English Synonyms for GRE 12 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

abscond (verb) /əbˈskɒnd/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who leaves their place of work, residence, or custody without permission or without fulfilling their obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abscond?
Options: flee; remain; stay; confront
Answer: flee
Synonyms: bolt; decamp; depart; disappear; elope; escape; evade; flee; leave; run; skedaddle; slip
Example: "The thief tried to abscond with the stolen jewels, but the alarm sounded."

acrimonious (adjective) /ˌæk rəˈmoʊ ni əs/
Meaning: When a situation becomes acrimonious, there is a palpable atmosphere of animosity and deep-seated conflict.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to acrimonious?
Options: bitter; amicable; harmonious; cordial
Answer: bitter
Synonyms: abrasive; acrid; antagonistic; bitter; caustic; contentious; hostile; quarrelsome; rancorous; spiteful; venomous; vindictive
Example: "The acrimonious dispute between the two neighbors escalated over the course of several months."

adage (noun) /ˈadɪdʒ/
Meaning: It is a traditional, often metaphorical saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to adage?
Options: proverb; falsehood; fallacy; fabrication
Answer: proverb
Synonyms: aphorism; apothegm; axiom; cliché; dictum; maxim; motto; precept; proverb; saying
Example: "The adage "actions speak louder than words" emphasizes the importance of deeds over mere promises."

affinity (noun) /əˈfɪnəti/
Meaning: It can also describe a similarity or resemblance between different things or concepts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to affinity?
Options: attraction; aversion; dislike; detachment
Answer: attraction
Synonyms: alliance; attraction; bond; empathy; fondness; harmony; kinship; likeness; rapport; similarity
Example: "They shared a deep affinity for classical music."

affluent (adjective) /ˈaflʊənt/
Meaning: When a person or community is characterized as affluent, it suggests a high standard of living, often marked by abundant material possessions, financial stability, and access to a wide range of luxuries and comforts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to affluent?
Options: wealthy; impoverished; poor; needy
Answer: wealthy
Synonyms: comfortable; flush; loaded; moneyed; opulent; prosperous; rich; successful; upscale; wealthy
Example: "The affluent neighborhood was known for its luxurious mansions."

bourgeois (adjective) /ˈbʊəʒwɑː/
Meaning: The term "bourgeois" originated in France during the 18th century and originally referred to members of the middle class who were wealthy, property-owning citizens.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bourgeois?
Options: middle-class; proletarian; lower-class; poor
Answer: middle-class
Synonyms: conformist; conservative; conventional; mainstream; materialistic; middle; middlebrow; propertied; respectable; suburban; traditional
Example: "The bourgeois lifestyle emphasized material comforts and social stability."

brusque (adjective) /brʊsk/
Meaning: It is characterized by a lack of warmth or friendliness, and may be perceived as dismissive or unfriendly.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to brusque?
Options: curt; polite; courteous; genial
Answer: curt
Synonyms: blunt; discourteous; gruff; hasty; impolite; sharp; surly; tart; terse; unmannerly
Example: "His brusque manner made him seem unfriendly to those who didn't know him well."

camaraderie (noun) /ˌkaməˈrɑːd(ə)ri/
Meaning: It is often used to describe the close relationships that develop among people who are part of a team or group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to camaraderie?
Options: friendship; animosity; rivalry; hostility
Answer: friendship
Synonyms: affinity; companionship; comradeship; fellowship; friendship; intimacy; solidarity; togetherness
Example: "She will miss the camaraderie when she goes on maternity leave."

cartel (noun) /kɑːˈtɛl/
Meaning: Cartels are often formed to increase their bargaining power and maximize profits.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cartel?
Options: syndicate; competitor; adversary; rival
Answer: syndicate
Synonyms: caucus; clique; coalition; coterie; faction; gang; Mafia; network; syndicate
Example: "The cartel controlled a significant portion of the drug trade in the region."

cavil (verb) /ˈkavəl/
Meaning: When someone cavils, they typically focus on small or inconsequential aspects of an argument, statement, or situation, rather than addressing the main issue at hand.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cavil?
Options: quibble; accept; agree; approve
Answer: quibble
Synonyms: carp; complain; criticize; fuss; gripe; grumble; moan; niggle; nitpick; object; quibble
Example: "It's not productive to cavil about every single detail during the meeting."

