All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #501 : Synonyms
A synonym of "devious" is __________.
amiable
jocular
naïve
perspicacious
deceitful
deceitful
"Devious" is an adjective that means "showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "underhanded." Naïve," then, cannot be the correct answer, because when used to describe people, naive either means "showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment," or "natural and unaffected; innocent," neither of which is synonymous with the meaning of "devious." "Deceitful," however, is an adjective that means "guilty of or involving deceit; deceiving or misleading others," and because "deceitful" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "devious," "deceitful" is the correct answer.
Example Question #502 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
IMPUDENT
Reticent
Sassy
Timid
Debonair
Urbane
Sassy
"Impudent" means boldly rude. "Urbane" and "debonair" both mean polite and sophisticated. Here's a hint: when solving synonym questions, eliminate answer choices that are synonyms of each other. "Timid" means shy, and "reticent" means not saying much. So, "sassy," which means cheeky, is the answer!
Example Question #503 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NEGLIGENT
Vociferous
Blunt
Responsible
Lax
Determined
Lax
“Negligent” is an adjective that means “failing to take proper care,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “not doing something carefully.” That means that “responsible” cannot be the correct answer, because “responsible” means “capable of being trusted,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “negligent.” “Lax,” however, is an adjective that can mean “not sufficiently attentive,” and because “lax” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “negligent,” “lax” is the correct answer.
Example Question #504 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SURLY
Humorous
Stubborn
Ignorant
Jumpy
Rude or hostile
Rude or hostile
"Surly" means "rude or hostile," irritable.
"Humorous" means being funny or comical.
"Jumpy" means nervous or subject to sudden, involuntary starts.
"Stubborn" means headstrong, or unreasonably set in purpose or opinion.
"Ignorant" means lacking in knowledge or training.
Example Question #505 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENIGMATIC
Untrustworthy
Deceitful
Mischievous
Puzzling
Stupid
Puzzling
"Enigmatic" means "puzzling" or mysterious.
"Deceitful" means prone to lying or deceit.
"Mischievous" means maliciously or playfully annoying.
"Stupid" means lacking ordinary mental quickness.
"Untrustworthy" means not deserving or trust or confidence.
Example Question #506 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNSCRUPULOUS
Without conscience
Devout
Malicious
Stern
Cruel
Without conscience
"Unscrupulous" means "without conscience" or unprincipled.
"Stern" means strict, harsh, or uncompromising.
"Cruel" means willfully or knowingly causing pain or distress to others.
"Malicious" means intentionally harmful or spiteful.
"Devout" means sincerely religious, earnest, pious.
Example Question #507 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COURTEOUS
Polite
Exuberant
Princely
Restrained
Flirtatious
Polite
"Courteous" means "polite," well mannered or respectful.
None of the other words are synonyms of courteous:
"Exuberant" means to be filled with excitement.
"Flirtatious" means to suggest playful attraction to someone.
"Princely" means splendid or related to a prince.
"Restrained" means unemotional, moderate and reserved.
Example Question #508 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FICKLE
Stoic
Frequently changing loyalties
Steadfast in one's beliefs
Musical
Sentimental
Frequently changing loyalties
"Fickle" means frequently changing loyalties, interests or allegiances.
"Sentimental" means predisposed to feeling tender, sad, or nostalgic. "Stoic" means experiencing pain or hardship without showing your feelings. "Musical" means related to music, or melodious. "Steadfast" in one's beliefs means committed to your beliefs.
Example Question #509 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ZEALOUS
Quirky
Crazed
Ornery
Jealous
Very passionate
Very passionate
"Zealous" is an adjective that refers to a person who is "very passionate" or is fanatical or extremely committed to some cause.
"Ornery" means bad tempered, grouchy and headstrong. "Quirky" means peculiar or having unusual qualities. "Crazed" means insane or very excited. "Jealous" means being envious of someone because of his or her desirable traits or advantages.
Example Question #510 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MEEK
Submissive
Garrulous
Kind
Belligerent
Attractive
Submissive
"Meek" is an adjective which means submissive, quiet or the quality of being easily imposed on.
"Garrulous" means excessively chatty. "Attractive" means sensorily pleasing. "Kind" means being benevolent or good. "Belligerent" means being hostile and malicious.
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