SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1151 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INNATE

Possible Answers:

Imaginary 

Frequent 

Instinctual

Adopted 

Assimilated 

Correct answer:

Instinctual

Explanation:

A quality that is “innate” is natural, instinctual, and not learned, so "instinctual" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "innate": “assimilated” means integrated into a new society or place; “frequent” means often; “imaginary” means made up, invented, and not real.

Example Question #1152 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRECISE

Possible Answers:

Open

Vague

Slow

Specific

Interesting

Correct answer:

Specific

Explanation:

"Precise" means strictly stated or defined; therefore, "specific" is the best answer, as it means explicit or definite.

Example Question #1345 : Synonyms

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

INNATE

Possible Answers:

inborn

supported

mad

learned

in agreement

Correct answer:

inborn

Explanation:

"Innate" means that something, like a talent, is inborn, natural.

Example Question #1153 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SKEPTICAL

Possible Answers:

Bellicose

Efficient 

Supportive 

Doubtful 

Vivacious 

Correct answer:

Doubtful 

Explanation:

When people are "skeptical" about something they are doubtful about that thing, so "doubtful" is the correct answer. For clarification, "bellicose" means aggressive, "vivacious" means full of energy, "supportive" means encouraging, and "efficient" means achieving a goal without wasting time, money, or effort.

Example Question #1151 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Clear 

Unclear 

Understood 

Misunderstood 

None of those mentioned

Correct answer:

Unclear 

Explanation:

If something is "ambiguous" it is unclear or mysterious.

Example Question #1154 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Parody 

Vigorous 

Established 

Itinerant 

Unclear

Correct answer:

Unclear

Explanation:

“Ambiguous” means having multiple possible meanings. Something that is "ambiguous" is also "unclear," so "unclear" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "ambiguous": “established” means set up or accepted; a “parody” is a work that mimics another in order to mock it; “itinerant” means wandering or nomadic; and “vigorous” means strong and energetic.

Example Question #1155 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

DUBIOUS

Possible Answers:

Doubtful

Deliberate

Inconsiderate

Thoughtful

Certain

Correct answer:

Doubtful

Explanation:

"Dubious" means doubtful.

Words you may not know:

  • "Deliberate" means carefully considered; intentional.
  • "Inconsiderate" means not considerate. The prefix "in-" means not.

Example Question #1156 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DUBIOUS

Possible Answers:

Serendipitous 

Doubtful 

Dilatory 

Inundate 

Remedy 

Correct answer:

Doubtful 

Explanation:

If you are "dubious" about something, you are unsure or doubtful about the outcome. For clarification, "serendipitous" means owed to good fortune or unexpected, "dilatory" means slow or lacking, "inundate" means overwhelm or flood, and "remedy" means to fix.

Example Question #1157 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CANDID

Possible Answers:

Honest

Persuasive

Injured

Gigantic

Deceitful

Correct answer:

Honest

Explanation:

"Candid" means truthful or honest, so "honest" is the correct answer. "Deceitful" is an antonym of "candid" and "honest"; it means dishonest or trying to trick someone. "Gigantic" means extremely large. "Persuasive" means very convincing. "Injured" means hurt or having an injury.

Example Question #1158 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DUBIOUS

Possible Answers:

Disrespectful

Forgetful

Cumbersome 

Unsure 

Regretful

Correct answer:

Unsure 

Explanation:

“Dubious” means questioning or questionable. If a person is “dubious” about something, they are uncertain or unsure. To help, "cumbersome" means heavy or hard to manage. So, for example, full suitcases could be cumbersome. To provide further help, "regretful" means wishing that you had either done something you did not do or not done something you did

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