Synonyms are critically important if you want to score high on the ASVAB. The Word Knowledge test is made up entirely of questions that require you to know the meaning of various words. Each question asks you to find the synonym for a given word.
What exactly is a synonym? A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. So for example, think about the word create. What word means the same or almost the same as create? Some synonyms for create could be make, produce, formulate, build, or construct. Each of these words is a synonym for the word create.
So how do you learn synonyms? You learn them by reading and by using the dictionary to look up the meaning of words that you don’t know. You learn synonyms by listening to people talk and hearing them use different words to communicate the same or similar ideas. You learn synonyms by creating word lists and memorizing the meaning of the words. You learn synonyms by using an unfamiliar word correctly in a sentence. You learn synonyms by checking out root words and identifying any prefixes or suffixes that are used.
All the skills covered in the Reading section of this book will help you with the ASVAB, but several skills will help you with the Word Knowledge test in particular. These skills are Use Context Clues (Skill 13), Know Root Words (Skills 14), Recognize Prefixes (Skill 15), and Recognize Suffixes (Skill 16). This skill, Identify Synonyms, will give you more practice in knowing the meaning of words. Because this skill is so important, this section will be much longer than the other skills.
You will find questions on the ASVAB that are like this.
1. The word wisdom most nearly means |
Wish |
Understanding |
Lacking |
Scenic |
The best synonym for the word wisdom is understanding. Other possible synonyms could be insight or knowledge. |
2. The word humorous most nearly means |
Funny |
Sad |
Bent |
Truthful |
The best synonym for the word humorous is funny. Other possible synonyms are amusing or comical. |
Other questions on the ASVAB will look like this:
3. From reading his application form, it was clear that he was eligible for the position. |
Accepted |
Rejected |
Qualified |
Perfect |
Eligible most nearly means qualified. Other synonyms would be suitable or appropriate. |
4. Kurt looked at his little sister in her fanciest dress and was captivated by what he saw. |
Shocked |
Displeased |
Fascinated |
Happy |
The word captivated most nearly means fascinated. Other synonyms could be charmed or enthralled. |
Find the best synonym for each of the underlined words. Circle the letter of your choice.
The Civil War went a long way toward abolishing the practice of slavery.
Prohibiting
Explaining
Promoting
Supporting
The capability of the least expensive computer was adequate, so she purchased it.
Sufficient
Inexpensive
Unknown
Explained
Sam’s ailment was not so severe that he needed to be hospitalized right away.
Temper
Temperature
Condition
Sickness
Jason preferred contemporary furniture over the styles favored by his parents’ generation.
Colorful
Modern
Unique
Significant
After hours in the car, we were famished when we reached the restaurant.
Chilly
Disappointed
Weary
Hungry
The desecration of the flag was an act that could not be forgiven.
Ruin
Folding
Hoisting
Washing
James was happy to achieve his purpose after so many days of trying.
Admire
Reduce
Control
Accomplish
During the storm, the shutter detached from the window of the beach cottage.
Separated
Swung
Connected
Hailed
He was earnest in his desire to make the world a better and safer place.
Weak
Overt
Sincere
Halting
She daydreamed about an exciting escapade on a distant tropical island.
Contribution
Adventure
Sail
Walk
The word dismiss most nearly means
Reject
Inspect
Supervise
Warn
The word feasible most nearly means
Possible
Foolish
Movable
Happy
The word flourish most nearly means
Suffer
Contain
Deteriorate
Thrive
The word fundamental most nearly means
Extreme
Cautious
Basic
Prosperous
The word placid most nearly means
Calm
Intense
Destructive
Meek
The word immune most nearly means
Susceptible
Resistant
Reclusive
Worldly
The word irresistible most nearly means
Frigid
Determined
Folksy
Tempting
The word monotonous most nearly means
Frivolous
Boring
Amusing
Wise
The word paradoxical most nearly means
Logical
Withdrawn
Inconsistent
Mechanical
The word perforate most nearly means
Penetrate
Rectify
Justify
Praise
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