The ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest may seem like a simple vocabulary quiz—but it plays a powerful role in determining your AFQT score, which affects your eligibility for military enlistment and even your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) options.
 |
| Boost Your ASVAB Word Knowledge Score: Proven Vocabulary Strategies & Practice Questions |
Many test-takers assume they’re ready because they “know English,” but this subtest isn't about casual conversation—it’s about understanding precise word meanings, synonyms, and how words function in context. And all of this happens under tight time limits.
That’s why this article gives you a complete
system to master Word Knowledge through:
- Proven strategies for learning and remembering words
- Practice questions modeled after the real ASVAB
- Answer explanations to build your understanding
🔍
Smart Strategies for Word Knowledge Success
Before jumping into practice, here
are 5 essential strategies to boost your score:
- Use word parts
(prefix, root, suffix): Understand how “un-,” “-ology,” or “-ment” change
meaning.
- Look at context clues:
Surrounding words often hint at meaning.
- Learn high-frequency ASVAB words: These appear often in military exams.
- Eliminate wrong answers fast: Narrow your choices to increase odds.
- Practice under time:
The Word Knowledge section gives you about 11 minutes for 15 questions,
so speed matters.
Part 1: Easy-Level Practice Questions (1–7)
Question 1
Select the word that is most similar
in meaning to:
"Swift"
A. Slow
B. Fast
C. Dull
D. Lazy
✅ Correct Answer: B. Fast
📘 Explanation: “Swift” means quick or fast. It is the opposite
of slow or lazy.
Question 2
Select the word that is most similar
in meaning to:
"Basic"
A. Complicated
B. Simple
C. Expensive
D. Secret
✅ Correct Answer: B. Simple
📘 Explanation: “Basic” refers to something simple or
fundamental. It's not complicated.
Question 3
"Permit" most nearly
means:
A. Prevent
B. Allow
C. Ignore
D. Refuse
✅ Correct Answer: B. Allow
📘 Explanation: To “permit” something is to allow it. It's the
opposite of refuse.
Question 4
"Silent" most nearly
means:
A. Loud
B. Noisy
C. Quiet
D. Angry
✅ Correct Answer: C. Quiet
📘 Explanation: “Silent” means there is no noise, similar to
“quiet.”
Question 5
"Tiny" most nearly means:
A. Huge
B. Small
C. Heavy
D. Bright
✅ Correct Answer: B. Small
📘 Explanation: “Tiny” and “small” mean almost the same
thing—something little in size.
Question 6
Select the word most similar in
meaning to:
"Happy"
A. Sad
B. Angry
C. Joyful
D. Bored
✅ Correct Answer: C. Joyful
📘 Explanation: “Happy” and “joyful” both express a positive
emotion.
Question 7
Select the word most similar in
meaning to:
"Begin"
A. Stop
B. Start
C. End
D. Sleep
✅ Correct Answer: B. Start
📘 Explanation: “Begin” and “start” both mean to initiate
something.
Part 2: Medium-Level Practice Questions (8–20)
Question 8
"Reluctant" most nearly
means:
A. Eager
B. Hesitant
C. Excited
D. Ready
✅ Correct Answer: B. Hesitant
📘 Explanation: “Reluctant” means being unwilling or hesitant to
do something.
Question 9
"Scarce" most nearly
means:
A. Abundant
B. Few
C. Common
D. Free
✅ Correct Answer: B. Few
📘 Explanation: “Scarce” means limited or in small quantity.
Question 10
The word "Neglect" is
closest in meaning to:
A. Observe
B. Ignore
C. Remember
D. Assist
✅ Correct Answer: B. Ignore
📘 Explanation: “Neglect” means to ignore or fail to take care of
something.
Question 11
"Artificial" most nearly
means:
A. Real
B. Natural
C. Fake
D. Bright
✅ Correct Answer: C. Fake
📘 Explanation: “Artificial” means made by humans, not
natural—often fake or synthetic.
Question 12
"Emphasize" most nearly
means:
A. Mention
B. Ignore
C. Highlight
D. Hide
✅ Correct Answer: C. Highlight
📘 Explanation: To “emphasize” something is to make it stand out
or give it importance.
Question 13
"Cautious" most nearly
means:
A. Reckless
B. Careful
C. Fast
D. Loud
✅ Correct Answer: B. Careful
📘 Explanation: “Cautious” means being careful to avoid problems
or danger.
Question 14
"Maintain" most nearly
means:
A. Keep
B. Destroy
C. Drop
D. Sell
✅ Correct Answer: A. Keep
📘 Explanation: To “maintain” something is to keep it in good
condition.
Question 15
"Imitate" most nearly
means:
A. Forget
B. Copy
C. Confuse
D. Damage
✅ Correct Answer: B. Copy
📘 Explanation: “Imitate” means to copy or mimic someone or
something.
Question 16
"Brief" most nearly means:
A. Short
B. Long
C. Complex
D. Serious
✅ Correct Answer: A. Short
📘 Explanation: “Brief” refers to something that doesn’t take
much time—short.
