SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #741 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DRABLY

Possible Answers:

Brightly

Dully

Cheerily

Pessimistically

Greenly

Correct answer:

Dully

Explanation:

"Drab" means dull or colorless and is an antonym of "bright." "Cheery" means optimistic or happy and is an antonym of "pessimistic." Because "green" is a specific color, it's obviously not a good fit for a word that means "colorless."

Example Question #742 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPERATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Minutely

Gigantically

Lovingly

Royally

Importantly

Correct answer:

Importantly

Explanation:

Something "imperative" is very important or essential. Something "minute" is tiny; something "gigantic" is huge. "Royal" and "imperious" are both words related to ruling, so it would be easy to confuse "imperious" (commanding, arrogant) with imperative. "Lovingly" and "tenderly" are synonyms.

Example Question #743 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRODUCTIVELY

Possible Answers:

Concurrently

Passively

Fruitfully

Finally

Perilously

Correct answer:

Fruitfully

Explanation:

To be "productive" is to be fruitful or bear many results. "Concurrent" means happening at the same time as another event; "final" means coming at the end. "Passively" and "actively" are antonyms. "Perilously" (dangerously) and "safely" are also antonyms.

Example Question #744 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARROGANTLY

Possible Answers:

Haughtily

Hastily

Tidily

Triumphantly

Bravely

Correct answer:

Haughtily

Explanation:

Someone "arrogant" is haughty, stuck up, or conceited. Something "hasty" is hurried, something "tidy" is neat and orderly, and something "triumphant" is victorious. "Brave" is a good synonym for "courageous."

Example Question #745 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MYSTERIOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Wittily

Hauntingly

Cleverly

Enigmatically

Glumly

Correct answer:

Enigmatically

Explanation:

Another name for a "mystery" is an enigma. While "mysteries" may be "haunting" (emotional or eerie), the two words are not necessarily synonymous. "Cleverly" and "wittily" are synonyms. "Glum" means dejected or gloomy.

Example Question #471 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SHODDILY

Possible Answers:

Childishly

Gloomily

Cheaply

Impoverished

Dingily

Correct answer:

Cheaply

Explanation:

"Shoddy" work is work that is cheaply or poorly made. "Dingy" means gloomy and dark. "Childish" and "mature" are near antonyms, as are "wealthy" and "impoverished."

Example Question #472 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MOCKINGLY

Possible Answers:

Scornfully

Perilously

Robustly

Preciously

Vigorously

Correct answer:

Scornfully

Explanation:

To "mock" someone or something is to express scorn or contempt for that person or thing. "Robust" means strong, sturdy, or vigorous. "Precious" means valuable or beloved. "Perilous" means dangerous.

Example Question #473 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ROBUSTLY

Possible Answers:

Sinfully

Strongly

Incorruptibly

Healthily

Talkatively

Correct answer:

Strongly

Explanation:

"Robust" means sturdy, strong, vigorous, or energetic. "Healthy" and "sick" are antonyms, as are "incorruptible" and "sinful." "Talkative" and "taciturn" (quiet) are also antonyms.

Example Question #474 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

HONESTLY

Possible Answers:

Femininely

Soothingly

Comfortingly

Incorruptibly

Egocentrically

Correct answer:

Incorruptibly

Explanation:

To be "incorruptible" is to be "honest" and unable to be led astray by others. "Feminine" and "masculine" are antonyms, as are "egocentric" and "selfless." To "soothe" is to calm someone or alleviate his/her discomfort, which makes it a close synonym to the verb to comfort.

Example Question #475 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DASHINGLY

Possible Answers:

Stylishly

Unattractively

Clumsily

Patronizingly

Condescendingly

Correct answer:

Stylishly

Explanation:

"Dashing" means lively, spirited, stylish, or attractive. It is a near antonym of "unattractive." "Clumsy" means awkward or uncoordinated. To "patronize" someone is to treat him or her condescendingly or look down on him or her.

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