Gre and word list

introspection examining one’s own thoughts and feelings philanthropist one who loves mankind antidote medicine used against a poison or a disease strive to make great efforts, to struggle ambidextrous able to use the left hand or the right equally well precursors a person or thing that precedes, as in a process or job. retrospective Looking back on past introvert one who turns towards himself ambiguous doubtful; uncertain gerontocracy government ruled by old people aggravate make worse; irritate braggart boastful entice attract, lure equilibrium state of being balanced alleviate make (pain) easier to bear adorn add beauty; decorate malevolent malicious; evil; having or showing ill will connote Suggest or imply in addition to the precise, literal meaning abhor to hate; to detest agile active; quick-moving endeavor to make an effort, to try very hard stray wander lose one’s way renovate restore something to better condition curriculum course of study amalgamate mix; combine; unite societies drowsiness feeling sleepy half asleep disrobe undress xenophile (zen-uh-fahyl) a person who is attracted to foreign peoples cultures suffocate cause or have difficulty in breathing sequence succession connected line of scent smell (especially pleasant) sporadic happening from time to time affinity close connection; relationship audacious Bold heterogeneous made up of different kinds animosity strong dislike fragile easily injured broken or destroyed acumen Keen, quick, accurate insight or judgment legacy Bequest or inheritance massacre cruel killing of a large number of people submerge put under water liquid sink out of sight combustion process of burning adulteration making unpure; poorer in quality appease make quiet or calm premature doing or happening something before the right time inquest Legal or judicial inquiry, especially before a jury and especially made by a coroner into the cause of someone.s death shunned avoided, kept away from conceal hide keep secret anguish severe suffering indigenous native apt well-suited; quick-witted correlate have a mutual relation grumble to complain offhand Without preparation or forethought somersault rolling backward or forward (not sideways) movement extinguish end the existence of/wipe or put out edible fit to be eaten/not poisonous conjoin to join together surcharge additional load/charge accolade praise; approval disallow refuse to allow or accept as a correct opaqueness dullness/not allowing light to pass through impermeable that cannot be permeated console give comfort or sympathy to timid shy easily frightened abscond to go away suddenly (to avoid arrest) abide be faithful; to endure embezzle use in a wrong way for one’s own benefit warrant authority written order guarantee reminiscent suggest something in the past extinct no longer active loll rest to sit or stand in a lazy way hang (dog’s tongue) acclaimed welcomed with shouts and approval clientele customers catalyst substance that causes speeding up shallow little depth; not earnest brittle easily broken negligent taking too little care affable polite and friendly poseur a person who attempts to impress by acting unlike himself dangle hand or swing loosely moribund in a dying state; near death ascend go or come up relapse fall back again asterisk the mark * (e.g.. omitted letters) yarn tale story fibers for knitting arrogance proud; superior manner of behaviour salvage the saving of property from loss livid Furiously angry, enraged divergence getting farther apart from a point rejuvenation becoming young in nature or appearance allegiance duty support loyalty vigorous strong energetic dullard a stupid, insensitive person dwarf person much smaller the usual size fragrant sweet-smelling judicious sound in judgment; wise nihilism total rejection of all religious and moral beliefs odor smell scribble write hastily hospitable liking to give hospitality narcissism Self-love sawdust tiny bits of wood ameliorate improve; make better ingest take in by swallowing gait a manner of walking, stepping, or running sluggard lazy slow-moving person succumb yield, die reiterate say or do again several times flop fail/move/fall clumsily defer postpone ossified turned to bone; hardened like bone; Inflexible eloquence fluent speaking skillful use of language derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source commuter person who travels regularly clot half-solid lump formed from liquid weigh measure hoe heavy something is steeply rising or falling sharply torque twisting force causing rotation benefactor person who has given help complaisant trying to please; obliging plea request moderation quality of being limited; not extreme enduring lasting invincible too strong to be defeated sanity health of mind soundness of judgment turmoil trouble disturbance flimsy lacking solidarity, strength tadpole form of a frog when it leaves the egg reconcile settle a quarrel restore peace cryptic secret with a hidden meaning sponge porous rubber for washing live at once expense commemorate keep the memory of sadistic Cruel dote show much fondness center one’s attention encapsulate enclose in capsule fission splitting or division (esp. of cells) volatile changeable inconstant fickle unstable explosive alloy to debase by mixing with something inferior dormant in a state of inactivity but awaiting development gallant brave,behaves well with women grievous causing grief or pain; serious dire grave enzyme catalyst shard A piece of broken pottery hypocrisy falsely making oneself appear to be good eradicate get rid of pull up by the roots chisel steel tool for shaping materials infuriate fill with fury or rage engulf swallow up euphoria elation state of pleasant excitement sanction approval (by authority) penalty renowned celebrated; famous riddle puzzling person or thing evoke call up bring out mischievous harmful; causing mischief implicit implied though; not plainly expressed disproof proof to the contrary misogynist one who hates women/females abysmal extreme bad writ written order pertain belong as a part have reference erratic irregular in behaviour or opinion meticulous giving great attention to details impromptu without preparation inclined directing the mind in a certain direction constrict make tight or smaller perish be destroyed decay Lambaste attack verbally luminary star; light-giving body dupe cheat make a fool of auxiliary helping; supporting extralegal outside the law ambivalent having both of two contrary meanings tonic something giving strength or energy endorse write one’s name on the back of turbulence being uncontrollably violent connoisseur a person with good judgement (e.g.. in art) indistinct not easily heard; seen clearly marked abstruse difficult to comprehend; obscure limp lacking strength; walking unevenly parenthesis sentence within another one something separated sophisticated complex; subtle; refined aberration straying away from what is normal recuperate become strong after illness loss exhaustion perjury willful FALSE statement unlawful act mite A very small amount, portion, or particle pest destructive thing or a person who is nuisance pluck pull the feathers off pick (e.g.. flowers) satiate satisfy fully colloquial involving or using conversation. yeoman man owning small estate; middle-class farmer ail to cause pain, uneasiness, or trouble to. fidelity loyalty accuracy mesmerize hypnotize paradigm a model example or pattern gullible easily gulled sobriety quality or condition of being sober dislodge move force from the place occupied fleet number of ships; quick-moving articulate speak distinctly; connect by joints tractable easily controlled or guided partisan one-sided committed to a party biased or prejudiced predominate have more power than others foolproof incapable of failure or error suffice be enough permeate spread into every part of spear weapon with a metal point on a long shaft solvent of the power of forming a solution presentiment anticipatory fear; premonition vivacious lively high-spirited coagulation change to a thick and solid state liberality free giving; generosity elaborate worked out with much care in great detail brass yellow metal (mixing copper and zinc) malleable yielding easily shaped; moldable; adapting patron regular customer person who gives support immutable that cannot be changed forgery counterfeit woo try to win cordial warm and sincere cumbersome burdensome; heavy and awkward to carry beguile mislead or delude; cheat; pass time retrograde receding sheath cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool bewilder puzzle; confuse knit draw together; unite firmly unscathed unharmed unhurt chortle loud chuckle of pleasure or amusement jabber talk excitedly; utter rapidly pivotal of great importance (others depend on it) implosion collapse; bursting inward repel refuse to accept/cause dislike superimpose put something on the top centurion leader of a unit of 100 soldiers enigma something that is puzzling calipers metal supports attached to the legs measuring instrument redeem get back by payment compensate buoyant able to float; light-hearted impede hinder; get in the way of stride walk with long steps boisterous noisy; restraint resuscitation coming back to consciousness concur agree in opinion happen together recitals a number of performance of music treacherous not to be trusted, perfidious indulgent inclined to indulge pilferer to steal, especially in small quantities foster nurture; care for apartheid brutal racial discrimination garrulous too talkative edify instruct; correct morally evasive tending to evade misanthrope person who hates mankind eulogy formal praise panegyric arcane known or understood by very few bogus sham; counterfeit; not genuine dexterity skill (esp. in handling) lampoon publicly mock or ridicule skit short piece of humorous writing incongruous out of place; not in harmony or agreement repulsive causing a feeling of disgust refine make or become pure cultural

You probably know that the Verbal section of the GRE has a lot of complex vocabulary. But how do you know which words you need to know? If you’ve been looking for the best GRE vocabulary list out there, look no further—we’ve got it!

What makes this list the best one around? It strategically synthesizes the best expert GRE lists with words from official GRE practice material. We’ll let you in on the whole process and then present the 357 GRE words you need to know.

How We Made This GRE Word List

Well, first we opened our magical GRE grimoire. Just kidding! First, we combed through all available official GRE practice material and flagged all the words that might slip a student up. All of those words were pulled into their own list. Words that appeared at least twice were automatically pulled into the final vocab list.

Then, we found GRE vocabulary lists from major test prep companies and sites—Barron’s, Magoosh, Kaplan, Manhattan GRE, and the Princeton Review. We combined all of those lists with our own GRE word list from the practice material. Finally, all words that appeared 3+ times across the test prep lists and GRE practice material were pulled into the final vocabulary list. Then we defined them in clear, to-the-point ways.

This left us with 357 battle-tested GRE vocabulary words, ready for you to study!

The 357 Best GRE Vocab Words

Without further ado, I present the 357 best GRE vocabulary words, in alphabetical order. Definitions begin with part of speech. Additional definitions go on a second line.

