SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1421 : Synonyms

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

SWAGGERING

Possible Answers:

Strutting

Sedate

Scolding

Selfish

Vicious

Correct answer:

Strutting

Explanation:

"Swaggering" and "strutting" both describe a type of walk full of confidence and arrogance. "Selfish" means the opposite of selfless, and "vicious" means violent or cruel. "Sedate" means calm and quiet. To "scold" is to reprimand or chastise.

Example Question #1422 : Synonyms

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

TWISTY

Possible Answers:

Very painful

Yellowed

Edible

Tortuous

Infuriating

Correct answer:

Tortuous

Explanation:

"Tortuous" and "twisty" both mean winding, full of twists and turns. "Edible" means able to be eaten, "infuriating" means maddening, and "yellowed" means turned yellow (usually because of age). "Painful" is a near synonym for torturous, the word used to describe torture, but that is a different word from tortuous.

Example Question #1423 : Synonyms

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

WINDING

Possible Answers:

Mechanical

Circuitous

Direct

Automatic

Electrical

Correct answer:

Circuitous

Explanation:

A "circuitous" path is one that weaves and winds; it is indirect. While circuits sometimes are electrical, the two adjectives are not synonymous. "Mechanical" and "automatic" can be synonyms.

Example Question #1424 : Synonyms

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

DASHING

Possible Answers:

Bolting

Hideous

Northern

Gruesome

Ambling

Correct answer:

Bolting

Explanation:

To "dash" is to bolt or rush rapidly. To "amble" is to stroll or walk in a leisurely way. "Dashing" can also mean stylish and attractive, antonyms of "hideous" and "gruesome." "Northern" describes a cardinal direction.

Example Question #1425 : Synonyms

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

DAWDLING

Possible Answers:

Adverbial

Curvaceous

Efficient

Efficacious

Lingering

Correct answer:

Lingering

Explanation:

To "dawdle" or "linger" is to delay or waste time over something. "Efficacious" and "efficient" are synonyms that are both opposites of "dawdling" and "lingering." "Adverbial" describes adverbs (a part of speech). "Curvaceous" means shapely and curved and is usually used to describe women's bodies.

Example Question #1426 : Synonyms

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

ENDEMIC

Possible Answers:

Judicious

Urban

Rural

Native

Contagious

Correct answer:

Native

Explanation:

Something that is "endemic" to an area is native to that area; it originates from that area. "Contagious" is a medical word meaning infectious. "Rural" describes the countryside and is an antonym of "urban." Someone "judicious" shows good judgment.

Example Question #1427 : Synonyms

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Brainy

Harmonious

Novel

Witty

Old-fashioned

Correct answer:

Old-fashioned

Explanation:

"Antiquated" means old-fashioned or outdated. "Novel" means new or unique. "Brainy" means intelligent, and "witty" similarly means clever. "Harmonious" means either peaceful (amicable) or producing a pleasant sound (melodious).

Example Question #1428 : Synonyms

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

EXTERNAL

Possible Answers:

Central

Equable

Internal

Imperative

Peripheral

Correct answer:

Peripheral

Explanation:

"External" means "peripheral," on the edges. It is an antonym of "internal" and "central." "Imperative" means essential or very important. "Equable" means calm, cool, and collected.

Example Question #1429 : Synonyms

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

HASTY

Possible Answers:

Rigid

Hurried

Dynamic

Unvarying

Pliant

Correct answer:

Hurried

Explanation:

"Hasty" and "hurried" both mean rushed or too quick. "Unvarying," or "unchanging," is an antonym of "dynamic." "Rigid" means stiff or inflexible and is an antonym of "pliant," or "flexible."

Example Question #1430 : Synonyms

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

LURCHING

Possible Answers:

Introductory

Staggering

Gliding

Shouting

Perilous

Correct answer:

Staggering

Explanation:

To "lurch" is to stagger or to make unsteady, uncontrolled movements. "Lurching" is a near antonym to gliding, which means sliding or floating along smoothly. "Introductory" is the adjective form of introduction, and "perilous" means dangerous.

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