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A synonym is a word that has the same meaning as or a very similar meaning to another word. Smile and grin are synonyms. They may not mean exactly the same thing, but their meanings are very similar. An antonym is a word that has an opposite or nearly opposite meaning as another word. Smile and frown are antonyms.

To help remember the definitions of synonym and antonym, think of a synonym as the same (both also start with an s) and an antonym as the enemy.

The ASVAB may ask you to find the word that most nearly means the same thing as a given word, which is a synonym. Or you may be asked to find the word that most nearly means the opposite of a given word, which is an antonym. Most of the questions on the Word Knowledge subtest ask you to find synonyms, although a few may ask you to find antonyms.

How can you study and find the synonym of a word (or the antonym, for that matter)? Take a look at these suggestions:

 Start in the dictionary. Many dictionary entries include the abbreviation syn., which means synonym. The words that follow this abbreviation are synonyms of the entry word. You may also see the abbreviation ant., which stands for antonym; the word or words that follow it mean the opposite of the entry word.

 Make a list of synonyms and antonyms of the words you learn. As you study vocabulary words for the Word Knowledge subtest, add them to your list.

 Use the root-word list from Table 4-4 (earlier in the chapter). Using a dictionary and/or thesaurus, come up with a list of synonyms and antonyms for each word listed in the Sample Word column. (Of course, not every word has synonyms and antonyms, but many do.)

Many of the ASVAB Word Knowledge questions require you to know a one-word definition for another word. There’s no better study aid for this concept than a thesaurus, a book of synonyms.