ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test
Updated October 27, 2026
Word Knowledge (WK) is a vocabulary test, and it’s part of your AFQT score: together with Paragraph Comprehension it makes up the verbal score, which counts twice in the AFQT. The CAT-ASVAB has 15 scored WK questions. Most ask for the word closest in meaning to an underlined word, either on its own or in a sentence. Try the free questions below.
Tips for Word Knowledge
- Use the sentence. When a word appears in a sentence, the context often tells you its meaning.
- Break the word into parts. Prefixes, roots and suffixes give clues: “bene-” means good, “mal-” means bad, “-ful” means full of.
- Rule out choices. If two choices mean nearly the same thing, the answer is probably neither.
- Build vocabulary over time. Read widely and look up words you don’t know.
Free Word Knowledge practice questions
-
"Abundant" most nearly means:Answer: AAbundant means existing in large amounts: plentiful.
-
"Reluctant" most nearly means:Answer: BSomeone reluctant is hesitant or unwilling to do something.
-
The sergeant gave a "concise" briefing. "Concise" most nearly means:Answer: CConcise means saying a lot in few words: brief and clear.
-
"Benevolent" most nearly means:Answer: D"Bene-" means good, and benevolent means kind and well-meaning.
-
"Mitigate" most nearly means:Answer: BTo mitigate is to make something less severe, such as mitigating risk.
-
The recruit was "diligent" in her training. "Diligent" most nearly means:Answer: ADiligent means showing steady, careful effort.
-
"Candid" most nearly means:Answer: CCandid means open and honest.
-
"Feasible" most nearly means:Answer: AFeasible means possible or practical to do, as in "a feasible plan."
-
"Hostile" most nearly means:Answer: BHostile means unfriendly or showing opposition, as in "hostile forces."
-
The commander's orders were "explicit." "Explicit" most nearly means:Answer: CExplicit means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion.
-
"Deplete" most nearly means:Answer: ATo deplete is to use up or reduce, as in "deplete the supplies."
-
"Tenacious" most nearly means:Answer: CTenacious means holding firmly or not giving up, so persistent.
-
"Obsolete" most nearly means:Answer: BObsolete means no longer used or out of date, as in "obsolete equipment."
-
"Vigilant" most nearly means:Answer: AVigilant means alert and watchful, especially for danger.
-
The opposite of "scarce" is:Answer: CScarce means in short supply, so its opposite is plentiful.
-
"Ambiguous" most nearly means:Answer: BAmbiguous means open to more than one interpretation, so unclear.
See also Paragraph Comprehension practice and how the AFQT is calculated.
Get the ASVAB score you need to enlist
- All 178 questions across the four AFQT tests and the science and technical tests
- An explanation for every answer, with the working shown for every math problem
- Unlimited full 80-question practice exams weighted toward the AFQT tests