SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #71 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBASSADOR

Possible Answers:

Tyro

Escapee

Novice

Emissary

Bigot

Correct answer:

Emissary

Explanation:

An "ambassador," an "emissary," and an "envoy" are all the same thing. A "bigot" is an intolerant or biased person. An "escapee" is another word for a fugitive or an outlaw. A "novice" and a "tyro" are both synonyms for beginner.

Example Question #72 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RASCAL

Possible Answers:

Ignoramus

Scamp

Demagogue

Pedagogue

Orator

Correct answer:

Scamp

Explanation:

A "rascal" is a "scamp" or a scoundrel. A "pedagogue" is a teacher, and an "orator" is a speechmaker. A "demagogue" is a firebrand or a rabble-rouser. An "ignoramus" is a dullard or a dunce.

Example Question #73 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISSIDENT

Possible Answers:

Guard

Admiral

Donor

Dissenter

Gourmand

Correct answer:

Dissenter

Explanation:

Both "dissidents" and "dissenters" are people who disagree with or oppose ideas (usually political ones). A "donor" is someone who donates to charitable causes. An "admiral" is a military officer, and a "guard" is security worker. A "gourmand" is someone who loves to eat.

Example Question #74 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMAGOGUE

Possible Answers:

Botanist

Pacifist

Emissary

Firebrand

Zoologist

Correct answer:

Firebrand

Explanation:

A "demagogue" is a political agitator, also known as a "firebrand." A "pacifist," someone who wants peace, is an antonym of "demagogue." A "zoologist" is someone who studies animals, and a "botanist" is someone who studies plants. An "emissary" is an ambassador.

Example Question #75 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BUMPKIN

Possible Answers:

Corporal

Rustic

Cantor

Chaplain

Connoisseur

Correct answer:

Rustic

Explanation:

A "bumpkin" is an unsophisticated or provincial person: a "rustic." A "connoisseur" is a specialist consumer of something. A "corporal" is a military official, and a "chaplain" is a religious official. A "cantor" is a singer, particularly a singer of religious liturgy.

Example Question #76 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLUTTON

Possible Answers:

Nomad

Artisan

Scoundrel

Scamp

Gourmand

Correct answer:

Gourmand

Explanation:

A "glutton" is a "gourmand," someone who enjoys eating and consequently overeats. "Scoundrel" and "scamp" are both words for rascal. An "artisan" is a craftsperson. A "nomad" is another word for a vagabond, someone with no fixed home.

Example Question #77 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONNOISSEUR

Possible Answers:

Aficionado

Dullard

Musician

Oenophile

Ignoramus

Correct answer:

Aficionado

Explanation:

"Connoisseur" and "aficionado" are both words for an expert or specialist at something. "Ignoramus" and "dullard" are synonyms for a stupid or ignorant person. A "musician" is someone who plays or writes music, and an "oenophile" is a lover of and specialist in wine.

Example Question #78 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COURIER

Possible Answers:

Exponent

Messenger

Malefactor

Acolyte

Conformist

Correct answer:

Messenger

Explanation:

A "courier" is a messenger or a person who transports goods from one place to another. Additionally, an "acolyte" is an assistant, a henchman; an "exponent" is an advocate, someone who speaks out in support of; a "conformist" is someone who adheres to social rules, someone who conforms to the expectations of others; a "malefactor" is someone who does wrong, a criminal.

Example Question #79 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROPONENT

Possible Answers:

Surgeon

Belligerent

Detractor

Imitator

Supporter

Correct answer:

Supporter

Explanation:

The noun "proponent" is used to describe advocates, supporters of something. Additionally, a "surgeon" is a doctor who performs surgery; an "imitator" is someone who copies someone else; a "detractor" is someone who takes away from an argument, someone who publicly disagrees with something; a "belligerent" is a competitor, usually in a violent competition or conflict.

Example Question #80 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POTENTATE

Possible Answers:

Scholar

Hermaphrodite

Sovereign

Plebeian

Guardian

Correct answer:

Sovereign

Explanation:

The noun "potentate" means ruler, monarch, or "sovereign." Additionally, a "guardian" is someone who protects and guards something; a "scholar" is an academic, someone who studies a particular subject for a living; a "hermaphrodite" is a human or an animal that has both male and female sexual organs; a "plebeian" is an antiquated and offensive term for the poorest people in society, it is drawn from Ancient Roman society.

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