Word	Definition
abate	v. to diminish in intensity v. to cause to diminish in intensity
aberrant	adj. diverging from the standard type
abjure	v. to reject or renounce
abscond	v. to leave secretly, evading detection
abstain	v. to voluntarily refrain from doing something
acumen	n. keen judgment and perception
admonish	v. scold or to advise firmly
adulterate	v. to contaminate or make impure by introducing inferior elements
advocate	v. to recommend, support, or advise n. one who advocates
aesthetic	adj. concerned with the nature of beauty and art
affectation	n. fake or artificial behavior, often meant to impress or conceal the truth
aggrandize	v. enlarge or increase, esp. wealth, power, reputation
alacrity	n. promptness and eagerness
alleviate	v. to relieve a problem or ease a burden
amalgamate	v. to combine to or mix together
ambiguous	adj. unclear adj. open to multiple interpretations
ambivalent	adj. having mixed or contradictory feelings about someone or something
ameliorate	v. to improve or mitigate a situation
amenable	adj. easily convinced or persuaded
anachronism	n. something old-fashioned n. something appearing in a time period where it does not belong
analogous	n. comparable n. appropriate for analogy
anoint	v. to choose for a particular office or position v. to use oil on a person in a religious ceremony
anomaly	n. an exception or unusual case
antipathy	n. strong dislike or hatred
antithetical	adj. contrary to the very nature of
apathy	n. state of total disinterest or unenthusiasm
appease	v. to placate v. to satisfy (an appetite, a need)
arbitrary	adj. seemingly chosen or designated without reason or purpose
arcane	adj. secret or known only to a select group
archaic	adj. old-fashioned adj. no longer in the common usage
arduous	adj. difficult, taxing, requiring considerable effort
articulate	adj. exhibiting considerable communication skills, well-spoken
artless	adj. without artifice adj. natural, untrained
ascetic	adj. austere or self-denying
assuage	v. to provide relief from an unpleasant feeling v. to satisfy a need or appetite
astonishment	n. total surprise, shock
audacious	adj. very bold or presumptuous
austere	adj. severe, unadorned
avarice	n. greed
aver	v. to assert or allege
banal	adj. boring, cliché
belie	v. give a false impression (intentional or unintentional) in word, appearance, or deed
benign	adj. gentle, harmless
biased	adj. prejudiced, displaying partiality
bolster	v. to shore up or support
bombastic	adj. overblown, theatrical
brazen	adj. bold or open to the point of shocking adj. shameless
bucolic	adj. pastoral, rustic, countryfied
burgeon	v. flourish, bloom, expand or increase quickly
cacophony	n. loud and chaotic noise
calumny	n. lie or slander
candid	adj. honest, open
canon	n. accepted rules and tenets of a discipline n. sacred works/scripture; in this sense it is also used to refer to notable literary and artistic works of a culture or discipline
capacity	n. the capability to perform a particular action or fulfill a given function n. the total amount a container can hold n. a particular position or role (i.e. “she served in an advisory capacity”)
capricious	adj. mercurial, unpredictable, whimsical
castigate	v. to scold or berate strongly
catalyst	n. something that speeds up a process or causes action
caustic	adj. corrosive adj. bitterly sarcastic
censure	v. to express intense condemnation
chauvinist	n. someone who believes prejudicially that their own group is the superior one
chicanery	n. trickery or deception
chronological	adj. ordered by time
coalesce	v. to come together, esp. from disparate parts
cogent	adj. clearly laid out and persuasive
commensurate	adj. in accordance with, proportional
compelling	adj. captivating adj. very persuasive
comprehensive	adj. complete and thorough
condone	v. to approve or allow
confound	v. to confuse or astonish
connoisseur	n. an expert in a particular subject matter area, usually relating to the fine arts or cultural pursuits
consequential	adj. as a result of adj. significant or memorable
construe	v. to interpret
consumption	n. utilization (esp. of a resource)
contend	v. assert or claim v. grapple with
contentious	adj. controversial adj. involving conflict
contrite	adj. remorseful
convoluted	adj. roundabout, not straightforward
copious	adj. plentiful or abundant
cosmopolitan	adj. of or relating to a city or urban area adj. sophisticated
covet	v. to desire something that does not belong to you
craft	n. cunning n. skill
craven	adj. cowardly to the point of being shameful
credence	n. belief or trust
credulous	adj. gullible, naïve
decorum	n. appropriate behavior or good manners
deference	n. respect or polite submission
deflect	v. divert or cause to ricochet
deftness	adj. skill, acumen adj. manual dexterity
delineate	v. to describe very accurately v. to clearly demarcate a boundary v. to render an outline
demur	v. to object or raise concerns
denigrate	v. say negative things about, particularly in a defamatory way
deride	v. to mock or ridicule
derivative	adj. imitates another work in a way that is unoriginal or uninspiring
desiccate	v. to dry out completely v. to suck out the vitality and passion
desultory	adj. halfhearted adj. inconsistent or random
detachment	n. objectivity or aloofness
determinant	n. a strong factor in an outcome
diatribe	n. a rant or angry speech denouncing someone or something
didactic	adj. educational or with an instructive purpose; often includes an element of moralizing
diffident	adj. shy, timid, or reserved due to a lack of confidence
dilettante	n. someone with an amateur, nonserious interest in something
dirge	n. funeral or mourning lament n. any sad, slow song
disabuse	v. to dispel someone’s illusions or false impressions about something
discern	v. to perceive
discrepancy	n. inconsistency
disinterested	adj. objective, unbiased adj. not invested in the outcome
disparage	v. to belittle
disparate	adj. dissimilar to such a degree that comparison is not possible
dispassionate	adj. impartial or cool
disregard	v. to ignore or pay no attention to
dissemble	v. to mislead or conceal the truth, esp. with respect to one’s motives
disseminate	v. to spread widely (esp. information)
dissonance	n. a clash between two elements that don’t blend well
diverge	v. to split apart, esp. a road or path
dogma	n. the official beliefs or tenets of particular sect or group
dupe	v. to deceive or fool
ebullient	adj. cheerful, enthusiastic, excited
eccentric	adj. quirky or unusual
eclectic	adj. composed of a variety of styles, themes, motifs, etc.
efficacy	n. effectiveness
elegy	n. sad poem or song, often in remembrance of someone deceased
elicit	v. to provoke a response
eloquence	adj. persuasive and articulate speech
eminent	adj. well-known, respected, distinguished
empirical	adj. based on evidence
emulate	v. to imitate or attempt to equal in accomplishment
enervate	v. to exhaust or drain of energy
engender	v. to cause or give rise to
enhance	v. intensify, increase, augment
entitlement	n. belief that one deserves things one has not earned n. the rights one is afforded under the law
ephemeral	adj. short-lived or transient
equable	adj. even-tempered adj. not given to much change or variation
equivocate	v. to use ambiguous language in order to mislead or deceive
erroneous	adj. incorrect
erudite	adj. learned
eschew	v. avoid or abstain from
esoteric	adj. obscure, arcane
estimable	adj. deserving respect, esteem, and admiration
eulogy	n. memorial speech for one who has passed, normally given at a funeral
exacerbate	v. to make worse
exacting	adj. challenging, demanding, grueling
exculpate	v. to exonerate or vindicate
exigent	adj. urgent or pressing
exonerate	v. to clear of charges of wrongdoing
expatiate	v. to elaborate on something in great detail
explicate	v. to explain in detail
exposition	n. a thorough explanation n. a public show or fair
extraneous	adj. irrelevant or superfluous
extrapolate	v. to estimate or conjecture about the future based on presently available information or facts
facetious	adj. glib or flippant
facilitate	v. to make something easier or simpler
fallacious	adj. relying on a fallacy and thus incorrect/misinformed
fastidious	adj. meticulous adj. invested in cleanliness
fluctuate	v. to shift without apparent pattern
foment	v. to foster unrest or discontent
forestall	v. to hold off or try to prevent
fortuitous	adj. fortunate and lucky
frugal	adj. economical, thrifty
gainsay	v. deny or oppose
galvanize	v. to prod someone into action
garrulous	adj. talkative
gauche	adj. socially inept, inappropriate, or awkward
germane	adj. relevant to the matter at hand
glib	adj. talking volubly, but carelessly or insincerely
gregarious	adj. sociable, genial
guile	n. craftiness and cunning
hackneyed	adj. cliché, trite, banal
harangue	n. diatribe or rant
hedonism	n. the pursuit of pleasure
hierarchical	adj. arranged in rank order or hierarchy
homogenous	adj. uniform, identical
hyperbole	n. obvious exaggeration for effect
iconoclast	n. a person who attacks traditional religious and cultural institutions
ideological	adj. relating to a particular belief system or theory
imminent	adj. about to happen
immutable	adj. unchangeable
impair	v. to hinder or weaken someone or something
impediment	n. barrier, hindrance, or obstruction
imperturbable	adj. remaining calm under any circumstance
implacable	adj. unforgiving adj. relentless
implicit	adj. implied or insinuated without being directly stated
imprudence	n. bad judgment
impudent	adj. disrespectful
inadvertent	adj. by accident or unintentional
Inchoate	adj. rudimentary, in the beginning stages
inconclusive	adj. indeterminate or unresolved
indebted	adj. owing money adj. owing gratitude to someone or something
indefatigable	adj. cannot be made tired
indolent	adj. lazy adj. idle
infer	v. to conclude from implicit evidence (as opposed to explicit facts)
ingenuous	adj. naïve or innocent
inimical	adj. harmful or hostile
Innocuous	adj. harmless
inscrutable	adj. enigmatic, incomprehensible
insipid	adj. bland, uninspired, inane
insular	adj. tight-knit and isolated; uninterested in matters outside one’s immediate sphere
intensive	adj. concentrated and in-depth
intermediary	n. a go-between
intimate	adj. close (as in a relationship) adj. particularly private v. to imply
intractable	adj. unmanageable adj. stubborn or obstinate
intransigent	adj. uncompromising, obstinate
intrepid	adj. bold and adventurous
inveterate	adj. ingrained, habitual
invulnerable	adj. indestructible, impervious to harm
irascible	adj. irritable, testy, touchy
irresolute	adj. wishy-washy, hesitant
laconic	adj. taciturn, reserved, succinct
laud	v. to praise
laudable	adj. praiseworthy
litigation	n. legal proceedings
loquacious	adj. talkative
lucid	adj. clear and coherent
luminous	adj. full of light
magnanimity	n. generosity and nobility of spirit
maladroit	adj. clumsy, awkward, inept
malign	adj. evil or harmful v. to speak negatively about someone or something
malleable	adj. pliant or pliable adj. easily influenced
maverick	n. an unorthodox person or rebel
mendacity	n. untruthfulness, dishonesty
mercurial	adj. easily changeable, fickle
meticulous	adj. paying close attention to detail
misanthrope	n. person who hates humanity
mitigate	v. to  improve a painful, unpleasant, or negative situation
modest	adj. not boastful adj. not overly showy
mollify	v. placate
monotony	n. boredom and repetition
mundane	adj. everyday, boring
munificent	adj. very generous
naïve	adj. inexperienced or gullible
nascent	adj. just beginning or in the early stages
neglect	v. to abandon or leave uncared-for
nonplussed	adj. confused and baffled
notoriety	n. fame for doing something negative or criminal
nuance	n. subtle shades of difference
obdurate	adj. stubborn, obstinate
obscure	adj. mysterious or not well-known v. to cover something up or make it more difficult to perceive
obsequious	adj. overly fawning and helpful in a way that is disingenuous
obstinate	adj. stubborn, uncompromising
obviate	v. to forestall the need for something v. to prevent
occlude	v. to block or obstruct
occult	n. the mystical and supernatural
offset	v. to counterbalance or counteract
olfactory	adj. relating to smell or the sense of smell
omniscience	n. the quality or state of being all-knowing
onerous	adj. difficult or burdensome
opaque	adj. not see-through; blocking light
opportunism	n. the practice of taking advantage of opportunities as they arise without particular concern for morality or ethics
opprobrium	n. criticism or condemnation
oscillate	v. to swing back and forth between two points, poles, or positions
ostentatious	adj. overly showy in a way that is gaudy or vulgar
outstrip	v. to overtake or outrun
overshadow	v. to literally cast a shadow over v. to appear more notable than
painstaking	adj. attentive to detail, meticulous
partial	adj. incomplete
partisan	n. a devoted supporter of a group, cause, or person
patent	adj. blatant, obvious
paucity	n. scarcity, poverty
pedantic	adj. overly concerned with irrelevant detail, fussy
pedestrian	adj. boring, monotonous, run-of-the-mill
perfidy	n. treachery or deceit
perfunctory	adj. done without much effort, care, or thought
peripheral	adj. on the edge or periphery; not centrally important
permeate	v. to pervade or penetrate throughout
perseverance	n. persistence in the face of obstacles
peruse	v. to read something carefully and closely v. to read something informally or quickly (context is critical for this word!)
pervasive	adj. found everywhere, widespread; often has a negative connotation
phenomena	n. things that happen
phlegmatic	adj. cool and unruffled
pith	n. the essential substance of something
placate	v. to calm, esp. an angry or upset person
plastic	adj. easily shaped or molded adj. made of plastic
platitude	n. a trite or cliché statement
plausible	adj. believable, reasonable
plethora	n. a surplus or overabundance of something
plummet	v. to fall quickly and far
polarize	v. to cause a sharp division between two groups
polemical	adj. angry, hostile, harshly critical
pragmatic	adj. practical
precarious	adj. uncertain or unstable
preceded	adj. went before
precipitate	v. to cause adj. hastily and not well-considered n. particulate matter formed within a solution
precursor	n. a forerunner
prescient	adj. knowing things before they happen, prophetic
presumptuous	adj. overly familiar; invades social boundaries
prevail	v. to succeed, esp. with respect to vanquishing an opponent v. to convince or persuade
prevaricate	v. to evade or deceive without outright lying
pristine	adj. untouched, clean, pure
probity	n. integrity and honor
prodigal	n. a reckless spender
prodigious	adj. enormous, immense, gigantic
profligate	adj. extravagant and wasteful, esp. in an immoral way
proliferate	v. to multiply and spread rapidly
propitiate	v. to obtain special favor from someone, esp. a powerful person or deity, by performing a pleasing action v. to appease someone who is angry
propriety	n. appropriateness, manners, decorum
prospective	adj. potential or likely adj. applicable to the future
qualification	n. credential n. a modifying statement
quotidian	adj. relating to the everyday or mundane
rationalize	v. to attempt to justify with reasons that are only superficially valid
reconcile	v. to bring into harmony v. to repair a relationship
recondite	adj. arcane or obscure
refute	v. to rebut or disprove
relentless	adj. never stopping, constant
relevant	adj. relating to the topic or issue at hand
reproach	v. to scold or express criticism
repudiate	v. to renounce or disown
rescind	v. to take back or retract (an offer or statement)
respectively	adv. in the sequential order previously given
reticent	adj. hesitant to speak adj. introverted or silent
reverent	adj. solemn and respectful
rhetoric	n. the art of effective communication (written or verbal)
salubrious	adj. health-promoting
sanction	v. to give official permission v. to impose a penalty for a particular action n. punishments imposed for breaking a regulation
satiate	v. to completely satisfy (with respect to hunger or appetite)
secular	adj. of or relating to the world or worldly matters (as opposed to religious ones)
sediment	n. material that settles at the bottom of a body of water
sedulous	adj. dedicated and careful
simultaneous	adj. occurring at the same moment
solicitous	adj. considerate, attentive
soporific	adj. makes sleepy
sparse	adj. scattered or scarce adj. austere and unadorned
specious	adj. spurious; appearing true but actually false
sporadic	adj. occasional or scattered
spurious	adj. fake or false
stolid	adj. calm and dependable
subjective	adj. open to personal interpretation; not based in objective fact
substantiate	v. to corroborate or give evidence of something
subversive	adj. meant to undercut established institutions or norms
sufficient	adj. enough for a given purpose
superbly	adv. excellently
supine	adj. laying back with the face upward (opposite position to prone)
supplant	v. to overtake or replace
sycophant	n. a fawning, insincere admirer
synthesize	v. to combine disparate parts into a coherent whole
tacit	adj. unspoken; implicit
taciturn	adj. reticent or reserved; tending towards silence
temperance	n. moderation and restraint, sometimes used to specifically describe abstinence from alcohol
tenuous	adj. weak, flimsy, insubstantial
timorous	adj. meek or timid
tirade	n. an angry rant
torpor	n. tiredness, lethargy
tortuous	adj. winding or twisty adj. complicated
tractable	adj. can be easily influenced or managed
transient	adj. passes quickly; short-lived
ubiquitous	adj. ever-present or universal
unadorned	adj. plain; unembellished
undermine	v. to weaken or compromise
underscore	v. to line underneath for emphasis v. to emphasize
untenable	adj. weak or unsupportable, esp. with respect to an opinion or situation
vacillate	v. to shift between multiple options or opinions
venality	n. the state of being capable of being bribed
venerate	v. to give a high degree of respect; may border on worship
veracity	n. Truth and factual accuracy
verbose	adj. long-winded; loquacious
vexation	n. state of being frustrated, irritated, or concerned.
volatile	adj. easily changeable or extreme; unstable
whimsical	adj. fanciful or capricious
zeal	n. passion or fervor

What Should I Do With This GRE Vocabulary List?

The first thing to do with this list is to look it over to identify any words you don’t know or are confused by. If you aren’t 100% confident that you can use a word correctly in a sentence, study it! Of course, you don’t need to study words that you are already totally solid on. That would be a waste of time.

Once you know which words you don’t know, you need to learn them! We provide quick and easy definitions for memorization purposes. And the best way to memorize a lot of vocab words is to make flashcards! Luckily, we’ve made them for you. If you’d rather study your flashcards online, I recommend Quizlet. You can make a free account and use various tools to study your own flashcard sets.

However, while a level of rote familiarity with the words is important, knowing how the words are actually deployed in context will help you on the test. To help with this, try reading publications with lots of GRE vocabulary, like The Atlantic, the New York Times, and The Economist. This will help you see how lots of words are deployed in actual writing. You can also use a plug-in for your browser that highlights GRE vocabulary words, like Pervasive GRE for Chrome.

So, once you know which words from the list you still need to know, you have two necessary prongs of attack. On one hand, you need to memorize the words and definitions with flash cards. On the other hand, you need to make sure you know how the words are used in context by finding articles where the words are deployed. In the next section, we’ll discuss the best way to study vocabulary flashcards.

How Do I Study All These Flashcards?

Now that you have the goods, how do you get them to deliver for you? Once you print out the flashcards, we advise using the waterfall method to study. 

