SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

FANCY

Possible Answers:

Coincidence

Multitude

Liking

Esteem

Phantom

Correct answer:

Liking

Explanation:

"Fancy" can be an adjective meaning elaborate and decorative. "Fancy" can also be a noun meaning taste or inclination. With this second definition in mind, liking is a synonym and therefore the correct answer.

Example Question #12 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

QUIBBLE

Possible Answers:

Laud 

Acknowledge

Complain 

Panic 

Defy 

Correct answer:

Complain 

Explanation:

"Quibble," when used as a verb, means to complain about petty negative aspects of something, and when used as a noun, means a relatively unimportant complaint. So, "complain" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "quibble." For clarification, "panic" means to suddenly feel afraid or stressed in an uncontrolled way, "laud" means praise, "acknowledge" means recognize, and "defy" means resist.

Example Question #13 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

DEFECT

Possible Answers:

To lose your hearing

To flee

To find fault

To fight against something

To change allegiance

Correct answer:

To change allegiance

Explanation:

If you change your side or allegiance, the side you ally yourself with, then you “defect.” A “defect” is a fault so be careful. If you “flee,” you run away or retreat, so it is not quite right.

Example Question #14 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

CHAMPION

Possible Answers:

Disparage 

Promote 

Loss 

Victory 

Abandon 

Correct answer:

Promote 

Explanation:

"Champion" is often used as a noun that means victor or winner. However, "champion" can also mean promote, as in the sentence, “She championed the cause of animal rights.” So, "promote" is the correct answer. For clarification, "abandon" means discard, and "disparage" means mock.

Example Question #15 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

UNIFORM

Possible Answers:

Occupation

Performance

Livery

Children

School

Correct answer:

Livery

Explanation:

When used as a noun, "uniform" means a specific, standardized outfit worn by members of a certain group. "Livery" is a noun meaning a particular kind of uniform worn by servants, and because "livery" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "uniform," "livery" is the correct answer.

Example Question #16 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

WAFT

Possible Answers:

Fall

Plunge 

Jump

Throw 

Drift 

Correct answer:

Drift 

Explanation:

The correct answer is "drift."

"Waft" is a verb (or noun) that means to pass (or cause to pass) easily/gently through the air or as if through the air

This makes "drift" (carried slowly by a current of air or water) making it the correct synonym.

Example Question #17 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

COACH

Possible Answers:

Exercise

Master

Carriage

Uniform

Gym

Correct answer:

Carriage

Explanation:

"Coach" can be a noun meaning an athletic instructor, or a verb meaning to instruct one in a sport. A "coach" can also be a noun meaning "carriage," (generally horse-draw) which is the correct answer.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors