SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #331 : Synonyms

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

CORPULENT

Possible Answers:

Nomadic 

Quirky 

Whimsical 

Fat 

Delirious 

Correct answer:

Fat 

Explanation:

Someone who is "corpulent" is overweight or fat, so "fat" is the correct answer. For clarification, "delirious" means insane or feverish, "quirky" means unusual and silly, and "nomadic" means wandering or itinerant.

Example Question #332 : Synonyms

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

Frail

Possible Answers:

Durable

Weak

Colorless

Sturdy

Liquid

Correct answer:

Weak

Explanation:

"Frail" means weak and feeble.

Example Question #332 : Synonyms

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

AUDIBLE

Possible Answers:

Listless

Incomplete

Faint

Hearable

Auditory

Correct answer:

Hearable

Explanation:

Audible means loud enough to be heard. An example would be, "The sound was audible even over the loud music of the marching band."

"Auditory" deals with things that are "audible," but these are not synonyms. A "faint sound" might be "barely audible," but again this is not a synonym, since loud sounds can be "clearly audible."

Example Question #333 : Synonyms

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

ROBUST

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Humongous

Aggressive

Generous

Healthy

Correct answer:

Healthy

Explanation:

“Robust” is an adjective that means full of strength and health. While “aggressive” and “energetic” might be characteristics of a “robust” person, they aren’t close synonyms. Of the answer choices, “healthy” has the closest meaning.

Example Question #334 : Synonyms

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

TURGID

Possible Answers:

Swollen

Dissolved

Emaciated

Succulent

Shrunken

Correct answer:

Swollen

Explanation:

"Turgid" means "swollen" or congested

"Dissolved" means to be broken down into a liquid form.

"Shrunken" means became smaller.

"Succulent" means tender or juicy.

"Emaciated" means abnormally thin or weak.

Example Question #335 : Synonyms

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

POTENT

Possible Answers:

Alcoholic

Poisonous

Powerful

Morbid

Calming

Correct answer:

Powerful

Explanation:

"Potent" means "powerful" or having a big influence or effect

None of the other words are synonymous. Things that are "alcoholic" can certainly be potent, but "alcoholic" simply means containing alcohol. "Calming" means to make someone or something tranquil. "Poisonous" means capable of causing illness or death if taken into the body. To be "morbid" means to take an abnormal degree of interest in death and disease.

Example Question #336 : Synonyms

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

SWELTERING

Possible Answers:

Windy

Boiling

Uncomfortably hot

Stringent

Frigid

Correct answer:

Uncomfortably hot

Explanation:

"Sweltering" is an adjective that typically refers to weather and means "uncomfortably hot."

"Windy" means breezy or the weather pattern of significant flow. "Stringent," typically referring to rules or requirements, means strict or firm. "Frigid" means very cold. "Boiling" means bringing liquid to the temperature at which it changes from liquid to gas and evaporates.

Example Question #337 : Synonyms

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

OBLONG

Possible Answers:

Flat

Elongated shape

Curved

Stout

Rigid

Correct answer:

Elongated shape

Explanation:

"Oblong" is an adjective that means having a long shape, for example an oval is an oblong shape.

"Rigid" means inflexible or resistant to change. "Flat" means smooth, or a surface that doesn't change its elevation. When describing a human, "flat" means dull or without emotion. "Curved", when referring to a line, means not perfectly straight. "Stout" means stocky or solidly built.

Example Question #321 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DECREPIT

Possible Answers:

Dilapidated

Skeptical

Pessimistic

Suspicious

Scandalous

Correct answer:

Dilapidated

Explanation:

"Decrepit" and "dilapidated" both mean old, worn out, or falling apart due to neglect. Someone who is skeptical has doubts or is unconvinced, and someone who is suspicious also has doubts or distrust. "Pessimistic," the opposite of optimistic, means having a negative outlook on life, and "scandalous" means disgraceful or outrageous.

Example Question #322 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NONDESCRIPT

Possible Answers:

Unusual

Functional

Unremarkable

Silent

Magnificent

Correct answer:

Unremarkable

Explanation:

"Nondescript" describes something that lacks distinct or interesting characteristics, something that is not remarkable in any way. Something silent makes no noise, something functional works or functions correctly, and something unusual is strange or out of the ordinary. "Magnificent" is a word meaning beautiful, excellent, or striking.

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