct answer:

Brutal

Explanation:

"Cruel" and "brutal" both refer to intentional actions that cause harm to people. The other words might seem similar, but they are not as closely related as "brutal" and "cruel."

Example Question #543 : Synonyms

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

POLITE

Possible Answers:

Welded

Wooden

Well-mannered

Wilting

Well-known

Correct answer:

Well-mannered

Explanation:

"Polite" and "well-mannered" are closest in meaning. The other words are not at all synonymous with "polite."

Example Question #544 : Synonyms

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

IGNORANT

Possible Answers:

Foolish

Strong

Powerful

Ignitable

Mighty

Correct answer:

Foolish

Explanation:

"Ignorant" and "foolish" are synonymous words. They refer to someone who doesn't know things or acts in a way that seems unintelligent or uninformed. "Ignitable" means that something is flammable. Although this word looks similar to "ignorant," they are not synonyms. The other answer choices also do not have meanings similar to "ignorant."

Example Question #545 : Synonyms

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

GRUMPY

Possible Answers:

Enraged

Loving

Furious

Grouchy

Hateful

Correct answer:

Grouchy

Explanation:

"Hateful" and "loving" are antonyms: they mean the opposite from each other. "Furious" and "enraged" are synonymous; they refer to someone who is extremely angry. "Grumpy" and "grouchy" are synonymous. They refer to someone who is in a bad mood and who might be acting a little mean. The word "grumpy" does not mean the same thing as the words "furious" and "enraged."

Example Question #546 : Synonyms

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

AMIABLE 

Possible Answers:

Content

Agreeable

Dismal

Ornery

Gratuitous

Correct answer:

Agreeable

Explanation:

"Amiable" most nearly means to be agreeable or friendly. "Ornery" refers to a person who has a mean personality or demeanor, while "dismal" refers to something depressing or dreary. Both of these words have a negative connotation and are therefore not synonyms for "amiable." "Gratuitous" most nearly means excessive or unneeded and has no relation to "amiable." "Content" means a peaceful state, and has a positive connotation easily confused with "amiable." The best choice, however, is "agreeable" which is an exact synonym for "amiable." 

Example Question #151 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONSIDERATE

Possible Answers:

Kind

Upset

Happy

Worrisome

Antisocial

Correct answer:

Kind

Explanation:

"Considerate" involves exercising deep thought to avoid negatively impacting other people. "Kind," which means to have a considerate and thoughtful nature, is the best synonym of "considerate."

Incorrect Answers:

"Upset" means very unhappy.

"Worrisome" means causing anxiety or concern.

"Antisocial" describes someone who does not enjoy the company of others. Generally, considerate people are not antisocial because they like to be around other people.

"Happy" involves showing pleasure for something.

Example Question #152 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AMBITIOUS

Possible Answers:

Decadent

Driven

Rich

Lazy

Slovenly

Correct answer:

Driven

Explanation:

"Ambitious" means showing a strong desire to succeed. "Driven," which means motivated, is the best synonym of "ambitious."

Incorrect Answers:

"Lazy" means unwilling to work or use energy. "Lazy" is an antonym of "ambitious."

"Slovenly" means messy and dirty.

"Rich" means having a lot of money.

"Decadent" means self-indulgent.

Example Question #153 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CLEVER

Possible Answers:

Incapable

Wily

Sly

Classical

Intelligent

Correct answer:

Intelligent

Explanation:

"Clever" means quick to understand and learn new ideas. "Intelligent," which means intuitive and quick-witted, is the best synonym of "clever."

Incorrect Answers:

"Incapable" means unable to do something.

"Classical" refers to a traditional or long-standing style.

"Wily" means deceitful.

"Sly" involves having cunning and deceitful nature, and is a synonym of "wily."

Example Question #154 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: select the word that most closely matches.

Cheerful

Possible Answers:

Unlucky

Sad

Happy

Upset

Tired

Correct answer:

Happy

Explanation:

Cheerful and happy both relate to ones mood being in high spirits. 

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