SSAT Elementary Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

CONDUCT

Possible Answers:

Legend 

Citadel

Comprehension

Behavior 

Stitch

Correct answer:

Behavior 

Explanation:

When used as a noun, "conduct" means behavior or deportment, so "behavior" is the correct answer. (Perhaps your school has a "code of conduct" that explains rules about behavior.) None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "conduct": a “legend” is a myth; a "citadel" is a fortress; "comprehension" is understanding; and a "stitch" is a unit in knitting or in a seam in sewing.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

SOIL

Possible Answers:

Wash

Insist

Dangle

Stir

Stain

Correct answer:

Stain

Explanation:

"Soil" can mean dirt when used as a noun, but because none of the answer choices can be used as nouns, this isn't the meaning that you should consider. When used as a verb, "soil" means cause to become dirty; "soiled clothing" is dirty clothing. Given this, the correct answer is "stain," as when something is "stained," it is made dirty through unwanted markings, or "soiled." As for the other answer choices, "wash," when used as a verb, is an antonym, or opposite, of "soil," because while "soil" means cause to become dirty, "wash" means cause to become clean through the use of soap and water. "Insist," "dangle," and "whisk" are not related in meaning to "soil": "insist" means demand to have one's way; "dangle" means suspend in midair; and "stir" means mix something to blend its parts together.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

SOVEREIGN

Possible Answers:

Kind

Generous

Organized

Supreme

Flawless

Correct answer:

Supreme

Explanation:

"Sovereign" is defined as possessing supreme or ultimate power, so "supreme" is the best answer choice. The word "sovereign" is often used when referring to government officials who wield a great deal of power and influence over the masses.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

DOCUMENT

Possible Answers:

Discover

Unearth

Record

Discuss

Battle

Correct answer:

Record

Explanation:

"Document," when used as a verb, means record something in written form, photographic form, or another form. As a noun, "document" means recorded information in the form of a paper with text on it. Seeing as "record" is mentioned in document's definition, record is clearly our best answer!

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

BRAWL

Possible Answers:

Inspect

Sickness

Fight 

Carry

Goad 

Correct answer:

Fight 

Explanation:

To “brawl” means to fight, usually in a wild manner or, when used as a noun, just such a wild fight. To provide further help, “inspect” means to look at, and “goad” means to say things in order to try and get someone to do something stupid. It means something similar to “provoke” or “encourage.”

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

POTENTIAL

Possible Answers:

Possible

Susceptible

Adaptable

Normal 

Abnormal 

Correct answer:

Possible

Explanation:

"Potential" means possible or perhaps occurring in the future. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "potential" is "possible," which means able to happen. For additional help, "susceptible" means able to be affected by something negative, "adaptable" means able to change to meet the needs of different circumstances, and "abnormal" means not normal.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

FOLD

Possible Answers:

Crease

Stamp

Spot

State

Stain

Correct answer:

Crease

Explanation:

The words "fold" and "crease" are synonymous and refer to a marked bend in something. The other words do not share this meaning; however, they are interesting because they all have multiple meanings. Try brainstorming a few of them and challenge yourself by figuring out if the words you come up with are adjectives, verbs, or nouns.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

FUEL

Possible Answers:

Comb

Feed

Earth

Sand

Feeling

Correct answer:

Feed

Explanation:

The words "fuel" and "feed" are synonymous verbs. Note that "fuel," when used as a noun, cannot be used identify the correct solution. Consider that words sometimes have multiple meanings and functions as parts of speech. The other answer choices are not at all related in meaning to "fuel" (as a verb). Consider that when someone adds "fuel" to a fire, he or she is "feeding" the fire.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

FRAME

Possible Answers:

Speak

Picture

Pronounce

Set up

Announce

Correct answer:

Set up

Explanation:

In this case, the word "frame" functions as a verb and can be used to describe the action of using false evidence to get someone in trouble: "The hero, who was being framed by his archenemy, told the police that he was set up. The other words, except for picture, have to do with language usage. A "picture" might be something you put in a "frame"; however a "picture" is not in itself a "frame."

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

WIND

Possible Answers:

Gel

Fire

Flame

Twist

Airborne 

Correct answer:

Twist

Explanation:

The verb "wind" is synonymous with "twist": "Wind the wire around the coil, twisting it until the coil is completely covered." The other words are not verbs and are not at all related to the verb (or the noun) wind. "Airborne" might seem similar to the word wind; however, "airborne" actually is an adjective describing something that is in the air.

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