What this section covers: Synonyms, Words in context.
10 free practice questions
Click an answer: you see at once whether it is right, with the explanation.
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Question 1Diligent most nearly means
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Answer: C — hardworking.
Diligent means showing steady, careful effort, so hardworking fits. Careless is close to the opposite.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 2The instructor tried to mitigate the risk by adding a safety line. Mitigate most nearly means
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Answer: A — lessen.
To mitigate is to make something less severe. A safety line reduces the danger; it does not increase or simply measure it.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 3Ambiguous most nearly means
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Answer: C — open to more than one interpretation.
Something ambiguous can be understood in more than one way. Clearly stated is the opposite, and ambitious only looks similar.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 4Frugal most nearly means
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Answer: D — thrifty.
A frugal person is careful not to waste money or resources: thrifty. Fragile and fruitful only sound alike; generous points the other way.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 5When asked about the delay, the sergeant gave a terse reply. Terse most nearly means
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Answer: D — brief.
Terse means using few words. A terse reply may sound curt, but the word itself describes shortness, not anger.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 6Obsolete most nearly means
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Answer: A — out of date.
Obsolete means no longer in use because something newer has replaced it. An obsolete device may still work, so broken is not the meaning.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 7Meticulous most nearly means
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Answer: A — extremely careful.
Meticulous means paying close attention to every detail. Careful work can be slow, but slowness is not what the word means.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 8Her plan was feasible, so the committee approved it. Feasible most nearly means
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Answer: D — possible to do.
Feasible means capable of being done. The committee approved the plan because it could actually be carried out.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 9Impartial most nearly means
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Answer: A — fair.
Impartial means not favoring one side, so fair is the synonym. Incomplete is a trap based on the word part.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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Question 10Lethargic most nearly means
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Answer: A — sluggish.
Lethargic describes a lack of energy: sluggish. Deadly is a trap based on the similar-looking word lethal.
Checked against: officialasvab.com, What to Expect: ASVAB Subtests table, Word Knowledge (select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym)
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The ASVAB is developed and administered by the U.S. Department of Defense, which is not affiliated with and does not endorse passmock. Our practice questions are original and are not ASVAB test items. Original practice questions, not questions from the real test.