SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #401 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Nautical

Ignorant

Bewildered

Highly intelligent

Benighted

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" and "confused" both mean bewildered. "Benighted" and "ignorant" both mean lacking knowledge. "Nautical" means maritime, which is a word often used to describe sailors or sailing. "Intelligent" and "stupid" are antonyms.

Example Question #402 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BITTER

Possible Answers:

Delighted

Placating

Gleeful

Resentful

Forgiving

Correct answer:

Resentful

Explanation:

While "bitter" can describe a sharp, acid taste, it can also describe an angry or resentful emotional state. This word is the opposite of "forgiving". To "placate" someone is to soothe or calm that person. "Gleeful" and "delighted" are synonyms.

Example Question #421 : Synonyms

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

DEFEATED

Possible Answers:

Demoralized

Quizzical

Expectant

Neutral

Victorious

Correct answer:

Demoralized

Explanation:

"Defeated" and "victorious" are antonyms, but "defeated" and "demoralized" are synonyms. "Expectant" means anticipatory. "Quizzical" means puzzled. "Neutral" means taking neither side in an argument or conflict.

Example Question #422 : Synonyms

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

MODEST

Possible Answers:

Humble

Meek

Precise

Pushy

Aggressive

Correct answer:

Humble

Explanation:

"Modest" and "humble" mean self-effacing and moderate. "Aggressive" and "pushy" both mean forceful. "Precise" and "accurate" are near synonyms, as are "meek" and "submissive."

Example Question #423 : Synonyms

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

QUIZZICAL

Possible Answers:

Erroneous

Mollified

Chic

Appeased

Puzzled

Correct answer:

Puzzled

Explanation:

"Quizzical" and "puzzled" are synonyms referring to the state of being confused. "Mollified" and "appeased" both mean soothed or placated. "Erroneous" means wrong, incorrect. "Chic" means stylish or fashionable.

Example Question #424 : Synonyms

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

VIGILANT

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Strong

Mystical

Alert

Curious

Correct answer:

Alert

Explanation:

 To be "vigilant" is to be watchful and alert for any possible danger. "Mystical" describes a sense of spiritual awe and fascination. "Energetic" and "strong" are synonyms to vigorous, not vigilant.

Example Question #425 : Synonyms

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

RESIGNED

Possible Answers:

Graceful

Accepting

Sinful

Inelegant

sage

Correct answer:

Accepting

Explanation:

To be "resigned" to a situation (often an unpleasant one) is to accept it. "Graceful" and "inelegant" are antonyms. "Sinful" means immoral, and "sage" means wise.

Example Question #424 : Synonyms

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

APPREHENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Worried

Terrified

Abrupt

Glamorous

Bewitching

Correct answer:

Worried

Explanation:

"Apprehensive" and "worried" are synonyms referring to the state of unpleasantly anticipating or fearful. "Abrupt" means sudden, unexpected. "Glamorous" means beautiful and bewitching. "Terrified" is too strong a word for "apprehensive," which at most describes a moderate amount of fear and worry.

Example Question #425 : Synonyms

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

JEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Agitated

Envious

Wary

Clean

Critical

Correct answer:

Envious

Explanation:

"Jealous" and "envious" are synonyms; they both refer to the feeling of being upset by the success of someone else. "Critical" means important or serious, and "wary" means cautious or careful. "Clean" and "dirty" are antonyms, as are "agitated" and "calm."

Example Question #426 : Synonyms

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

TENDER

Possible Answers:

Infectious

Boreal

Sappy

Rare

Affectionate

Correct answer:

Affectionate

Explanation:

"Tender" can mean gentle, loving, or affectionate, depending on the context. "Infectious" and "contagious" are synonyms, as are "rare" and "uncommon." "Boreal" is a word meaning Northern. While something tender could be sentimental, "sappy" means excessively sentimental and is therefore not the best fit.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors