SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #351 : Synonyms

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

PRISTINE

Possible Answers:

Beautiful

Tainted

Defunct

Unspoiled

Solid

Correct answer:

Unspoiled

Explanation:

"Pristine" means unspoiled, perfect, or untouched.

"Solid" means hard, firm or stable. "Solid" is also a noun that means the state of matter that is not liquid or gas.

"Defunct" means not functioning or nonexistent.

"Tainted" means impure, dirty, or contaminated.

"Beautiful" means pleasing to the senses or physically attractive.

Example Question #352 : Synonyms

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Harmful

Gaseous

Opulent

Beneficial

Delicious

Correct answer:

Harmful

Explanation:

"Noxious" means harmful, poisonous or something that will cause injury or death.

"Delicious" means very tasty, delightful or pleasant.

"Gaseous" means gas-like, or describes something that is in the form of gas or vapor.

"Beneficial" means good, helpful or useful.

"Opulent" means excessively luxurious, or ostentatious.

Example Question #353 : Synonyms

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

GNARLED

Possible Answers:

Translucent

Pneumatic

Granular

Misshapen

Incoherent

Correct answer:

Misshapen

Explanation:

"Gnarled" means misshapen, or knobby and lumpen. The word is often used to describe the quality of wood.

"Pneumatic" means related to air or compressed gas. For example, a pneumatic cannon is a cannon powered by compressed air. 

"Translucent" means clear or something you can see-through.

"Incoherent" means confused or difficult to understand.

"Granular" means composed of small granules or particles.

Example Question #354 : Synonyms

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

SOUR

Possible Answers:

Sweet

Husky

Swarthy

Tart

Quizzical

Correct answer:

Tart

Explanation:

"Sour" and "tart" both describe a mouth-puckering taste. "Swarthy" means dark-skinned, "husky" means strong and robust, and "quizzical" means puzzled. "Sweet" and "sour" are generally considered antonyms.

Example Question #355 : Synonyms

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

LUXURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Infamous

Numerical

Deluxe

Perfect

Expensive

Correct answer:

Deluxe

Explanation:

"Luxurious" and "deluxe" both mean extremely elegant and comfortable. "Infamous" means notorious, and "numeric" means relating to numbers. "Perfect" and "flawed" are antonyms. While "luxurious" items are often "expensive," the two are not synonymous.

Example Question #356 : Synonyms

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

SCUMMY

Possible Answers:

Dirty

Decisive

Elaborate

Quivering

Wavering

Correct answer:

Dirty

Explanation:

"Scummy" and "dirty" are synonyms. "Decisive" is the opposite of both indecisive and wavering. "Elaborate" means complex or complicated. To "quiver" is to shake.

Example Question #357 : Synonyms

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

RUDDY

Possible Answers:

Viridian

Copper

Red

Olive

Cerulean

Correct answer:

Red

Explanation:

"Ruddy" means red and is usually used to describe a complexion. The rest of the words are colors as well: "copper" is a metallic brown,"viridian" is green, "cerulean" is blue, and "olive" is a yellowish-green color.

Example Question #358 : Synonyms

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

GRUESOME

Possible Answers:

Handsome

Shy

Grisly

Yielding

Nosy

Correct answer:

Grisly

Explanation:

"Gruesome" and "grisly" both mean repulsive and horrible. To "yield" is to give in. To be "nosy" is to pry into other people's business. "Shy" means timid, and "handsome" means physically attractive and is usually used to describe men.

Example Question #359 : Synonyms

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

GROTESQUE

Possible Answers:

Deformed

Interrogative

Ancient

Praiseworthy

Religious

Correct answer:

Deformed

Explanation:

"Grotesque" and "deformed" both mean physically misshapen. "Ancient" means very old, and "religious" describes something related to or ascribing to a religion. To "interrogate" is to ask questions. "Praiseworthy" means deserving of praise or approval; meritorious.

Example Question #360 : Synonyms

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

FEATHERY

Possible Answers:

Aviary

Eulogy

Elegy

Terrestrial

Wispy

Correct answer:

Wispy

Explanation:

"Feathery" and "wispy" are synonyms. "Elegy" and "eulogy" are not adjectives at all; they are speeches that people deliver upon the death of a friend or relative. "Terrestrial" means of the earth. While an "aviary" is a place that birds live, it is not related to feathers and is therefore not a good synonym.

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