SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1411 : Synonyms

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

SCURRYING

Possible Answers:

Sedate

Melodious

Slow

Leisurely

Hurried

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 #1412 : Synonyms

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

PLUNGING

Possible Answers:

Dashing

Sonic

Clearing

Diving

Clogging

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 #1413 : Synonyms

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

BOLTING

Possible Answers:

Calculating

Scheming

Stifling

Sluggish

Darting

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 #1414 : Synonyms

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

GLIDING

Possible Answers:

Leaping

Longing

Crawling

Embracing

Sliding

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 #1415 : Synonyms

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

AMBLING

Possible Answers:

Humble

Darting

Violent

Strolling

Amiable

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 #1416 : Synonyms

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

SQUIRMING

Possible Answers:

Variegated

Wriggling

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 #1417 : Synonyms

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

SLOUCHED

Possible Answers:

Upright

Wistful

Hurried

Dawdling

Slumped

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 #1418 : Synonyms

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

FLAILING

Possible Answers:

Smiling broadly

Shouting angrily

Peeking slyly

Grinning hungrily

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 #1419 : Synonyms

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

GALLOPING

Possible Answers:

Declaiming

Exclaiming

Hesitating

Dawdling

Racing

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 #1420 : Synonyms

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

DARTING

Possible Answers:

Exclamatory

Obscuring

Exclaiming

Dashing

Unnerving

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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