All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #121 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CUR
Loathsome person
Amanuensis
Seasoned traveler
Uncultured youth
Unsophisticated rustic
Loathsome person
A "cur" is a loathsome or contemptible person (usually used to describe a man). A "vagabond" may be a seasoned traveler, and an "uncultured youth" may be a boor or a philistine. A "bumpkin" is a rustic, unsophisticated person. "Amanuensis" is another word for assistant, particularly to someone in the arts.
Example Question #122 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AUGUR
Emissary
Interloper
Fortuneteller
Tourist
Ambassador
Fortuneteller
An "augur" is a "fortuneteller," someone who interprets omens to predict the future. "Emissary" is a synonym for "ambassador," and "interloper"means intruder, trespasser, or simply a person who encroaches where he/she is not wanted. A "tourist" is someone who travels to a foreign location for enjoyment.
Example Question #123 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HARRIDAN
Pedagogue
Clergyman
Pedant
Shrew
Aficionado
Shrew
"Harridan" and "shrew" are synonyms for a bad-tempered or belligerent woman: a nag. An "aficionado" is an expert fan of something, a connoisseur. A "pedagogue" is a teacher, while a "pedant" is someone who is a stickler for unimportant details. A "clergyman" is a religious official.
Example Question #124 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALDERPERSON
Spectator
Dullard
Councilperson
Scholar
Specter
Councilperson
An "alderperson" (alderman or alderwoman) is an elected official who serves on a council, usually a small municipal one. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus, and a "scholar" is someone who studies academic pursuits. A "specter" is a ghost or phantom. This is not to be confused with a "spectator," a watcher (particularly of sporting events).
Example Question #125 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MINSTREL
Fugitive
Lecturer
Rebel
Musician
Gourmand
Musician
A "minstrel" is a "musician," usually a wandering one. A "lecturer" is a speaker, often an academic one. A "rebel" is a revolutionary, a dissident. "Fugitive" is a synonym for "outlaw," and "gourmand" is a synonym either for an "over-eater" or someone who is a connoisseur of good food.
Example Question #126 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ORACLE
Prophet
Speechmaker
Envoy
Dignitary
Scoundrel
Prophet
An "oracle" is someone who interprets omens and speaks truths about the future. Don't confuse this with "orator," or speechmaker. A "scoundrel" is a scamp or a rogue. A "dignitary" is a VIP, an important personage. An "envoy" is an ambassador.
Example Question #127 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ADMINISTRATOR
Trustee
Priest
Mountebank
Fugitive
Surrogate
Trustee
Another word for an "administrator" is trustee, a member of an administrative board. A "mountebank" is a trickster and a cheater. A "fugitive" is an outlaw, and a "surrogate" is a substitute. A "priest" is a Christian religious leader.
Example Question #128 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VIRAGO
Traveler
Humorous man
Attractive person
Petulant child
Bad-tempered woman
Bad-tempered woman
A "virago" is a "bad-tempered woman," harpy, or shrew. A "clown" may be a humorous person, and a "petulant" child is one who is cranky or irritable. Someone "attractive" may be described as "winsome."
Example Question #129 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LOUT
Forerunner
Emissary
Tyro
Ruffian
Predecessor
Ruffian
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 #130 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTERLOPER
Augur
Mendicant
Intruder
Clairvoyant
Liar
Intruder
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."
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All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
