SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Verbal
All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #421 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of “dour” is __________.
persuasive
unnoticed
grim
belligerent
cheerful
grim
“Dour” is an adjective that means “relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “severe,” “stern,” or “gloomy.” That means that “cheerful” cannot be the correct answer, because “cheerful” is an adjective that can mean either “noticeably happy and optimistic” or “causing happiness by its nature or appearance,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “dour.” “Grim,” however, is an adjective that can mean “ unrelentingly harsh; merciless or severe,” and because “grim” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “dour,” “grim” is the correct answer.
Example Question #1224 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal
A synonym of “haughty” is __________.
neurotic
proud
humble
plaintive
serendipitous
proud
“Haughty” is an adjective that means “arrogantly superior and disdainful.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “disdainful.” That means that “humble” cannot be the correct answer, because “humble” is an adjective that means “having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “haughty.” “Proud,” however, is an adjective that can mean “having or showing a high or excessively high opinion of oneself or one’s importance,” and because “proud” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “haughty,” “proud” is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: Select the words that are most similar in meaning.
Furtive
Memorable
Symbolic
Stealthy
Refurbished
Receding
Stealthy
"Furtive" means stealthy, sly, or shifty.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: choose the word with a meaning most similar to the word in question.
Altruistic
Selfless
Twisted
Traditional
Oblong
Changing
Selfless
"Altruistic" means being unselfishly concerned with the well-being of others.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: pick the word that is most similar in meaning to the word in question.
Industrious
Pressing
Affected
Depraved
Hard-working
Ulterior
Hard-working
"Industrious" means hard-working.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.
Moody
Dark
Emotional
Friendly
Desperate
Generous
Emotional
"Moody" means emotionally variable.
Example Question #442 : Synonyms
Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.
FRUGAL
Wasteful
Money
Thrifty
Rich
Gentle
Thrifty
"Frugal" means thrifty. A person who is frugal is careful with how they spend their money.
Example Question #441 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
MEEK
Vigorous
Vibrant
Effective
Powerful
Timid
Timid
“Meek” means mild, cowed or shy, so the correct answer is “timid,” which means shy. For clarification, the other four answer choices are all synonyms that mean powerful, lively or energetic.
Example Question #431 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DEFT
Assuming
Pompous
Useless
Skillful
Daft
Skillful
Someone who is “deft” is quick and skillful. For clarification, "pompous" means arrogant and self-important, and "daft" means silly or foolish.
Example Question #432 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
POMPOUS
Whimsical
Arrogant
Timid
Meek
Quiet
Arrogant
Someone who is “pompous” is arrogant and self-important. For clarification, "meek" means mild-mannered and cowardly, "timid" means shy, and "whimsical" means quirky or silly.
All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
