All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1151 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SEETHE
Simmer
Inhabit
Anger
Dispatch
Repudiate
Simmer
"Seethe" is a verb that when used of liquids, means "bubble up as a result of being boiled," and when used of people, "be filled with intense but unexpressed anger." Since none of the answer choices appear to mean "bubble up" or "boil," we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "be filled with unexpressed anger." "Anger" might look like the best answer choice, but as a verb, it means "make angry"; since its meaning isn't that close to "seethe," it can't be the correct answer. "Simmer," a verb which can mean "be in a state of suppressed anger or excitement," is the best answer choice and the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "seethe."
Example Question #1152 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BADGER
Unlimited
Desire
Pester
Angry
Premeditated
Pester
A "badger" is an animal, similar to a skunk, but much larger and with a very bad temper. The word "badger" can also be used as an adjective meaning to pester or bother. An example is, "Sam's mother continued to badger him about picking up his clothes."
Example Question #1153 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BALE
Suitcase
Bundle
Throw
Wet
Indifferent
Bundle
Spelled this way, "bale" is a noun meaning a bundle prepared for transportation or storage. It is often associated with hay or cotton. For instance, "The groom spread another bale of hay over the floor of the horse's stall." Spelled "bail," this word is a verb with multiple meanings.
Example Question #1154 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VOLATILE
Terrifying
Loathsome
Static
Erratic
Memorable
Erratic
"Volatile" is an adjective with two meanings. Here, "volatile" means erratic or liable to change unpredictably. The second definition of "volatile" is scientific, and means evaporates at room temperature.
"Static" means not moving or changing. "Memorable" means able to be remembered. "Terrifying" means causes extreme fear. "Loathsome" means hateful or repulsive.
Example Question #1155 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PALLETE
Inscribe
Scribble
Author
Taste
Pen
Taste
The word "pallete" can be used in statements about people's sense of taste. The other words may be slightly related to the word pallete, but the meanings in this sense would not be close enough to call them synonymous.
Example Question #1156 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRESS
Politician
Conspiracy
Media
Freedom
Criminal
Media
The "press" and the "media" can both refer to journalists as a group. The other nouns do not have directly related meanings and are not synonymous with "press," but are topics often covered by the "press."
Example Question #1157 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
POLICE
Oversee
Punish
Cheat
Imprison
Lie
Oversee
The verbs "police"—yes, the word "police" can be used as a verb too—and "oversee" are synonymous. The other words ("imprison," "punish," "lie," etc.) might have indirectly related meanings, but they are not synonymous with "police" when used as a verb.
Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BLEMISH
Clean
Purify
Cleanse
Ruin
Hurt
Ruin
"Blemish," means to spoil the appearance of (something). The term ruin is a synonym of "blemish," making it the correct answer. "Purify" means to remove contaminants from. The word "hurt" means to cause physical harm or injury. The terms "cleanse" and "clean" are defined similarly; to make (something) thoroughly clean/free from dirt.
Example Question #1158 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ASSESS
Charge
Fix
Bring
Cancel
Find
Charge
The verb "assess" usually means to evaluate, to judge the nature of something, to decide what one thinks of something. However, it also has a second common meaning which is to charge. So, to be "assessed repairs" is to be charged for repairs.
Example Question #1159 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FANCY
Multitude
Liking
Coincidence
Phantom
Esteem
Liking
"Fancy" can be an adjective meaning elaborate and decorative. "Fancy" can also be a noun meaning taste or inclination. With this second definition in mind, liking is a synonym and therefore the correct answer.
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All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
