English Synonyms for GRE 11 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

accentuate (verb) /ækˈsɛn tʃuˌeɪt/
Meaning: When we accentuate an aspect, we draw attention to it and make it stand out from its surroundings.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to accentuate?
Options: emphasize; downplay; diminish; ignore
Answer: emphasize
Synonyms: amplify; emphasize; highlight; intensify; magnify; spotlight; stress; underline; underscore
Example: "She used makeup to accentuate her eyes."

aesthetic (adjective) /iːsˈθɛtɪk/
Meaning: When something is described as aesthetic, it signifies that it possesses a pleasing, harmonious, or visually attractive quality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aesthetic?
Options: artistic; unattractive; unaesthetic; unappealing
Answer: artistic
Synonyms: artistic; attractive; beautiful; decorative; elegant; refined; stylish; tasteful; visual
Example: "The art gallery showcased a diverse collection of aesthetic masterpieces."

aggrandize (verb) /əˈɡrandʌɪz/
Meaning: This can involve exaggerating someone's accomplishments or qualities, or presenting them in a more favorable light than is warranted.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aggrandize?
Options: exaggerate; minimize; belittle; downplay
Answer: exaggerate
Synonyms: applaud; boost; canonize; commend; elevate; ennoble; exalt; glorify; honor; promote
Example: "The dictator tried to aggrandize himself by commissioning statues and portraits in his honor all over the country."

ambiance (noun) /ˈæm bi əns/
Meaning: It encompasses the combined elements that contribute to the sensory and emotional experience in a particular setting.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ambiance?
Options: atmosphere; blandness; discomfort; harshness
Answer: atmosphere
Synonyms: atmosphere; aura; character; climate; environment; feel; mood; setting; spirit; surroundings; tone; vibe
Example: "The restaurant's ambiance was warm and inviting."

analogous (adjective) /əˈnæl ə gəs/
Meaning: This term is often used to describe a comparison between two things that share some common features or properties, but also have differences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to analogous?
Options: similar; different; unrelated; dissimilar
Answer: similar
Synonyms: akin; alike; allied; cognate; comparable; connate; equivalent; parallel; related; resembling
Example: "The wings of a bat and a bird serve analogous functions."

beget (verb) /bɪˈɡɛt/
Meaning: It is often used to refer to the act of fathering or giving birth to a child, and implies a sense of responsibility or ownership.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to beget?
Options: produce; destroy; terminate; end
Answer: produce
Synonyms: bring; catalyze; cause; engender; generate; induce; invoke; spawn; yield
Example: "Through their union, they beget the future rulers of the kingdom."

charlatan (noun) /ˈʃɑːlət(ə)n/
Meaning: It can also describe a person who is a fraud or a con artist, who makes false or misleading claims in order to deceive or defraud others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to charlatan?
Options: fraud; expert; professional; specialist
Answer: fraud
Synonyms: fraudster; hoaxer; hoodwinker; hustler; impostor; masquerader; mountebank; swindler; trickster
Example: "The charlatan claimed to be a medical expert, but he had no formal training."

comport (verb) /kəmˈpɔːt/
Meaning: It can refer to both one's external behavior, such as how one presents oneself in social situations, as well as one's internal attitudes and beliefs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to comport?
Options: conduct; misbehave; disregard; disrespect
Answer: conduct
Synonyms: accord; acquit; act; adhere; agree; bear; carry; cohere; conform; correspond; fulfill; perform
Example: "He always strives to comport himself with dignity, regardless of the situation."

consummate (adjective) /ˈkɒns(j)əmət/
Meaning: When someone is referred to as 'consummate' in their field, it signifies that they have reached the pinnacle of expertise and are regarded as experts or masters.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to consummate?
Options: masterful; inept; unskilled; amateurish
Answer: masterful
Synonyms: exemplary; expert; faultless; gifted; impeccable; masterful; proficient; supreme; talented
Example: "She's a consummate pianist, captivating audiences worldwide."

convivial (adjective) /kənˈvɪvɪəl/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a person or atmosphere that is lively and enjoyable, with a focus on good company and good cheer.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to convivial?
Options: sociable; unsociable; unfriendly; reserved
Answer: sociable
Synonyms: cordial; enjoyable; genial; hospitable; jolly; jovial; lively; merry; pleasant; sociable; warm
Example: "The convivial atmosphere of the party had guests laughing and dancing."