circumvent (verb) /ˌsəːkəmˈvɛnt/
Meaning: It can also refer to the act of bypassing rules or regulations in order to achieve a desired outcome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to circumvent?
Options: bypass; confront; face; tackle
Answer: bypass
Synonyms: bypass; deceive; dodge; elude; evade; mislead; outwit; prevent; sidestep; skirt; trick
Example: "He tried to circumvent the traffic by taking a shortcut through the backstreets."

connotation (noun) /ˌkɒnəˈteɪʃn/
Meaning: Connotation can be positive, negative, or neutral, and it can vary depending on the context in which a word is used.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to connotation?
Options: implication; denotation; literalness; directness
Answer: implication
Synonyms: association; implication; indication; meaning; message; nuance; suggestion; undertone
Example: "The word "freedom" has a powerful connotation of independence."

crapulous (adjective) /ˈkrapjʊləs/
Meaning: When someone is described as feeling crapulous, it implies that they are experiencing discomfort, nausea, or other physical symptoms resulting from overconsumption.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to crapulous?
Options: hungover; sober; clearheaded; abstinent
Answer: hungover
Synonyms: besotted; bibulous; dissipated; dissolute; drunken; inebriated; intemperate; intoxicated; loaded
Example: "After the wild party, he woke up feeling absolutely crapulous."

debilitate (verb) /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪt/
Meaning: It can refer to a physical ailment that causes weakness or to a mental or emotional condition that causes a loss of energy or motivation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to debilitate?
Options: weaken; strengthen; invigorate; fortify
Answer: weaken
Synonyms: attenuate; cripple; devitalize; enervate; exhaust; incapacitate; prostrate; sap; soften
Example: "The virus can debilitate even the healthiest individuals."

disingenuous (adjective) /ˌdɪs(ɪ)nˈdʒɛnjʊəs/
Meaning: Disingenuous means insincere or not straightforward.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disingenuous?
Options: insincere; genuine; sincere; honest
Answer: insincere
Synonyms: contrived; crafty; deceitful; devious; dishonest; dissembling; duplicitous; false; feigned; hypocritical; insincere; misleading
Example: "His disingenuous apology, filled with excuses and lacking sincerity, rang hollow to those he had wronged."

edifying (adjective) /ˈɛdɪfʌɪɪŋ/
Meaning: The term is often used to describe experiences, teachings, or materials that have a positive and beneficial effect on a person's character, knowledge, or understanding.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to edifying?
Options: enlightening; misleading; confusing; deceptive
Answer: enlightening
Synonyms: educative; elevating; elucidative; enlightening; improving; inspiring; instructive; uplifting
Example: "The edifying documentary provided valuable insights into the history of the ancient civilization."

elixir (noun) /ɪˈlɪksɪə
Meaning: Historically, elixirs were often made from a combination of ingredients such as herbs, spices, and minerals, and were believed to have medicinal properties.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to elixir?
Options: potion; toxin; poison; venom
Answer: potion
Synonyms: brew; catholicon; concoction; cure; essence; extract; infusion; medicine; mixture; panacea; potion; remedy
Example: "The ancient scroll contained the recipe for a mystical elixir."

equinox (noun) /ˈɛkwɪnɒks/
Meaning: "Equinox" is a noun that refers to either of two points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator and the ecliptic intersect.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to equinox?
Options: balance; solstice; imbalance; disproportion
Answer: balance
Synonyms: alignment; balance; convergence; crossing; equator; event; intersection; juncture; occurrence; solstice; symmetry; transition
Example: "The equinox marks the moment when day and night are of equal length."

evanescent (adjective) /ˌɛv əˈnɛs ənt/
Meaning: It signifies the remarkably short-lived and elusive nature of an object, experience, or phenomenon, often emphasizing its vanishing or dissipating almost as quickly as it appears.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to evanescent?
Options: fleeting; permanent; lasting; enduring
Answer: fleeting
Synonyms: brief; disappearing; impermanent; momentary; passing; temporary; transient; vanishing
Example: "The evanescent beauty of a shooting star captivated our hearts."

