SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #331 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CERULEAN

Possible Answers:

Royal

Fruitful

Blue

Oceanic

Cerise

Correct answer:

Blue

Explanation:

"Cerulean" is a deep shade of blue. "Fruitful" means yielding literal fruit or figurative results, and "oceanic" is an adjective that describes something as similar to the ocean (which may well be a cerulean color!). "Royal" is an adjective that describes kings, queens, or other monarchs, and "cerise" is a cherry-colored shade of red.

Example Question #332 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GAUDY

Possible Answers:

Opaque

Distressing

Showy

Tasteful

Stressful

Correct answer:

Showy

Explanation:

"Gaudy" means overly and excessively bright, showy, and tasteless. "Showy" describes something that is flashy or striking in a way that calls too much attention to itself, and "opaque," the opposite of transparent, describes any material that cannot be seen through. "Distressing" and "stressful" both signify things that cause anxiety, worry, or stress.

Example Question #333 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRISTINE

Possible Answers:

Solid

Tainted

Defunct

Unspoiled

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Unspoiled

Explanation:

"Pristine" means unspoiled, perfect, or untouched.

"Solid" means hard, firm or stable. "Solid" is also a noun that means the state of matter that is not liquid or gas.

"Defunct" means not functioning or nonexistent.

"Tainted" means impure, dirty, or contaminated.

"Beautiful" means pleasing to the senses or physically attractive.

Example Question #334 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Harmful

Gaseous

Delicious

Beneficial

Opulent

Correct answer:

Harmful

Explanation:

"Noxious" means harmful, poisonous or something that will cause injury or death.

"Delicious" means very tasty, delightful or pleasant.

"Gaseous" means gas-like, or describes something that is in the form of gas or vapor.

"Beneficial" means good, helpful or useful.

"Opulent" means excessively luxurious, or ostentatious.

Example Question #335 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GNARLED

Possible Answers:

Misshapen

Pneumatic

Translucent

Granular

Incoherent

Correct answer:

Misshapen

Explanation:

"Gnarled" means misshapen, or knobby and lumpen. The word is often used to describe the quality of wood.

"Pneumatic" means related to air or compressed gas. For example, a pneumatic cannon is a cannon powered by compressed air. 

"Translucent" means clear or something you can see-through.

"Incoherent" means confused or difficult to understand.

"Granular" means composed of small granules or particles.

Example Question #336 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SOUR

Possible Answers:

Swarthy

Sweet

Quizzical

Tart

Husky

Correct answer:

Tart

Explanation:

"Sour" and "tart" both describe a mouth-puckering taste. "Swarthy" means dark-skinned, "husky" means strong and robust, and "quizzical" means puzzled. "Sweet" and "sour" are generally considered antonyms.

Example Question #337 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUXURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Deluxe

Infamous

Perfect

Expensive

Numerical

Correct answer:

Deluxe

Explanation:

"Luxurious" and "deluxe" both mean extremely elegant and comfortable. "Infamous" means notorious, and "numeric" means relating to numbers. "Perfect" and "flawed" are antonyms. While "luxurious" items are often "expensive," the two are not synonymous.

Example Question #338 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCUMMY

Possible Answers:

Quivering

Wavering

Elaborate

Dirty

Decisive

Correct answer:

Dirty

Explanation:

"Scummy" and "dirty" are synonyms. "Decisive" is the opposite of both indecisive and wavering. "Elaborate" means complex or complicated. To "quiver" is to shake.

Example Question #339 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RUDDY

Possible Answers:

Olive

Copper

Cerulean

Viridian

Red

Correct answer:

Red

Explanation:

"Ruddy" means red and is usually used to describe a complexion. The rest of the words are colors as well: "copper" is a metallic brown,"viridian" is green, "cerulean" is blue, and "olive" is a yellowish-green color.

Example Question #340 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GRUESOME

Possible Answers:

Shy

Yielding

Grisly

Handsome

Nosy

Correct answer:

Grisly

Explanation:

"Gruesome" and "grisly" both mean repulsive and horrible. To "yield" is to give in. To be "nosy" is to pry into other people's business. "Shy" means timid, and "handsome" means physically attractive and is usually used to describe men.

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