decorum (noun) /dɪˈkɔːrəm/
Meaning: It is often used to describe the expectations of behavior in a formal or professional setting, such as at a business meeting or a formal event.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to decorum?
Options: propriety; impropriety; indecency; rudeness
Answer: propriety
Synonyms: civility; correctness; courtesy; courtliness; dignity; etiquette; gentility; politeness; propriety
Example: "He lacked all sense of decorum in professional situations."

dissonance (noun) /ˈdɪs(ə)nəns/
Meaning: It can also refer to the lack of harmony or consistency between different elements or parts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dissonance?
Options: conflict; harmony; agreement; concord
Answer: conflict
Synonyms: cacophony; conflict; disagreement; discord; discrepancy; disharmony; disparity; dissension; disunity; division; incompatibility; incongruity
Example: "The dissonance in the music created a tense atmosphere."

dossier (noun) /ˈdɒsɪə/
Meaning: Dossiers can be used for various purposes, such as to support a legal case, to provide background information for a decision, or to gather intelligence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dossier?
Options: file; disorganization; clutter; jumble
Answer: file
Synonyms: data; detail; file; information; intelligence; portfolio; profile; record; report; summary
Example: "She was given a dossier on the candidate's qualifications."

ebullient (adjective) /ɪˈbʌljənt/
Meaning: When someone is described as ebullient, it signifies a level of bubbling and unrestrained excitement that often results in lively and animated behavior.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ebullient?
Options: effervescent; depressed; dispirited; downcast
Answer: effervescent
Synonyms: bouncy; bubbly; chipper; chirpy; energetic; exuberant; merry; spirited; sunny; vivacious
Example: "A glass of red wine always put her in an ebullient mood."

euphoric (adjective) /yuˈfɔr ɪk/
Meaning: When someone is euphoric, they experience a profound and overwhelming sense of delight, pleasure, or bliss.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to euphoric?
Options: elated; depressed; miserable; unhappy
Answer: elated
Synonyms: blissful; delighted; ecstatic; elated; enraptured; exultant; gleeful; joyful; jubilant; overjoyed; rapturous; thrilled
Example: "The euphoric feeling of winning the championship overwhelmed the team."

fait-accompli (noun) /ˌfeɪt əˈkɒmpli/
Meaning: It is often used to refer to something that has been decided or done without consulting or informing others, leaving them with no choice but to accept the outcome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fait-accompli?
Options: done deal; possibility; option; potentiality
Answer: done
Synonyms: accomplished; certainty; completed; decided; definitive; established; finality; irreversible; reality; resolved; settled; undeniable
Example: "The sudden resignation came as a shocking fait accompli."

galvanize (verb) /ˈɡalvənʌɪz/
Meaning: It can refer to physically stimulating something, such as using electricity to stimulate muscle contractions, or it can refer to figuratively stimulating something, such as inspiring or motivating someone to take action.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to galvanize?
Options: motivate; demotivate; deter; discourage
Answer: motivate
Synonyms: encourage; energize; impel; inspire; invigorate; jolt; motivate; spur; startle; urge; vitalize
Example: "The teacher failed to galvanize her students into studying for their exams."

grandiloquent (adjective) /grænˈdɪl ə kwənt/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a style of writing or speech that is bombastic and full of exaggerated language or over-the-top expressions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to grandiloquent?
Options: bombastic; understated; plain; simple
Answer: bombastic
Synonyms: bombastic; extravagant; florid; flowery; grandiose; inflated; magniloquent; ornate; ostentatious; overblown; pompous; pretentious
Example: "The politician's grandiloquent speech failed to impress the audience."

harbinger (noun) /ˈhɑːbɪn(d)ʒə/
Meaning: It serves as an early sign or warning of what is to come, often carrying a sense of anticipation or expectation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to harbinger?
Options: precursor; aftermath; consequence; result
Answer: precursor
Synonyms: forerunner; forewarning; herald; indication; omen; portent; precursor; presage; sign
Example: "She saw the dark clouds as a harbinger of an impending storm."

hubris (noun) /ˈhjuːbrɪs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a sense of overestimating one's abilities or accomplishments, and a belief in one's own invincibility.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hubris?
Options: arrogance; humility; modesty; diffidence
Answer: arrogance
Synonyms: arrogance; audacity; cockiness; conceit; ego; egoism; haughtiness; overconfidence; pomposity; presumption; pride; vanity
Example: "The CEO's hubris led to the downfall of the once-thriving company."

