SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1221 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BOLTING

Possible Answers:

Darting

Calculating

Sluggish

Scheming

Stifling

Correct answer:

Darting

Explanation:

"Bolting" and "darting" both describe sudden swift movements. "Sluggish" means slow and inactive. "Stifling" can mean either very hot or very oppressive and controlling, depending on the context. "Calculating" and "scheming" are synonyms.

Example Question #1222 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLIDING

Possible Answers:

Crawling

Embracing

Leaping

Sliding

Longing

Correct answer:

Sliding

Explanation:

To "glide" is to slide or move smoothly. "Longing" means nostalgic or wistful. To "leap" is to jump, and to "crawl" is to move forward haltingly on hands and knees. "Embracing" means hugging, holding, or accepting.

Example Question #1223 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBLING

Possible Answers:

Darting

Humble

Amiable

Violent

Strolling

Correct answer:

Strolling

Explanation:

To "amble" is to walk or stroll in a leisurely manner. To "dart" is to move quickly and suddenly. "Violent" means brutal or vicious, "amiable" means friendly or pleasant, and "humble" means modest.

Example Question #1224 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SQUIRMING

Possible Answers:

Highlighted

Wriggling

Tortured 

Variegated

Buzzing

Correct answer:

Wriggling

Explanation:

To 'squirm" is to wriggle or writhe. To "buzz" is to make a vibrating or humming sound. "Variegated" means having patches or spots of different colors. "Highlighted" means emphasized or underscored.

Example Question #1225 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SLOUCHED

Possible Answers:

Dawdling

Hurried

Upright

Slumped

Wistful

Correct answer:

Slumped

Explanation:

To "slouch" is to slump or adopt a drooping posture, and "upright" is a good antonym for "slouched." "Hurried" and "hasty" are synonyms. "Dawdling" and "lingering" are synonyms. "Longing" and "wistful" are synonyms.

Example Question #1226 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FLAILING

Possible Answers:

Shouting angrily

Grinning hungrily

Waving wildly

Peeking slyly

Smiling broadly

Correct answer:

Waving wildly

Explanation:

To "flail" is to wave or thrash around wildly. To "smile" and to "grin" are near synonyms. To "shout" and to "scream" are near synonyms as well. To "peek" is to glance quickly or stealthily.

Example Question #1227 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GALLOPING

Possible Answers:

Dawdling

Exclaiming

Hesitating

Racing

Declaiming

Correct answer:

Racing

Explanation:

A "gallop" is the fastest gait at which a horse can run, so "racing" is the best synonym for "galloping." To "hesitate" is to pause, to "exclaim" is to cry out, and to "declaim" is to deliver a speech. "Dawdling" and "lingering" are synonyms.

Example Question #1228 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DARTING

Possible Answers:

Exclamatory

Exclaiming

Dashing

Unnerving

Obscuring

Correct answer:

Dashing

Explanation:

Both "darting" and "dashing" describe quick, sudden movements, so they are the closest synonyms. To "obscure" is to hide or conceal, and to "exclaim" is to cry out. "Exclamatory" means in the manner of an exclamation. "Unnerving" means discouraging or unsettling.

Example Question #1229 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SWAGGERING

Possible Answers:

Sedate

Selfish

Scolding

Vicious

Strutting

Correct answer:

Strutting

Explanation:

"Swaggering" and "strutting" both describe a type of walk full of confidence and arrogance. "Selfish" means the opposite of selfless, and "vicious" means violent or cruel. "Sedate" means calm and quiet. To "scold" is to reprimand or chastise.

Example Question #1230 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TWISTY

Possible Answers:

Very painful

Infuriating

Yellowed

Edible

Tortuous

Correct answer:

Tortuous

Explanation:

"Tortuous" and "twisty" both mean winding, full of twists and turns. "Edible" means able to be eaten, "infuriating" means maddening, and "yellowed" means turned yellow (usually because of age). "Painful" is a near synonym for torturous, the word used to describe torture, but that is a different word from tortuous.

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