Synonyms: Nouns for People - ISEE Upper Level: Verbal Reasoning

The word “adversary” literally comes from the roots “to turn toward.” The word “reverse” has a similar root in it, here meaning to turn back. (The “re-” prefix indicates the “back” portion of the meaning.) Someone’s adversary is not necessarily a fighter in the literal sense, though that person is “turned toward” another person or, in another way, turned against that person. While two people in a duel are adversaries, it is likewise the case that two disputing scholars could be called the same.

The noun “mechanic” merely means one who specializes in maintaining and fixing things that are mechanical, that is, machinery and technology. Options like “technical” and “fabricated” do not work, as they are adjectives. “Laborer” is not as close as “technician,” which best captures the sense of working on technological (hence mechanical) things.

The word “heretic” is perhaps used by many people in inexact manners. It is originally derived from Greek that merely meant “to choose” or “to select.” While it is regularly applied to religious matters, the term more generally means “one who has chosen one doctrine to the exclusion of others.” Such a person holds an opinion that is outside the norms and beliefs of a given group. An “apostate” is one who has abandoned a set of views—often religious, though not always. Among the options provided, this is the closest to “heretic.”

You might know the word “mendacious,” which means “lying.” The word “mendicant” does not mean this but instead means “beggar.” The word is often used to describe certain religious order in the Roman Catholic church, which arose in the Middle Ages, like the Franciscans and Dominicans who originally made their living begging while they preached. The word can be used more broadly, but it also is important to know this historical usage, as it comprises a significant factor in late pre-modern history.

"Ward" is a noun that can mean "a separate room in a hospital, typically one allocated to a particular type of patient," "an administrative division of a city or borough that typically elects and is represented by a councilor or councilors," or "a person, usually a minor, under the care and control of a guardian appointed by their parents or a court." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "a separate room in a hospital," "an administrative division of a city," or "a person under the care of a guardian." "Protector," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "protector" means the opposite of the third definition of "ward." "Dependent," however, when used as a noun, means "a person who relies on another, especially a family member, for financial support," and because "dependent" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "ward," "dependent" is the correct answer.

Do not confuse the word “rabble” with “ramble.” The latter means either “to wander” or “to speak in a confused, unending manner.” A “rabble” is a disorganized mob, sometimes implying that such people are the “low class rabble.” The best option among those provided would be “mob.”

A "mendicant" is a vagabond or a beggar. An "iconoclast" is someone who goes against established traditions or beliefs. A "harbinger" is an omen or portent. A "contaminant" is an impurity or pollutant. A "proclivity" is a tendency or a habit.

"Sycophant" means lackey, croney, or minion. "Analogue" means parallel or matching. "Implication" means association or suggestion. "Enigma" means riddle or puzzle. "Misanthrope" means someone who hates others.

"Savant" and "intellectual" both mean an academic or highly intelligent person. "Amateur" means beginner or learner. "Misogynist" means someone who hates women. "Iconoclast" is someone who breaks from established norms or traditions. "Enigma" is a puzzle or riddle.

"Coterie" means clique or small group of friends, so "clique" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices is close in meaning to "coterie": "extraction" means the act of removing something or the act of taking something out of something else; an "omnivore" is an organism that consumes meat and vegetables; "insurgency" is an organized rebellion, usually against an established government; and "malfunction" means not function properly or break down.

A "paragon" is an exemplary example of something, so "epitome," which meansor embodiment, archetype, or model, is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “prodigy” is a young person who is especially gifted; an “impasse” is a situation that cannot be passed, a deadlock, or a stalemate; a “nomad” is a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home; and a “decree” means an official order, often given by a monarch.

A "recluse" is a person who lives alone and avoids all contact with people. This is very similar in meaning to a "hermit." To provide further help, a "protagonist" is the hero of a story; an "antagonist" is the villian of a story.

An "insurgent" is a rebel, someone seeking to overthrow the existing political order. While "insurgents" may, in fact, act as "soldiers," not all insurgents are directly involved with warfare, nor are any insurgents members of an official state-sanctioned army, so the two words are not synonymous.

A "peer" is a contemporary, an equal, someone of the same social grouping as you. To provide further help, a "juror" is someone who sits on a jury; an "outlaw" is a bandit, someone who operates outside the law; a "legislator" is a lawmaker.

A "mendicant" is a vagabond or a beggar. An "iconoclast" is someone who goes against established traditions or beliefs. A "harbinger" is an omen or portent. A "contaminant" is an impurity or pollutant. A "proclivity" is a tendency or a habit.

"Sycophant" means lackey, croney, or minion. "Analogue" means parallel or matching. "Implication" means association or suggestion. "Enigma" means riddle or puzzle. "Misanthrope" means someone who hates others.

"Savant" and "intellectual" both mean an academic or highly intelligent person. "Amateur" means beginner or learner. "Misogynist" means someone who hates women. "Iconoclast" is someone who breaks from established norms or traditions. "Enigma" is a puzzle or riddle.

"Stevedore" and "dockworker" are both synonyms. "Drivel" means foolish talk or babble. "Virtuoso" means a person who is an expert. "Dotard" means a fogy or dull person. "Instigator" means troublemaker or agitator.

The word “adversary” literally comes from the roots “to turn toward.” The word “reverse” has a similar root in it, here meaning to turn back. (The “re-” prefix indicates the “back” portion of the meaning.) Someone’s adversary is not necessarily a fighter in the literal sense, though that person is “turned toward” another person or, in another way, turned against that person. While two people in a duel are adversaries, it is likewise the case that two disputing scholars could be called the same.