SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

BROKER

Possible Answers:

Dealer

Criminal

Misfit

Prisoner

Jailer

Correct answer:

Dealer

Explanation:

The words "broker" and "dealer" are synonyms. They are used to refer to people who negotiate sales or deals. The other words do not share this meaning.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

SLEUTH

Possible Answers:

Detective

Criminal

Entrepreneur

Soldier

Vagabond

Correct answer:

Detective

Explanation:

"Sleuth" and "detective" are synonyms. An "entrepreneur" is a businessperson. A "vagabond" is someone who wanders without a fixed home. A "soldier" fights in an army, and a "criminal" commits illegal acts.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

VAGABOND

Possible Answers:

Wanderer

Outlaw

Medic

Interpreter

Dancer

Correct answer:

Wanderer

Explanation:

A "vagabond" is someone who wanders restlessly or aimlessly. A "medic" is someone who provides medical care, often in battles or emergency situations. An "interpreter" is someone who translates languages for people. An "outlaw" is a criminal, someone who must live outside of society because he/she is on the run from the law.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

MERCENARY

Possible Answers:

Hired actor

Hired soldier

Vendor

Traveling salesperson

Writer

Correct answer:

Hired soldier

Explanation:

A "mercenary" is a hired soldier, a person who fights for pay. "Vendor" is a synonym for "salesperson," someone who sells something. Just as you would guess, a "writer" writes and an "actor" acts.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

TYRO

Possible Answers:

Fool

Entrepreneur

Artisan

Wraith

Beginner

Correct answer:

Beginner

Explanation:

A "tyro" is a novice. An "artisan" is a craftsperson, similar to but distinct from an "artist." An "entrepreneur" is a businessperson. A "wraith" is a ghost or phantom. A "fool" is someone silly or ignorant.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

ITINERANT

Possible Answers:

Witness

Host

Wanderer

Guest

Recipient

Correct answer:

Wanderer

Explanation:

An "itinerant" is someone who wanders and drifts without a fixed home; a vagabond or homeless person. A "recipient" is someone who receives something from someone else. A "witness" is someone who sees an event (usually an accident or crime). "Host" and "guest" are antonyms.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

BENEFACTOR

Possible Answers:

Recipient

Donor

Immigrant

Artisan

Smith

Correct answer:

Donor

Explanation:

A "donor" or "benefactor" is someone who gives or donates, either to a particular person or to a particular group or cause. This is the opposite of a "recipient," someone who receives a gift from someone else. A "smith" is someone who works with metal (such as a blacksmith). An "immigrant" is someone who moves to another country, and an "artisan" is a craftsperson.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

NEOPHYTE

Possible Answers:

Beginner

Cleric

Pastor

Mercenary

Expert

Correct answer:

Beginner

Explanation:

A "neophyte" is a novice or a beginner. The antonym for "neophyte" is expert. Both "pastor" and "cleric" are terms for someone who holds a religious office, such as a minister or a bishop. A "mercenary" is a soldier-for-hire.

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

WRAITH

Possible Answers:

Curate

Pastor

Detective

Ghost

Dunce

Correct answer:

Ghost

Explanation:

"Wraith" is a synonym for ghost, phantom, or specter. "Detective" is a synonym for "sleuth," and "pastor" is a synonym for minister or priest. A "dunce" is a dullard or imbecile. A "curate" is an assistant clergyman or vicar.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

PENSIONER

Possible Answers:

Sophomore

Senior

Freshmen

Infant

Child

Correct answer:

Senior

Explanation:

Note that "freshmen," "sophomore," and "senior" are somewhat related in meaning in so far as their use to refer to someone in high school with a particular level of education. "Senior" may seem to be related to these words, but in this case the noun has a very different meaning, referring to someone who is old in age: consider the phrase senior citizen or "pensioner." "Pensioner" is closest in meaning to senior. "Child" and "infant" are clearly related but do not come close in meaning to pensioner.

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