SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #61 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMBECILE

Possible Answers:

Pedagogue

Scholar

Dunce

Pediatrician

Pedant

Correct answer:

Dunce

Explanation:

An "imbecile" is a dullard, dummy, or dunce. This is a near antonym for "scholar," someone who studies and acquires knowledge for a living. A "pedant" is someone who is overly concerned with rules and minutiae, and a "pedagogue" is a schoolteacher. A "pediatrician" is a doctor for children.

Example Question #62 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCOUNDREL

Possible Answers:

Sleuth

Acolyte

Neophyte

Itinerant

Rogue

Correct answer:

Rogue

Explanation:

A "scoundrel" is a rogue, scamp, or rascal. A "neophyte" is a beginner, while an "acolyte" is a (usually religious) follower. A "sleuth" is a detective, and an "itinerant" is a vagabond.

Example Question #63 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONSTITUENT

Possible Answers:

Voter

Outlaw

Physician

Emissary

Politician

Correct answer:

Voter

Explanation:

A "constituent" can mean a component or part of a larger object, but when used to refer to people it usually describes a voter. "Politicians" often court or pander to their "constituents," but the two words are not synonyms. An "outlaw" is a fugitive, and an "emissary" is an ambassador. A "physician" is a doctor.

Example Question #64 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WAG

Possible Answers:

Beast

Fortuneteller

Wit

Criminal

Clairvoyant

Correct answer:

Wit

Explanation:

A "wag" is a wit, someone who often makes funny, clever remarks. A "beast" is a creature, animal, brute, or savage, depending on context. A "clairvoyant" is another name for a fortuneteller, and a "criminal" is someone who commits illegal acts.

Example Question #65 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EMISSARY

Possible Answers:

Surgeon

Aviator

Envoy

Orator

Dogmatist

Correct answer:

Envoy

Explanation:

An "emissary," or an "envoy," is an ambassador. A "dogmatist" is someone who stubbornly clings to doctrine. An "orator" is someone who makes speeches. An "aviator" is a pilot, and a "surgeon" is a doctor who operates on people.

Example Question #66 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPECTER

Possible Answers:

Nomad

Benefactor

Phantom

Donor

Interpreter

Correct answer:

Phantom

Explanation:

A "specter," "a phantom," "a wraith," and "a ghost" is the same. A "nomad" is a wanderer. A "donor" is a benefactor, which is the opposite of a "recipient." An "interpreter" is someone who translates spoken language for another person.

Example Question #67 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IGNORAMUS

Possible Answers:

Clergyman

Itinerant

Dunce

Grump

Curate

Correct answer:

Dunce

Explanation:

An "ignoramus" is a dunce or a dullard. A "grump" is another word for a "curmudgeon." A "curate" is another word for a clergyman or church official. An "itinerant" is a vagrant or a wanderer.

Example Question #68 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MENDICANT

Possible Answers:

Beggar

Acolyte

Disciple

Peddler

Friar

Correct answer:

Beggar

Explanation:

A "mendicant" is a "beggar." A "friar" belongs to a monastic (religious) order. An "acolyte" is a follower or disciple. A "peddler" is a traveling salesperson.

Example Question #69 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FRIAR

Possible Answers:

Benefactor

Monk

Scoundrel

Mendicant

Fugitive

Correct answer:

Monk

Explanation:

"Friars" and "monks" are both male members of religious orders. A "mendicant" is a beggar, and a "scoundrel" is a rogue or a rascal. A "fugitive" is a runaway, someone who is escaping from justice or the law. A "benefactor" is a donor.

Example Question #70 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CANTOR

Possible Answers:

Athlete

Chaplain

Singer

Entrepreneur

Phantom

Correct answer:

Singer

Explanation:

A "cantor" is a "singer," particularly in a religious context. An "entrepreneur" is a businessperson. A "phantom" is a specter or a ghost. An "athlete" is a person who plays sports, and a "chaplain" is a religious serviceperson.

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