SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Synonyms

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

PROPONENT

Possible Answers:

Belligerent

Detractor

Supporter

Imitator

Surgeon

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 #122 : Synonyms

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

POTENTATE

Possible Answers:

Scholar

Sovereign

Plebeian

Guardian

Hermaphrodite

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.

Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

OUTCAST

Possible Answers:

Pariah

Vagabond

Rascal

Aficionado

Connoisseur

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

DIGNITARY

Possible Answers:

Acolyte

Worthy

Savage

Sleuth

Aviator

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

TIRADE

Possible Answers:

Sanctuary

Fracas

Skirmish

Expedition

Diatribe

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

ORDURE

Possible Answers:

Lechery

Sewage

Quirk

Domicile

Larceny

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

ARIDITY

Possible Answers:

Dryness

Harangue

Fertility

Invective

Timber

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

ARDOR

Possible Answers:

Melancholy

Passion

Skill

Navigation

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

ACOLYTE

Possible Answers:

Mentor

Mediator

Helper

Superior

Assistant

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 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

SOVEREIGN

Possible Answers:

Charlatan

Quack

Monarch

Surgeon

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.

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