CCAT verbal questions: antonyms, analogies and sentence completion
CCAT verbal questions, as candidates and prep providers describe them, come in three types: antonyms (pick the opposite word), analogies ("A is to B as C is to ?") and sentence completion (fill the gap). They test vocabulary and quick reasoning about word relationships, and they are among the quickest questions on the CCAT, so they are where you bank time for the slower math and spatial items. Each type has a simple method, set out below. For the whole test, see our CCAT test guide.
- Three types: antonyms, analogies, sentence completion.
- Aim for 10–15 seconds each to bank time for math and spatial questions.
- Analogies: say the relationship as a sentence, then test each option.
- Sentence completion: follow the signal words (although, despite, because, so).
- forge's CCAT-style bank has 160 verbal questions: 79 sentence completions, 49 analogies, 31 antonyms.
Free sample question
CCAT verbal question
An antonym, analogy or sentence completion, in the CCAT format.
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Quick summary
- CCAT verbal questions are antonyms, analogies and sentence completions.
- Antonyms: define the word in your head, then find its reverse, not a synonym.
- Analogies: describe the first pair in a sentence and apply it to the options.
- Sentence completion: signal words tell you whether the gap agrees with or contrasts the rest.
- Answer quickly here to save time for math and spatial questions.
Antonyms
You're given a word in capitals and five options, and you choose the one most nearly opposite in meaning. Usually three or four options are synonyms or related words, so a quick definition in your head eliminates most of them.
Transient means short-lived. Four options mean the same thing; permanent is the opposite.
Analogies
Analogies give a pair of words and ask which word completes a second pair in the same way. The method: turn the first pair into a short sentence, then put each option into the same sentence.
Sentence: "a glove covers a hand". So "a sock covers a foot".
"Shoe" is the trap: it's related to socks and feet, but it doesn't fit the sentence.
Common relationships: tool and user, part and whole, measures, lack of, grows into, opposite, degree (warm : hot).
Sentence completion
A sentence has a gap, and you pick the word that fits best. Signal words decide the answer:
- Contrast (although, despite, but, however): the gap goes against the rest of the sentence.
- Cause (because, so, therefore): the gap explains or follows from the rest.
- Definition (known for, always, such as): the rest of the sentence describes the word.
"But" signals a contrast with "expenses rose", so the policy was meant to reduce costs.
How to build vocabulary quickly
- Learn word pairs, not words: note each new word with its opposite (candid / evasive).
- Use roots and prefixes: bene- (good), mal- (bad), trans- (across), -cide (kill).
- Read quality writing such as long-form news and business writing for a few weeks before the test.
Verbal reasoning in graduate tests (SHL, Aon) works differently: passages and True / False / Cannot Say. If you face those too, see our verbal reasoning guide.
Drill CCAT verbal on forge
10 timed CCAT-style verbal drills (10 questions in 3 minutes) with an explanation for every answer.
Start CCAT verbalRelated guides
Source notes
The CCAT's verbal area and pace come from Criteria's candidate CCAT page (checked 2 October 2026); the three question types are as described by candidates and prep providers. Question-type counts describe forge's CCAT-style bank. All questions here are written by forge. CCAT is a trademark of Criteria Corp; forge is independent and not affiliated with Criteria.
Frequently asked questions
What verbal questions are on the CCAT?
Criteria lists verbal as one of the CCAT's three areas. Candidates and prep providers describe the questions as mostly antonyms (choose the opposite word), analogies (A is to B as C is to ?) and sentence completion (choose the word that best fills the gap). They test vocabulary and how quickly you see relationships between words.
How do I answer CCAT analogy questions?
Turn the first pair into a short sentence that describes their relationship, such as 'a thermometer measures temperature', then find the option that fits the same sentence with the second word: 'a scale measures weight'.
How can I improve my vocabulary for the CCAT?
Read widely, note unfamiliar words with their opposites, and practise antonym and analogy questions. Learning common prefixes and roots (bene-, mal-, trans-, -ient) helps you work out unfamiliar words.
How long should a CCAT verbal question take?
Verbal questions are among the quickest on the CCAT: aim for 10 to 15 seconds. That banks time for slower math and spatial questions.
What's the trap in CCAT antonym questions?
Most options are synonyms or related words, and some are 'neutral' rather than opposite. Make sure the answer means the reverse of the word, not just something different from it.
Bank time on the verbal questions
CCAT-style verbal drills and full simulations on forge. Credits never expire.
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