SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LOUT

Possible Answers:

Emissary

Tyro

Predecessor

Forerunner

Ruffian

Correct answer:

Ruffian

Explanation:

A "lout" is a thug or a "ruffian." An "interloper" is someone who intrudes or encroaches where they're not wanted. "Predecessor" and "forerunner" are synonyms. An "emissary" is an ambassador, and "tyro" is a neophyte or beginner.

Example Question #122 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INTERLOPER

Possible Answers:

Augur

Mendicant

Intruder

Clairvoyant

Liar

Correct answer:

Intruder

Explanation:

An "interloper" is an "intruder" or an encroacher. A "prevaricator" is someone who lies, and a "mendicant" is someone who begs. An "augur" is a fortuneteller, as is a "clairvoyant."

Example Question #173 : Synonyms

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

MARAUDER

Possible Answers:

Performer

Elder

Robber

Minstrel

Lyricist

Correct answer:

Robber

Explanation:

A "marauder" is a "robber," a raider, or a pirate. A "performer" is someone who performs, an actor. A "lyricist" could be a songwriter or a poet, someone who writes lyrics. A "minstrel" is also a musician, particularly a wandering one. An "elder" is a venerable old person.

Example Question #131 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WAG

Possible Answers:

Wit

Truant

Philanderer

Vagabond

Thespian

Correct answer:

Wit

Explanation:

A "wag" is a "wit," a witty person. A "thespian" is a theater performer, and a "truant" is a runaway. A "philanderer" is an adulterer, and a "vagabond" is a wanderer.

Example Question #175 : Synonyms

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

SAINT

Possible Answers:

Clerk

Angel

Imbecile

Mountebank

Virago

Correct answer:

Angel

Explanation:

A "saint," in certain contexts, is an "angel." A "clerk" is a scribe or someone who does menial office work. "Imbecile" is a synonym for "dunce." "Virago" is a synonym for "harpy." A "mountebank" is a fraud and a cheater.

Example Question #176 : Synonyms

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

NEMESIS

Possible Answers:

Mendicant

Protagonist

Philanderer

Arch-rival

Marauder

Correct answer:

Arch-rival

Explanation:

A "nemesis" is an enemy, whereas a "protagonist" is a main character (usually a hero/heroine). A "philanderer" is an adulterer, and a "mendicant" is a beggar. A "marauder" is a thief, looter, or raider.

Example Question #132 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RESIDENTS

Possible Answers:

Sycophant

Interloper

Banshee

Oligarch

Populace

Correct answer:

Populace

Explanation:

"Residents" refers to the people who inhabit a space, the "populace." This is very different from an "oligarch," who is a rich aristocrat in a ruling class. An "interloper" is an intruder or an encroacher. A "sycophant" is someone who flatters others for personal gain. "Banshee" is a synonym for "ghoul."

Example Question #131 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

THESPIAN

Possible Answers:

Actor

Dowager

Mountebank

Hooligan

Oracle

Correct answer:

Actor

Explanation:

A "thespian" is an "actor," a theater performer. A "mountebank" is a trickster and a cheat. A "dowager" is a rich and genteel elderly woman. "Oracle" is a synonym for "prophet." "Hooligan" is a synonym for "hoodlum."

Example Question #132 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

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

DOXY

Possible Answers:

Pugilist

Mistress

Artisan

Demagogue

Crony

Correct answer:

Mistress

Explanation:

"Doxy" means "mistress" or lover. "Pugilist" means boxer, and "demagogue" means rabble-rouser, rebel. A "crony" is a henchman, and an "artisan" is a craftsperson.

Example Question #180 : Synonyms

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

CURMUDGEON

Possible Answers:

Smith

Novice

Tinker

Neophyte

Grump

Correct answer:

Grump

Explanation:

A "curmudgeon" is a cranky person, most often an old man. "Novice" and "neophyte" are both words for beginner. A "tinker" is an old-fashioned profession that involves traveling around and mending people's utensils and other items. A "smith" is someone who works with metal.

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