SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #651 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMPECCABLE

Possible Answers:

Invincible

Perfect

Brown

Affectionate

Utilitarian

Correct answer:

Perfect

Explanation:

"Impeccable" means flawless, or "perfect."

Example Question #652 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

HACKNEYED

Possible Answers:

Destitute

Trite 

Original 

Homeless 

Weird

Correct answer:

Trite 

Explanation:

"Hackneyed" means trite, unoriginal or old-fashioned, so "trite" is the correct answer. For clarification, "destitute" means very poor, "original" means first or authentic, "homeless" means not having a home, and "weird" means eerie or strange.

Example Question #653 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SUBLIME

Possible Answers:

Magnificent

Paltry 

Denigrate 

Absolution 

Noxious 

Correct answer:

Magnificent

Explanation:

"Sublime" means perfect or awe-inspiring, so "magnificent," which means impressive, striking, or excellent, is the correct answer. For clarification, "paltry" means meager, "noxious" means toxic or poisonous, "absolution" means forgiveness, and "denigrate" means belittle or criticize.

Example Question #654 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "insipid" is . . .

Possible Answers:

exciting

ennui

flavorful

quixotic

humdrum

Correct answer:

humdrum

Explanation:

"Insipid" is an adjective that means "tasteless, flavorless, or bland" when referring to food or drink, and "unimaginative, drab, or tedious" when referring to writing, art, or ideas. While "ennui" might look like a good candidate for a synonym of "insipid," ennui is a noun that means "a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement," and while something that is insipid might cause a state of ennui, "ennui" is a noun and "insipid" an adjective, so "ennui" cannot be the correct answer. "Humdrum," however, can be used as an adjective meaning "lacking excitement or variety; dull; monotonous." Because "humdrum" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "insipid," "humdrum" is the correct answer.

Example Question #655 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

Glorious

Possible Answers:

Dependable

Depressing

Arrogant

Huge

Wonderful

Correct answer:

Wonderful

Explanation:

"Glorious" means wonderful, or having glory.

Example Question #1462 : Synonyms

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

MEDIOCRE

Possible Answers:

Ordinary

Distinct

Strange

Exceptional

Wonderful

Correct answer:

Ordinary

Explanation:

"Mediocre" means common or ordinary, so "ordinary" is the correct answer.

Example Question #656 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MEAGER

Possible Answers:

Scarce

Marginal

Reluctant

Ample

Deduce

Correct answer:

Scarce

Explanation:

"Meager" is an adjective that describes a very small amount. For example, "His meager meal included one piece of bread and a small cup of milk." If something is "scarce,' it is not abundant. These two words are very similar. "Ample" is an antonym to "meager."

Example Question #657 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PROFUSE

Possible Answers:

Substantial

Infinite

Sparse

Abundant

Benign

Correct answer:

Abundant

Explanation:

"Profuse" is an adjective that means "abundant" or plentiful.

"Infinite" means limitless, or impossible to measure or calculate. "Substantial" means important, large, or valuable. "Benign" means gentle or kind, and in medical terms means not harmful. "Sparse" is an antonym of "profuse" and means few or infrequent.

 

Example Question #658 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MEAGER

Possible Answers:

Impatient

Notorious

Insufficient 

Bountiful 

Anticipatory

Correct answer:

Insufficient 

Explanation:

There is a false root word (eager) which should not be misidentified here. The true meaning of meager is most nearly "not enough" or insufficient. "Bountiful" is an antonym to "meager." "Anticipatory" means something that anticipates or precedes something else. To be "notorious" is to be famous or renowned for a dubious reason

Example Question #659 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Dull

Limited

Myrtle

Multitude

Lacking

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

"Myriad" and "multitude" both describe a great quantity of something. These words are synonymous. The other words do not have meanings related to the word "myriad." "Myrtle" is a kind of evergreen shrub. It is not related in meaning to the word "myriad."

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