ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test

Closest-meaning vocabulary at ASVAB pace. Here are 10 ASVAB word knowledge questions, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-14 by the Tigertest team. Covers eight of the CAT-ASVAB subtests in test order with the real time limits. Assembling Objects uses figures and is not included. Minimum AFQT scores vary by branch and change with recruiting needs.

1.
Candid most nearly means
- A.
  secretive
- B.
  honest
- C.
  hidden
- D.
  polite
Answer: B.
Candid means frank and truthful, saying what you really think. Secretive and hidden are close to its opposite, and polite describes manner rather than truthfulness.
2.
Diligent most nearly means
- A.
  lazy
- B.
  clever
- C.
  cautious
- D.
  hardworking
Answer: D.
Diligent describes someone who works steadily and carefully. Lazy is the opposite, and clever and cautious describe different traits.
3.
Frugal most nearly means
- A.
  wasteful
- B.
  generous
- C.
  wealthy
- D.
  thrifty
Answer: D.
Frugal describes someone careful with money who avoids waste, so thrifty is the match. Wasteful is the opposite, and wealthy describes how much money someone has, not how they spend it.
4.
Benevolent most nearly means
- A.
  strict
- B.
  wealthy
- C.
  kind
- D.
  hostile
Answer: C.
Benevolent means well-meaning and generous; the prefix bene means good, as in benefit. Hostile is the opposite.
5.
The new policy will supersede the old one. Supersede most nearly means
- A.
  support
- B.
  replace
- C.
  delay
- D.
  copy
Answer: B.
To supersede is to take the place of something, usually because it is newer or better. A new policy that supersedes the old one replaces it rather than supporting or copying it.
6.
Erratic most nearly means
- A.
  steady
- B.
  unpredictable
- C.
  fast
- D.
  wrong
Answer: B.
Erratic means irregular and not following a consistent pattern. Steady is the opposite, and wrong confuses erratic with error.
7.
Prudent most nearly means
- A.
  careless
- B.
  proud
- C.
  wise
- D.
  rich
Answer: C.
Prudent means acting with care and good judgment about the future, so wise is the match. Careless is the opposite, and proud is a sound-alike with a different meaning.
8.
Zealous most nearly means
- A.
  enthusiastic
- B.
  jealous
- C.
  calm
- D.
  timid
Answer: A.
Zealous means filled with intense energy and devotion to a cause. Jealous is a sound-alike with a different meaning, and calm and timid are nearly opposite.
9.
Deter most nearly means
- A.
  encourage
- B.
  destroy
- C.
  decide
- D.
  discourage
Answer: D.
To deter is to discourage someone from acting, usually through fear of consequences. Encourage is the opposite, and destroy is too strong.
10.
The sentry remained alert throughout the long night watch. Alert most nearly means
- A.
  tired
- B.
  watchful
- C.
  hidden
- D.
  armed
Answer: B.
Alert means fully aware and attentive, ready to notice danger. Tired is close to the opposite, and armed describes equipment rather than attention.

Drill every word knowledge question in the ASVAB Word Knowledge drill: questions you miss come back until you have mastered them. Then take a timed practice test with the Word Knowledge section in it.

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200 ASVAB questions in all. Free to start. No account needed.