SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #621 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EERIE

Possible Answers:

Injured

Tranquil

Uncanny

Just

Protected

Correct answer:

Uncanny

Explanation:

“Eerie” is an adjective that means weird and scary. That means that “tranquil” cannot be the correct answer, because “tranquil” means calm, a meaning very distant from that of “eerie.” “Uncanny,” however, is an adjective that means perplexing and odd and because “uncanny” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “eerie,” “uncanny” is the correct answer.

Example Question #622 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BLATANT

Possible Answers:

Urban

Shrouded

Gloomy

Flagrant

Ecstatic

Correct answer:

Flagrant

Explanation:

"Blatant" means flagrant or performed openly, so "flagrant" is the correct answer. "Shrouded" is an antonym of "blatant" and "flagrant"; it means concealed or hidden from open view. "Gloomy" means sad or depresssed. "Ecstatic" means extremely happy. "Urban" means having to do with a city environment in contrast to a rural environment.

Example Question #623 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESPERATE

Possible Answers:

Courageous

Hopeless

Reliable

Healthy

Studious

Correct answer:

Hopeless

Explanation:

"Desperate" means "hopeless." "Studious"  means studying hard and working hard in academic pursuits. "Healthy" means in good health and free from illnesses. "Courageous" means brave. "Reliable" means dependable and responsible.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

Synonyms

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

DISMAL

Possible Answers:

weakened

miserable

obese

lethargic

shattered

Correct answer:

miserable

Explanation:

Dismal means miserable.

Example Question #624 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "illicit" is __________.

Possible Answers:

occasional

encouraged

condoned

permitted

illegal

Correct answer:

illegal

Explanation:

"Illicit" is an adjective that means "forbidden by law, rules, or custom," so we need to pick out another word that means "forbidden." While "condoned" might sound like a potentially correct answer, "condoned" means "accepted and allowed to continue" and used of things that are morally wrong or offensive, "condoned" does not mean the same thing as "illicit," so it cannot be the correct answer. Since "illegal" means "contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law," "illegal" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "illicit" and the correct answer.

Example Question #625 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUCRATIVE

Possible Answers:

Widespread

Current

Profitable

Urban

Devoted

Correct answer:

Profitable

Explanation:

"Lucrative" means profitable or able to make a lot of money, so "profitable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "lucrative": "devoted" means loyal or dedicated; "widespread" means occurring in many different places; "current" means up-to-date or happening in the present; and "urban" means having to do with cities instead of the countryside.

Example Question #626 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EGALITARIAN

Possible Answers:

Swift

Ideal

Equal

Crinkled

Equestrian

Correct answer:

Equal

Explanation:

"Egalitarian" means having to do with the idea that all people deserve to be treated equally, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "equal." As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "equal": "equestrian" means having to do with riding horses; "crinkled" means wrinkled; "ideal" means conforming to one's idea of perfection or the best possible; and "swift" means speedy or quick.

Example Question #627 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPROMPTU

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Planned

Unrehearsed

Greedy

Athletic

Correct answer:

Unrehearsed

Explanation:

"Impromptu" means unplanned, extemporaneousoff the cuff, or not scheduled in advance, so "unrehearsed," which means not rehearsed in advance, is the correct answer. "Planned" is an antonym of "impromptu"; it means organized or scheduled in advance. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "impromptu"; "athletic" means physically fit or having to do with athletes; "greedy" means overly concerned with the accumulation of money or other resources for oneself; and "faithful" means loyal and devoted.

Example Question #628 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIVISIVE

Possible Answers:

Determined 

Fractious 

Undermined 

Factious 

Regretful

Correct answer:

Factious 

Explanation:

If someone is “divisive” they cause a lot of disagreement between people and cause them to separate into different groups. "Divisive" shares a root with "division" and "divide." If you are “factious” then you are inclined to create and maintain small groups or factions. Do not mistake it for “fractious” which means causing trouble or hard to manage. To clarify, “undermined” means to make weaker or less effective, usually in a secret way; “determined” means working hard to achieve something; “regretful” means wishing you had not done something

Example Question #648 : Synonyms

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

INTRIGUING

Possible Answers:

Strict

Interesting

Formal

Colorful

Casual

Correct answer:

Interesting

Explanation:

"Intriguing," means to arousing curiosity or interest, so "interesting" is the best answer.

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