SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1341 : Synonyms

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

EXTANT

Possible Answers:

Nearby

Remaining

Destroyed

Talkative

Dismissive

Correct answer:

Remaining

Explanation:

“Extant” is an adjective that means “still in existence; surviving,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “still in existence.” That means that “destroyed” cannot be the correct answer, because “destroyed” is an antonym, not a synonym, of “extant.” “Remaining,” however, when used as an adjective, can mean “still existing, present, or in use; surviving,” and because “remaining” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “extant,” “remaining” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1342 : Synonyms

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

INNATE

Possible Answers:

Introspective

Inherent 

Persuasive 

Determined 

Dogged

Correct answer:

Inherent 

Explanation:

"Innate" means something naturally present; it is therefore most similar in meaning to “inherent.” For clarification, "introspective" means internally self-reflective; "persuasive" means argues convincingly; "dogged" and "determined" are synonyms.

Example Question #531 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INNATE

Possible Answers:

Frequent 

Assimilated 

Imaginary 

Instinctual

Adopted 

Correct answer:

Instinctual

Explanation:

A quality that is “innate” is natural, instinctual, and not learned, so "instinctual" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "innate": “assimilated” means integrated into a new society or place; “frequent” means often; “imaginary” means made up, invented, and not real.

Example Question #532 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PRECISE

Possible Answers:

Interesting

Open

Specific

Vague

Slow

Correct answer:

Specific

Explanation:

"Precise" means strictly stated or defined; therefore, "specific" is the best answer, as it means explicit or definite.

Example Question #1345 : Synonyms

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

INNATE

Possible Answers:

inborn

supported

mad

learned

in agreement

Correct answer:

inborn

Explanation:

"Innate" means that something, like a talent, is inborn, natural.

Example Question #1151 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SKEPTICAL

Possible Answers:

Efficient 

Doubtful 

Supportive 

Bellicose

Vivacious 

Correct answer:

Doubtful 

Explanation:

When people are "skeptical" about something they are doubtful about that thing, so "doubtful" is the correct answer. For clarification, "bellicose" means aggressive, "vivacious" means full of energy, "supportive" means encouraging, and "efficient" means achieving a goal without wasting time, money, or effort.

Example Question #1154 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

None of those mentioned

Misunderstood 

Unclear 

Clear 

Understood 

Correct answer:

Unclear 

Explanation:

If something is "ambiguous" it is unclear or mysterious.

Example Question #1152 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Unclear

Itinerant 

Parody 

Vigorous 

Established 

Correct answer:

Unclear

Explanation:

“Ambiguous” means having multiple possible meanings. Something that is "ambiguous" is also "unclear," so "unclear" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "ambiguous": “established” means set up or accepted; a “parody” is a work that mimics another in order to mock it; “itinerant” means wandering or nomadic; and “vigorous” means strong and energetic.

Example Question #535 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

DUBIOUS

Possible Answers:

Deliberate

Doubtful

Inconsiderate

Certain

Thoughtful

Correct answer:

Doubtful

Explanation:

"Dubious" means doubtful.

Words you may not know:

  • "Deliberate" means carefully considered; intentional.
  • "Inconsiderate" means not considerate. The prefix "in-" means not.

Example Question #536 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DUBIOUS

Possible Answers:

Dilatory 

Remedy 

Inundate 

Doubtful 

Serendipitous 

Correct answer:

Doubtful 

Explanation:

If you are "dubious" about something, you are unsure or doubtful about the outcome. For clarification, "serendipitous" means owed to good fortune or unexpected, "dilatory" means slow or lacking, "inundate" means overwhelm or flood, and "remedy" means to fix.

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