expatiate (verb) /ɪkˈspeɪʃɪeɪt/
Meaning: It often implies a thorough and thoughtful discussion or analysis of the topic.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to expatiate?
Options: elaborate; summarize; condense; abbreviate
Answer: elaborate
Synonyms: elaborate; dilate; expand; discuss; discourse; explain; describe; detail; enlarge; expound
Example: "She loves to expatiate on the intricacies of ancient civilizations during her lectures."

fastidious (adjective) /faˈstɪdɪəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is meticulous and pays great attention to detail, and who is often very particular about how things are done.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fastidious?
Options: meticulous; careless; sloppy; negligent
Answer: meticulous
Synonyms: assiduous; careful; choosy; conscientious; demanding; discriminating; exacting; finicky; meticulous; nitpicking; particular; perfectionist
Example: "The fastidious researcher spent hours poring over the details of the study."

fatuous (adjective) /ˈfatjʊəs/
Meaning: When a person's actions, statements, or ideas are labeled as fatuous, it suggests a severe lack of seriousness, rationality, or intelligence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fatuous?
Options: silly; intelligent; sensible; wise
Answer: silly
Synonyms: asinine; childish; idiotic; mindless; nonsensical; puerile; ridiculous; senseless; stupid; vacuous
Example: "The fatuous argument made no sense and was easily debunked."

germane (adjective) /kənˈstɪtjʊənsi/
Meaning: The adjective "germane" is used to describe something that is When something is described as "germane," it means that it has a direct bearing on the matter at hand and is applicable in a meaningful way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to germane?
Options: relevant; irrelevant; unrelated; extraneous
Answer: relevant
Synonyms: applicable; appropriate; apropos; apt; connected; fitting; linked; material; pertinent; related; relevant; suitable
Example: "His comments were germane to the current debate."

hegemony (noun) /hɪˈdʒɛməni/
Meaning: It refers to a situation where a powerful entity exerts control over weaker ones, often with the intention of maintaining or expanding its own power and influence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hegemony?
Options: dominance; subordination; inferiority; weakness
Answer: dominance
Synonyms: ascendancy; authority; command; control; dominance; influence; leadership; mastery; power; predominance; reign; rule
Example: "Global economic hegemony can lead to unequal trade relationships and geopolitical tensions."

hierarchy (noun) /ˈhʌɪərɑːki/
Meaning: A hierarchy refers to a system of ranking or organizing things in a hierarchical order, with levels of importance or power.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hierarchy?
Options: ranking; equality; egalitarianism; flat structure
Answer: ranking
Synonyms: chain; class; echelon; gradation; ladder; level; order; pyramid; ranking; scale; stratum; structure
Example: "Within the corporate hierarchy, executives make pivotal decisions."

hirsute (adjective) /ˈhəːsjuːt/
Meaning: When a person or animal is described as hirsute, it means they have a thick and dense coat of hair that covers their body.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hirsute?
Options: hairy; bald; hairless; smooth
Answer: hairy
Synonyms: bearded; bewhiskered; bristly; fleecy; furry; hairy; shaggy; unshaven; unshorn; woolly
Example: "He proudly sported a hirsute beard that garnered attention."

holistic (adjective) /hə(ʊ)ˈlɪstɪk/
Meaning: When something is characterized as holistic, it signifies an understanding that various elements are interconnected and interdependent, contributing to a comprehensive and unified whole.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to holistic?
Options: comprehensive; narrow; limited; partial
Answer: comprehensive
Synonyms: cohesive; complete; comprehensive; inclusive; integrated; overall; overarching; systemic; total; unified; universal; whole
Example: "Holistic healing approaches consider the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected."

ineffable (adjective) /ɪnˈɛfəb(ə)l/
Meaning: It conveys the idea that a particular experience, emotion, or concept is so profound, extraordinary, or sublime that language falls short in capturing its full essence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ineffable?
Options: indescribable; expressible; describable; communicable
Answer: indescribable
Synonyms: incommunicable; indefinable; indescribable; indistinct; inexplicable; inexpressible; transcendent; unbelievable; unimaginable; unspeakable; untellable; unutterable
Example: "The beauty of the sunset was ineffable, beyond words."

levity (noun) /ˈlɛvɪti/
Meaning: It implies a lack of seriousness or a tendency to treat a serious or important matter with humor or flippancy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to levity?
Options: frivolity; solemnity; gravity; seriousness
Answer: frivolity
Synonyms: amusement; cheerfulness; facetiousness; fickleness; flippancy; frivolity; gaiety; giddiness; humor; jocularity; mirth; playfulness
Example: "His jokes brought a welcome touch of levity to the tense meeting."

