SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #61 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IMBECILE
Pedant
Dunce
Scholar
Pedagogue
Pediatrician
Dunce
An "imbecile" is a dullard, dummy, or dunce. This is a near antonym for "scholar," someone who studies and acquires knowledge for a living. A "pedant" is someone who is overly concerned with rules and minutiae, and a "pedagogue" is a schoolteacher. A "pediatrician" is a doctor for children.
Example Question #62 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCOUNDREL
Itinerant
Rogue
Acolyte
Sleuth
Neophyte
Rogue
A "scoundrel" is a rogue, scamp, or rascal. A "neophyte" is a beginner, while an "acolyte" is a (usually religious) follower. A "sleuth" is a detective, and an "itinerant" is a vagabond.
Example Question #63 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONSTITUENT
Outlaw
Emissary
Politician
Voter
Physician
Voter
A "constituent" can mean a component or part of a larger object, but when used to refer to people it usually describes a voter. "Politicians" often court or pander to their "constituents," but the two words are not synonyms. An "outlaw" is a fugitive, and an "emissary" is an ambassador. A "physician" is a doctor.
Example Question #64 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WAG
Fortuneteller
Wit
Criminal
Clairvoyant
Beast
Wit
A "wag" is a wit, someone who often makes funny, clever remarks. A "beast" is a creature, animal, brute, or savage, depending on context. A "clairvoyant" is another name for a fortuneteller, and a "criminal" is someone who commits illegal acts.
Example Question #65 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EMISSARY
Aviator
Surgeon
Dogmatist
Orator
Envoy
Envoy
An "emissary," or an "envoy," is an ambassador. A "dogmatist" is someone who stubbornly clings to doctrine. An "orator" is someone who makes speeches. An "aviator" is a pilot, and a "surgeon" is a doctor who operates on people.
Example Question #66 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SPECTER
Benefactor
Interpreter
Donor
Phantom
Nomad
Phantom
A "specter," "a phantom," "a wraith," and "a ghost" is the same. A "nomad" is a wanderer. A "donor" is a benefactor, which is the opposite of a "recipient." An "interpreter" is someone who translates spoken language for another person.
Example Question #67 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IGNORAMUS
Grump
Clergyman
Dunce
Itinerant
Curate
Dunce
An "ignoramus" is a dunce or a dullard. A "grump" is another word for a "curmudgeon." A "curate" is another word for a clergyman or church official. An "itinerant" is a vagrant or a wanderer.
Example Question #68 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MENDICANT
Disciple
Acolyte
Beggar
Friar
Peddler
Beggar
A "mendicant" is a "beggar." A "friar" belongs to a monastic (religious) order. An "acolyte" is a follower or disciple. A "peddler" is a traveling salesperson.
Example Question #69 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRIAR
Scoundrel
Fugitive
Mendicant
Benefactor
Monk
Monk
"Friars" and "monks" are both male members of religious orders. A "mendicant" is a beggar, and a "scoundrel" is a rogue or a rascal. A "fugitive" is a runaway, someone who is escaping from justice or the law. A "benefactor" is a donor.
Example Question #70 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CANTOR
Singer
Phantom
Athlete
Entrepreneur
Chaplain
Singer
A "cantor" is a "singer," particularly in a religious context. An "entrepreneur" is a businessperson. A "phantom" is a specter or a ghost. An "athlete" is a person who plays sports, and a "chaplain" is a religious serviceperson.
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
