SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #109 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

CRONY

Possible Answers:

Physician

Charlatan

Henchman

Clergyman

Mountebank

Correct answer:

Henchman

Explanation:

A "crony" is an accomplice, friend in wrongdoing, or "henchman." A "mountebank" is a charlatan, fraud, or trickster. A "physician" is a medical doctor. A "clergyman" is a religious leader, usually in a Christian denomination.

Example Question #110 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

PUGILIST

Possible Answers:

Aeronaut

Fighter

Emissary

Pacifist

Fugitive

Correct answer:

Fighter

Explanation:

A "pugilist" is "a fighter," particularly a boxer. This is a near antonym for a pacifist, or peacemaker. An "emissary" is an ambassador or envoy. A "fugitive" is an outlaw or runaway. An "aeronaut" is another word for an air traveler.

Example Question #111 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

TURNCOAT

Possible Answers:

Accomplice

Fashionista

Traitor

Youngster

Donor

Correct answer:

Traitor

Explanation:

A "turncoat" is an old-fashioned word for a "traitor." It is not the same thing as a "fashionista," or person who is very concerned with being stylish. An "accomplice" is an accessory or co-conspirator. "Youngster" is slang for a young person, and a "donor" is a benefactor.

Example Question #112 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

THAUMATURGE

Possible Answers:

Magician

Demiurge

Wraith

Tailor

Actor

Correct answer:

Magician

Explanation:

A "thaumaturge" is a "magician" or miracle worker. This is different from a "demiurge," or a godlike creature who creates universes. A "wraith" is a ghoul or ghost. An "actor" is a performer in theater or film, and a "tailor" is someone who sews and alters clothes.

Example Question #113 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

BANSHEE

Possible Answers:

Princess

Ghoul

Mercenary

Merchant

Pedagogue

Correct answer:

Ghoul

Explanation:

A "banshee" is "a ghoul," a ghost. A "mercenary" is a hired soldier, while a "merchant" is a businessperson or a seller of goods. A "pedagogue" is a teacher. A "princess" is the royal daughter of a king and queen.

Example Question #114 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

SWINDLER

Possible Answers:

Farmhand

Philanderer

Libertine

Philanthropist

Trickster

Correct answer:

Trickster

Explanation:

A "swindler" is a "trickster" or a cheater. "Libertine" and "philanderer" are synonyms. A "philanthropist" is a generous person who gives often to charity. A "farmhand" is a worker who does chores on a farm.

Example Question #115 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

FLIBBERTIGIBBET

Possible Answers:

Benevolent fairy

Fool

Weary traveler

Annoying nag

Flighty person

Correct answer:

Flighty person

Explanation:

A "flibbertigibbet" is someone flighty, capricious, or frivolous. A "benevolent fairy" would be like the godmother in Cinderella. A "nag" is someone who pesters someone to do things. Another word for "traveler" is vagabond, and the antonym of "fool" is "sage."

Example Question #116 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

DEMIURGE

Possible Answers:

Gourmand

Universe

Zealot

Brigand

God

Correct answer:

God

Explanation:

A "demiurge" is a "god" or an all-powerful being, particularly one responsible for creating a world or universe. This is not to be confused with the "universe" itself, the object of a demiurge's creation. A "zealot" is a fanatic, and a "brigand" is a member of a criminal gang, often a robber or a ravager. A "gourmand" is a glutton.

Example Question #117 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

DRAGOON

Possible Answers:

Mythical creature

Stalemate

Monster

Soldier

Coin

Correct answer:

Soldier

Explanation:

A "dragoon" is a "soldier," particularly a cavalryman. Don't confuse this with a "dragon," a mythical creature or monster. Furthermore, don't confuse this with a "doubloon," a gold coin. A "stalemate" is the condition of being stalled or stuck.

Example Question #118 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

PREDECESSOR

Possible Answers:

Artisan

Oracle

Neophyte

Expert

Forerunner

Correct answer:

Forerunner

Explanation:

A "predecessor" is someone who comes before you: a "forerunner." An "expert" is the opposite of an amateur, and a "neophyte" is a beginner. An "oracle" is a prophet or soothsayer. An "artisan" is a craftsman or craftswoman.

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