SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1461 : Synonyms

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

OPTIMAL

Possible Answers:

Optional

Ideal

Worst

Usable

Defective

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

"Optimal" is an adjective describing a noun that is the best or as well-suited to something as can be. Of the answer choices, "ideal" has the closest meaning. 

Example Question #1462 : Synonyms

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

RAMSHACKLE

Possible Answers:

Destructive

Pristine

Nuanced

Annoying

Dilapidated

Correct answer:

Dilapidated

Explanation:

“Ramshackle” means in very poor condition, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means in disrepair. That means that “pristine” cannot be the correct answer, because “pristine” is an adjective that can mean, spotlessperfect, or in something's original condition making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “ramshackle.” “Dilapidated,” however, is an adjective that is used of a building or object and means in disrepair, and because “dilapidated” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “ramshackle,” “dilapidated” is the correct answer.

Example Question #1463 : Synonyms

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

IMPECCABLE

Possible Answers:

Brown

Invincible

Utilitarian

Affectionate

Perfect

Correct answer:

Perfect

Explanation:

"Impeccable" means flawless, or "perfect."

Example Question #1464 : Synonyms

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

HACKNEYED

Possible Answers:

Homeless 

Original 

Trite 

Destitute

Weird

Correct answer:

Trite 

Explanation:

"Hackneyed" means trite, unoriginal or old-fashioned, so "trite" is the correct answer. For clarification, "destitute" means very poor, "original" means first or authentic, "homeless" means not having a home, and "weird" means eerie or strange.

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

SUBLIME

Possible Answers:

Denigrate 

Magnificent

Noxious 

Absolution 

Paltry 

Correct answer:

Magnificent

Explanation:

"Sublime" means perfect or awe-inspiring, so "magnificent," which means impressive, striking, or excellent, is the correct answer. For clarification, "paltry" means meager, "noxious" means toxic or poisonous, "absolution" means forgiveness, and "denigrate" means belittle or criticize.

Example Question #1465 : Synonyms

A synonym of "insipid" is . . .

Possible Answers:

exciting

ennui

quixotic

flavorful

humdrum

Correct answer:

humdrum

Explanation:

"Insipid" is an adjective that means "tasteless, flavorless, or bland" when referring to food or drink, and "unimaginative, drab, or tedious" when referring to writing, art, or ideas. While "ennui" might look like a good candidate for a synonym of "insipid," ennui is a noun that means "a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement," and while something that is insipid might cause a state of ennui, "ennui" is a noun and "insipid" an adjective, so "ennui" cannot be the correct answer. "Humdrum," however, can be used as an adjective meaning "lacking excitement or variety; dull; monotonous." Because "humdrum" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "insipid," "humdrum" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1467 : Synonyms

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

Glorious

Possible Answers:

Arrogant

Dependable

Depressing

Wonderful

Huge

Correct answer:

Wonderful

Explanation:

"Glorious" means wonderful, or having glory.

Example Question #1468 : Synonyms

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

MEDIOCRE

Possible Answers:

Exceptional

Distinct

Wonderful

Ordinary

Strange

Correct answer:

Ordinary

Explanation:

"Mediocre" means common or ordinary, so "ordinary" is the correct answer.

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

MEAGER

Possible Answers:

Scarce

Ample

Reluctant

Marginal

Deduce

Correct answer:

Scarce

Explanation:

"Meager" is an adjective that describes a very small amount. For example, "His meager meal included one piece of bread and a small cup of milk." If something is "scarce,' it is not abundant. These two words are very similar. "Ample" is an antonym to "meager."

Example Question #1466 : Synonyms

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

PROFUSE

Possible Answers:

Infinite

Benign

Abundant

Substantial

Sparse

Correct answer:

Abundant

Explanation:

"Profuse" is an adjective that means "abundant" or plentiful.

"Infinite" means limitless, or impossible to measure or calculate. "Substantial" means important, large, or valuable. "Benign" means gentle or kind, and in medical terms means not harmful. "Sparse" is an antonym of "profuse" and means few or infrequent.

 

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