Identifying Synonyms - SSAT Middle Level Verbal

"Quixotic" means "idealistic," or dreamy, or fantastical. It is a word derived from the book Don Quixote de la Mancha by Cervantes.

"Chauvinistic" means biased, intolerant or prejudiced.

"Pessimistic" means expecting the worst to happen, depressed, despondent.

"Rational" means logical, reasonable or sane.

"Adept" means skilled or proficient.

"Doting" means indulgent, affectionate or loving.

"Content" means happy or satisfied.

"Envious" means having envy, or desiring a trait possessed by someone else.

"Adorable" means sweet and cute or lovable.

"Hateful" means nasty, cruel or despicable.

"Snarky" means "judgmental," cynical or rude.

"Forthright" means straightforward and honest.

"Vapid" means dull, insipid or boring.

"Smart" means intelligent or clever.

"Talkative" means communicative, or the quality of talking a lot.

"Irascible" means "cranky" or prone to anger.

"Wicked" means cruel or evil; villainous.

"Needy" means impoverished, disadvantaged, or in need.

"Poised" means steady, composed or balanced in mannerism.

"Spry" means agile or full of life; vivacious.

"Altruistic" means "unselfish," charitable, humanistic.

"Klutzy" means clumsy, awkward, or bumbling.

"Bigoted" means prejudiced or biased.

"Homely" means ordinary or it means ugly.

"Close-minded" means blind, stubborn, rigid in opinion.

"Indolent" means "lazy' or idle, lackadaisical.

"Serene" means calm and clear-headed.

"Intrepid" means brave or courageous.

"Jubilant" means full of joy, happy.

"Industrious" means hard-working, diligent, productive.

"Wanton" and "playful" are synonyms referring to a carefree (as opposed to serious) disposition. The other words do not have this meaning. Although the word "wanton" is somewhat difficult, analyzing the other answer choices and recognizing that "playful" is not at all related to the words "bothersome," "disinterested," "boring," and "dull," which all have negative connotations, can help you arrive at the correct answer.

The words "blunt" and "forward" can be used to describe someone who is very direct (almost rudely so) when he or she expresses him or herself. The other words do not share this meaning. Words like "masculine" and "feminine" are clearly unrelated to the word "blunt." And the word "indirect" is actually an antonym of the word "blunt." Carefully considering the other answer choices may help you arrive at the correct answer.

The words "fickle" and "inconstant" describe the personality of someone who changes his or her mind frequently. The other words do not share this meaning. The words "finicky" and "fussy" are synonymous with each other, describing someone with fastidious behavior. "Humble" and "youthful" are not related in meaning to the word fickle.

"Jaded" means "indifferent," somebody who is bored because s/he has experienced a lot.

"Thrifty" means frugal, tight-fisted; describes someone who doesn't like to spend money.

"Querulous" means argumentative and hard to please. Describes someone who quarrels excessively.

"Offbeat" means strange, weird, or eccentric.

"Indolent" means lazy, easygoing or slothful.

"Callous" means "insensitive" or cruel.

"Criminal" means corrupt or illegal.

"Dense" means thick or compressed; as a personality trait it means unintelligent.

"Compassionate" means caring and empathetic.

"Caring" means to be kind and attentive to another's needs.

"Scrupulous" means "principled," honest or trustworthy.

"Kind" means generous and good.

"Monastic" means secluded or contemplative or related to a monk.

"Devious" means deceitful, dishonest, wily.

"Immoral" means evil, degenerate or unscrupulous.

"Stilted" means "pretentious," artificial or overly-formal.

"Genuine" means real, authentic or honest.

"Rash" means irrational, impulsive or hasty.

"Fastidious" means fussy, meticulous, or extremely careful.

"Angelic" means like an angel, sweet, kind, or beautiful.

"Licentious" means "immoral," debauched, or unrestrained by morality.

"Grandiose" means theatrical or extravagant, excessively grand.

"Curious" means d_esiring knowledge, being inquisitive, or it can be used to describe something that is weird or strange._

"Legal" means permitted by even a strict interpretation of the law.

"Sanctioned" means officially approved, allowed, or permitted.

"Bereft" most nearly means "deprived," as in, "The blank canvas was bereft of color."

The adjective "cynical" is used to describe someone who is distrusting of others and inclined to believe things are less virtuous than they seem. Additionally, "disgusting" means gross, unattractive, sickening; "displaced" means moved from its original position, dislodged, shifted; "pertinent" is a synonym of "relevant" they both mean related to the topic of discussion, important to what is happening.

The adjective "keen" can mean either "eager," willing to do something or sharp, quick-witted, intelligent. Additionally, "jolly" means cheerful, good-natured, happy; "serene" means peaceful; "unwilling" means not wanting to do something.

The adjective "charismatic" means charming and interesting, having a personality that other people find attractive and fascinating. Additionally, "inert" means motionless, not moving, having no energy; "vigilant" means watchful, attentive, paying careful attention to something; "nauseating" means sickening, disgusting, causing one to feel sick; "ominous" means threatening, suggesting something bad or dangerous will happen.

The adjective "staid" is used to describe someone who is serious and respectable, but also boring and unadventurous. Additionally, "composed" means under control in a stressful situation; "reckless" means out of control, prone to taking risks, careless; "dynamic" means energetic, forceful, powerful; "hedonistic" means devoted to the pursuit of pleasure, self-indulgent and immoderate.