SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #753 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTEMPLATIVELY

Possible Answers:

Adventurously

Sparsely

Generously

Thoughtfully

Spiritually

Correct answer:

Thoughtfully

Explanation:

To be "contemplative" is to be thoughtful or reflective. While some "spiritual" practices involve great contemplation, the two words are not actually synonyms. To be "generous" is to be kind or to offer more of something than is strictly necessary. Someone who is "adventurous" is daring, willing to take risks and try new things. "Sparse" means thin or lacking in abundance.

Example Question #754 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HURRIEDLY

Possible Answers:

Deliberately

Gullibly

Clearly

Hastily

Suspiciously

Correct answer:

Hastily

Explanation:

"Hurried" means hasty, rushed, or too quick. "Deliberately," which means slowly or intentionally, is a near antonym. "Suspicious" means doubtful or distrustful, and "gullible" means too trusting. "Clear" and "murky" are antonyms.

Example Question #755 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBEDIENTLY

Possible Answers:

Cheaply

Silently

Compliantly

Timidly

Complainingly

Correct answer:

Compliantly

Explanation:

To be "obedient" is to be compliant, to follow rules without complaint. "Complaining" is the act of protesting or whining about something. "Cheap" means inexpensive, and "silent" means lacking in noise. While "timidity" or "meekness" is sometimes a characteristic of obedient people, the two words are not synonyms.

Example Question #756 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMMORALLY

Possible Answers:

Attractively

Arrogantly

Sparsely

Dishonestly

Unlovingly

Correct answer:

Dishonestly

Explanation:

"Immoral" means lacking in ethics/morals and is a synonym for "dishonest." "Arrogant" means conceit or stuck up. "Lovingly" and "unlovingly" are antonyms, as are "attractively" and "unattractively." "Sparse" means thin or scanty and is an antonym of "abundant."

Example Question #757 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ASSUREDLY

Possible Answers:

Dangerously

Sporadically

Definitely

Randomly

Lyrically

Correct answer:

Definitely

Explanation:

"Assuredly" and "definitely" are synonyms. "Sporadically" and "randomly" are synonyms that both means haphazardly. Something "lyrical" involves lyrics (the word is loosely used as a synonym for "poetic"). "Dangerous" means risky or perilous.

Example Question #758 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERIPHERALLY

Possible Answers:

Commercially

Externally

Suspiciously

Internally

Centrally

Correct answer:

Externally

Explanation:

Something "peripheral" is on the external edge or outskirts. It's the opposite of "internally" and "centrally." To be "suspicious" is to distrust or doubt something. Describing something as "commercial" means that that thing is principally concerned with commerce or business, with making a monetary profit.

Example Question #759 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ZESTFULLY

Possible Answers:

Drably

Eagerly

Lividly

Heavily

Fearfully

Correct answer:

Eagerly

Explanation:

To have "zest" is to have eagerness or enthusiasm for something. "Livid" means furious, and "heavy" means weighty or dense. "Fearful" means afraid or frightened. "Drab" means dull or lacking in color.

Example Question #760 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SOURLY

Possible Answers:

Inclusively

Tartly

Sadly

Angrily

Exclusively

Correct answer:

Tartly

Explanation:

Something "sour" (either a food or a person's attitude) is tart or bitter. "Exclusively" and "inclusively" are antonyms. "Sad" means sorrowful. "Angry" means mad, annoyed, displeased.

Example Question #761 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMENABLY

Possible Answers:

Clumsily

Cooperatively

Pleasurably

Painfully

Plentifully

Correct answer:

Cooperatively

Explanation:

If someone is "amenable," he or she is open, receptive, and cooperative. "Painful" and "pleasurable" are near antonyms. "Clumsy" means awkward or uncoordinated. "Plentiful" and "abundant" are synonyms.

Example Question #762 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PLENTIFULLY

Possible Answers:

Painfully

Repentantly

Overly

Abundantly

Punishingly

Correct answer:

Abundantly

Explanation:

"Plentiful" and "abundant" both mean existing in large quantities. "Repentant" means feeling regret, remorse, and sorrow. "Overly" and "insufficiently" are antonyms, as are "painfully" and "pleasurably." "Punishingly" means in a punishing or taxing manner.

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