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 #111 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TURNCOAT

Possible Answers:

Accomplice

Donor

Youngster

Traitor

Fashionista

Correct answer:

Traitor

Explanation:

A "turncoat" is an old-fashioned word for a "traitor." It is not the same thing as a "fashionista," or person who is very concerned with being stylish. An "accomplice" is an accessory or co-conspirator. "Youngster" is slang for a young person, and a "donor" is a benefactor.

Example Question #112 : Identifying Synonyms

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

THAUMATURGE

Possible Answers:

Tailor

Actor

Wraith

Magician

Demiurge

Correct answer:

Magician

Explanation:

A "thaumaturge" is a "magician" or miracle worker. This is different from a "demiurge," or a godlike creature who creates universes. A "wraith" is a ghoul or ghost. An "actor" is a performer in theater or film, and a "tailor" is someone who sews and alters clothes.

Example Question #113 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BANSHEE

Possible Answers:

Ghoul

Merchant

Mercenary

Princess

Pedagogue

Correct answer:

Ghoul

Explanation:

A "banshee" is "a ghoul," a ghost. A "mercenary" is a hired soldier, while a "merchant" is a businessperson or a seller of goods. A "pedagogue" is a teacher. A "princess" is the royal daughter of a king and queen.

Example Question #114 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SWINDLER

Possible Answers:

Farmhand

Philanderer

Libertine

Philanthropist

Trickster

Correct answer:

Trickster

Explanation:

A "swindler" is a "trickster" or a cheater. "Libertine" and "philanderer" are synonyms. A "philanthropist" is a generous person who gives often to charity. A "farmhand" is a worker who does chores on a farm.

Example Question #115 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FLIBBERTIGIBBET

Possible Answers:

Benevolent fairy

Weary traveler

Flighty person

Fool

Annoying nag

Correct answer:

Flighty person

Explanation:

A "flibbertigibbet" is someone flighty, capricious, or frivolous. A "benevolent fairy" would be like the godmother in Cinderella. A "nag" is someone who pesters someone to do things. Another word for "traveler" is vagabond, and the antonym of "fool" is "sage."

Example Question #116 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMIURGE

Possible Answers:

Universe

Zealot

Gourmand

Brigand

God

Correct answer:

God

Explanation:

A "demiurge" is a "god" or an all-powerful being, particularly one responsible for creating a world or universe. This is not to be confused with the "universe" itself, the object of a demiurge's creation. A "zealot" is a fanatic, and a "brigand" is a member of a criminal gang, often a robber or a ravager. A "gourmand" is a glutton.

Example Question #117 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DRAGOON

Possible Answers:

Soldier

Monster

Coin

Mythical creature

Stalemate

Correct answer:

Soldier

Explanation:

A "dragoon" is a "soldier," particularly a cavalryman. Don't confuse this with a "dragon," a mythical creature or monster. Furthermore, don't confuse this with a "doubloon," a gold coin. A "stalemate" is the condition of being stalled or stuck.

Example Question #118 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PREDECESSOR

Possible Answers:

Expert

Forerunner

Artisan

Oracle

Neophyte

Correct answer:

Forerunner

Explanation:

A "predecessor" is someone who comes before you: a "forerunner." An "expert" is the opposite of an amateur, and a "neophyte" is a beginner. An "oracle" is a prophet or soothsayer. An "artisan" is a craftsman or craftswoman.

Example Question #119 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SOOTHSAYER

Possible Answers:

Curmudgeon

Mendicant

Mountebank

Reverend

Augur

Correct answer:

Augur

Explanation:

"Soothsayer," "augur," and "herald" are all synonyms for someone who predicts the future. While this ability was historically connected with religions, an augur is not a reverend. A "mountebank" is a fraud or a cheater, and a "mendicant" is a beggar. A "curmudgeon" is a cranky person, a grump.

Example Question #120 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HOODLUM

Possible Answers:

Nonconformist

Hooligan

Truant

Maverick

Donor

Correct answer:

Hooligan

Explanation:

"Hoodlum" is a synonym for "hooligan," thug, or vandal. A "truant" is a runaway. "Maverick" and "nonconformist" are synonyms for iconoclast. A "donor" is someone who donates money, a benefactor.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors