ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The intrepid<\/u> soldier led his men into battle.

powerful
able
clever
bold (Correct answer)

Correct answer: bold

The word 'intrepid' means fearless, adventurous, or brave. In the context of a soldier leading men into battle, 'bold' is the most fitting synonym. An intrepid soldier acts with courage and a lack of fear, which is precisely what 'bold' conveys.

Question 2: Verbose<\/u> most nearly means

long-winded (Correct answer)
cruel
voracious
vile

Correct answer: long-winded

'Verbose' describes someone or something that uses too many words, often to the point of being tedious or redundant. 'Long-winded' is a direct synonym, referring to speech or writing that is excessively lengthy and uses more words than necessary.

Question 3: The credible<\/u> witness took the stand in the trial.

suspicious
relevant
plausible (Correct answer)
lying

Correct answer: plausible

The word 'credible' means believable or trustworthy. In the context of a witness in a trial, a credible witness is one whose testimony is likely to be accepted as true. 'Plausible' means seeming reasonable or probable, making it the closest synonym for something that is believable.

Question 4: Vindictive<\/u> most nearly means

vengeful (Correct answer)
indecent
thorny
boorish

Correct answer: vengeful

'Vindictive' describes someone who has a strong desire for revenge or is inclined to seek vengeance. 'Vengeful' is a direct synonym, referring to a person or action characterized by a desire for revenge.

Question 5: The man only possessed a cursory<\/u> education.

foolhardy
primary
preliminary (Correct answer)
imperfect

Correct answer: preliminary

'Cursory' means hasty and superficial, lacking in thoroughness or detail. In the context of an education, a cursory education would be a basic or introductory one, not in-depth. 'Preliminary' means preceding or done in preparation for something fuller, implying an initial or foundational level that is not yet comprehensive, making it the best fit.

Question 6: The issue was of minute<\/u> importance.

timely
major
slight (Correct answer)
spontaneous

Correct answer: slight

When pronounced 'my-NOOT,' 'minute' means extremely small or insignificant. Therefore, an issue of 'minute importance' is one of very little significance. 'Slight' is the best synonym, as it means small in amount, degree, or extent, perfectly capturing the meaning of minimal importance.

Question 7: Abundant<\/u> most nearly means

punctual
flowing
futile
ample (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ample

'Abundant' means existing in large quantities or being plentiful. 'Ample' is a direct synonym, meaning enough or more than enough; plentiful. Both words convey the idea of a generous or sufficient supply.

Question 8: The shopkeeper kicked the juvenile<\/u> would-be thief out of the store.

progressive
enraged
youthful (Correct answer)
mischievous

Correct answer: youthful

'Juvenile' refers to young people or characteristics associated with youth. In the context of a 'juvenile would-be thief,' it indicates that the person is young. 'Youthful' is the most accurate synonym, directly meaning characteristic of or appropriate to young people.

Question 9: The employee was proud of her unblemished<\/u> reputation.

impaired
flawless (Correct answer)
sporadic
unorthodox

Correct answer: flawless

'Unblemished' means without any mark, stain, or flaw; perfect. When applied to a reputation, it means the reputation is without any faults or imperfections. 'Flawless' is a direct synonym, meaning without any imperfections or defects.

Question 10: It’s not unusual to shed a tear during a poignant<\/u> scene in a movie.

affecting (Correct answer)
holy
honest
calm

Correct answer: affecting

'Poignant' describes something that evokes a strong sense of sadness, regret, or tenderness; it is deeply moving or touching. 'Affecting' is the best synonym, as it means producing a strong emotional response, especially one of sadness or sympathy.

Question 11: Boisterous<\/u> most nearly means

unflagging
steadfast
ramshackle
clamorous (Correct answer)

Correct answer: clamorous

'Boisterous' describes someone or something that is noisy, energetic, and often unruly or rowdy. 'Clamorous' is the most fitting synonym, as it means making a loud and confused noise, which aligns with the noisy and energetic nature of something boisterous.

Question 12: The vociferous<\/u> student was pleased by the good debate score.

loath
vehement (Correct answer)
lanky
colossal

Correct answer: vehement

The word 'vociferous' means expressing feelings or opinions in a loud and forceful way. 'Vehement' similarly describes showing strong feeling, being forceful, passionate, or intense. Both terms convey the idea of a strong, energetic, and often loud expression of opinion or emotion, making them close synonyms.

Question 13: The prolific<\/u> author had many books published.

notorious
acclaimed
profuse (Correct answer)
fecundate

Correct answer: profuse

The word 'prolific' means producing many works, offspring, or results. 'Profuse' means exuberantly plentiful or abundant. Both words convey the idea of producing or having a large quantity of something, making them synonymous in this context.

Question 14: Wry<\/u> most nearly means

droll (Correct answer)
sedulous
obstreperous
ardent

Correct answer: droll

The term 'wry' describes a form of humor that is dry, often mocking, or ironically amusing. 'Droll' means curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement. Therefore, 'droll' is the closest synonym to 'wry', as both refer to a subtle, often ironic, and understated sense of humor.

Question 15: Two estranged siblings were eventually able to overcome their enmity<\/u>.

embellishment
fustian
acrimony (Correct answer)
accord

Correct answer: acrimony

The word 'enmity' refers to the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone. 'Acrimony' means bitterness or ill feeling, especially in speech or temper. Both words describe a strong sense of hostility, animosity, or deep-seated resentment between individuals, making 'acrimony' the best fit.

Question 16: Compendious<\/u> most nearly means

equivocal
frangible
propitiative
laconic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: laconic

The word 'compendious' means containing or presenting in a brief but comprehensive way. 'Laconic' describes a person, speech, or style of writing that uses very few words. Both terms emphasize conciseness and brevity while still conveying essential information, making 'laconic' the closest synonym.

Question 17: I approached the snarling dog with much trepidation<\/u>.

bravery
caution (Correct answer)
excitement
recklessness

Correct answer: caution

'Trepidation' means a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen. When approaching a dangerous situation, such as a snarling dog, this feeling naturally leads to 'caution'. Caution is the carefulness taken to avoid danger, which is a direct behavioral response to trepidation.

Question 18: Vibrant<\/u> most nearly means:

vivid (Correct answer)
dull
crooked
shy

Correct answer: vivid

The word 'vibrant' can describe something full of energy and enthusiasm, or, when referring to color, bright and striking. 'Vivid' similarly means producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images, and for colors, it means intensely deep or bright. Thus, 'vivid' is the closest synonym, especially when describing colors or strong impressions.

ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test 1

The intrepid soldier led his men into battle.