SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #441 : Synonyms

A synonym of “dour” is __________.

Possible Answers:

cheerful

belligerent

grim

persuasive

unnoticed

Correct answer:

grim

Explanation:

“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 #442 : Synonyms

A synonym of “haughty” is __________.

Possible Answers:

plaintive

humble

serendipitous

neurotic

proud

Correct answer:

proud

Explanation:

“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 #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the words that are most similar in meaning.

Furtive

Possible Answers:

Memorable

Refurbished

Symbolic

Stealthy

Receding

Correct answer:

Stealthy

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Selfless

Changing

Traditional

Oblong

Twisted

Correct answer:

Selfless

Explanation:

"Altruistic" means being unselfishly concerned with the well-being of others.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: pick the word that is most similar in meaning to the word in question.

Industrious

Possible Answers:

Depraved

Ulterior

Hard-working

Affected

Pressing

Correct answer:

Hard-working

Explanation:

"Industrious" means hard-working.

Example Question #441 : Synonyms

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

Moody

Possible Answers:

Desperate

Emotional

Friendly

Generous

Dark

Correct answer:

Emotional

Explanation:

"Moody" means emotionally variable.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FRUGAL

Possible Answers:

Rich

Money

Wasteful

Thrifty

Gentle

Correct answer:

Thrifty

Explanation:

"Frugal" means thrifty. A person who is frugal is careful with how they spend their money.

Example Question #442 : Synonyms

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

MEEK

Possible Answers:

Vigorous 

Powerful 

Effective 

Timid 

Vibrant 

Correct answer:

Timid 

Explanation:

“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 #443 : Synonyms

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

DEFT

Possible Answers:

Daft

Pompous

Assuming 

Skillful 

Useless 

Correct answer:

Skillful 

Explanation:

Someone who is “deft” is quick and skillful. For clarification, "pompous" means arrogant and self-important, and "daft" means silly or foolish.

Example Question #444 : Synonyms

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

POMPOUS

Possible Answers:

Quiet 

Timid 

Meek 

Whimsical 

Arrogant 

Correct answer:

Arrogant 

Explanation:

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.

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