impeach (verb) /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/
Meaning: This process is a constitutional mechanism provided in order to ensure that government officials are held accountable for their actions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to impeach?
Options: accuse; absolve; exonerate; vindicate
Answer: accuse
Synonyms: accuse; allege; arraign; censure; challenge; charge; cite; criminate; denounce; impugn; indict; prosecute
Example: "They gather votes to impeach the mayor for his unethical use of public funds."

incendiary (adjective) /ɪnˈsɛndɪəri/
Meaning: It can refer to words, actions, or even ideas that are designed to inflame tensions or provoke strong reactions from others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to incendiary?
Options: provocative; pacifying; calming; conciliatory
Answer: provocative
Synonyms: agitating; agitational; antagonistic; disruptive; dissentious; inflammatory; instigating; instigative; mutinous; provocative; rebellious; seditious
Example: "The incendiary remarks sparked a heated argument among the group."

innate (adjective) /ɪˈneɪt/
Meaning: It signifies that something is natural, inborn, or existing as an integral part of an entity's nature rather than being acquired through learning or experience.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to innate?
Options: inherent; acquired; learned; extrinsic
Answer: inherent
Synonyms: hardwired; inborn; inherent; inner; instinctive; intrinsic; intuitive; native; natural
Example: "Our innate sense of self-preservation helps us to avoid danger."

insolvent (adjective) /ɪnˈsɒlv(ə)nt/
Meaning: It refers to a state of financial distress in which someone's liabilities exceed their assets or income, and they are unable to pay their bills or meet their financial obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to insolvent?
Options: bankrupt; solvent; financially stable; affluent
Answer: bankrupt
Synonyms: bankrupt; broke; bust; failed; impoverished; indebted; penniless; ruined; strapped
Example: "He was personally insolvent and couldn't pay his debts."

intransigent (adjective) /ɪnˈtransɪdʒ(ə)nt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a person or group that is unwilling to consider different perspectives or ideas.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to intransigent?
Options: inflexible; adaptable; flexible; compromising
Answer: inflexible
Synonyms: adamant; immovable; inflexible; obdurate; obstinate; relentless; resolute; rigid; stubborn; unbending; uncompromising; unrelenting
Example: "Both sides remained intransigent and were unable to reach an agreement."

kinetic (adjective) /kɪˈnɛt ɪk/
Meaning: It conveys the idea of objects or systems in a state of motion or possessing active energy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to kinetic?
Options: dynamic; static; inactive; motionless
Answer: dynamic
Synonyms: active; animated; dynamic; energetic; lively; moving; powerful; spirited; vibrant; vigorous
Example: "The movie's kinetic action scenes kept the audience on the edge of their seats."

lethargic (adjective) /lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a person who is feeling weak or listless, or who lacks energy or motivation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lethargic?
Options: sluggish; energetic; active; lively
Answer: sluggish
Synonyms: dormancy; idleness; inactivity; indolence; languor; laziness; listlessness; slowness; torpor
Example: "After a long day of work, he felt lethargic and drained."

litigious (adjective) /lɪˈtɪdʒəs/
Meaning: The term comes from the Latin word "litigiosus" which means "fond of lawsuits" or "contentious.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to litigious?
Options: contentious; uncontentious; agreeable; cooperative
Answer: contentious
Synonyms: argumentative; belligerent; combative; confrontational; contentious; disputatious; feisty; litigable; pugnacious; quarrelsome; wrangling
Example: "He was wary of his litigious neighbor who had a penchant for filing unnecessary lawsuits."

melancholy (noun) /ˈmɛlənkəli/
Meaning: It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a traumatic event, a significant loss, or a chronic medical condition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to melancholy?
Options: sadness; happiness; joy; cheerfulness
Answer: sadness
Synonyms: dismal; downcast; gloomy; glum; lugubrious; moody; mournful; pensive; sombre; woeful
Example: "The haunting melody of the violin filled the room with a profound sense of melancholy."

misanthrope (noun) /ˈmɪz(ə)nθrəʊp/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is cynical, reclusive, or antisocial, and who prefers to be alone rather than in the company of others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to misanthrope?
Options: hater of humanity; philanthropist; humanitarian; altruist
Answer: hater
Synonyms: curmudgeon; cynic; hermit; isolate; loner; outsider; pessimist; recluse; sceptic; solitary
Example: "The misanthrope sat alone in the corner, avoiding the crowd at the party."

