You will need to be ready for the Word Knowledge problems on the ASVAB. The format you see below is a good example of what you will find when you go in to take the ASVAB.
Sample questions
Word Knowledge
Time: 11 minutes for 35 questions
Directions: The Word Knowledge subtest is the third subtest of the ASVAB. The questions are designed to measure your vocabulary knowledge. You’ll see three types of questions on this subtest. The first type simply asks you to choose a word or words that most nearly mean the same as the underlined word in the question.
The second type includes an underlined word used in a sentence, and you are to choose the word or words that most nearly mean the same as the underlined word, as used in the context of the sentence.
The third type of question asks you to choose the word that has the opposite or nearly opposite meaning as the underlined word. Each question is followed by four possible answers. Decide which answer is correct, and then mark the corresponding space on your answer sheet.
The captain received many accolades for her bravery during the battle.
(A)honors
(B)criticisms
(C)presents
(D)promotions
Covert most nearly means:
(A)tiresome
(B)popular
(C)secret
(D)unruly
Abhor most nearly means:
(A)commence
(B)embrace
(C)remove
(D)dislike
The mandate to report at exactly 9 a.m. the next day was written on my boss’s personal stationery.
(A)invitation
(B)greeting
(C)command
(D)permission
The word most opposite in meaning to assortment is
(A)variety
(B)difference
(C)mixture
(D)consistency
Credible most nearly means:
(A)cynical
(B)rehearsed
(C)genuine
(D)vague
Reprieve most nearly means:
(A)on hold
(B)complete
(C)final
(D)justice
Tedious most nearly means:
(A)fresh
(B)dreary
(C)difficult
(D)annoying
Jackson’s music was so loud he was oblivious to the honking car behind him.
(A)cognizant
(B)superfluous
(C)ignorant
(D)perceptive
The coach knew how to bolster the team’s morale in the final moments.
(A)recruit
(B)demean
(C)allude
(D)encourage
Answers and explanations
A. honors
Accolade is a noun that means praise or high recognition.
C. secret
Covert is an adjective that describes something not intended for public knowledge.
D. dislike
Abhor is a verb that means to reject something or disapprove.
C. command
Mandate is a noun that means an official order or decree.
D. consistency
Assortment is a noun that means a collection of things that differ.
C. genuine
Credible is an adjective meaning something believable or convincing.
A. on hold
Reprieve is a noun that means a temporary relief or break from something.
B. dreary
Tedious is an adjective meaning something boring or repetitive.
C. ignorant
Oblivious is an adjective that means unaware.
D. encourage
Bolster is a verb that means to make more confident through support.