Let’s say that you have 100 flashcards in a pile.

You’ll go through the cards one by one. For each card where you know the definition easily, you’ll put it in your “Know It” pile. If you don’t know the definition, put it in your “Struggled” pile.

When you’ve gone through all the words, pick up the “Struggled” pile. Next you’ll go through this pile. For words where you know the definition, place them in a second “Know It” pile next to but not combined with the first “Know It” pile. For words you don’t know, make a new “Struggled” pile.

Repeat this process, placing new “Know It” piles in a row from left to right. This creates your “waterfall.” Repeat this until the “Struggled” pile only has 4-5 words.

Now, you’ll move back up the waterfall. Start with the last “Struggled” pile and go through it repeatedly until you know all the words in the pile. Then, add the most recent (the rightmost) “Know It” pile.

Go through those words. If you miss any, go through the entire pile again until you get all of them right.

Seems brutal, but it will guarantee that you learn those words! Continue this process until you get all the way back up the waterfall. This means you know all the words!

This is the best method to drill vocab flashcards because you study the words you don’t know as well much more than if you just studied the entire stack over and over. For more details on the waterfall method and using flashcards to study, check out our complete guide to GRE vocab flashcards.

Key Takeaways: Learning GRE Vocab Words

GRE words can make a real difference in your Verbal score: studying our GRE word list of these 357 essential GRE vocab words will help you be fully prepared for success on the test!

The first step is to look through our list and identify all the words you aren’t 100% solid on. Then, make sure you both know those words in context and study them as flashcards.

To memorize the words in flashcards, use the waterfall method. You’ll have a GRE-ready vocabulary in no time!

What’s Next?

Try our GRE flashcards or our GRE PDFs for more great vocabulary practice!

Have more questions about the GRE? Get a complete guide to the GRE format, check out an expert guide to what’s covered on the GRE, and learn how the GRE is really scored!

If you need more resources for prepping, get a list of the best GRE prep books, the four best GRE question of the day sites, and all the complete official ETS practice tests!

Ready to improve your GRE score by 7 points?

We’ve written a eBook about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your GRE score.
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Ellen is a public health graduate student and education expert. She has extensive experience mentoring students of all ages to reach their goals and in-depth knowledge on a variety of health topics.
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Enervate: (v.) Enervate means to sap energy from or weaken. Students often incorrectly equate enervate with invigorate when in reality they are basically antonyms. Example: Studying for too long without a break left the student enervated. 

Ambivalence: (n.) Ambivalence means uncertainty or having mixed feelings, often due to an inability to decide or by a desire to do conflicting things. Students frequently mistake ambivalence for indifference. Indifference implies you have no particular feelings about something while ambivalence means you feel pulled in two directions about something and can’t decide. 

Agog: (adj.) Agog means to be very excited about something with great eagerness, curiosity, or anticipation. Feeling as if she had aced the exam, the student was agog to find out her GRE score. 

Artless: (adj.) Artless means free from deceit and without guile. Artless sometimes incorrectly gets a negative connotation, when in reality, it is purely positive. 

Gossamer: (adj.) Gossamer is used to refer to something very light, thin, or delicate such as a veil. For a musical characterization of the word, please refer to the second studio album of American electro pop band Passion Pit. 

Harangue: (n.) A harangue is a long and aggressive or vehement speech; tirade or rant. 

Insipid: (adj.) Insipid means lacking interest or vigor. It can also mean boring, vapid, or dull. Students sometimes incorrectly associate insipid with a malicious intent perhaps due to another common GRE vocabulary word: insidious (adj. Working in a seemingly harmless way but actually with grave effect). 

Maudlin: (adj.) Maudlin means tearfully or weakly emotional. Side note, emerging artist and Columbia philosophy major, Maude Latour, has some killer indie pop/rock tracks (see the ‘Starsick’ EP). And, although you can’t spell Maude without maud-, I wouldn’t necessarily classify her tunes as maudlin. 

Nonplussed: (adj.) Nonplussed means to be utterly perplexed or puzzled completely. Example: Upon seeing all available answer choices and not recognizing a single GRE vocabulary word, the student felt completely nonplussed. 

Urbane: (adj.) Urbane refers to a person who is courteous and refined in manner. 

Ersatz: (adj.) Ersatz typically refers to a substitute product, most often of inferior quality. Example: The cruise ship vacationer gleefully purchased an imitation designer Bvlgari watch at the flea market. Unfortunately, the ersatz product melted in the sun the very next day. 

Anodyne: (adj.) Anodyne means not likely to cause controversy; weakened and made bland. 

Euphony: (n.) Euphony means an agreeableness of sound, producing a pleasing effect to the ear. While it sounds similar to a melodious symphony, the word is often used to describe a pleasant combination or succession of words as with poetry. 

Extant: (adj.) Extant means still in existence and surviving. 

Lachrymose: (adj.) Lachrymose means mournful, tear inducing, and sad. 

Munificent: (adj.) Munificent means immensely generous in an unusual way. Munificent should in no way be confused with maleficent (working to produce harm or evil). 

Nadir: (n.) Nadir means the lowest point, often used to refer to a point of great despair or adversity. 

Pellucid: (adj.) Pellucid means easily understood, clear, or lucid (clear and comprehensible) in meaning. 

Philistine: (n.) A philistine is a person who is lacking in culture or hostile to the arts.

Polemic: (n.) A polemic is a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something. 

Puerile: (adj.) Puerile means childishly silly and trivial. 

Quixotic: (adj.) Quixotic means exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical. 

Raconteur: (n.) A raconteur is one who is skillful and gifted at storytelling. Example: Jack White, the musician, is quite the raconteur, having won multiple Grammy Awards. 

Soporific: (adj.) Soporific means causing or tending to cause sleep. Example: The old professor failed to notice the soporific effect his lecture had on his students. 

Belligerent: (adj.) Belligerent means eager or quick to argue and fight; aggressively defiant. Also, see truculent. 

Tyro: (n.) Tyro means a beginner in learning something; novice. Example: Though early to her studies, the ambitious GRE tyro was fixated on achieving a top score. 

Auspicious: (adj.) Auspicious means favorable, opportune, and promising of success. Example: Her life as a graduate student at Cornell University was off to an auspicious start. 

Capricious: (adj.) Capricious means unpredictable or whimsical. 

Inculpate: (v.) Inculpate means to charge with wrong-doing or accuse. 

Specious: (adj.) Specious means superficially plausible but actually wrong or incorrect. Often used to describe an argument. 

Banal: (adj.) Banal means lacking in originality; obvious and boring. Example: While some may argue that TikTok has ruined modern music by allowing for the rise of songs with banal, repetitive lyrics, the reality is that this claim has been made for decades following the introduction of new technologies. 

Hegemony: (adj.) Leadership or dominance over a country or group. 

Alacrity: (n.) Alacrity means an eager willingness to do something. Students often mistakenly assume alacrity has a negative connotation when in reality the word is actually quite positive. Example: Sarah studied with such alacrity that all of her classmates assumed she would ace the exam. 

Paucity: (n.) Paucity means a lack of something. Example: With his car recently totaled, Thomas quickly discovered the paucity of reasonably priced used cars in his local area. 

Innocuous: (adj.) Innocuous means harmless; not likely to produce any ill effects. Example: Dessert in moderation is more or less innocuous. Note, innocuous can also mean inoffensive. 

Resources: Dictionary.com, Dictionary.cambridge.org, Merriam-Webster.com, Vocabulary.com

Free GRE Vocabulary Flashcards

When I was studying for the exam, I spent dozens of commutes and lunch breaks studying with Magoosh’s Free GRE Vocabulary Flashcards app. Their app is easily one of the most efficient and effective ways to master anywhere from 100 to 1,000 of the most important, high frequency GRE words for the exam. 

Also, if you’re looking for a review course to help you ace the exam or meaningfully improve your score, check out our review of the Magoosh GRE prep course. 

How to Improve GRE Vocabulary

Aside from purely direct study methods such as utilizing GRE vocabulary flashcards and following a well-structured review course, there are a number of other ways you can meaningfully improve your GRE vocabulary. See below for a list of our recommendations.

1. Read challenging material from a wide variety of sources frequently. When you come across unfamiliar words, note them and look up their definitions.
2. Use a mobile flashcard app such as AnkiApp to keep track of the words you’ve discovered on your own. This app makes creating your own flashcard decks quick and easy. It also incorporates a spaced repetition algorithm to improve your recall of hard GRE words. Work these decks into your standard vocabulary study routine. 
3. When you’re able to study alone, practice saying the vocabulary words out loud along with their definitions. 
4. Create your own visualizations and made-up anecdotes to help remember the words you continuously miss. The weirder and more individualized your visualizations the better. 
5. Try a well-structured review course with an emphasis on GRE vocabulary such as Achievable. It’s one of the best ways to learn tough GRE vocab that I’ve found.

In this post, we are going to give details about GRE Word List.

A lot of challenging vocabulary words are present in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section, which is sure to stump even the most dedicated logophiles. However, where should you start learning so many words?

Our list of GRE vocabulary words will help you understand some of the most common words. Here are a few of the most common words you can expect to see on the GRE.

This list of essential words for the GRE was organized in the following manner:

We selected frequently missed words that were common among providers to form our essential GRE vocabulary list after thoroughly examining lists of GRE vocabulary provided by the top-rated prep courses.

The following list is not intended to be comprehensive by any means, but we hope it can serve as a good starting point for learning some of the most frequently used GRE vocabulary words. 

The following list provides some free resources you can use to improve your vocabulary skills. Have fun studying. 

Most Common GRE Vocabulary Words :

This list will occasionally comment on why some students miss a particular word by first introducing it and its definition.

Note that we have chosen the version of a word that appears the most frequently on the GRE when it has more than one definition.

1. Prosaic (adj.): Prosaic describes dull, unimaginative, or commonplace ideas. Most students mistakenly associate this word with bucolic (adj. describing a rural life of idyllic bliss). Prosaic has the same root as prose (n. The ordinary or commonplace). 

2. Quotidian (adj.): Not entirely dissimilar from prosaic, but having a more temporal aspect, quotidian refers to something that happens every day, often, or usually. It will be quotidian if both quotidian and prosaic are listed together as an answer choice, and the question has to do with something that happens every day.

3. Restive (adj.): The term restless or uneasy usually refers to someone restless or uneasy. As well as being stubborn and not wanting to move forward (as my miniature dachshund puppy is). Many students have trouble understanding this word because it sounds so similar to restful and rests. Remember that restful is the complete opposite of restive. 

4. Pernicious (adj.): The term pernicious refers to harm that is subtle or gradual. Its character is what makes it pernicious. The experience of a car crash isn’t that dangerous, but getting all your news from TikTok might be. 

5. Diffident (adj.): An individual who lacks confidence is described as diffident. A diffident person may be overly cautious, reluctant, or even timid. 

6. Equivocal (adj.): An ambiguous statement may have multiple meanings, often with a purpose to deceive. Many students mistakenly believe this word is synonymous with equivalence. 

7. Erudite (adj.): An erudite person has great knowledge. The erudite student, a frequent visitor to the library, aced the GRE with a score of 95%. 

8 . Prodigal (adj.): Expenditure that is extravagant or wasteful in a reckless way is prodigal. Because of the phrase “prodigal son”, students sometimes incorrectly equate prodigy with the prodigal. An impressive young man is not necessarily a prodigal son. A prodigal son is someone who spends money recklessly (perhaps on crypto kitties worth six figures).

9. Laudable (adj.):  Those who are commendable are those who deserve praise. The phrase “less laudable” leads some students to mistakenly associate laudable with a negative connotation. Thus, keep in mind that laudable means praiseworthy when it is used without a modifier. 

10. Laconic (adj.): The word laconic means using fewer words and perhaps expressing more in the process; being concise. Laconic doesn’t imply a lack of confidence due to its lack of words, unlike diffident (which can indicate a reluctance to speak up).

11. Enervate (v.): Energy is sucked from or weakened by enervation. Enervate and invigorate are antonyms that students incorrectly equate with each other. The student felt enervated after studying too long without a break. 

12. Ambivalence (n.): Ambivalence refers to an inability to decide or a conflicting desire to perform conflicting actions due to uncertainty or mixed feelings. Ambivalence is often confused with indifference by students. When you are indifferent to something or ambivalent about something, you feel pulled in two directions and are unable to decide. 

13. Agog (adj.): An gog is a feeling of excitement, curiosity, or eagerness about something. In her excitement over finding out her GRE score, the student felt as if she had aced the test. 

14. Artless (adj.): An artless person is free from deceit and without guile. Often, artless is misconstrued as negative when in fact it is positively sloped. 

15. Gossamer (adj.): Something like a veil is termed gossamer because it is light, thin, and delicate. To understand the word’s musical meaning, please listen to Passion Pit’s second studio album. 

16. Harangue (n.): a long and aggressive discourse; a rant or tirade. 

17. Insipid (adj.): A lack of interest or vigor is insipid. Other synonyms include boring, vapid, and dull. Students sometimes mistakenly interpret insipid as a deceptive word, perhaps because insidious (adj. A seemingly harmless action that is grave) is another common GRE vocabulary word. 

18. Maudlin (adj.): Maudlin means weakly emotional or teary. Aside: Maude Latour, a Columbia philosophy major with killer tracks (see her Starsick EP), is also a rising artist with indie pop/rock. Even though Maude can’t be spelled without Maud-, I wouldn’t necessarily classify her tunes as maudlin. 

19. Nonplussed (adj.): A nonplussed person is utterly puzzled or utterly perplexed. A student felt completely lost after reviewing all possible answer choices and failing to recognize a single GRE vocabulary word. 

20. Urbane (adj.): A person who is refined and courteous is urbane. 

21. Ersatz (adj.): In most cases, an Ersatz product is one of inferior quality. In the flea market, the cruise ship vacationer bought a fake Bvlgari watch with great enthusiasm. The next day, the imitation product melted in the sun. 

