SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1214 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCURRYING

Possible Answers:

Slow

Leisurely

Melodious

Hurried

Sedate

Correct answer:

Hurried

Explanation:

To "scurry" is to hurry or to move quickly. "Sedate" and "leisurely" both mean slow, and all three words are antonyms of "scurrying." "Melodious" is the adjective form of "melody" and can mean pleasant-sounding or harmonious.

Example Question #1215 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PLUNGING

Possible Answers:

Clogging

Diving

Clearing

Sonic

Dashing

Correct answer:

Diving

Explanation:

"Plunging" means diving or jumping quickly. To "clog" and to "clear" are opposite actions; the first means to obstruct and the second means to remove an obstruction. "Dashing" means stylish or handsome, and "sonic" is the adjective form of "sound."

Example Question #1411 : Synonyms

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

BOLTING

Possible Answers:

Calculating

Darting

Stifling

Scheming

Sluggish

Correct answer:

Darting

Explanation:

"Bolting" and "darting" both describe sudden swift movements. "Sluggish" means slow and inactive. "Stifling" can mean either very hot or very oppressive and controlling, depending on the context. "Calculating" and "scheming" are synonyms.

Example Question #1412 : Synonyms

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

GLIDING

Possible Answers:

Embracing

Crawling

Leaping

Sliding

Longing

Correct answer:

Sliding

Explanation:

To "glide" is to slide or move smoothly. "Longing" means nostalgic or wistful. To "leap" is to jump, and to "crawl" is to move forward haltingly on hands and knees. "Embracing" means hugging, holding, or accepting.

Example Question #1413 : Synonyms

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

AMBLING

Possible Answers:

Violent

Humble

Amiable

Darting

Strolling

Correct answer:

Strolling

Explanation:

To "amble" is to walk or stroll in a leisurely manner. To "dart" is to move quickly and suddenly. "Violent" means brutal or vicious, "amiable" means friendly or pleasant, and "humble" means modest.

Example Question #1414 : Synonyms

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

SQUIRMING

Possible Answers:

Wriggling

Variegated

Highlighted

Buzzing

Tortured 

Correct answer:

Wriggling

Explanation:

To 'squirm" is to wriggle or writhe. To "buzz" is to make a vibrating or humming sound. "Variegated" means having patches or spots of different colors. "Highlighted" means emphasized or underscored.

Example Question #1415 : Synonyms

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

SLOUCHED

Possible Answers:

Slumped

Dawdling

Wistful

Hurried

Upright

Correct answer:

Slumped

Explanation:

To "slouch" is to slump or adopt a drooping posture, and "upright" is a good antonym for "slouched." "Hurried" and "hasty" are synonyms. "Dawdling" and "lingering" are synonyms. "Longing" and "wistful" are synonyms.

Example Question #1416 : Synonyms

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

FLAILING

Possible Answers:

Grinning hungrily

Smiling broadly

Peeking slyly

Shouting angrily

Waving wildly

Correct answer:

Waving wildly

Explanation:

To "flail" is to wave or thrash around wildly. To "smile" and to "grin" are near synonyms. To "shout" and to "scream" are near synonyms as well. To "peek" is to glance quickly or stealthily.

Example Question #1417 : Synonyms

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

GALLOPING

Possible Answers:

Racing

Declaiming

Dawdling

Exclaiming

Hesitating

Correct answer:

Racing

Explanation:

A "gallop" is the fastest gait at which a horse can run, so "racing" is the best synonym for "galloping." To "hesitate" is to pause, to "exclaim" is to cry out, and to "declaim" is to deliver a speech. "Dawdling" and "lingering" are synonyms.

Example Question #1418 : Synonyms

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

DARTING

Possible Answers:

Dashing

Obscuring

Unnerving

Exclaiming

Exclamatory

Correct answer:

Dashing

Explanation:

Both "darting" and "dashing" describe quick, sudden movements, so they are the closest synonyms. To "obscure" is to hide or conceal, and to "exclaim" is to cry out. "Exclamatory" means in the manner of an exclamation. "Unnerving" means discouraging or unsettling.

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