SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: find the words that match most closely.

HERETIC

Possible Answers:

Laborer

Lunatic

Policy

Dissenter

Construction

Correct answer:

Dissenter

Explanation:

A "heretic" is a person who holds an opinion that is at odds with the general way of thinking, or a dissenter.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

ACOLYTE

Possible Answers:

assistant

praise

maneuver

persuasion

trouble

Correct answer:

assistant

Explanation:

"Acolyte" means an assistant or follower.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

CRONY

Possible Answers:

nook

militant

criminal

companion

banister

Correct answer:

companion

Explanation:

A "crony" is a friend or companion.

Example Question #1 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DISCIPLE

Possible Answers:

Idol

President

Professor

Follower

Manufacturer

Correct answer:

Follower

Explanation:

"Disciple" means a follower. "Professor" is a teacher at a college or university. "President" is the highest position in a government or business. "Manufacturer" is an entity that produces goods. "Idol" is a person or thing that is worshipped by others.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PUNDIT

Possible Answers:

Anxiety

Profession

Exaggeration

Critic

Assassin 

Correct answer:

Critic

Explanation:

A "pundit" is a critic or an expert, so "critic" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "pundit": "anxiety" means nervousness; "assassin" means killer; "exaggeration" means overstatement; and "profession" means occupation.  

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

FANATIC

Possible Answers:

Dilemma

Fidelity

Zealot

Fatigue

Hibernation

Correct answer:

Zealot

Explanation:

"Fanatic" is a zealot or a person who is very passionate about something. "Fatigue" means extreme tiredness or exhaustion. "Fidelity" means faithfulness or loyalty to a person or cause. "Hibernation" is when an animal goes into a temporary rest usually during a season. "Dilemma" is a situation in which a person has to choose between two unfavorable paths.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

VIRTUOSO

Possible Answers:

Immaculate

Flux

Maestro

Achievement

Deluge

Correct answer:

Maestro

Explanation:

"Virtuoso" is a maestro or a person very skilled at something (usually music). "Deluge" is a great flood. "Flux" means a state of instability and constant change. An "achievement" is a goal or task is performed successfully. "Immaculate" means extremely clean.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

GOON

Possible Answers:

Mutation

Outcast

Praise

Professor

Thug

Correct answer:

Thug

Explanation:

"Goon" is a thug or bully that verbally and physically threatens others. "Professor" is a teacher at a university or college. "Praise" is words or actions that demonstrate admiration and approval of a person or some action. "Mutation" means an alteration or some change. "Outcast" is a person that has been kicked out or rejected by society.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CHARLATAN

Possible Answers:

Politician

Fraud

Gossip

Scholar

Confidante

Correct answer:

Fraud

Explanation:

A "charlatan" is one who pretends to be what they are not. Therefore, "fraud" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

COURIER

Possible Answers:

Exaggeration

Caricature

Messenger

Liberty

Stalemate

Correct answer:

Messenger

Explanation:

A "courier" is a "messenger," or a person who delivers messages, packages, or letters. "Exaggeration" is a statement that is more extreme than reality. "Liberty" means independence or freedom from some limit or restriction. "Caricature," when used as a noun, means a cartoon that exaggerates some of the features of the object or person. "Stalemate" is a standstill or a deadlock.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors