word-association test

noun

word-as·​so·​ci·​a·​tion test ˈwərd-ə-ˌsō-sē-ˈā-shən- How to pronounce word-association test (audio)
-shē-
: a test of personality and mental function in which the subject is required to respond to each of a series of words with the first word that comes to mind or with a word of a specified class of words (such as antonyms)

Examples of word-association test in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But those who had recombined the coaster pieces did better on the word-association test, successfully drawing connections between the sets of words. Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2012 An ensuing word-association test devolved into an increasingly dangerous exchange of racial slurs. Washington Post, 19 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'word-association test.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word-association test was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near word-association test

Cite this Entry

“Word-association test.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word-association%20test. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

word-association test

noun
: a test of personality and mental function in which the subject is required to respond to each of a series of words with the first word that comes to mind or with a word of a specified class of words (as antonyms)

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