SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

DESPERATE

Possible Answers:

Studious

Reliable

Hopeless

Courageous

Healthy

Correct answer:

Hopeless

Explanation:

"Desperate" means "hopeless." "Studious"  means studying hard and working hard in academic pursuits. "Healthy" means in good health and free from illnesses. "Courageous" means brave. "Reliable" means dependable and responsible.

Example Question #344 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms

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

DISMAL

Possible Answers:

shattered

miserable

lethargic

obese

weakened

Correct answer:

miserable

Explanation:

Dismal means miserable.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

A synonym of "illicit" is __________.

Possible Answers:

illegal

occasional

encouraged

condoned

permitted

Correct answer:

illegal

Explanation:

"Illicit" is an adjective that means "forbidden by law, rules, or custom," so we need to pick out another word that means "forbidden." While "condoned" might sound like a potentially correct answer, "condoned" means "accepted and allowed to continue" and used of things that are morally wrong or offensive, "condoned" does not mean the same thing as "illicit," so it cannot be the correct answer. Since "illegal" means "contrary to or forbidden by law, especially criminal law," "illegal" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "illicit" and the correct answer.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

LUCRATIVE

Possible Answers:

Profitable

Widespread

Current

Urban

Devoted

Correct answer:

Profitable

Explanation:

"Lucrative" means profitable or able to make a lot of money, so "profitable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "lucrative": "devoted" means loyal or dedicated; "widespread" means occurring in many different places; "current" means up-to-date or happening in the present; and "urban" means having to do with cities instead of the countryside.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

EGALITARIAN

Possible Answers:

Swift

Equestrian

Equal

Ideal

Crinkled

Correct answer:

Equal

Explanation:

"Egalitarian" means having to do with the idea that all people deserve to be treated equally, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "equal." As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "equal": "equestrian" means having to do with riding horses; "crinkled" means wrinkled; "ideal" means conforming to one's idea of perfection or the best possible; and "swift" means speedy or quick.

Example Question #1431 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

IMPROMPTU

Possible Answers:

Greedy

Planned

Unrehearsed

Athletic

Faithful

Correct answer:

Unrehearsed

Explanation:

"Impromptu" means unplanned, extemporaneousoff the cuff, or not scheduled in advance, so "unrehearsed," which means not rehearsed in advance, is the correct answer. "Planned" is an antonym of "impromptu"; it means organized or scheduled in advance. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "impromptu"; "athletic" means physically fit or having to do with athletes; "greedy" means overly concerned with the accumulation of money or other resources for oneself; and "faithful" means loyal and devoted.

Example Question #1432 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

DIVISIVE

Possible Answers:

Undermined 

Regretful

Fractious 

Determined 

Factious 

Correct answer:

Factious 

Explanation:

If someone is “divisive” they cause a lot of disagreement between people and cause them to separate into different groups. "Divisive" shares a root with "division" and "divide." If you are “factious” then you are inclined to create and maintain small groups or factions. Do not mistake it for “fractious” which means causing trouble or hard to manage. To clarify, “undermined” means to make weaker or less effective, usually in a secret way; “determined” means working hard to achieve something; “regretful” means wishing you had not done something

Example Question #648 : Synonyms

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

INTRIGUING

Possible Answers:

Strict

Interesting

Formal

Colorful

Casual

Correct answer:

Interesting

Explanation:

"Intriguing," means to arousing curiosity or interest, so "interesting" is the best answer.

Example Question #1433 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

LUCRATIVE

Possible Answers:

Profitable

Recreational

Sensational 

Hindering 

Lucky 

Correct answer:

Profitable

Explanation:

If a business is “lucrative,” it makes a lot of money or it is able to make a lot of money. “Profitable” also means able to make a lot of money or profit. If something is “hindering,” it prevents something from moving forward. You can tell the meaning of the word "hindering" from its root word "hind-," which means back. An animal’s “hind” legs are their back legs. “Recreational” refers to something done in one's spare time. “Sensational” means shocking or amazing.

Example Question #1434 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

A synonym of "formidable" is __________.

Possible Answers:

accomplished

tasty

afraid

burnt

dirty

Correct answer:

accomplished

Explanation:

"Formidable" is an adjective that means "inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "inspiring fear or respect." "Afraid" may look like a potentially correct answer, but "afraid" does not mean "inspiring fear," but rather "feeling fear or anxiety; frightened," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Accomplished," however, is an adjective that means "highly trained or skilled," and because "accomplished" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "formidable," "accomplished" is the correct answer.

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