CogAT Verbal Analogies Practice Questions
Verbal Analogies questions ask students to understand how two words are related and apply that same relationship to another word pair.
Practice original CogAT-style verbal analogy questions with explanations.
How to use this practice page
- Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
- Choose A, B, C, or D, then check the answer explanation.
- Look for the reasoning rule instead of guessing from the first thing you notice.
- Use the explanations to talk through the thinking process with your child or student.
Skills practiced: word relationships, analogies, vocabulary reasoning, categories, and comparison.
Verbal Analogies Practice
Select an answer for each question, then check your work to see the explanation.
Question 1 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Whisper is to quiet as shout is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is action/quality relationship. Therefore, shout goes with loud.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Question 2 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Erode is to wear away as accumulate is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is process/meaning relationship. Therefore, accumulate goes with build up.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Question 3 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Altitude is to height as duration is to ___.
Show explanation
Altitude expresses height; duration expresses length of time.
Skill tested: term to meaning
Question 4 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Baker is to bread as potter is to ___.
Show explanation
A baker makes bread. A potter makes a bowl.
Skill tested: maker product
Question 5 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Fragile is to durable as expand is to ___.
Show explanation
'fragile' and 'durable' are words with opposite meanings. The same relationship connects 'expand' and 'contract', so the answer is 'contract'.
Skill tested: Recognizing direct antonym relationships
Question 6 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Breeze is to gale as concern is to ___.
Show explanation
'breeze' and 'gale' are the second word expresses a stronger degree of the first. The same relationship connects 'concern' and 'alarm', so the answer is 'alarm'.
Skill tested: Comparing degrees of intensity
Question 7 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Tiny is to small as enormous is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is word/synonym relationship. Therefore, enormous goes with large.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Question 8 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Thermometer is to temperature as clock is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is tool/measurement relationship. Therefore, clock goes with time.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Question 9 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Dictionary is to alphabetical order as timeline is to ___.
Show explanation
Dictionary entries are organized alphabetically; events on a timeline are organized chronologically, by time.
Skill tested: reference format to organizing principle
Question 10 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Thermometer is to temperature as clock is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is tool/measurement relationship. Therefore, clock goes with time.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Question 11 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Seed is to plant as egg is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is source/result relationship. Therefore, egg goes with bird.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Question 12 of 12
Verbal Analogies Practice Question
Verbal
Axiom is to proof as foundation is to ___.
Show explanation
The relationship is basis/constructed-result relationship. Therefore, foundation goes with building.
Skill tested: Identifying word relationships
Next practice steps
Next, try Sentence Completion, Verbal Classification, or return to Verbal Practice.
For grade-based mixed practice, choose a grade from the Practice menu.