SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CUR

Possible Answers:

Loathsome person

Seasoned traveler

Uncultured youth

Unsophisticated rustic

Amanuensis

Correct answer:

Loathsome person

Explanation:

A "cur" is a loathsome or contemptible person (usually used to describe a man). A "vagabond" may be a seasoned traveler, and an "uncultured youth" may be a boor or a philistine. A "bumpkin" is a rustic, unsophisticated person. "Amanuensis" is another word for assistant, particularly to someone in the arts.

Example Question #122 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AUGUR

Possible Answers:

Interloper

Fortuneteller

Tourist

Ambassador

Emissary

Correct answer:

Fortuneteller

Explanation:

An "augur" is a "fortuneteller," someone who interprets omens to predict the future. "Emissary" is a synonym for "ambassador," and "interloper"means intruder, trespasser, or simply a person who encroaches where he/she is not wanted. A "tourist" is someone who travels to a foreign location for enjoyment.

Example Question #123 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HARRIDAN

Possible Answers:

Clergyman

Aficionado

Pedagogue

Shrew

Pedant

Correct answer:

Shrew

Explanation:

"Harridan" and "shrew" are synonyms for a bad-tempered or belligerent woman: a nag. An "aficionado" is an expert fan of something, a connoisseur. A "pedagogue" is a teacher, while a "pedant" is someone who is a stickler for unimportant details. A "clergyman" is a religious official.

Example Question #124 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ALDERPERSON

Possible Answers:

Specter

Scholar

Spectator

Councilperson

Dullard

Correct answer:

Councilperson

Explanation:

An "alderperson" (alderman or alderwoman) is an elected official who serves on a council, usually a small municipal one. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus, and a "scholar" is someone who studies academic pursuits. A "specter" is a ghost or phantom. This is not to be confused with a "spectator," a watcher (particularly of sporting events).

Example Question #125 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MINSTREL

Possible Answers:

Rebel

Lecturer

Fugitive

Musician

Gourmand

Correct answer:

Musician

Explanation:

A "minstrel" is a "musician," usually a wandering one. A "lecturer" is a speaker, often an academic one. A "rebel" is a revolutionary, a dissident. "Fugitive" is a synonym for "outlaw," and "gourmand" is a synonym either for an "over-eater" or someone who is a connoisseur of good food.

Example Question #126 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ORACLE

Possible Answers:

Envoy

Prophet

Speechmaker

Scoundrel

Dignitary

Correct answer:

Prophet

Explanation:

An "oracle" is someone who interprets omens and speaks truths about the future. Don't confuse this with "orator," or speechmaker. A "scoundrel" is a scamp or a rogue. A "dignitary" is a VIP, an important personage. An "envoy" is an ambassador.

Example Question #127 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADMINISTRATOR

Possible Answers:

Surrogate

Fugitive

Mountebank

Trustee

Priest

Correct answer:

Trustee

Explanation:

Another word for an "administrator" is trustee, a member of an administrative board. A "mountebank" is a trickster and a cheater. A "fugitive" is an outlaw, and a "surrogate" is a substitute. A "priest" is a Christian religious leader.

Example Question #128 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIRAGO

Possible Answers:

Humorous man

Petulant child

Bad-tempered woman

Attractive person

Traveler

Correct answer:

Bad-tempered woman

Explanation:

A "virago" is a "bad-tempered woman," harpy, or shrew. A "clown" may be a humorous person, and a "petulant" child is one who is cranky or irritable. Someone "attractive" may be described as "winsome."

Example Question #129 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LOUT

Possible Answers:

Forerunner

Tyro

Emissary

Predecessor

Ruffian

Correct answer:

Ruffian

Explanation:

A "lout" is a thug or a "ruffian." An "interloper" is someone who intrudes or encroaches where they're not wanted. "Predecessor" and "forerunner" are synonyms. An "emissary" is an ambassador, and "tyro" is a neophyte or beginner.

Example Question #130 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INTERLOPER

Possible Answers:

Mendicant

Clairvoyant

Liar

Intruder

Augur

Correct answer:

Intruder

Explanation:

An "interloper" is an "intruder" or an encroacher. A "prevaricator" is someone who lies, and a "mendicant" is someone who begs. An "augur" is a fortuneteller, as is a "clairvoyant."

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