22. Anodyne (adj.): Resulting in minimal controversy; made bland and weak. 

23. Euphony (n.): A pleasing effect produced by sound is described as euphony. A melodious symphony is often compared to this word, but it refers more to a series of words, as in poetry. 

24. Extant (adj.): Existing or surviving still. 

25. Lachrymose (adj.):  Sad, sorrowful, and mournful. 

26. Munificent (adj.): The word monumental refers to being extraordinarily generous. Munificent is not to be confused with maleficent (doing harm or evil). 

27. Nadir (n.): A point of great despair or adversity is often called the Nadir, or lowest point. 

28. Pellucid (adj.): An easy-to-understand term that means clear or lucid (to understand). 

29. Philistine (n.): A person who is resistant to the arts or lacking in culture.

30. Polemic (n.): Polemics are strong personal attacks verbally or in writing. 

31. Puerile (adj.): Childishly trivial and silly. 

32. Quixotic (adj.): Extremely unrealistic, idealistic, and unrealistic. 

33. Raconteur (n.): Raconteurs are skilled and gifted storytellers. In addition to having won multiple Grammy Awards, Jack White, the musician, is quite the raconteur. 

34. Soporific (adj.): A somniferous substance causes or tends to cause sleep. An old professor failed to realize that his lecture had a significant effect on his students. 

35. Belligerent (adj.): Be belligerent means aggressively defiant; eager to argue and fight. Refer to truculent for more information. 

36. Tyro (n.): Tyro means a novice; someone just starting. Even though it was early in her studies, she was obsessed with getting the highest GRE score. 

37. Auspicious (adj.): The term auspicious refers to something favorable, opportune, and likely to succeed. She had an auspicious start to her career as a graduate student at Cornell University. 

38. Capricious (adj.): Improbable or erratic. 

39. Inculpate (v.): To accuse or charge with wrongdoing. 

40. Specious (adj.): In this context, peculiar refers to something that appears plausible on the surface but is inaccurate. Arguments are often described as peculiar. 

41. Banal (adj.): Banal refers to something that lacks originality; it is obvious and boring. Despite some claims to the contrary, the fact remains that this claim has been made since the introduction of new technologies decades ago. 

42. Hegemony (adj.): The ability to dominate a nation or group. 

43. Alacrity (n.): Alacrity means eagerness and willingness to do something. The word is often mistakenly perceived negatively by students when it is quite positive. The students assumed Sarah would ace the exam because she studied so diligently. 

44. Paucity (n.): Lack of something is called paucity. Thomas found it difficult to find a good used car in his neighborhood after his car was recently totaled. 

45. Innocuous (adj.): An innocent substance won’t cause any harm. An example would be a dessert eaten in moderation. An inoffensive item is also innocuous.

Free GRE Vocabulary Flashcards:

As I prepared for the exam, I used Magoosh’s Free GRE Vocabulary Flashcards app during my commutes and lunch breaks. Using their app is without a doubt the most efficient and effective way to master anywhere from 100 to 1,000 of the most important, frequently occurring GRE words. 

We also reviewed the Magoosh GRE prep course if you want to improve your score or ace the exam. 

How to Improve GRE Vocabulary?

There are several additional ways to improve your GRE vocabulary besides using purely direct study methods like GRE flashcards and following a well-structured review course. Below is our recommendation list.

• A variety of challenging sources should be read frequently. Look up unfamiliar words when you come across them.
• Keep track of the words you discover on your own using a mobile flashcard app such as AnkiApp. Using the app, you can create your decks of flashcards quickly and easily. It also employs a spaced repetition algorithm to improve your memory of difficult words in the GRE. Include these decks in your regular vocabulary study routine. 
• You can practice saying the vocabulary words out loud with their definitions when you study alone.
• Makeup anecdotes and visualizations of the words you repeatedly miss to help you remember them. Make your visualizations as weird and individualized as possible. 
• An example of an effective review course would be Achievable, which emphasizes GRE vocabulary. There’s no better way for me to learn difficult GRE vocabulary.

FAQ on GRE Word List:

Quick Link:

• GRE Sections: What Are The 3 Sections Of The GRE? What Is on The GRE?
• Magoosh vs Kaplan GRE: Which Prep Course is Better?
• TOEFL Sections | What is the TOEFL Structure

Conclusion: GRE Word List 2023

We hope our list of GRE words comes in handy for you. We are confident that if you are thorough with the above words, you will do well in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section.

All the best and do WELL!