luminescent (adjective) /ˌluːmɪˈnɛsnt/
Meaning: This light can be produced by a chemical reaction, as in the case of fireflies or glow-in-the-dark toys, or by a physical process, such as the electrical excitation of atoms in a gas.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to luminescent?
Options: glowing; dark; dull; unlit
Answer: glowing
Synonyms: effulgent; fluorescent; gleaming; glowing; illumination; incandescence; radiant; shining
Example: "The moon cast a luminescent glow over the tranquil lake."

masticate (verb) /ˈmæstɪkeɪt/
Meaning: This process is an essential part of the digestive system and is necessary to extract nutrients from food.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to masticate?
Options: chew; swallow whole; gulp; ingest
Answer: chew
Synonyms: bite; champ; chomp; chumble; crunch; gnaw; manducate; munch; ruminate; triturate
Example: "Before you swallow, make sure to masticate your food thoroughly."

matriculate (verb) /məˈtrɪkjʊleɪt/
Meaning: When an individual matriculates, they officially become a student at the institution, signifying their intention to pursue a program of study and participate in academic activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to matriculate?
Options: enroll; withdraw; drop out; leave
Answer: enroll
Synonyms: accept; admit; book; conscript; enlist; enroll; enter; impanel; inscribe; join; register
Example: "To advance in your education, you must first matriculate into a reputable institution."

morose (adjective) /məˈrəʊs/
Meaning: When a person is described as morose, it implies a persistent and often unexplained sense of unhappiness, melancholy, or irritability.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to morose?
Options: gloomy; cheerful; happy; bright
Answer: gloomy
Synonyms: cheerless; depressed; forlorn; glum; lugubrious; melancholy; miserable; saturnine; somber
Example: "His morose demeanor darkened the room as he brooded in silence."

onerous (adjective) /ˈəʊn(ə)rəs/
Meaning: It suggests that the task or responsibility is arduous and may require a significant amount of effort or work to complete.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to onerous?
Options: burdensome; effortless; easy; light
Answer: burdensome
Synonyms: arduous; challenging; demanding; difficult; laborious; rigorous; strenuous; taxing; trying
Example: "The onerous task of cleaning the entire house fell on her shoulders."

paradox (noun) /ˈparədɒks/
Meaning: It is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to be self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to paradox?
Options: contradiction; clarity; consistency; straightforwardness
Answer: contradiction
Synonyms: ambiguity; anomaly; contradiction; dichotomy; enigma; incongruity; inconsistency; oddity
Example: "The paradox of choice suggests more options can lead to less satisfaction."

parody (noun) /ˈparədi/
Meaning: The idea behind a parody is to mock or make fun of the original work by exaggerating its characteristics or by changing its meaning in a humorous way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to parody?
Options: caricature; homage; tribute; seriousness
Answer: caricature
Synonyms: burlesque; caricature; comedy; farce; imitation; mockery; satire; spoof; takeoff
Example: "The parody of the popular movie had the audience in stitches with its hilarious take on the original plot."

parsimonious (adjective) /ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊnɪəs/
Meaning: A parsimonious person is often excessively tightfisted and inclined to be overly economical, even to the point of being considered stingy or miserly.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to parsimonious?
Options: stingy; generous; lavish; extravagant
Answer: stingy
Synonyms: avaricious; cheap; closefisted; economical; frugal; miserly; niggardly; penurious; scrimping; selfish; stingy; thrifty
Example: "The parsimonious shopper carefully compared prices before making a purchase."

perspicacious (adjective) /ˌpəːspɪˈkeɪʃəs/
Meaning: A perspicacious person is able to see through things and understand the underlying meaning or significance of a situation or person.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to perspicacious?
Options: perceptive; unobservant; oblivious; insensitive
Answer: perceptive
Synonyms: acumen; acute; astute; canny; clever; discerning; insightful; intelligent; keen; observant; sagacious; savvy
Example: "Her perspicacious analysis of the situation impressed everyone."

