SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #321 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DECREPIT

Possible Answers:

Pessimistic

Scandalous

Dilapidated

Suspicious

Skeptical

Correct answer:

Dilapidated

Explanation:

"Decrepit" and "dilapidated" both mean old, worn out, or falling apart due to neglect. Someone who is skeptical has doubts or is unconvinced, and someone who is suspicious also has doubts or distrust. "Pessimistic," the opposite of optimistic, means having a negative outlook on life, and "scandalous" means disgraceful or outrageous.

Example Question #322 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NONDESCRIPT

Possible Answers:

Functional

Silent

Unremarkable

Magnificent

Unusual

Correct answer:

Unremarkable

Explanation:

"Nondescript" describes something that lacks distinct or interesting characteristics, something that is not remarkable in any way. Something silent makes no noise, something functional works or functions correctly, and something unusual is strange or out of the ordinary. "Magnificent" is a word meaning beautiful, excellent, or striking.

Example Question #323 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAMP  

Possible Answers:

Moist

Deep

Nocturnal

Dismal

Earthy

Correct answer:

Moist

Explanation:

"Damp" means slightly wet or moist. Deep means the opposite of shallow, and "nocturnal" means taking place at night. "Earthy" is a word that can describe soil or hearty, strong people. "Dismal" means depressing and gloomy.

Example Question #324 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GAUZY 

Possible Answers:

Translucent

Fashionable

Too loud

Talkative

Showy

Correct answer:

Translucent

Explanation:

"Gauzy," which is often used to describe veil-like fabric, means thin and translucent. "Fashionable" means stylish and is often used to describe people or clothing. "Showy" means having a striking or flashy appearance, often drawing too much attention to itself. Someone who is "talkative" is very chatty and talks frequently.

Example Question #325 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VACANT

Possible Answers:

Cautious

Grim

Free

Unoccupied

Obnoxious

Correct answer:

Unoccupied

Explanation:

"Vacant" means empty or unoccupied. "Free" means uncontrolled or unrestrained by others; "cautious" means wary or careful. "Grim" means depressing or forbidding, and often describes situations or people's expressions. "Obnoxious" means offensive and annoying.

Example Question #326 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCINTILLATING

Possible Answers:

Cruel

Sparkling

Distinct

Dreary

Capacious

Correct answer:

Sparkling

Explanation:

"Scintillating" means sparkling or shiny. "Dreary," a near opposite, means dull and depressing. "Distinct" means distinguishable or easily recognizable and different from other things; "cruel" means intentionally and carelessly causing pain to others. "Capacious" means roomy or full of space, as in a capacious cavern or ballroom.

Example Question #327 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PIERCING

Possible Answers:

Punishing

Swift

Chilly

Monotonous

Keen

Correct answer:

Keen

Explanation:

"Keen" and "piercing" both mean sharp, penetrating, or biting. "Chilly" means cool, either figuratively or literally, and swift means quick. "Monotonous," on the other hand, means dull, repetitious, tedious, and uninteresting.

Example Question #328 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FUCHSIA

Possible Answers:

Beautiful

Turgid

Lukewarm

Savory

Pink

Correct answer:

Pink

Explanation:

"Fuchsia" is a purplish pink color. "Savory" means appetizing and good tasting; "lukewarm" describes the temperature between hot and cold (room temperature). "Turgid" means stiff or swollen. "Beautiful" means very pretty or otherwise aesthetically pleasing.

Example Question #329 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRANSPARENT

Possible Answers:

Clear

Rigid

Broken

Murky

Optimistic

Correct answer:

Clear

Explanation:

Something "transparent" either allows light to pass through it or is easy to perceive. "Optimistic", the opposite of pessimistic, means having a positive and hopeful outlook. "Broken" means not working, not functional. "Murky" can mean dark and gloomy or it can mean unclear and not well explained. "Rigid" means stiff and unbending.

Example Question #330 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DRAB

Possible Answers:

Dull

Tiny

Corrugated

Minuscule

Vigorous

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

"Drab" means dreary, dull, and/or uninteresting. "Tiny" and "minuscule" both mean very small. "Corrugated" describes a ridged or grooved material. "Vigorous" means strong and energetic.

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