Abandon complete lack of inhibition or restraint. Abrasive showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh. Abreast up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information Abridge shorten (a piece of writing) without losing the sense. Abstruse difficult to understand; obscure. Accentuate to make (something) more prominent or noticeable Accord an official agreement or treaty. Acerbic sharply or bitingly critical, sarcastic, or ironic in temper, mood, or tone Acquisitive excessively interested in acquiring money or material things. Activism the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. Acumen superior insight; quickness and shrewdness of judgment, especially in practical matters. Acute present or experienced to a severe or intense degree. Acute having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight; shrewd. Adroit clever or skillful in using the hands or mind. Adulation obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise. Aesthetic concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. Affable friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to. Affectation behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress. Aghast filled with horror or shock. Alacrity brisk and cheerful readiness. Alienate cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged. Aloof conspicuously uninvolved and uninterested, typically through distaste. Ambiguity the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness. Ambivalent having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. Ameliorate make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better, improve Amiable having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. Amuse cause (someone) to find something funny; entertain. Anachronism belonging to a period other than that being portrayed. Antagonistic showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or
something. Antedate precede in time; come before (something) in date. Antiquity the ancient past, especially the period before the middle ages. Antithesis a contrast or opposition between two things. Apathy lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Aplomb complete and confident composure or self-assurance Apologist a person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial. Apposite apt in the circumstances or in relation to something. Appropriate take (something) for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission. Arbitrary based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Arcane understood by few; mysterious or secret. Arduous involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring. Articulate (of a person or a person’s words) having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently. Assertive having or showing a confident and forceful personality. Assiduous showing great care and perseverance. Astonish surprise or impress (someone) greatly. Astound shock or greatly surprise. Attainment a thing achieved, especially a skill or educational achievement. Attribute regard something as being caused by (someone or something). Augment make (something) greater by adding to it; increase. Austerity extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance. Aversion a strong dislike or disinclination. Avert prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence). Banal so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring. Banish send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment. Bearing relation; relevance. Befriend act as a friend to (someone) by offering help or support. Beguile charm or enchant (someone), sometimes in a deceptive way. Beguile trick (someone) into doing something. Beguile help (time) pass pleasantly. Beholden owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service. Belie (of an appearance) fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict. Bemuse puzzle, confuse, or bewilder (someone). Benign harmless, kind, gentle Betray unintentionally reveal; be evidence of. Bias prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with
another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. Blemish spoil the appearance of (something) that is otherwise aesthetically perfect. Blight have a severely detrimental effect on. Blithe showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper. Blunt (of a person or remark) uncompromisingly forthright. Bogus not genuine or true; fake. Bolster support or strengthen; prop up. Boon a thing that is helpful or beneficial. Braggart a person who boasts about achievements or possessions. Brandish wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement. Brazen bold and without shame. endure an embarrassing or difficult situation by behaving with apparent confidence and lack of shame. Brevity concise and exact use of words in writing or speech. Bridle bring (something) under control; curb. Bucolic relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life. Buoyancy an optimistic and cheerful disposition. Calamitous involving calamity; catastrophic or disastrous. Callous feeling or showing no sympathy for others Calumny a false and slanderous statement. Canny having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters. Canonize treat or regard as being above reproach or of great significance. Caprice a sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behavior. Catastrophe an event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering; a disaster. Cerebral intellectual rather than emotional or physical. Check stop or slow down the progress of (something undesirable). Cherish protect and care for (someone) lovingly. Circumscribe restrict (something) within limits. Circumstantial pointing indirectly toward someone’s guilt but not conclusively proving it. Clangor a continuous loud banging or ringing sound. Clearheaded alert and thinking logically and coherently. Clerical (of a job or person) concerned with or relating to work in an office, especially routine documentation and administrative tasks. Clerical relating to the clergy. Cloak hide, cover, or disguise (something). Clumsy done awkwardly or without skill or elegance. Coalesce come together to form one mass or whole. Cogent (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing. Coherent (of an argument, theory, or policy) logical and consistent. Collusion secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others. Commensurate corresponding in size or degree; in proportion. Commonplace a trite saying or topic; a platitude, a usual or ordinary thing. Compel force or oblige (someone) to do something. Complacent showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements. Complementary acting or serving to complete; completing. Compliance unworthy or excessive acquiescence. Conditional subject to one or more conditions or requirements being met; made or granted on certain terms. Condone accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue. Confound cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations. Consensus a general agreement. Conspicuous standing out so as to be clearly visible. Contemporary living or occurring at the same time. Contemptuous feeling or expressing angry disgust, as at something unworthy or wicked; scornful. Contend struggle to surmount (a difficulty or danger). Contend assert something as a position in an argument. Contend engage in a competition or campaign in order to win or achieve (something). Contentment a state of happiness and satisfaction. Conundrum a confusing and difficult problem or question. Convoluted (especially of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow. Cope (of a person) deal effectively with something difficult. Copious abundant in supply or quantity. Corroborate confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding). Counterfeit a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery. Counterintuitive contrary to intuition or to common-sense expectation (but often nevertheless true). Counterproductive having the opposite of the desired effect. Cow cause (someone) to submit to one’s wishes by intimidation. Crafty clever at achieving one’s aims by indirect or deceitful methods. Crestfallen sad and disappointed. Cunning having or showing skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion. Cursory hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed. Curtail to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part Cynical believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. Daunt make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive. Debacle a sudden collapse into disaster; downfall. Debase to reduce in value, quality, esteem, or character. Debunk to expose or ridicule the falseness or exaggerations of (a claim, theory, or the like). Deceit the act or practice of misleading, tricking, or cheating. Deceptive able or tending to trick or mislead. Defamatory causing or tending to cause injury to another’s reputation; libelous or slanderous. Deferential respectfully submissive to the desires, opinions, or judgments of others. Deft capable, quick, and clever in action; skillful; dexterous. Defy to resist or challenge openly; act against the wishes or decrees of. Deleterious harmful or injurious, as to health. Delineate to describe or portray in precise or vivid detail. Demur raise doubts or objections or show reluctance. Denigrate criticize unfairly; disparage. Derivative copied, modeled on, or extracted from something else. Detrimental causing harm, disadvantage, or deterioration. Devious not the straightest, most direct way; winding; roundabout. Devolve (of duties or responsibility) pass to (a body or person at a lower level). Didactic in the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way. Diffident modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence. Diffuse spread out over a large area; not concentrated. Disaffection a state or feeling of being dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them. Disapprobation strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds. Discern to perceive, make out, or detect. Discomfit make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed. Discount regard (a possibility, fact, or person) as being unworthy of consideration because it lacks credibility. Discredit to harm the reputation of. Discrepancy lack of agreement; difference; inconsistency. Disentangle to free or become free from entanglement or involvement; extricate. Disgruntle to make irritably dissatisfied or discontent. Disintegrate to come apart; break down into component parts or fragments. Disinterested having or feeling no interest in something. Dislocation disturbance from a proper, original, or usual place or state. Dismantle to tear down; take apart. Disparate essentially different and distinct. Dispassionate without strong feeling or bias; calm; impartial. Dispense to give out or distribute. Disquiet lack of mental calm or peace; anxiety; uneasiness. Dissemble to disguise or hide behind a false semblance; conceal the true nature or state of. Disseminate to spread widely, as though scattering seed. Dissimilar not alike; different. Dissolution debauched living; dissipation. Distill extract the essential meaning or most important aspects of. Distort give a misleading or false account or impression of. Divergent deviating, differing, or diverging. Doctrinaire dogmatically adhering to a theory or a school of thought, regardless of its practicality. Dogmatic asserting beliefs and opinions as though they were proven facts. Dubious having or showing doubt; skeptical. Duplicity deceitful speech or action. Dynamism the quality of being characterized by vigorous activity and progress. Eclectic deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. Eclipse overshadow, outshine Ecstatic in a condition of extreme delight, overpowering emotion, or religious trance; enraptured. Efficacy the ability to produce desired results; effectiveness. Egoism the tendency to evaluate everything in relation to one’s own interests; self- centeredness. Egotist a conceited person; braggart. Elate to make extremely happy or proud; cause to be in elevated spirits. Elevate to raise or lift up to a higher physical position. Eloquence skill or ability to use language that impresses or persuades. Elusive hard to perceive, understand, or remember. Empathy the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Emulate to try to be the same as or better than (another person), especially by imitating. Enchant to put under a magic spell, or as if under a magic spell; bewitch. Endanger to cause to be exposed to danger. Endorse to approve or give support to. Enfeeble to take away the strength of; make feeble, as from age or disease. Engage occupy, attract, or involve (someone’s interest or attention). Enigmatic puzzling, mysterious, or inexplicable. Entail involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence. Entreaty an earnest or humble request. Entrench establish (an attitude, habit, or belief) so firmly that change is very difficult or unlikely. Ephemeral lasting for only a short period. Equitable characterized by fairness; just. Equivocal open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous. Erode gradually destroy or be gradually destroyed. Erratic not occurring predictably or consistently; unpredictable. Erroneous containing or based on a mistake; incorrect. Erstwhile of an earlier time; former. Estrange cause (someone) to be no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienate. Euphoric having or exhibiting a strong feeling of well-being or elation. Evanescent tending to disappear like vapor; vanishing; fleeting. Evasive ambiguous, tending to avoid commitment or self-revelation, especially by responding only indirectly. Exacerbate make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse. Exacting making great demands on one’s skill, attention, or other resources. Exigent requiring immediate attention; urgent or critical. Exotic attractive or striking because colorful or out of the ordinary. Expedient a means of attaining an end, especially one that is convenient but considered improper or immoral. Explicit stated fully, clearly, and without equivocation. Exploit make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). Exposition a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory. Extant still in existence; current; not extinct, destroyed, or lost. Extraneous coming from outside; foreign. Extravagance the act or an instance of spending excessively or imprudently. Factual containing or based upon real or true things. Fastidious very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. Feckless weak or incompetent; ineffective. Feeble without strength or vigor, physically, mentally, or morally. Fester (of a negative feeling or a problem) becoming worse or more intense, especially through long-term neglect or indifference. Fickle quickly changing without reason or warning, especially in affection or allegiance; variable or capricious. Fixate cause (someone) to acquire an obsessive attachment to someone or something. Fleeting lasting for a very short time. Florid elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated. Flourish to make bold and sweeping gestures Flout openly disregard (a rule, law or convention). Foreground make (something) the most prominent or important feature. Foresight the ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future. Forestall to prevent or hinder by taking action beforehand. Forgo omit or decline to take (something pleasant or valuable); go without. Forsake to abandon or desert. Fortuitous happening or appearing by chance, as a coincidence. Fractious (typically of children) irritable and quarrelsome. Fringe not part of the mainstream; unconventional, peripheral, or extreme. Frivolous unworthy of serious consideration or merit; trivial or silly. Frugality prudent or sparing use of resources, especially money. Futile unlikely to produce or incapable of producing a desired result; ineffective; useless. Galvanize to stimulate into awareness or activity. Gawky ungainly; awkward; clumsy. Germane having relevance to a given matter; pertinent; significant. Global relating to or embracing the whole of something, or of a group of things. Gloom to look, feel, or act sullen or despondent Goosebumps a state of the skin caused by cold, fear, or excitement, in which small bumps appear on the surface as the hairs become erect. Gracious inclined to do what is polite, kind, right, or considerate. Gratify to give pleasure or satisfaction to (someone). Hackneyed made trite or commonplace by overuse, as an expression or phrase. Harbinger a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. Harmonious characterized by agreement or accord. Heed to give one’s attention to; take notice of. Herald be a sign that (something) is about to happen. Heterodox deviating from an officially approved belief or doctrine, especially in religion. Hidebound unwilling or unable to change because of tradition or convention. Hindrance someone or something that acts as an obstacle, as to an action or goal. Homogeneity the quality or state of being all the same or all of the same kind. Hortatory urging or exciting to some course of action with strong arguments, appeals, or advice. Humdrum lacking variety; dull, monotonous, and commonplace. Hyperbole exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Hypocrite one who states or pretends to hold beliefs or principles he or she does not actually practice. Iconoclastic attacking or breaking away from established traditions, beliefs, or values. Illiberal lacking tolerance; bigoted. Illuminate help to clarify or explain. Imitate to follow the manner or pattern of; attempt to resemble; mimic. Imminent about to happen or likely to happen very soon. Immunity protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty. Immure to confine within or as though within walls; shut in. Immutable not subject to change; unchanging or unchangeable. Impair to weaken, damage, or cause to diminish in value or quality. Impartial not biased or prejudiced; even-handed or objective. Impecunious having little or no money. Impediment an obstacle or hindrance. Impenetrable impossible to understand. Imperative extremely important; urgent; unavoidable. Impetuous acting or done quickly and without thought or care. Impetus something that urges or impels; a driving force. Implicit essentially or very closely connected with; always to be found in. Impolitic not showing good sense or judgment; unwise or injudicious. Improvisation produce or make (something) from whatever is available. Imprudent not showing care for the consequences of an action; rash. Impudence the act or condition of being boldly disrespectful; insolence. Impulsive motivated by spontaneous wishes and needs rather than careful thought. Inalienable not subject to transfer, surrender, or removal, especially one’s rights as a citizen. Inarticulate unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly. Incendiary tending to stir up conflict. Incensed very angry; enraged. Incongruous not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. Inconsequential having no significant effect or result; not important. Inconsiderable unimportant or insignificant. Indebted obligated to another person or persons, as for money or favors. Indecision inability or unwillingness to make a decision. Indecorous not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper. Indefatigable (of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly. Indemnify to make compensation to for loss, damage, or expense incurred. Indifferent lacking interest or concern; not caring. Indiscernible impossible to see or clearly distinguish. Indolent wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy. Industrious diligent and hard-working. Inestimable too great to calculate. Infallible incapable of error. Informed having or showing knowledge of a particular subject or situation. Ingenious (of a person) clever, original, and inventive. Inhibit to hold back, restrain, prevent, or tend to do so. Inimical unfriendly; hostile. Injudicious lacking in or poor in judgment; rash or unwise. Innocuous not capable of causing damage; harmless. Inscrutable impossible to comprehend or interpret; mysterious. Insightful having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive. Insipid having a bland or uninteresting flavor; tasteless. Insolence rude or impudent behavior or speech. Integrate to bring together and blend into a whole. Intelligible capable of being clearly understood; comprehensible. Interchangeable of two things, able to be put or used in place of each other. Intermediary a person who acts as an agent or mediator between persons, groups, or the like; go-between. Interminable endless or seemingly endless; monotonously long. Interweave blend closely. Intimately in a way that involves detailed knowledge. Intractable not easily controlled, managed, or persuaded. Intransigent refusing to alter an idea or a position in response to others’ wishes; uncompromising. Intrigue to strongly draw the interest of; puzzle; fascinate. Intrinsic being essential to or of the nature of a thing; inherent. Invaluable having a worth too great to estimate or measure; priceless. Inveigle to entice or ensnare by clever talk or flattery. Invigorate to fill with energy, strength, or life. Involved difficult to comprehend; complicated. Irascible easily angered or irritated; short-tempered. Irksome causing annoyance; bothersome or tiresome. Ironic happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this. Irrefutable impossible to disprove; indisputable. Irremediable impossible to cure, repair, or correct. Irresolute showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain. Jettison throw or drop (something) from an aircraft or ship. Judicious characterized by or using sound judgment; wise; prudent. Juxtaposition the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Keen extremely sharp; able to cut readily and finely. Kindred similar in kind; related. Laborious requiring considerable effort or perseverance. Lament a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Latitude scope for freedom of action or thought. Laudable worthy of praise. Lax not rigorous, strict, or careful; loose; lenient. Layperson a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject. Lionize to view or treat (someone) as a celebrity or extraordinary person. Long-Winded speaking or writing at too great a length, especially in a dull or tiresome way; verbose. Loquacious given to talking much or excessively; garrulous. Lucid easy to understand; articulate; clear. Lucrative producing monetary gain; profitable. Lure to attract, as by a desirable quality. Lurid sensational; shocking or dramatic. Magnanimity generosity or willingness to forgive. Makeshift a temporary or improvised arrangement. Maladroit not skillful; clumsy; tactless. Malign to speak badly of; defame; slander. Malignant evil or injurious in intent, effect, or character. Malleable easily influenced; pliable. Manacle restrain, hinder Manipulate control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously. Marginalize to exclude or treat as being of no importance, especially so as to divert attention from. Mask conceal (something) from view. Materialize become actual fact; happen. Meager low in quantity, extent, strength, or richness; scanty or feeble. Melding blend; combine. Menace that which poses a danger or threatens injury or harm; threat. Mercurial volatile in temper; changeable; fickle. Meticulous carefully attentive to every small detail; painstaking. Mimic to copy or imitate, often playfully or as part of a learning process. Misnomer an incorrect or inappropriate name. Mitigate to lessen the force, severity, or impact of. Modish being in or according to current fashion or style; fashionable. Monotony lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition and routine. Morbid in an unhealthy, gloomy mental state; preoccupied with sickness, abnormality, or death. Mortify to subject (someone) to extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation. Mounting grow larger or more numerous. Multifaceted having several aspects or stages; complex or various. Mundane of or pertaining to what is common and everyday; ordinary; commonplace. Murky not fully explained or understood, especially with concealed dishonesty or immorality. Naive (of a person or action) showing a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. Narcissism excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance. Narrative an account, description, or story, or the oral or written work containing such material. Nascent coming into being or starting to develop. Nettles irritate or annoy (someone). Nonchalant not showing excitement or anxiety; coolly confident, unflustered, or unworried;casually indifferent. Normative establishing, relating to, or deriving from a standard or norm, especially of behavior. Novel new or unusual in an interesting way. Noxious harmful, dangerous, or destructive, especially to health. Obdurate stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action. Objurgate to criticize sharply; rebuke vehemently; berate. Obligate to bind legally or morally; constrain. Obscure not important or well known. Obsequious obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree, fawning Obsolete no longer produced or used; out of date. Obstinate holding stubbornly to one’s own ideas or purposes; unwilling to change. Obviate avoid; prevent. Omnipresent existing in all places at any given time. Omniscient infinite in knowledge; all-knowing. Opportunism the taking of opportunities as and when they arise, regardless of planning or principle. Optimistic expecting or tending to expect favorable outcomes. Opulent having or displaying wealth or richness. Original created directly and personally by a particular artist; not a copy or imitation. Outmoded no longer in keeping with current standards or practices; obsolete. Overly excessively Overshadow appear much more prominent or important than. Overstate to inflate the importance of; exaggerate. Panacea a remedy or solution for all diseases, ills, or difficulties; cure-all. Panache a confidently stylish, dashing, or flamboyant manner. Partial favoring one side in a dispute above the other; biased. Partiality unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism. Partisan devoted to or favoring a particular cause, group, political party, or the like. Passable just good enough to be acceptable; satisfactory. Pastoral of or relating to the country or country life; rural. Patent easily recognizable; obvious. Peculiarity the state or fact of being odd or strange. Pedestrian lacking inspiration or excitement; dull. Pejorative expressing contempt or disapproval. Pellucidity lucid in style or meaning; easily understood. Penchant a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something. Penetrate be fully understood or realized by someone. Penitent feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant. Perfunctory done quickly and as a matter of routine; performed without care. Peripheral of secondary or minor importance; marginal. Pernicious having a very harmful or fatal effect; injurious, deadly, or destructive. Perseverance persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Persistence firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Personify to be a perfect or typical example of; embody. Perspicacity keenness of mental perception or grasp; astuteness. Pessimism the belief that events will turn out badly; tendency to expect the worst. Phlegmatic not given to shows of emotion or interest; slow to excite. Picturesque visually pleasing, enchanting, or unusual; suggestive of a painting. Pithy exactly and concisely appropriate; effective; forceful. Pivotal critically important or crucial; on which something is contingent. Placid calm, smooth, or tranquil. Plastic not genuine; artificial or unnatural. Plod to move slowly or heavily, as if with weariness or reluctance; trudge. Polemic a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something. Portend be a sign or warning that (something, especially something momentous or calamitous) is likely to happen. Pragmatism a practical approach to problems and issues. Precarious dependent on chance; uncertain. Precedence priority in importance, order, or rank. Precocious (of a child) having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than is usual or expected. Predicament a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation. Predominant having or exerting control or power. Preeminent surpassing all others; very distinguished in some way. Premonition a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant. Presage be a sign or warning of (an imminent event, typically an unwelcome one). Prescience the fact of knowing something in advance; foreknowledge. Pressing requiring quick or immediate action or attention. Presume take for granted that something exists or is the case. Pretension the use of affectation to impress; ostentatiousness. Pretentious attempting to impress by affecting greater importance or merit than is actually possessed. Prevalent widespread in a particular area or at a particular time. Prevaricate speak or act in an evasive way. Pristine in its original condition; unspoilt. Probity the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency. Prodigal spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. Profligate recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources. Profound (of a subject or idea) demanding deep study or thought. Prolix (of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy. Promulgate promote or make widely known (an idea or cause). Propagate spread and promote (an idea, theory, etc.) widely. Prophetic accurately predicting what will happen in the future. Propped support or keep in position. Prosaic commonplace Provincial limited in outlook; narrow-minded. Provoke stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone. Proxy a person authorized to act on behalf of another. Prudent acting with or showing care and thought for the future. Pugnacious eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight. Punctilious showing great attention to detail or correct behaviour. Puzzle cause (someone) to feel confused because they cannot understand something. Quandary a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. Quirky characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits. Quixotic exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical. Quotidian of or occurring every day; daily. Rallying the action or process of coming together to support a person or cause. Ramble talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way. Rationalize attempt to explain or justify (behaviour or an attitude) with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate. Recondite (of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse. Recrudesce to break out or appear again after a period of dormancy Redemption the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. Redouble make or become much greater, more intense, or more numerous. Redundant unnecessarily repetitive. Refuge the state of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or difficulty. Rein keep under control; restrain. Rejuvenate give new energy or vigour to; revitalize. Relish great enjoyment. Remedial giving or intended as a remedy or cure. Replicate make an exact copy of; reproduce. Repudiate refuse to accept; reject. Residual remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone. Resolute admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. Restive (of a person) unable to remain still, silent, or submissive, especially because of boredom or dissatisfaction. Restrain prevent (someone or something) from doing something; keep under control or within limits. Resurgent increasing or reviving after a period of little activity, popularity, or occurrence. Reverence deep respect for someone or something. Rhapsody an effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling. Ridicule subject to contemptuous and dismissive language or behaviour. Row dispute Ruinous disastrous or destructive. Ruminate think deeply about something. Salubrious health-giving; healthy. Sanguine optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. Sartorial relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress. Scanty small or insufficient in quantity or amount. Scathe harm; injure. Schism a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief. Scintillating brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful. Scornful feeling or expressing contempt or derision. Scrupulous adhering strictly to standards of ethics or morality; punctilious. Scrutinize examine or inspect closely and thoroughly. Scuffle to take part in a brief, confused fight among a few people. Flattery excessive and insincere praise, given especially to further one’s own interests. Self-Righteous having or characterized by a certainty, especially an unfounded one, that one is totally correct or morally superior. Serendipity the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Sham an imitation that is passed as genuine; counterfeit. Shirk avoid or neglect (a duty or responsibility). Shrewd having or showing sharp powers of judgement; astute. Sinister giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen. Skeptic a person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions. Skittish nervous or excitable; easily scared Slighted insult (someone) by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention. Snare catch or trap (someone). Sparing moderate; economical. Sporadic occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated. Spurious not being what it purports to be; false or fake. Stanched stop or restrict (a flow of blood) from a wound. Staple main or important, especially in terms of consumption. Startling very surprising, astonishing, or remarkable. Stigmatize describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval. Stimulate encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm in. Stingy ungenerous. Stun astonish or shock (someone) so that they are temporarily unable to react. Substantiate provide evidence to support or prove the truth of. Subtle especially of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyse or describe. Subversion the undermining of the power and authority of an established system or
institution. Sullen a sulky or depressed mood. Superfluous unnecessary, especially through being more than enough. Supersede take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant. Supplement a thing added to something else in order to complete or enhance it. Supplication the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly. Surly bad-tempered and unfriendly Surrogate substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office. Susceptible likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. Sycophant a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage Synoptic of or forming a general summary or synopsis. Syntactical of or relating to or conforming to the rules of syntax Synthesize to bring together or combine (separate elements) to form a whole. Taciturn (of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little. Tactless having or showing a lack of skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues. Temperate showing moderation or self-restraint. Tendentious expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, especially a controversial one. Tepid showing little enthusiasm Thrift the quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. Timorous showing or suffering from nervousness or a lack of confidence. Tranquil free from disturbance; calm. Transcend surpass (a person or achievement). Transgression an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offence. Transitory not permanent. Trifle a thing of little value or importance. Trite lacking originality or freshness; dull on account of overuse. Trivial of little value or importance. Ubiquitous present, appearing, or found everywhere. Uncultivated (of a person) not highly educated or socially adept. Undemonstrative (of a person) not tending to express feelings, especially of affection, openly. Undermine lessen the effectiveness, power, or ability of, especially gradually or insidiously. Underscore emphasize. Understate describe or represent (something) as being smaller or less good or important
than it really is. Undo unfasten, untie, or loosen (something). Unintelligible impossible to understand. Unmistakable not able to be mistaken for anything else; very distinctive. Unprecedented never done or known before. Unpremeditated (of an act, remark, or state) not thought out or planned beforehand. Unpretentious not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed. Unpropitious (of a circumstance) not giving or indicating a good chance of success;
unfavourable. Unseemly (of behaviour or actions) not proper or appropriate Unsound not safe or robust; in poor condition. Untapped (of a resource) not yet exploited or used. Utterly completely and without qualification; absolutel Venal showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; corrupt. Veracious speaking or representing the truth. Vestigial forming a very small remnant of something that was once greater or more noticeable, remaining, surviving Viable capable of working successfully; feasible. Vigilance the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. Vindicate clear (someone) of blame or suspicion. Virulence the severity or harmfulness of a disease or poison. Vociferous expressing or characterized by vehement opinions; loud and forceful. Voluble (of a person) talking fluently, readily, or incessantly Wanting lacking in a required or necessary quality. Wary feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems. Wilful (of a bad or harmful act) intentional; deliberate Witty showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humour Woo seek the favour, support, or custom of Zealot a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. abstraction a general concept formed by extracting common features from specific examples; the act of withdrawing or removing something; an abstract painting; the process of formulating general concepts by abstracting common properties of instances; a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance; preoccupation with something to the exclusion of all else accessible capable of being reached; easy to get along with or talk to; friendly; easily obtained; capable of being read with comprehension acclaim enthusiastic approval; verb praise vociferously; clap one’s hands or shout after performances to indicate approval accolade a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction adherent sticking fast; noun someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another adhoc created or done for a particular purpose as necessary. advocate a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea; a lawyer who pleads cases in court; verb speak, plead, or argue in favor of; push for something affect the conscious subjective aspect of feeling or emotion; verb act physically on; have an effect upon; have an effect upon; have an emotional or cognitive impact upon; make believe with the intent to deceive; connect closely and often incriminatingly affluence abundant wealth agreeable conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature; prepared to agree or consent; in keeping ahistorical unconcerned with or unrelated to history or to historical development or to tradition all-encompassing broad in scope or content allegorical used in or characteristic of or containing allegory analogous corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin; similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar anecdote short account of an incident (especially a biographical one) anoint administer an oil or ointment to ; often in a religious ceremony of blessing; choose by or as if by divine intervention anomaly (astronomy) position of a planet as defined by its angular distance from its perihelion (as observed from the sun); a person who is unusual; deviation from the normal or common order or form or rule aphorism a short pithy instructive saying archaic little evolved from or characteristic of an earlier ancestral type; so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period artful marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft; not straightforward or candid; giving a FALSE appearance of frankness ascetic practicing great self denial; pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self discipline; noun someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline assuage provide physical relief, as from pain; satisfy (thirst); cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of astute marked by practical hardheaded intelligence atypical deviating from normal expectations; somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal; not representative of a group, class, or type audacity aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery; fearless daring auspicious auguring favorable circumstances and good luck autonomous (of persons) free from external control and constraint in e.g. action and judgment; existing as an independent entity; (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces avarice reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins); extreme greed for material wealth avid marked by active interest and enthusiasm; (often followed by `for’) ardently or excessively desirous axiomatic evident without proof or argument; of or relating to or derived from axioms; containing aphorisms or maxims baffling making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe balloon large tough nonrigid bag filled with gas or heated air; small thin inflatable rubber bag with narrow neck; verb become inflated; ride in a hot air balloon banter light teasing repartee; verb be silly or tease one another baseness unworthiness by virtue of lacking higher values belligerence hostile or warlike attitude or nature; a natural disposition to be hostile bromide any of the salts of hydrobromic acid; formerly used as a sedative but now generally replaced by safer drugs; a trite or obvious remark burgeon grow and flourish calibrate make fine adjustments or divide into marked intervals for optimal measuring; measure the caliber of; mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that it can be read in the desired units callow young and inexperienced camaraderie the quality of affording easy familiarity and sociability candid openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness; informal or natural; especially caught off guard or unprepared; characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion candor the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech; ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty caricature a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect; verb represent in or produce a caricature of catholic free from provincial prejudices or attachments; of or relating to or supporting Catholicism; noun a member of a Catholic church celebrated having an illustrious past; widely known and esteemed censure harsh criticism or disapproval; the state of being excommunicated; verb rebuke formally cessation a stopping champion holding first place in a contest; noun someone who fights for a cause; someone who has won first place in a competition; someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field; a person who backs a politician or a team etc.; verb protect or fight for as a champion circumspect heedful of potential consequences cite a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage; verb call in an official matter, such as to attend court; advance evidence for; commend; repeat a passage from; refer to for illustration or proof; make reference to; refer to code a coding system used for transmitting messages requiring brevity or secrecy; (computer science) the symbolic arrangement of data or instructions in a computer program or the set of such instructions; a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones); verb attach a code to; convert ordinary language into code cognizance range or scope of what is perceived; range of what one can know or understand; having knowledge of commiserate to feel or express sympathy or compassion compete compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others compliant disposed or willing to comply compliment a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration; verb say something to someone that expresses praise; express respect or esteem for complimentary conveying or resembling a compliment; costing nothing compounded combined into or constituting a chemical compound comprehensive including all or everything; broad in scope; noun an intensive examination testing a student’s proficiency in some special field of knowledge conciliatory intended or likely to overcome animosity or hostility; making or willing to make concessions condescending (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension conjecture reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence; a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence); a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence; verb to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds consequential having important issues or results constraining restricting the scope or freedom of action contentious involving or likely to cause controversy; inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits contingent uncertain because of uncontrollable circumstances; determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established; possible but not certain to occur; noun a gathering of persons representative of some larger group; a temporary military unit contrite feeling regret for a fault or offence; feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses cosmopolitan of worldwide scope or applicability; composed of people from or at home in many parts of the world; especially not provincial in attitudes or interests; growing or occurring in many parts of the world; noun a sophisticated person who has travelled in many countries countercultural a culture with values and mores that run counter to those of established society. craft a vehicle designed for navigation in or on water or air or through outer space; shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception; skill in an occupation or trade; people who perform a particular kind of skilled work; the skilled practice of a practical occupation; verb make by hand and with much
skill credible appearing to merit belief or acceptance; capable of being believed; a common but incorrect usage where `credulous’ would be appropriate crumble break or fall apart into fragments; fall apart; fall into decay or ruin culprit someone who perpetrates wrongdoing cupid a symbol for love in the form of a cherubic naked boy with wings and a bow and arrow; (Roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of Greek Eros deflect turn aside and away from an initial or intended course; turn from a straight course , fixed direction, or line of interest; impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); draw someone’s attention away from something; prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening delicacy subtly skillful handling of a situation; smallness of stature; refined taste; tact; lightness in movement or manner; the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance; lack of physical strength; something considered choice to eat demanding requiring more than usually expected or thought due; especially great patience and effort and skill demystify make less mysterious or remove the mystery from despair the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well; a state in which everything seems wrong and will turn out badly; verb abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart detached used of buildings; standing apart from others; no longer connected or joined; not fixed in position; being or feeling set or kept apart from others; showing lack of emotional involvement deter try to prevent; show opposition to; turn away from by persuasion detractor one who disparages or belittles the worth of something dexter on or starting from the wearer’s right dictum an authoritative declaration; an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding digression wandering from the main path of a journey; a message that departs from the main subject; a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern) dilate become wider; add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing dilemma state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options disciple someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another disconcert cause to lose one’s composure; cause to feel embarrassment discord strife resulting from a lack of agreement; disagreement among those expected to cooperate; lack of agreement or harmony; a harsh mixture of sounds; verb be different from one another disdain a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient;
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike; verb reject with contempt; look down on with disdain disenchant free from enchantment disgorge eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; cause or allow (a solid substance) to flow or run out or over disingenuous not straightforward or candid; giving a FALSE appearance of frankness disjunction state of being disconnected; the act of breaking a connection disorient cause to be lost or disoriented distaste a feeling of intense dislike dormant inactive but capable of becoming active; of e.g. volcanos; not erupting and not extinct; in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation draconian of or relating to Draco or his harsh code of laws dwarf a person who is markedly small; a legendary creature resembling a tiny old man; lives in the depths of the earth and guards buried treasure; verb check the growth of; make appear small by comparison ecological of or relating to the science of ecology; characterized by the interdependence of living organisms in an environment economical avoiding waste; using the minimum of time or resources necessary for effectiveness; of or relating to an economy, the system of production and management of material wealth egalitarian favoring social equality; noun a person who believes in the equality of all people elitist someone who believes in rule by an elite group elucidate make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear; make clear and (more)
comprehensible embargo a government order imposing a trade barrier; verb prevent commerce; ban the publication of (documents), as for security or copyright reasons empirical derived from experiment and observation rather than theory; relying on medical quackery enamor attract; cause to be enamored enlarge make larger; become larger or bigger; make large; add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing enlighten give spiritual insight to; in religion; make understand; make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear ensue issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end enviable causing envy erudite having or showing profound knowledge esoteric confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle estimable deserving of respect or high regard; deserving of esteem and respect; may be computed or estimated eventuate come out in the end evoke call to mind; summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic; deduce (a principle) or construe (a meaning); evoke or provoke to appear or occur; call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses) exact marked by strict and particular and complete accordance with fact; (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth ; strictly correct; verb take as an undesirable consequence of some event or state of affairs; claim as due or just exalt raise in rank, character, or status; praise, glorify, or honor; fill with sublime emotion; tickle pink; heighten or intensify exasperate make worse; make furious; exasperate or irritate excoriate express strong disapproval of; tear or wear off the skin or make sore by abrading exegesis an explanation or critical interpretation (especially of the Bible) exhaustive very thorough; exhaustively complete expedite process fast and efficiently; speed up the progress of; facilitate explicate elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses; make plain and comprehensible extempore with little or no preparation or forethought; adv. without prior preparation extol praise, glorify, or honor facetious cleverly amusing in tone factious dissenting (especially dissenting with the majority opinion) farsighted able to see distant objects clearly; planning prudently for the future fascinate to render motionless, as with a fixed stare or by arousing terror or awe; attract; cause to be enamored; cause to be interested or curious fervor feelings of great warmth and intensity; the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up fitfully in a fitful manner fluster a disposition that is confused or nervous and upset; verb cause to be nervous or upset; be flustered; behave in a confused manner forbearance a delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges; refraining from acting; good natured tolerance of delay or incompetence forebode make a prediction about; tell in advance forgery criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument with intent to defraud; a copy that is represented as the original foster providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties; noun United States songwriter whose songs embody the sentiment of the South before the American Civil War (1826 1864); verb help develop, help grow; bring up under fosterage; of children; promote the growth of fusion the act of fusing (or melting) together; correction of an unstable part of the spine by joining two or more vertebrae; usually done surgically but sometimes done by traction or immobilization; the combining of images from the two eyes to form a single visual percept; an occurrence that involves the production of a union; a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy; the merging of adjacent sounds or syllables or words; the state of being combined into one body games manipulate (a situation), typically in a way that is unfair or unscrupulous. garrulous full of trivial conversation genealogy the study or investigation of ancestry and family history; successive generations of kin giddily in a giddy light headed manner gloat malicious satisfaction; verb dwell on with satisfaction; gaze at or think about something with great self satisfaction, gratification, or joy glorification the act of glorifying (as in worship); a portrayal of something as ideal; a state of high honor gratuitous without cause; unnecessary and unwarranted; costing nothing gravity a solemn and dignified feeling; (physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth’s mass for bodies near its surface; a manner that is serious and solemn grouchy perversely irritable grumble a complaint uttered in a low and indistinct tone; a loud low dull continuous noise; verb to utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds; make complaining remarks or noises under one’s breath; show one’s unhappiness or critical attitude; make a low noise hamper a basket usually with a cover; a restraint that confines or restricts freedom (especially something used to tie down or restrain a prisoner); verb prevent the progress or free movement of; put at a disadvantage harrow a cultivator that pulverizes or smooths the soil; verb draw a harrow over (land) heterogeneous consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature; originating outside the body histrionic characteristic of acting or a stage performance; often affected hodgepodge a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas; a motley assortment of things hospitable favorable to life and growth; disposed to treat guests and strangers with cordiality and generosity; having an open mind hybrid produced by crossbreeding; noun an organism that is the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock; especially offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different varieties or breeds or species; a composite of mixed origin; a word that is composed of parts from different languages (e.g., `monolingual’ has a Greek prefix and a Latin root) hypothesis a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if TRUE would explain certain facts or phenomena; a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations; a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence idealistic of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style; of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of the reality of ideas ideologue an advocate of some ideology ideology imaginary or visionary theorization; an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation idiosyncratic peculiar to the individual idyllic excellent and delightful in all respects; suggestive of an idyll; charmingly simple and serene illustrative clarifying by use of examples; serving to demonstrate imperturbable not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and composure impervious not admitting of passage or capable of being affected implausible having a quality that provokes disbelief; highly imaginative but unlikely improbable too improbable to admit of belief; not likely to be TRUE or to occur or to have occurred; having a probability too low to inspire belief impugn attack as FALSE or wrong inchoate only partly in existence; imperfectly formed incitement something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action; an act of urging on or spurring on or rousing to action or instigating; the act of exhorting; an earnest attempt at persuasion; needed encouragement indecipherable impossible to determine the meaning of; not easily deciphered indict accuse formally of a crime indignant angered at something unjust or wrong indiscretion a petty misdeed; the trait of being injudicious indiscriminate not marked by fine distinctions; failing to make or recognize distinctions indispensable unavoidable; not to be dispensed with; essential; absolutely necessary; vitally necessary inducement act of bringing about a desired result; a positive motivational influence inductive inducing or influencing; leading on; of reasoning; proceeding from particular facts to a general conclusion; arising from inductance ineluctable impossible to avoid or evade, inescapable conclusion inept revealing lack of perceptiveness or judgment or finesse; generally incompetent and ineffectual; not elegant or graceful in expression inertia (physics) the tendency of a body to maintain is state of rest or uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force; a disposition to remain inactive or inert inevitable incapable of being avoided or prevented; invariably occurring or appearing; noun an unavoidable event inexhaustible (of an amount or supply of something) unable to be used up because existing in abundance. infelicity inappropriate and unpleasing manner or style (especially manner or style of expression) ingenuity the property of being ingenious; the power of creative imagination insidious working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; intended to entrap; beguiling but harmful instigate serve as the inciting cause of; provoke or stir up institutionalize cause to be admitted; of persons to an institution insular narrowly restricted in outlook or scope; suggestive of the isolated life of an island; relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island insurmountable not capable of being surmounted or overcome; impossible to surmount integrity moral soundness; an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with
