Test prep

ASVAB vocabulary words for test prep

This list is for recruits and enlistees preparing for the ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest, which asks you to identify synonyms for a given word. Study each word's core meaning, think of a common synonym, and practice picking the closest match among several answer choices.

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ASVAB vocabulary words for test prep

Word	Meaning	In a sentence
abundantadjective	Available or present in large quantities.	The orchard produced an abundant crop of apples.
adjacentadjective	Next to or adjoining something else, sharing a common border or edge.	The bookstore sits adjacent to a small coffee shop on the corner.
arbitraryadjective	Based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason, system, or law.	The fine seemed arbitrary since no clear rule explained why it was so high.
bluntadjective	Speaking or expressed in a very direct way, without trying to soften an unwelcome truth.	Her blunt feedback stung at first, but it helped him fix the report quickly.
candidadjective	Honest and direct about what you think or know.	Please give me a candid assessment of the draft before I submit it.
compelverb	To force or strongly persuade someone to do something, whether through pressure, law, or necessity.	The judge's ruling compelled the company to release its internal safety records.
concealverb	To hide something so that it cannot be seen or discovered.	She concealed the gift behind her back until it was time to surprise him.
deceptiveadjective	Giving a false or misleading impression, whether intentionally or not.	The label's tiny print was deceptive, hiding the product's true sugar content.
diminishverb	To become smaller or less, or to cause something to decrease in size or importance.	Her enthusiasm for the project began to diminish after months of delays.
dubiousadjective	Not fully trusted or believed; causing doubt about its truth, quality, or value.	She gave a dubious look when he claimed the ancient vase was only ten dollars.
endureverb	To experience something difficult over a long period without giving up, or to continue existing over time.	The pioneers endured harsh winters with little shelter or food.
evidentadjective	Clearly seen or understood; obvious.	Her disappointment was evident from the moment she read the letter.
feasibleadjective	Possible to do easily or conveniently, given the available resources, time, and conditions.	Engineers concluded that the underwater tunnel was technically feasible but extremely expensive.
hostileadjective	Unfriendly and aggressive, showing opposition or ill will toward someone or something.	The crowd grew hostile after the referee's controversial final decision.
immenseadjective	Extremely large in size, extent, degree, or intensity; far beyond the ordinary or expected.	The explorers were amazed by the immense canyon stretching for miles ahead of them.
impartialadjective	Treating all sides or people equally and fairly, without favoring one over another.	The judge remained impartial throughout the trial, even when the evidence seemed one-sided.
indifferentadjective	Having no particular interest, concern, or sympathy regarding a situation or person.	He remained indifferent to the debate happening around him, scrolling through his phone instead.
lucidadjective	Clearly expressed and easy to understand.	The guide gives a lucid account of how the machine works.
meageradjective	Small in amount and lacking in quality or sufficiency.	The refugees survived on a meager ration of rice and water for weeks.
obscureadjective	Not well known, or difficult to understand because it is unclear or vague.	The scholar dedicated her career to studying an obscure poet almost forgotten by history.
permanentadjective	Lasting or intended to last indefinitely, without expectation of change.	The company offered her a permanent position after six months as a temporary contractor.
plausibleadjective	Seeming reasonable, likely, or believable.	The detective needed a plausible explanation for why the suspect was near the scene.
preciseadjective	Exact and accurate, with clearly defined details and no vagueness.	The scientist recorded precise measurements of the temperature every hour.
prevalentadjective	Widespread or common within a particular area, group, or time period.	Malaria remains especially prevalent in regions with warm, humid climates.
prudentadjective	Acting with care and good judgment, especially about practical matters or future consequences.	It was prudent to save part of the bonus rather than spend all of it immediately.
reluctantadjective	Unwilling or hesitant to do something.	I was reluctant to leave before the repairs were finished.
rigidadjective	Not able to bend or be changed easily; strict, fixed, or unyielding in form or attitude.	The old rules were so rigid that even small exceptions required months of approval.
sturdyadjective	Strongly and solidly built or made, able to withstand rough use or pressure.	The old oak table was sturdy enough to hold the entire feast.
tediousadjective	Long, slow, and monotonous in a way that causes boredom or fatigue.	Filling out the same form for every client became a tedious part of the job.
vigorousadjective	Full of physical strength, energy, and enthusiasm; done with great force or effort.	The coach recommended thirty minutes of vigorous exercise most days of the week.

Frequently asked questions

What does the ASVAB Word Knowledge section test?

It asks you to choose the word or phrase that means the same, or nearly the same, as an underlined word in a sentence.