SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1231 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WINDING

Possible Answers:

Automatic

Electrical

Mechanical

Direct

Circuitous

Correct answer:

Circuitous

Explanation:

A "circuitous" path is one that weaves and winds; it is indirect. While circuits sometimes are electrical, the two adjectives are not synonymous. "Mechanical" and "automatic" can be synonyms.

Example Question #1232 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DASHING

Possible Answers:

Hideous

Ambling

Northern

Bolting

Gruesome

Correct answer:

Bolting

Explanation:

To "dash" is to bolt or rush rapidly. To "amble" is to stroll or walk in a leisurely way. "Dashing" can also mean stylish and attractive, antonyms of "hideous" and "gruesome." "Northern" describes a cardinal direction.

Example Question #1233 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAWDLING

Possible Answers:

Efficacious

Lingering

Adverbial

Curvaceous

Efficient

Correct answer:

Lingering

Explanation:

To "dawdle" or "linger" is to delay or waste time over something. "Efficacious" and "efficient" are synonyms that are both opposites of "dawdling" and "lingering." "Adverbial" describes adverbs (a part of speech). "Curvaceous" means shapely and curved and is usually used to describe women's bodies.

Example Question #1234 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ENDEMIC

Possible Answers:

Urban

Rural

Judicious

Native

Contagious

Correct answer:

Native

Explanation:

Something that is "endemic" to an area is native to that area; it originates from that area. "Contagious" is a medical word meaning infectious. "Rural" describes the countryside and is an antonym of "urban." Someone "judicious" shows good judgment.

Example Question #1235 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Witty

Novel

Brainy

Harmonious

Old-fashioned

Correct answer:

Old-fashioned

Explanation:

"Antiquated" means old-fashioned or outdated. "Novel" means new or unique. "Brainy" means intelligent, and "witty" similarly means clever. "Harmonious" means either peaceful (amicable) or producing a pleasant sound (melodious).

Example Question #1236 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXTERNAL

Possible Answers:

Central

Peripheral

Internal

Equable

Imperative

Correct answer:

Peripheral

Explanation:

"External" means "peripheral," on the edges. It is an antonym of "internal" and "central." "Imperative" means essential or very important. "Equable" means calm, cool, and collected.

Example Question #1237 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HASTY

Possible Answers:

Rigid

Hurried

Pliant

Unvarying

Dynamic

Correct answer:

Hurried

Explanation:

"Hasty" and "hurried" both mean rushed or too quick. "Unvarying," or "unchanging," is an antonym of "dynamic." "Rigid" means stiff or inflexible and is an antonym of "pliant," or "flexible."

Example Question #1238 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LURCHING

Possible Answers:

Staggering

Shouting

Introductory

Gliding

Perilous

Correct answer:

Staggering

Explanation:

To "lurch" is to stagger or to make unsteady, uncontrolled movements. "Lurching" is a near antonym to gliding, which means sliding or floating along smoothly. "Introductory" is the adjective form of introduction, and "perilous" means dangerous.

Example Question #1239 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERIPHERAL

Possible Answers:

Misunderstood

Optical

Comprehensive

Central

On the outskirts

Correct answer:

On the outskirts

Explanation:

"Peripheral" describes the outer edges or boundaries of something. This is an antonym for "central," which means at the middle of something. "Optical" is a word describing vision or the eyes, and while peripheral vision is a type of vision, peripheral itself does not specifically refer to vision. "Misunderstood" and "comprehensive" are opposite concepts.

Example Question #1240 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROMENADED

Possible Answers:

Strolled

Haphazard

Precise

Aimed

Marching

Correct answer:

Strolled

Explanation:

To "promenade" is to stroll or take a leisurely walk. "Promenading" is a more aimless activity than "aiming" or "marching," both of which are direct movements. "Imprecise" and "haphazard" are synonyms.

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