nothing wanting intercept the point at which a line intersects a coordinate axis; verb seize on its way; tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information internalize incorporate within oneself; make subjective or personal inviting attractive and tempting irreconcilable impossible to reconcile laconic brief and to the point; effectively cut short lambast censure severely or angrily; beat with a cane lassitude weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy; a feeling of lack of interest or energy; a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness) leeway (of a ship or plane) sideways drift; a permissible difference; allowing some freedom to move within limits lethargy a state of comatose torpor (as found in sleeping sickness); inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy; weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy liberate grant freedom to; grant freedom to; free from confinement; give equal rights to; of women and minorities lofty of imposing height; especially standing out above others; having or displaying great dignity or nobility; of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style ludicrous broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce; incongruous; inviting ridicule luminary a celebrity who is an inspiration to others malady any unwholesome or desperate condition; impairment of normal
physiological function affecting part or all of an organism manifest clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment; noun a customs document listing the contents put on a ship or plane; verb reveal its presence or make an appearance; record in a ship’s manifest; provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one’s behavior, attitude, or external attributes marketable capable of being marketed; being in demand by especially employers; fit to be offered for sale martinet someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms maunder wander aimlessly; speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly; talk indistinctly; usually in a low voice megalomaniac a pathological egotist mellow having attained to kindliness or gentleness through age and experience; having attained to kindliness or gentleness through age and experience; having a full and pleasing flavor through proper aging; slightly and pleasantly intoxicated from alcohol or a drug (especially marijuana); unhurried and relaxed; adv. (obsolete) in a mellow manner; verb make or grow (more)
mellow; become more relaxed, easygoing, or genial; soften, make mellow mendacity the tendency to be untruthful meretricious like or relating to a prostitute; based on pretense; deceptively pleasing; tastelessly showy misconstrue interpret in the wrong way mollify make less rigid or softer; make more temperate, acceptable, or suitable by adding something else; moderate; cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of momentary lasting for a markedly brief time monologue a (usually long) dramatic speech by a single actor; a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation); speech you make to yourself multitudinous too numerous to be counted munificent very generous myriad too numerous to be counted; noun a large indefinite number mystification the activity of obscuring people’s understanding, leaving them baffled or bewildered; something designed to mystify or bewilder; confusion resulting from failure to understand necessitate require as useful, just, or proper; cause to be a concomitant noninterventionist a supporter of the principle of not becoming involved in the affairs of other countries. novelty originality by virtue of being new and surprising; cheap showy jewelry or ornament on clothing; a small inexpensive mass produced article; originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel obeisance the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person; bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame obfuscate make obscure or unclear objectivity judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices oblige bind by an obligation; cause to be indebted; provide a service or favor for someone; force or compel somebody to do something oblivious (followed by `to’ or `of’) lacking conscious awareness of; failing to keep in
mind occlude block passage through onerous not easily borne; wearing opaque not clear; not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; not clearly understood or expressed open-ended allowing for future changes or revisions; allowing for a spontaneous response; without fixed limits or restrictions ornamental serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose; noun any plant grown for its beauty or ornamental value outdated old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable overreaching revealing excessive self confidence; reaching for the heights overuse exploitation to the point of diminishing returns; verb make use of too often or too extensively overwhelm charge someone with too many tasks; overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli; overcome by superior force; cover completely or make imperceptible painstaking characterized by extreme care and great effort palliate provide physical relief, as from pain; lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of paltry contemptibly small in amount; not worth considering paradigm the generally accepted perspective of a particular discipline at a given time; systematic arrangement of all the inflected forms of a word; a standard or typical example; the class of all items that can be substituted into the same position (or slot) in a grammatical sentence (are in paradigmatic relation with one another) paradox (logic) a statement that contradicts itself passivity the trait of remaining inactive; a lack of initiative; submission to others or to outside influences patronizing (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who treat others with condescension paucity an insufficient quantity or number perceptive having the ability to perceive or understand; keen in discernment; of or relating to perception perplex be a mystery or bewildering to; make more complicated persuasive capable of convincing; tending or intended or having the power to induce action or belief pertinent having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand; being of striking appropriateness and pertinence pervasive spreading or spread throughout phony fraudulent; having a misleading appearance; noun a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives platitude a trite or obvious remark plausible apparently reasonable and valid, and truthful; given to or characterized by presenting specious arguments polarize become polarized in a conflict or contrasting situation; cause to concentrate about two conflicting or contrasting positions; cause to vibrate in a definite pattern populous densely populated portentous of momentous or ominous significance; puffed up with vanity; ominously prophetic posed arranged for pictorial purposes posturing adopting a vain conceited posture potent having a strong physiological or chemical effect; (of a male) capable of copulation; having or wielding force or authority; having great influence precipitate done with very great haste and without due deliberation; noun a precipitated solid substance in suspension or after settling or filtering; verb separate as a fine suspension of solid particles; hurl or throw violently; bring about abruptly; fall vertically, sharply, or headlong; fall from clouds preclude make impossible, especially beforehand; keep from happening or arising; make impossible predilection a predisposition in favor of something; a strong liking prefigure imagine or consider beforehand; indicate by signs prescribe issue commands or orders for presuppose require as a necessary antecedent or precondition; take for granted or as a given; suppose beforehand preternatural surpassing the ordinary or normal; existing outside of or not in accordance with nature primed (usually followed by `to’ or `for’) on the point of or strongly disposed profundity intellectual depth; penetrating knowledge; keen insight; etc; the quality of being physically deep; the intellectual ability to penetrate deeply into ideas; wisdom that is recondite and abstruse and profound prognosis a prediction of the course of a disease; a prediction about how something (as the weather) will develop prolific bearing in abundance especially offspring; intellectually productive propitiate make peace with proportionate being in due proportion; agreeing in amount, magnitude, or degree; exhibiting equivalence or correspondence among constituents of an entity or between different entities protract lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer quantifiable capable of being quantified quiescence quiet and inactive restfulness; a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction radical especially of leaves; located at the base of a plant or stem; especially arising directly from the root or rootstock or a root like stem; arising from or going to the root; of or relating to or constituting a linguistic root; (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm; markedly new or introducing radical change; noun a sign placed in front of an expression to denote that a root is to be extracted; a character conveying the lexical meaning of a logogram; a person who has radical ideas or opinions; (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed; (chemistry) two or more atoms bound together as a single unit and forming part of a molecule; an atom or group of atoms with at least one unpaired electron; in the body it is usually an oxygen molecule than has lost an electron and will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from a nearby molecule raillery light teasing repartee rampant (of a plant) having a lush and unchecked growth; unrestrained and violent rapprochement the reestablishing of cordial relations recapitulate summarize briefly; repeat stages of evolutionary development during the embryonic phase of life; repeat an earlier theme of a composition recipe directions for making something recklessness the trait of giving little thought to danger reconcile come to terms; bring into consonance or accord; make compatible with; accept as inevitable rehabilitate help to readapt, as to a former state of health or good repute; restore to a state of good condition or operation; reinstall politically reinterpret assign a new or different meaning to; interpret from a different viewpoint reinvent create anew and make over; bring back into existence relentless never ceasing; not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty resent feel bitter or indignant about; wish ill or allow unwillingly resilience the physical property of a material that can return to its original shape or position after deformation that does not exceed its elastic limit; an occurrence of rebounding or springing back resolution finding a solution to a problem; a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner; analysis into clear cut components; a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote; (music) a dissonant chord is followed by a consonant chord; the subsidence of swelling or other signs of inflammation (especially in a lung); (computer science) the number of pixels per square inch on a computer generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture; the trait of being resolute; something settled or resolved; the outcome of decision making; a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem; the ability of a microscope or telescope to measure
the angular separation of images that are close together resolve the trait of being resolute; a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote; verb find the solution; make clearly visible; cause to go into a solution; understand the meaning of; bring to an end; settle conclusively; reach a decision; reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation resonate be received or understood; sound with resonance restless worried and uneasy; ceaselessly in motion; unable to relax or be still; not affording rest reticent reluctant to draw attention to yourself; temperamentally disinclined to talk; cool and formal in manner retrench make a reduction, as in one’s workforce; tighten one’s belt; use resources carefully risible arousing or provoking laughter ritual of or relating to or employed in social rites or rituals; of or relating to or characteristic of religious rituals; noun stereotyped behavior; any customary observance or practice; the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies rudimentary being in the earliest stages of development; not fully developed in mature animals; being or involving basic facts or principles sacrosanct must be kept sacred secondhand previously used or owned by another; derived from what is primary or original; not firsthand; adv. by indirect means seductive tending to entice into a desired action or state sedulous marked by care and persistent effort self-evident evident without proof or argument self-indulgence excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence; an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires self-serving interested only in yourself sensational causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion; relating to or concerned in sensation; commanding attention serve (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play; verb put the ball into play; do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function; provide (usually but not necessarily food); help to some food; help with food or drink; mate with; deliver a warrant or summons to someone; do military service; work for or be a servant to; devote (part of) one’s life or efforts to, as of countries, institutions, or ideas; contribute or conduce to; promote, benefit, or be useful or beneficial to; serve a purpose, role, or function; spend time in prison or in a labor camp; be used by; as of a utility; be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity severe very bad in degree or extent; unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm; severely simple; very strong or vigorous shallowness the quality of lacking physical depth; lack of depth of knowledge or thought or feeling shortsightedness a lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources; (ophthalmology) eyesight abnormality resulting from the eye’s faulty refractive ability; distant objects appear blurred showcase a setting in which something can be displayed to best effect; a glass container used to store and display items in a shop or museum or home showy displaying brilliance and virtuosity; marked by ostentation but often tasteless; (used especially of clothes) marked by conspicuous display sift separate by passing through a sieve or other straining device to separate out coarser elements; move as if through a sieve; distinguish and separate out; check and sort carefully simpleminded. having or showing very little intelligence or judgment. simpleton a person lacking intelligence or common sense simultaneity happening or existing or done at the same time singular being a single and separate person or thing; grammatical number category referring to a single item or unit; composed of one member, set, or kind; the single one of its kind; beyond or deviating from the usual or expected; unusual or striking; noun the form of a word that is used to denote a singleton slavishly in a slavish manner sloth apathy and inactivity in the practice of virtue (personified as one of the deadly sins); any of several slow moving arboreal mammals of South America and Central America; they hang from branches back downward and feed on leaves and fruits; a disinclination to work or exert yourself sober not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol); lacking brightness or color; dull; dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises; completely lacking in playfulness; verb cause to become sober; become sober after excessive alcohol consumption; become more realistic sobriety abstaining from excess; moderation in or abstinence from alcohol or other drugs; a manner that is serious and solemn; the state of being sober and not intoxicated by alcohol solicitous showing hovering attentiveness; full of anxiety and concern sophist any of a group of Greek philosophers and teachers in the 5th century BC who speculated on a wide range of subjects; someone whose reasoning is subtle and often specious soundness a state or condition free from damage or decay; the muscle tone of healthy tissue; the quality of being prudent and sensible sovereignty the authority of a state to govern another state; government free from external control; royal authority; the dominion of a monarch speculative showing curiosity; not based on fact or investigation; not financially safe or secure spurned rebuffed (by a lover) without warning staid characterized by dignity and propriety starvation the act of depriving of food or subjecting to famine; a state of extreme hunger resulting from lack of essential nutrients over a prolonged period strategic highly important to or an integral part of a strategy or plan of action especially in war; relating to or concerned with strategy stringent demanding strict attention to rules and procedures subdued quieted and brought under control; lacking in light; not bright or harsh; not brilliant or glaring; in a softened tone; restrained in style or quality subjective taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias; of a mental act performed entirely within the mind subordinate lower in rank or importance; subject or submissive to authority or the control of another; (of a clause) unable to stand alone syntactically as a complete sentence; inferior in rank or status; noun an assistant subject to the authority or control of another; a word that is more specific than a given word; verb make subordinate, dependent, or subservient; rank or order as less important
or consider of less value substantive defining rights and duties as opposed to giving the rules by which rights and duties are established; having a firm basis in reality and being therefore important, meaningful, or considerable; substantial equivalents; being on topic and prompting thought; noun a noun or a pronoun that is used in place of a noun subsume consider (an instance of something) as part of a general rule or principle; contain or include superficiality lack of depth of knowledge or thought or feeling; shallowness in terms of affecting only surface layers of something supplant take the place or move into the position of suppress to put down by force or authority; put out of one’s consciousness; keep under control; keep in check; control and refrain from showing; of emotions; come down on or keep down by unjust use of one’s authority surfeit the state of being more than full; eating until excessively full; the quality of being so overabundant that prices fall; verb indulge (one’s appetite) to satiety; supply or feed to surfeit surpass be or do something to a greater degree; pass by; go beyond; distinguish oneself sustained maintained at length without interruption or weakening; (of an electric arc) continuous sway controlling influence; pitching dangerously to one side; verb move back and forth or sideways; cause to move back and forth; move or walk in a swinging or swaying manner; win approval or support for tailored severely simple in line or design; of clothing tangent ratio of the opposite to the adjacent side of a right angled triangle; a straight line or plane that touches a curve or curved surface at a point but does not intersect it at that point tantamount being essentially equal to something temerarious presumptuously daring temper a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger; the elasticity and hardness of a metal object; its ability to absorb considerable energy before cracking; a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling; a sudden outburst of anger; verb make more temperate, acceptable, or suitable by adding something else; moderate; adjust the pitch (of pianos); harden by reheating and cooling in oil; restrain or temper; toughen (steel or glass) by a
process of gradually heating and cooling tempestuous (of the elements) as if showing violent anger; characterized by violent emotions or behavior tempting very pleasantly inviting; highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire tenacity persistent determination tentative under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon; unsettled in mind or opinion terrific causing extreme terror; very great or intense; extraordinarily good; used especially as intensifiers testable able to be tested or tried. testimony something that serves as evidence; an assertion offering firsthand
authentication of a fact; a solemn statement made under oath thoroughgoing very thorough; exhaustively complete; without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers thrilled feeling intense pleasurable excitement thrive gain in wealth; grow stronger thwarted disappointingly unsuccessful token insignificantly small; a matter of form only (`tokenish’ is informal); noun a metal or plastic disk that can be used (as a substitute for coins) in slot machines; an individual instance of a type of symbol; something of sentimental value toll a fee levied for the use of roads or bridges (used for maintenance); value measured by what must be given or done or undergone to obtain something; the sound of a bell being struck; verb ring slowly; charge a fee for using torpid slow and apathetic; in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation tortuous not straightforward; marked by repeated turns and bends; highly complex or intricate tractable easily managed (controlled or taught or molded); readily reacting to suggestions and influences transparency the quality of being clear and transparent; permitting the free passage of electromagnetic radiation; picture consisting of a positive photograph or drawing on a transparent base; viewed with a projector triumph the exultation of victory; a successful ending of a struggle or contest; verb to express great joy; dwell on with satisfaction; prove superior; be ecstatic with joy truculent defiantly aggressive turgid abnormally distended especially by fluids or gas; ostentatiously lofty in style tyrannical characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; marked by unjust severity or arbitrary behavior; of or relating to or associated with or resembling a dictatorship unadorned not decorated with something to increase its beauty or distinction unaffected undergoing no change when acted upon; free of artificiality; sincere and genuine; emotionally unmoved; unaware of or indifferent to unappealing not able to attract favorable attention; (of characters in literature or drama) tending to evoke antipathetic feelings unappreciated having value that is not acknowledged; not likely to be rewarded unattainable impossible to achieve uncharacteristically in uncharacteristic manner uncontroversial not likely to arouse controversy; not offensive uncritical not critical; not tending to find or call attention to errors; marked by disregard for critical standards or procedures undercut a cut made underneath to remove material; a notch cut in the trunk of tree in order to determine the direction of its fall; the material removed by a cut made underneath; (sports) a stroke that puts reverse spin on the ball; the tender meat of the loin muscle on each side of the vertebral column; verb cut obliquely into (a tree) below the main cut and on the side toward which the tree will fall; strike (the ball) in golf, tennis, or hockey obliquely downward so as to give a backspin or elevation to the shot; cut away the underpart of; cut away material from the underside of (an object) so as to leave an overhanging portion in relief; sell cheaper than one’s competition underlying located beneath or below; in the nature of something though not readily apparent; being or involving basic facts or principles underreport. fail to report (something) fully. undertake promise to do or accomplish; enter upon an activity or enterprise; accept as a charge; accept as a challenge; enter into a contractual arrangement undetectable not easily seen; barely able to be perceived undiminished not lessened or diminished undisturbed peaceful without disturbance; untroubled by interference or disturbance unexampled having no previous example or precedent or parallel unexceptionable completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach unexceptional not special in any way unfathomable impossible to come to understand; of depth; not capable of being sounded or measured; so deep as to be unmeasurable unformed not yet fully formed; not formed or organized; not having form or shape; lacking in development unfounded without a basis in reason or fact uninformed not informed; lacking in knowledge or information unobjectionable not objectionable; (of behavior or especially language) free from objectionable elements; fit for all observers; not causing disapproval unorthodox breaking with convention or tradition; independent in behavior or thought unprincipled having little or no integrity; lacking principles or moral scruples unquantifiable. impossible to express or measure in terms of quantity. unravel become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of; become undone; disentangle unresolved characterized by musical dissonance; harmonically unresolved; not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought; not solved unrestrained not subject to restraint; richly and brilliantly colorful; marked by uncontrolled excitement or emotion unsettle disturb the composure of unverifiable (of e.g. evidence) not objective or easily verified unwittingly without knowledge or intention utilitarian having a useful function; having utility often to the exclusion of values; noun someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility vacuity total lack of meaning or ideas; a region that is devoid of matter; the absence of matter valedictory of a speech expressing leave taking; of or relating to an occasion or expression of farewell; noun a farewell oration (especially one delivered during graduation exercises by an outstanding member of a graduating class) valor the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle) venerable impressive by reason of age; profoundly honored vexation the act of troubling or annoying someone; something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness; anger produced by some annoying irritation; the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed vigorous characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity; strong and active physically or mentally vilify spread negative information about virtue the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong; a particular moral excellence; morality with respect to sexual relations; any admirable quality or attribute virtuosity technical skill or fluency or style exhibited by a virtuoso vocal full of the sound of voices; having or using the power to produce speech or sound; relating to or designed for or using the singing voice; given to expressing yourself freely or insistently; noun a short musical composition with words; music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment volatility the trait of being unpredictably irresolute; the property of changing readily from a solid or liquid to a vapor; being easily excited waggish witty or joking waning (of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon decreases; noun a gradual decrease in magnitude or extent warranted secured by written agreement wearisome so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness weary physically and mentally fatigued; verb exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress; get tired of something or somebody whimsical determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason wistful showing pensive sadness yield an amount of a product; production of a certain amount; the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property; the quantity of something (as a commodity) that is created (usually within a given period of time); verb consent reluctantly; cease opposition; stop fighting; bring in; be the cause or source of; give in, as to influence or pressure; end resistance, as under pressure or force; be willing to concede; be flexible under stress of physical force; give or supply; cause to happen or be responsible for; move in order to make room for someone for something; give over; surrender
or relinquish to the physical control of another; be fatally overwhelmed zeal excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end; prompt willingness; a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

