SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #421 : Synonyms

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

DEFEATED

Possible Answers:

Neutral

Expectant

Victorious

Demoralized

Quizzical

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:

Aggressive

Precise

Meek

Pushy

Humble

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:

Mollified

Puzzled

Chic

Erroneous

Appeased

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 #403 : Identifying Synonyms

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

APPREHENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Terrified

Bewitching

Glamorous

Abrupt

Worried

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 #426 : Synonyms

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

JEALOUS

Possible Answers:

Envious

Wary

Clean

Agitated

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 #427 : Synonyms

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

TENDER

Possible Answers:

Sappy

Affectionate

Boreal

Rare

Infectious

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.

Example Question #428 : Synonyms

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

PLEASED

Possible Answers:

Rude

Courteous

Disobedient

Polite

Gratified

Correct answer:

Gratified

Explanation:

"Pleased" and "gratified" both mean to be pleasantly satisfied with something. They are synonymous. The other words are not synonyms of "pleased." "Polite" and "courteous" both refer to having good etiquette; "rude" is an antonym to "polite."

Example Question #429 : Synonyms

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

DARK

Possible Answers:

Brooding

Brilliant

Finicky

Moody

Glorious

Correct answer:

Brooding

Explanation:

The words "dark" and "brooding" can describe someone who displays solemn or sad emotions. The other words do not share this meaning. "Finicky," for example, refers to someone who is fussy or moody. "Glorious" and "brilliant" are synonymous with each other, but are not at all related to the words dark and brooding. Brilliant can actually mean shiny or illuminated, the opposite of dark.

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