Question 17
"Deny" most nearly means:
A. Accept
B. Refuse
C. Celebrate
D. Approve
✅ Correct Answer: B. Refuse
📘 Explanation: “Deny” means to refuse to acknowledge or accept
something.
Question 18
"Sturdy" most nearly
means:
A. Weak
B. Fragile
C. Strong
D. Thin
✅ Correct Answer: C. Strong
📘 Explanation: “Sturdy” refers to something physically strong or
durable.
Question 19
"Predict" most nearly
means:
A. Guess
B. Observe
C. Destroy
D. React
✅ Correct Answer: A. Guess
📘 Explanation: To “predict” is to make an educated guess about
the future.
Question 20
"Expand" most nearly
means:
A. Shrink
B. Increase
C. Block
D. Hold
✅ Correct Answer: B. Increase
📘 Explanation: “Expand” means to grow larger or increase in
size.
Part 3: Advanced-Level Practice Questions (21–35)
In this section, you'll encounter more challenging and obscure words as
they appear on the ASVAB Word Knowledge test. The goal is to test your ability
to use context and analyze complex vocabulary.
Question 21
"Ambiguous" most nearly
means:
A. Clear
B. Vague
C. Loud
D. Honest
✅ Correct Answer: B. Vague
📘 Explanation: “Ambiguous” means unclear or open to more than
one interpretation.
Question 22
"Meticulous" most nearly
means:
A. Messy
B. Careful
C. Tired
D. Lazy
✅ Correct Answer: B. Careful
📘 Explanation: A “meticulous” person pays great attention to
detail.
Question 23
"Inevitable" most nearly
means:
A. Optional
B. Unavoidable
C. Rare
D. Strange
✅ Correct Answer: B. Unavoidable
📘 Explanation: “Inevitable” means something bound to
happen—cannot be avoided.
Question 24
"Deteriorate" most nearly
means:
A. Improve
B. Weaken
C. Clean
D. Enhance
✅ Correct Answer: B. Weaken
📘 Explanation: To “deteriorate” means to become worse or break
down over time.
Question 25
"Resilient" most nearly
means:
A. Fragile
B. Boring
C. Strong
D. Soft
✅ Correct Answer: C. Strong
📘 Explanation: A “resilient” person or thing recovers quickly
from difficulties.
Question 26
"Exaggerate" most nearly
means:
A. Minimize
B. Enlarge
C. Lie
D. Overstate
✅ Correct Answer: D. Overstate
📘 Explanation: To “exaggerate” means to overstate or make
something seem greater than it is.
Question 27
"Candid" most nearly
means:
A. Honest
B. Silent
C. Harsh
D. Dramatic
✅ Correct Answer: A. Honest
📘 Explanation: “Candid” means being open, honest, and
straightforward.
Question 28
"Suppress" most nearly means:
A. Encourage
B. Hide
C. Announce
D. Create
✅ Correct Answer: B. Hide
📘 Explanation: “Suppress” means to hold something back or
prevent it from showing.
Question 29
"Feasible" most nearly
means:
A. Possible
B. Useless
C. Strange
D. Flexible
✅ Correct Answer: A. Possible
📘 Explanation: “Feasible” means something that can be done or
achieved.
Question 30
"Conceal" most nearly
means:
A. Show
B. Hide
C. Reveal
D. Build
✅ Correct Answer: B. Hide
📘 Explanation: “Conceal” means to keep something out of
sight—hide it.
Question 31
"Apprehensive" most nearly
means:
A. Confident
B. Nervous
C. Bold
D. Relaxed
✅ Correct Answer: B. Nervous
📘 Explanation: “Apprehensive” means feeling anxious or fearful
about the future.
Question 32
"Revoke" most nearly
means:
A. Grant
B. Approve
C. Cancel
D. Create
✅ Correct Answer: C. Cancel
📘 Explanation: “Revoke” means to take back or cancel a decision,
right, or law.
Question 33
"Subtle" most nearly
means:
A. Obvious
B. Loud
C. Delicate
D. Sharp
✅ Correct Answer: C. Delicate
📘 Explanation: “Subtle” refers to something delicate or not
immediately obvious.
Question 34
"Fatigue" most nearly
means:
A. Energy
B. Tiredness
C. Strength
D. Enthusiasm
✅ Correct Answer: B. Tiredness
📘 Explanation: “Fatigue” means extreme tiredness or exhaustion.
Question 35
"Hostile" most nearly
means:
A. Friendly
B. Aggressive
C. Neutral
D. Relaxed
✅ Correct Answer: B. Aggressive
📘 Explanation: “Hostile” means unfriendly or aggressive
behavior.
✅ Conclusion
Congratulations on completing the full 2025 ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test with 35 questions. Remember:·
Review the words you got wrong.
·
Try again with new questions.
·
Don’t rely solely on memorization—focus on
understanding word context.
·
Write down new vocabulary and practice using it
in daily sentences.
📘 Pro Tip: Every minute you invest in mastering vocabulary increases your chances of boosting your ASVAB score and landing the military job you’re aiming for.