25% of the AFQT · blueprint AFQT = AR + MK + 2×VE (WK+PC), per officialasvab.com (2026)
Word Knowledge is an AFQT subtest that, combined with Paragraph Comprehension, forms Verbal Expression (VE), which is counted twice in the AFQT formula. Questions ask for the word closest in meaning to a given word, alone or in a short sentence. On paper it is 35 questions in 11 minutes — under 20 seconds each — so the skill is recognition, built from roots, prefixes, suffixes and reading.
Because VE is doubled, a WK gain moves the AFQT more than the same gain in AR or MK. It is also the fastest subtest, so guessing strategy matters.
"The soldier's candid report surprised the officers." Candid = frank/honest. "Cautious" and "lengthy" are neutral-to-negative distractors; "honest" matches.
Correct: C. Candid means frank, open, honest — as in a candid opinion.
Correct: D. Terse means brief and abrupt. The context — the squad moved immediately — signals instructions that were short and clear.
Correct: A. Bene- means good/well (benefit, benefactor); benevolent = well-meaning, kind.
2 flashcards for Word Knowledge (WK)
Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.