Skip to content

Synonym practice: 8 vocabulary questions with answers

Eight synonym practice questions, from easy to hard, with explanations. Pick an answer to check it, plus a method for words you don't know.

These questions come from our SSAT practice app. For parents

A synonym question gives a word and asks for the choice closest in meaning. The Middle and Upper SSAT’s Verbal section has 30 synonym questions.

What to do with a word you don’t know

  1. Look for a part you recognize. A prefix, root or suffix can point to the meaning. For example, “bene-” often means good, as in benefit.
  2. Think of a phrase you’ve heard it in. The phrase can hint at whether the word is positive or negative.
  3. Rule out choices. Cross out any choice that’s clearly the opposite, or unrelated.
  4. Pick the closest meaning, not a perfect match. A synonym question asks for the best fit among the choices.

The questions start easy and get harder. Try each one before you look at the explanation.

Practice questions

Each question and explanation was reviewed by a person. Pick an answer to see if you're right.

Question 1
ENDORSE
Question 2
RIGID
Question 3
MALICE
Question 4
PREVALENT
Question 5
MOROSE
Question 6
APPREHENSIVE
Question 7
DISCERN
Question 8
CAPRICIOUS

Sources