nebulous (adjective) /ˈnɛbjʊləs/
Meaning: When we refer to an idea, concept, or situation as nebulous, we are suggesting that it is shrouded in ambiguity or obscurity, making it challenging to comprehend or pin down.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to nebulous?
Options: unclear; distinct; clear; definite
Answer: unclear
Synonyms: ambiguous; cryptic; enigmatic; equivocal; imprecise; murky; mysterious; obscure; uncertain
Example: "The nebulous concept of time travel has captivated the human imagination for centuries."

obtrusive (adjective) /əbˈtruːsɪv/
Meaning: Obtrusive can refer to a physical object, such as a building or piece of furniture, that stands out in a way that is unwelcome or disruptive.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to obtrusive?
Options: conspicuous; unobtrusive; subtle; discreet
Answer: conspicuous
Synonyms: annoying; blatant; brash; conspicuous; flamboyant; forceful; glaring; interfering; intrusive; noticeable; obnoxious; offensive
Example: "The obtrusive billboard blocked the view of the picturesque landscape."

pageant (noun) /ˈpæʤənt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe an elaborate and carefully choreographed event, such as a beauty pageant, a historical reenactment, or a cultural celebration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pageant?
Options: spectacle; ordinariness; plainness; simplicity
Answer: spectacle
Synonyms: competition; contest; exhibition; extravaganza; parade; performance; procession; show
Example: "The beauty pageant featured contestants from all over the world."

petulant (adjective) /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/
Meaning: The term can be used to describe a person who is easily irritated or who frequently expresses displeasure or discontent with others, often through pouting, whining or sulking.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to petulant?
Options: childish; patient; tolerant; agreeable
Answer: childish
Synonyms: choleric; crabby; cranky; crotchety; grouchy; grumpy; irascible; querulous; testy; waspish
Example: "The petulant child refused to share his toys with his friends."

polyglot (noun) /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/
Meaning: Polyglotism is the ability to speak multiple languages and can be a valuable skill in today's globalized world where multilingualism is becoming more and more important.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to polyglot?
Options: multilingual; monoglot; single-language-speaker; unilingual
Answer: multilingual
Synonyms: etymologist; fluent; glossarist; lexicologist; linguist; linguistic; multilingual; multilinguist; omniglot; phonetician; polyglottal; polyhistor
Example: "He was a polyglot and could speak several languages fluently."

proclivity (noun) /prəˈklɪvɪti/
Meaning: It can also refer to a person's natural disposition or predilection for something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to proclivity?
Options: tendency; aversion; dislike; disinclination
Answer: tendency
Synonyms: affinity; bent; bias; disposition; inclination; knack; leaning; partiality; penchant; predilection; predisposition; preference
Example: "His proclivity for adventure made him the first to volunteer for the hike."

proletariat (noun) /ˌprəʊlɪˈtɛːrɪət/
Meaning: The Proletariat is a term used to describe the working class, or the class of people who do not own the means of production and are dependent on selling their labor to survive.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to proletariat?
Options: working class; aristocracy; elite; upper class
Answer: working
Synonyms: commoners; commons; employees; laborers; masses; peasants; peons; plebeians; populace; proles; serfs; underclass
Example: "The proletariat typically consists of workers who lack access to capital or the means of production."

quagmire (noun) /ˈkwaɡmʌɪə/
Meaning: It is often used to describe situations such as political, social, economic, or personal, where the solution or way out is difficult to find and it's easy to get trapped and stuck.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to quagmire?
Options: swamp; clarity; simplicity; solution
Answer: swamp
Synonyms: bind; conundrum; dilemma; fix; mess; muddle; pickle; pinch; plight; predicament; quandary
Example: "The political debate turned into a quagmire of conflicting ideologies."

quixotic (adjective) /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/
Meaning: When a plan, endeavor, or individual is described as quixotic, it implies a pursuit of noble and lofty goals, sometimes driven by a fervent desire for positive change or moral righteousness, but lacking a practical or rational basis for success.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to quixotic?
Options: idealistic; pragmatic; realistic; practical
Answer: idealistic
Synonyms: chimerical; dreamy; fanciful; fantastical; foolish; imaginary; impractical; romantic; utopian
Example: "His quixotic quest to save the world from pollution was admirable but challenging."

