Word Knowledge (WK)
Word Knowledge (WK) tests vocabulary — you pick the word closest in meaning to a given word. With Paragraph Comprehension it forms your Verbal Expression (VE) score, which is doubled in the AFQT, so it matters a lot.
Practise Word Knowledge freeAlready know what's on it and still stuck? How to improve your Word Knowledge score.
Two question styles
Standalone: “<word> most nearly means —”, with the word given on its own. In context: the word is underlined in a sentence and you pick the closest synonym as it's used there. The ask is almost always “most nearly means”, not the opposite.
Use word parts
When a word is unfamiliar, break it down. Common roots (bene = good, mal = bad, spec = look, dict = say, port = carry, scrib = write), prefixes (un-, re-, in-/im-, pre-, sub-, anti-) and suffixes (-able, -ous, -tion, -ful) unlock hundreds of words.
Reading connotation
If you can't define a word, judge whether it feels positive or negative and eliminate options with the wrong charge. Watch for near-synonyms — pick the closest shade of meaning, not just a word from the same topic.
Test-day strategy
This subtest is short on time, so keep moving. If the word is in a sentence, use the sentence — context narrows the meaning. Predict a meaning before you look at the options, then match.
Key takeaways
- Half of Verbal Expression (VE), which is DOUBLED in the AFQT.
- Breadth of vocabulary matters more than depth — read widely.
- Roots, prefixes and suffixes are your best tool for unknown words.
Start a free Word Knowledge practice set — timed, with a worked explanation after every question.
Go to Word Knowledge practiceFree sample Word Knowledge questions
A few sample questions with worked answers. Our free Word Knowledge practice set has 195 questions in total — every one with a full explanation.
- A.scanty ✓
- B.rough
- C.hidden
- D.dense
- A.rural ✓
- B.urban
- C.tidy
- D.modern
- A.strict
- B.generous
- C.tolerant ✓
- D.gentle
- A.modest
- B.dull
- C.showy ✓
- D.honest
- A.mature ✓
- B.unripe
- C.sweet
- D.fresh
Word Knowledge cheat sheet
The formulas and facts worth memorising for this subtest. See all ASVAB cheat sheets →
- bene = good · mal = bad · spec = look · dict = say · port = carry
- scrib/scrip = write · aud = hear · vis/vid = see · duc = lead
- un-/in-/im- = not · re- = again · pre- = before · sub- = under · anti- = against · mis- = wrong
- -able = can be · -ous = full of · -tion = act of · -ful = full of · -less = without
- If the word is in a sentence, use the context; predict the meaning, then match
- Pick the CLOSEST synonym; watch for an antonym hidden among the options