SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1473 : Synonyms

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

ASTONISHING

Possible Answers:

Astounding

Astral

Celestial

Astronomical

Stellar

Correct answer:

Astounding

Explanation:

"Astonishing" and "astounding" are synonyms. The other words, "astronomical," "astral,"  "stellar," and "celestial," all describe the sky, stars, and space! Note that astronomical and astral share a root!

Example Question #1474 : Synonyms

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

TYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Abnormal

Extraordinary

Unusual

Uncommon

Representative

Correct answer:

Representative

Explanation:

The words "typical" and "representative" can be used to describe something with distinctive qualities. The other words do not have meanings that are as closely related those of "typical" and "representative." In fact, the other answer choices are antonyms of the word "typical."

Example Question #1475 : Synonyms

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

SIMPLE

Possible Answers:

Facile

Rebellious

Symptomatic

Rude

Complex

Correct answer:

Facile

Explanation:

The words "simple" and "facile" are synonyms. The other words do not have related meanings. "Rude" and "rebellious" are somewhat related to each other but not to the word "simple." "Symptomatic" is not at all relevant, as it is a medical term referring to showing symptoms of a disease or illness. Finally, the word "complex" is actually an antonym of the word "simple."

Example Question #1476 : Synonyms

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

ORTHODOX

Possible Answers:

Traditional

Secular

Effusive

Apocryphal

Toilsome

Correct answer:

Traditional

Explanation:

"Orthodox" means "traditional," according to the book, or conservative.

"Apocryphal" means questionable, fake, inaccurate.

"Effusive" means gushing, profuse or unrestrained.

"Toilsome" means difficult or laborious

"Secular" means not spiritual or religious.

Example Question #1477 : Synonyms

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

WOEFUL

Possible Answers:

Frantic

Sturdy

Unhinged

Repulsive

Pathetic

Correct answer:

Pathetic

Explanation:

The adjective "woeful" means terribly sad and pitiful, pathetic and tragic. Additionally, "repulsive" means gross, disgusting, not attractive; "frantic" means hurried, stressed; "sturdy" means reliable, strong and firm, unlikely to fall over or break; "unhinged" means disturbed, mentally imbalanced, crazy.

Example Question #1478 : Synonyms

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

SPORADIC

Possible Answers:

Frequent

Common

Occasional

Dependable

Immediate

Correct answer:

Occasional

Explanation:

"Sporadic" is an adjective defined as occurring at irregular intervals. The term "occasional means occurring, appearing, or done infrequently. This makes "occasional" the correct answer as a synonym "sporadic."

Example Question #1479 : Synonyms

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

ECLECTIC

Possible Answers:

Limited

Scarce

Varied

Colorful

Tasteful

Correct answer:

Varied

Explanation:

The correct answer is "varied." "Eclectic" is an adjective defined as broad and diverse range of sources.

Varied means showing "variation or variety," making it a synonym of "eclectic."

Example Question #1480 : Synonyms

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

AGGREGATE

Possible Answers:

Total

Unreliable

Firm

Nothing

Mutual

Correct answer:

Total

Explanation:

The noun and adjective "aggregate" refers to the sum of multiple parts, the total, the whole. To "aggregate" means to form or calculate a whole from multiple parts. Additionally, "mutual" means shared; "unreliable" means not reliable, not trustworthy, not responsible.

Example Question #1481 : Synonyms

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

RICKETY

Possible Answers:

Unstable

Implied

Indecisive

Improbable

Unlucky

Correct answer:

Unstable

Explanation:

The adjective "rickety" means shaky, unsteady, poorly made and likely to fall. Additionally, "implied" means not directly stated, but suggested; "improbable" means not likely to happen; "indecisive" means hesitant, not able to decide between two or more options.

Example Question #1482 : Synonyms

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

ENGAGING

Possible Answers:

Cohesive

Repulsive

Interesting

Meticulous

Comprehensive

Correct answer:

Interesting

Explanation:

The adjective "engaging" means captivating, charming and appealing, interesting, worthy of attention. Additionally, "meticulous" means paying close attention to detail, hard-working; "repulsive" means not attractive, disgusting; "cohesive" means fitting well together, well-matched; "comprehensive" means complete, thorough, not omitting anything.

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