SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OUTCAST

Possible Answers:

Connoisseur

Vagabond

Aficionado

Rascal

Pariah

Correct answer:

Pariah

Explanation:

"Pariah" is a synonym for "outcast." A "nomad" is a vagabond, and a "connoisseur" or "aficionado" is an expert at something. A "rascal" is a rogue or a scamp.

Example Question #82 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DIGNITARY

Possible Answers:

Sleuth

Savage

Aviator

Acolyte

Worthy

Correct answer:

Worthy

Explanation:

A "worthy" or "dignitary" is a VIP, an important personage. An "aviator" is a pilot, while an "acolyte" is a disciple or follower. "Sleuth" and "detective" are synonyms, as are "savage" and "barbarian."

Example Question #83 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TIRADE

Possible Answers:

Sanctuary

Diatribe

Fracas

Skirmish

Expedition

Correct answer:

Diatribe

Explanation:

A "tirade" is a "diatribe" or rant. "Sanctuary" is a synonym for "refuge" or asylum. An "expedition" is a voyage, and a "fracas" is a skirmish or brawl.

Example Question #84 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ORDURE

Possible Answers:

Lechery

Quirk

Sewage

Larceny

Domicile

Correct answer:

Sewage

Explanation:

"Ordure" is filth or "sewage." "Larceny" is another term for theft, and "lechery" is another term for lust. A "domicile" is an abode or a home. A "quirk" is an idiosyncrasy or eccentric trait.

Example Question #85 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARIDITY

Possible Answers:

Timber

Invective

Dryness

Fertility

Harangue

Correct answer:

Dryness

Explanation:

"Aridity" is a synonym for extreme "dryness." A "harangue" is a rant or a diatribe. "Timber" is lumber, wood for building. "Invective" is a tirade or verbal abuse. Another word for "fertility" is fecundity.

Example Question #86 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARDOR

Possible Answers:

Skill

Melancholy

Navigation

Passion

Horror

Correct answer:

Passion

Explanation:

"Ardor" is "passion" or fervor. Another word for "skill" is adroitness, and another word for "melancholy" is sorrow. "Navigation" is the process of following or mapping a route. "Horror" is a synonym for "terror."

Example Question #87 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACOLYTE

Possible Answers:

Mentor

Assistant

Superior

Mediator

Helper

Correct answer:

Assistant

Explanation:

An "acolyte" is an assistant (particularly for a religious occasion). Additionally, a "mentor" is someone with experience who helps guide someone else who has less experience; a "mediator" is someone who acts as a peacemaker between two disputing parties.

Example Question #88 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SOVEREIGN

Possible Answers:

Surgeon

Quack

Monarch

Charlatan

Professor

Correct answer:

Monarch

Explanation:

The noun "sovereign" means person who rules, person who has power in a particular government. This is closest in meaning to "monarch" which means king or queen. Additionally, "quack" and "charlatan" are synonyms - both words mean person who claims to know what they are doing but is in fact a phony.

Example Question #89 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IMPRESARIO

Possible Answers:

Producer

Physician

Magician

Mountebank

Surrogate

Correct answer:

Producer

Explanation:

An "impresario" is a person who produced or managed theatrical performances. This is not the same thing as a "magician" or a mountebank (trickster). A "physician" is a doctor, and a "surrogate" is a stand-in, a substitute.

Example Question #90 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMANUESIS

Possible Answers:

Assistant

Gourmand

Fugitive

Philanderer

Ignoramus

Correct answer:

Assistant

Explanation:

An "amanuensis" is an "assistant," specifically one for musical or artistic endeavors. A "fugitive" is an outlaw, while a "philanderer" is an adulterer or lothario. A "gourmand" is a glutton, someone who eats too much. An "ignoramus" is another word for an ignorant person or a dunce.

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