GRE Vocabulary 2023

GRE is the leading standardized test, prepared by many undergraduate students annually. Close to 66% of the American student population attempts this coveted exam, followed by 11% of the Indian student population. This entrance exam measures the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing abilities of students seeking admission to business schools globally. 

The GRE Verbal Reasoning component is an essential part, in addition to the Quantitative Reasoning and the Analytical Writing sections. Students can prepare for GRE Verbal Reasoning by getting into a habit of reading books and newspapers. Besides, writing down words with meanings is a great way to develop your lexicon!

If you need some help getting started on your GRE word list, here are 50 excellent words with meanings to add! 

50 words with meanings to add to your GRE word list 

Set 1

1. Abhor – To detest or to hate.
2. Amalgamate – To unite societies, mix or combine. 
3. Acumen – Accurate judgment or insight, quick and keen. 
4. Bolster – Strengthen or support. 
5. Bombastic – Inflated, high-sounding. 
6. Burlesque – A variety show. 
7. Caprice – A sudden desire. 
8. Caustic – Eating away or destroying by means of chemical action.
9. Castigate – A verbal slight or a scolding. 
10. Disingenuous – To not be sincere or candid.
11. Docile – Ready to accept instruction or control. 
12. Dote – To be uncritically and extremely fond of. 
13. Emissary – A person sent to represent another’s interests. 
14. Emollient – A substance that creates a soothing effect when applied topically. 
15. Enervate – To weaken morally, mentally, and physically. 
16. Flail – To flounder or struggle uselessly. 
17. Forage – To scavenge or search widely for food and provisions.
18. Fortuitous – A happening that is a lucky chance. 
19. Gambol – To run or play boisterously. 
20. Gastronome – An individual devoted to sensuous enjoyment (this is an excellent word to add to your GRE word list as it has appeared in papers before)! 
21. Gelid – Extremely cold. 
22. Harangue – A loud expression or declamation of a strong emotion.
23. Hegemony – The dominance of one social group over others. 
24. Hirsute – To be covered by hair. 
25. Idiosyncrasy – A behavioral trait that is peculiar to a specific individual.

Set 2

1. Impetuous – An act characterized by lack of thought and haste. 
2. Incongruous – The lack of compatibility, harmony, or appropriateness.
3. Jaunt – A journey taken to seek pleasure. 
4. Jeopardize – To present a danger or pose a threat. 
5. Jocose – To be characterized by good humor. 
6. Kinetic – Related to the motion of material bodies and their force.
7. Knave – An unreliable and deceitful scoundrel. 
8. Kismet – Fortune or fate.
9. Lacerate – To tear or cut irregularly.
10. Lackadaisical – Indolent or idle in a dreamy way.
11. Languid – Lacking liveliness or spirit. 
12. Masticate – To grind and bite with teeth.
13. Maverick – Exhibiting independence through action and thought.
14. Mealy Mouthed – Someone hesitant to state opinions directly.
15. Nebulous – Lacking limits or definite form. 
16. Nautical – Related to navigation and ships (adding this word to your GRE word list can prepare you for passage-based questions). 
17. Nepotism – Favoritism shown to friends and relatives by those in power. 
18. Obsequious – Attempting to win favor by flattery and lavish praise.
19. Odious – Extremely unpleasant or repulsive.
20. Odoriferous – Emitting an unpleasant smell.
21. Propriety – The quality or state of being proper or correct.
22. Philanthropic – The act of promoting the welfare of others. 
23. Prevaricate – Avoiding telling the truth by not answering a question directly.
24. Quixotic – Not sensible about practical affairs.
25. Resolute – Firm in belief and purpose. 

3 tips to build your GRE vocabulary 

While including these difficult words with meanings in your word list can be a great way of expanding your vocabulary, here are three tips to help you remain focused! 

1. Prioritize GRE test words 

One of the best ways to prepare for the GRE Verbal Reasoning section is by attempting practice tests and previous papers. If you come across new words, add them to your GRE word list and revise them regularly. Also, it is very likely that words tested in GRE before may be asked again. 

2. Make flashcards 

Make a set of five or six flashcards and use them whenever you find the time in your day-to-day routine. Using the flashcards while standing in line at the grocery store or on the bus back home can reinforce your memory and vocabulary.

3. Use the dictionary frequently

Keep a dictionary handy and learn how to look up new words and find their meanings. It is important to note that GRE often tests secondary definitions, in addition to first definitions! Therefore, remember to scan through all the definitions of the word you are looking up before putting the dictionary away. 

Key takeaways 

• The GRE is a standardized exam conducted for admission to business schools across the globe. Thousands of aspirants appear for this exam annually across different countries. 
• One of the essential components of this exam is the Verbal Reasoning section that tests an aspirant’s vocabulary and grasp of the English language. 
• A consolidated GRE word list can be a great way to prepare for this section.

Learning the words mentioned above will take you one step closer to acing GRE. If you are still struggling to get started with the test prep, reach out to us. We’d be happy to sail you through. 

Liked this blog? Read next: GRE books | 10 books you must have to ace this exam!

FAQs 

Example Site – Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Q1. What other questions are a part of the Verbal Reasoning component of GRE? 

Answer – The GRE exam has sentence completion and critical reasoning questions that are based on passages. 

Q2. Which countries in the world accept a GRE score? 

Answer – Universities in Australia, Singapore, Europe, the UK, and the US accept a GRE score. This amounts to more than 600 B-schools globally. 

Q3. What is the cost of the GRE exam? 

Answer – The cost of GRE is USD 205.