SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

DESOLATE

Possible Answers:

Bright

Temporary

Empty

Desperate

Friendly

Correct answer:

Empty

Explanation:

"Desolate" is an adjective defined as barren or deserted. Of the answer choices, "empty" has the closest meaning.

Example Question #592 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LINEAR

Possible Answers:

Skillful

Fresh

Angered

Grimy

Straight

Correct answer:

Straight

Explanation:

"Linear" means ordered in a straight line, so "straight" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "linear": "angered" means angry or upset; "grimy" means dirty or filthy; "skillful" means being an expert at a certain activity; and "fresh" means new and recent.

Example Question #593 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

REMOTE

Possible Answers:

Robust 

Impassive 

Distant 

Keen 

Ravenous

Correct answer:

Distant 

Explanation:

If someone or something is "remote," that person or thing is distant and hard to reach. For clarification, "impassive" means not caring, "keen" means eager, "robust" means healthy or vigorous, and "ravenous" means very hungry.

Example Question #594 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CONGESTED

Possible Answers:

Clear

Empty

Unethical

Blocked up

Disgusting

Correct answer:

Blocked up

Explanation:

"Congested" means blocked up.

Example Question #595 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ARCHAIC

Possible Answers:

Eternal

Permanent

Ephemeral

New

Antiquated

Correct answer:

Antiquated

Explanation:

"Archaic" means "antiquated" or having the characteristics of an earlier period.

"Permanent" means everlasting, existing perpetually.

"Ephemeral" means lasting a very short time.

"Eternal" means without beginning or end, always existing.

"New" means of recent origin.

Example Question #596 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DORMANT

Possible Answers:

Inactive

Immaculate

Rock-like

Active

Abnormal

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Dormant" means inactive or sleeping.

"Immaculate" means completely clean, or devoid of any corruption.

"Abnormal" means not normal, strange or bizarre.

"Rock-like" means having the quality of a rock, and often is used to mean steadfast or loyal.

"Active" means alive or in a state of movement.

Example Question #597 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

TEMPORARY

Possible Answers:

Temptation

Temperament

Temperature

Temple

Temporal

Correct answer:

Temporal

Explanation:

Although all of these words share a similar root (temp-), the word "temporal" is closest in meaning to the word "temporary." Both words can be used to refer to a period of time.

Example Question #598 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SPUN

Possible Answers:

Sarcastic

Handcrafted

Narrative

Revolved

Sardonic

Correct answer:

Revolved

Explanation:

Something that "revolves" spins around. "Handcrafted" means made by hand, and "narrative" is the adjective form of narration (storytelling). "Sarcastic" and "sardonic" are synonyms, and both indicate the use of irony in order to mock.

Example Question #599 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SCURRYING

Possible Answers:

Melodious

Slow

Leisurely

Sedate

Hurried

Correct answer:

Hurried

Explanation:

To "scurry" is to hurry or to move quickly. "Sedate" and "leisurely" both mean slow, and all three words are antonyms of "scurrying." "Melodious" is the adjective form of "melody" and can mean pleasant-sounding or harmonious.

Example Question #600 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PLUNGING

Possible Answers:

Diving

Sonic

Clogging

Clearing

Dashing

Correct answer:

Diving

Explanation:

"Plunging" means diving or jumping quickly. To "clog" and to "clear" are opposite actions; the first means to obstruct and the second means to remove an obstruction. "Dashing" means stylish or handsome, and "sonic" is the adjective form of "sound."

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