rakish (adjective) /ˈreɪkɪʃ/
Meaning: When someone is characterized as rakish, it implies a certain charm and allure, often associated with a carefree and adventurous attitude.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to rakish?
Options: jaunty; conservative; modest; unassuming
Answer: jaunty
Synonyms: dapper; dashing; debonair; decadent; flashy; jaunty; libertine; raffish; smart; snazzy
Example: "The actor's rakish charm made him a heartthrob in Hollywood."

resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/
Meaning: It is the capacity to adapt and bounce back from challenges, stressors, and setbacks.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to resilience?
Options: adaptability; fragility; vulnerability; weakness
Answer: adaptability
Synonyms: adaptability; doggedness; fortitude; grit; hardiness; perseverance; persistence; tenacity
Example: "He was known for his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks."

severance (noun) /ˈsɛv(ə)r(ə)ns/
Meaning: The term is most commonly used in the context of employment, where it refers to the process of terminating an employee's employment and the compensation that is provided to the employee as a result.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to severance?
Options: separation; union; attachment; connection
Answer: separation
Synonyms: breach; breakup; divorce; estrangement; parting; rupture; separation; split; sundering
Example: "The severance of diplomatic ties between the two countries escalated into a tense standoff."

stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/
Meaning: It can also refer to a physical mark or characteristic that sets someone or something apart.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to stigma?
Options: disgrace; honor; respect; esteem
Answer: disgrace
Synonyms: blot; brand; dishonor; disrepute; guilt; imputation; mark; reproach; slur; smirch; stain
Example: "The stigma surrounding mental health issues can prevent people from seeking help."

stipulate (verb) /ˈstɪpjʊleɪt/
Meaning: When individuals or parties stipulate, they establish explicit rules, requirements, or expectations that must be met for the agreement to be considered valid or fulfilled.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to stipulate?
Options: specify; generalize; ambiguously; vague
Answer: specify
Synonyms: clarify; condition; define; designate; establish; impose; insist; postulate; promise; require
Example: "The guidelines stipulate the minimum requirements for the job."

symposium (noun) /sɪmˈpəʊzɪəm/
Meaning: A symposium is a formal gathering or conference at which experts in a particular field give presentations and engage in discussions on a specific topic or theme.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to symposium?
Options: conference; disunion; disagreement; isolation
Answer: conference
Synonyms: colloquium; conference; congress; convention; forum; meeting; panel; seminar
Example: "The academic symposium provided a platform for researchers to present their findings."

tacit (adjective) /ˈtasɪt/
Meaning: It pertains to unspoken understandings, implicit agreements, or shared knowledge that exists between individuals or within a group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tacit?
Options: implicit; explicit; stated; pronounced
Answer: implicit
Synonyms: hinted; implicit; implied; indirect; inferred; inherent; insinuated; nonverbal; silent; suggested; understood; unexpressed
Example: "The agreement between the two countries was a tacit understanding."

tirade (noun) /tʌɪˈreɪd/
Meaning: It is a speech or discourse that is characterized by strong and often aggressive language, and may be directed at a particular person, group or idea.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tirade?
Options: rant; praise; compliment; flattery
Answer: rant
Synonyms: attack; criticism; denunciation; diatribe; fulmination; harangue; invective; philippic; rant
Example: "His tirade during the meeting shocked everyone in the room."

traduce (verb) /trəˈdjuːs/
Meaning: It is commonly used to describe the act of speaking or writing about someone or something in a way that is intended to harm, defame or malign them.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to traduce?
Options: defame; praise; compliment; honor
Answer: defame
Synonyms: decry; defame; denigrate; deprecate; detract; disparage; malign; revile; slander; smear; vilify
Example: "He sought to traduce the reputation of his political opponent with false accusations."

trite (adjective) /trʌɪt/
Meaning: When we characterize something as trite, we emphasize its tired, worn-out nature, suggesting that it has been repeated so frequently that it no longer holds any freshness or novelty.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to trite?
Options: overused; original; fresh; novel
Answer: overused
Synonyms: banal; clichéd; dull; hackneyed; stale; stereotyped; stock; tired; uninspired; worn
Example: "The critics labeled the movie as trite due to its clichéd plot."

venerable (adjective) /ˈvɛn(ə)rəbl/
Meaning: It can describe something or someone that is highly regarded or respected because of their age, history, or achievements.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to venerable?
Options: respected; dishonored; disrespected; despised
Answer: respected
Synonyms: acclaimed; august; celebrated; dignified; distinguished; esteemed; hallowed; honored; prestigious; reputable; respected; revered
Example: "The community was saddened by the news of the venerable doctor's death."