HSPT Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

FANATIC

Possible Answers:

Hibernation

Zealot

Dilemma

Fatigue

Fidelity

Correct answer:

Zealot

Explanation:

"Fanatic" is a zealot or a person who is very passionate about something. "Fatigue" means extreme tiredness or exhaustion. "Fidelity" means faithfulness or loyalty to a person or cause. "Hibernation" is when an animal goes into a temporary rest usually during a season. "Dilemma" is a situation in which a person has to choose between two unfavorable paths.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

VIRTUOSO

Possible Answers:

Immaculate

Flux

Maestro

Achievement

Deluge

Correct answer:

Maestro

Explanation:

"Virtuoso" is a maestro or a person very skilled at something (usually music). "Deluge" is a great flood. "Flux" means a state of instability and constant change. An "achievement" is a goal or task is performed successfully. "Immaculate" means extremely clean.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CHARLATAN

Possible Answers:

Politician

Confidante

Fraud

Scholar

Gossip

Correct answer:

Fraud

Explanation:

A "charlatan" is one who pretends to be what they are not. Therefore, "fraud" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For People

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

COURIER

Possible Answers:

Exaggeration

Caricature

Messenger

Liberty

Stalemate

Correct answer:

Messenger

Explanation:

A "courier" is a "messenger," or a person who delivers messages, packages, or letters. "Exaggeration" is a statement that is more extreme than reality. "Liberty" means independence or freedom from some limit or restriction. "Caricature," when used as a noun, means a cartoon that exaggerates some of the features of the object or person. "Stalemate" is a standstill or a deadlock.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

NOVICE

Possible Answers:

Religion

Knack

Noblity

Beginner

Shadow

Correct answer:

Beginner

Explanation:

A "novice" is someone who is just beginning something, as is the correct answer, "beginner." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "novice": "nobility" is the upper class in feudal society or someone from the noble or upper class in feudal society; a "knack" is a natural talent, a "shadow" is a shape formed by blocked light, and a "religion" is an organized system of beliefs that may or may not involve the worship of one or more gods and goddesses.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

COLLEAGUE

Possible Answers:

Friend

Acquaintance

Coworker

Student

Contemporary

Correct answer:

Coworker

Explanation:

"Coworker" is the best choice, because a colleague is a person with whom one works. While it is possible that one might work with a "friend" or "acquaintance," neither word necessarily implies a person with whom one would work. A person's "contemporary" would just be someone living and working at the same time as that person. "Student" also doesn't work, because, while a teacher may work with a student, their relationship is not based on their being "coworkers."

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

HERMIT

Possible Answers:

Lethargy

Socialite

Synopsis

Contamination

Recluse

Correct answer:

Recluse

Explanation:

"Hermit" is a recluse or a person who lives alone. "Socialite" is the antonym; it means a person who is well-known and popular and enjoys social events. "Synopsis" is a summary or overview. "Contamination" means the pollution or adulteration of something. "Lethargy" means exhaustion or sluggishness.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns

"Indigent" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

vagrant

perturbed

servant

independent

creator

Correct answer:

vagrant

Explanation:

"Indigent" can be used as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it means a needy person. As an adjective, it means poor or needy. A "vagrant" is usually a homeless person.  "Perturbed" means to be irritated. A "servant" is not usually needy, since being a servant is their job. 

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns

"Cleric" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

secretary

doctor

attorney

scribe

chaplain

Correct answer:

chaplain

Explanation:

The word "cleric" is derived from the Latin word "clericus" which means clergyman. A "clergyman" is someone trained by a particular church to perform ceremonies and other rites. A chaplain is a type of a clergyman, or cleric. Although "secretaries," "scribes," and "attorneys" are types of professions that also require a great deal of writing and literacy skills, they do not have the religious component.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters

BURROW

Possible Answers:

mansion

tunnel

rod

gateway

bottle

Correct answer:

tunnel

Explanation:

burrow is a hole or tunnel, usually a small animal's home.

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