SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #611 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTENTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Laden 

Controversial

Apathetic 

Kinetic 

Umbrage 

Correct answer:

Controversial

Explanation:

"Contentious" means causing disagreement, debatable or controversial. For clarification, "apathetic" means not caring or unemotional; "kinetic" is an adjective that means relating to movement, "laden" means burdened, and "umbrage" is a feeling or resentment or offense.

Example Question #612 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROFANE

Possible Answers:

Miserly 

Disrespectful

Demanding 

Vociferous 

Polite 

Correct answer:

Disrespectful

Explanation:

"Profane" language is rude and disrespectful. For clarification, "miserly" means not generous; "vociferous" means loud and vocal.

Example Question #613 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OUTLANDISH

Possible Answers:

Exquisite

Inspiring 

Comely 

Bizarre 

Famous 

Correct answer:

Bizarre 

Explanation:

Something that is "outlandish" is bizarre and eccentric, so "bizarre," an adjective that means strange, is the correct answer. For clarification, "exquisite" means very beautiful, "comely" means attractive, "inspiring" means encouraging or motivating, and "famous" means well-known or prominent.

Example Question #614 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SINISTER

Possible Answers:

Stiff

Sturdy

Filthy

Fearful

Evil

Correct answer:

Evil

Explanation:

"Sinister" means evil or harmful, so "evil" is the correct answer. None of the answer choices are close in meaning to "sinister": "fearful" means being and appearing scared or frightened; "stiff" means rigid and inflexible; "sturdy" means strong and robust; and "filthy" means dirty or disgusting.

Example Question #615 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROSPEROUS

Possible Answers:

Detrimental 

Innocuous 

Wealthy 

Parsimonious 

Shiny

Correct answer:

Wealthy 

Explanation:

Someone who is "prosperous" is wealthy and successful, so "wealthy" is the correct answer. For clarification, "parsimonious" means not generous, and "innocuous" means innocent or not harmful and is an antonym of "detrimental," which means causing harm.

Example Question #616 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RAVENOUS

Possible Answers:

Starving

Deleterious

Harmful 

Efficient 

Harmless 

Correct answer:

Starving

Explanation:

To be "ravenous" means to be very hungry, so the correct answer is “starving,” which also means very hungry. For clarification, "deleterious" means harmful, and "efficient" means well-organized.

Example Question #617 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BALMY

Possible Answers:

Cowardly

Reflexive 

Harsh 

Soothing 

Fascinating 

Correct answer:

Soothing 

Explanation:

If something is “balmy,” it has the qualities of balm, so it is soothing. It can also be used to mean crazy or foolish. To clarify, “reflexive” means directed or turned back on itself; "cowardly” means not brave; “fascinating” means interesting; “harsh” means unpleasant or unfair.

Example Question #618 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VENERABLE

Possible Answers:

Dire 

Defenseless 

Respected

Rotund 

Collude 

Correct answer:

Respected

Explanation:

If something is “venerable,” it is respected or valued because of age. It is most similar in meaning to “respected.” To clarify the other terms, “collude” means to secretly conspire or interact with others, often to do something illegal or dishonest; “rotund” means round or fat; “dire” means terrible or perilous.

Example Question #29 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

BOURGEOIS

Possible Answers:

impoverished

a powder room

middle-class

comfortable

fancy

Correct answer:

middle-class

Explanation:

Someone who is "bourgeois" is of the middle-class.

Example Question #619 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EFFICIENT

Possible Answers:

Arduous

Effective

Dull

Unreliable

Wasteful

Correct answer:

Effective

Explanation:

"Efficient" means effective without being wasteful, so "effective" is the closest synonym.

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