pilfer (verb) /ˈpɪl fər/
Meaning: It involves the unauthorized and stealthy taking of items that are typically of lesser value or importance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pilfer?
Options: steal; return; give; contribute
Answer: steal
Synonyms: embezzle; filch; lift; pinch; plunder; purloin; rob; snatch; snitch; steal; swipe; thieve
Example: "He was caught trying to pilfer some candy from the store."

platonic (adjective) /pləˈtɒnɪk/
Meaning: It suggests a sense of deep friendship or companionship that is based on shared interests, values, or experiences, rather than sexual attraction or desire.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to platonic?
Options: non-romantic; romantic; sexual; passionate
Answer: non-romantic
Synonyms: hypothetical; idealistic; intellectual; nonphysical; potential; quixotic; spiritual; theoretical
Example: "The relationship was strictly platonic and they were just friends."

politic (adjective) /ˈpɒlɪtɪk/
Meaning: When something is described as politic, it suggests an astute understanding of the prevailing circumstances, the potential consequences of one's actions, and the need to maintain favorable relationships or outcomes.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to politic?
Options: strategic; imprudent; reckless; unwise
Answer: strategic
Synonyms: advisable; astute; diplomatic; judicious; Machiavellian; sagacious; sensible; shrewd; tactful
Example: "The issue at hand is quite politic and requires a delicate approach."

precipitous (adjective) /prɪˈsɪpɪtəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a physical slope or incline that drops sharply and abruptly, making it difficult to traverse or navigate.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to precipitous?
Options: steep; gradual; gentle; slow
Answer: steep
Synonyms: abrupt; dizzy; fast; hasty; high; impetuous; quick; rapid; rash; reckless; sheer; steep
Example: "The trail up the mountain was precipitous, making it difficult for hikers to ascend."

retrospective (adjective) /ˌrɛ trəˈspɛk tɪv/
Meaning: It describes a perspective or approach that involves considering or evaluating things in hindsight, often with the aim of gaining insights, understanding, or making judgments based on past occurrences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to retrospective?
Options: backward-looking; forward-looking; futuristic; prophetic
Answer: backward-looking
Synonyms: backward; evaluative; hindsight; historical; introspection; introspective; past; reflective; reminiscent; reminiscing
Example: "The art gallery held a retrospective exhibition showcasing the artist's works from the past decade."

revere (verb) /rɪˈvɪər/
Meaning: When you revere someone or something, you regard them with great honor, reverence, and often, a sense of awe.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to revere?
Options: honor; despise; scorn; disdain
Answer: honor
Synonyms: admire; adore; cherish; esteem; exalt; glorify; honor; idolize; lionize; respect; venerate; worship
Example: "Many people revere Mother Teresa for her selfless dedication to the poor."

squalor (noun) /ˈskwɒlə/
Meaning: This term can refer to physical conditions such as filth, debris, and decay, as well as social and economic conditions such as overcrowding, unemployment, and lack of basic services.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to squalor?
Options: filth; cleanliness; luxury; opulence
Answer: filth
Synonyms: decay; dinginess; filth; foulness; griminess; grubbiness; uncleanliness; wretchedness
Example: "The slums were filled with squalor and poverty."

taxonomy (noun) /takˈsɒnəmi/
Meaning: It is the science of identifying, describing, and naming species, and arranging them into a classification system that reflects their evolutionary relationships.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to taxonomy?
Options: classification; disorder; chaos; jumble
Answer: classification
Synonyms: arrangement; cataloging; categorization; categorizing; classification; classifying; coding; indexing; nomenclature; ordering; organization; ranking
Example: "The taxonomy of these species is quite complex."

tenuous (adjective) /ˈtɛnjʊəs/
Meaning: When applied to relationships, arguments, or connections, it signifies that they lack substantial or robust support, making them vulnerable to disruption or dissolution.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tenuous?
Options: weak; strong; solid; robust
Answer: weak
Synonyms: doubtful; dubious; flimsy; frail; insubstantial; questionable; shaky; sketchy; slight
Example: "The friendship between the two was tenuous at best."

torpid (adjective) /ˈtɔːpɪd/
Meaning: A torpid person or animal may be slow-moving and inactive, and may exhibit a lack of interest in their surroundings or activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to torpid?
Options: sluggish; active; energetic; dynamic
Answer: sluggish
Synonyms: apathetic; indolent; inert; lackadaisical; languid; lazy; listless; slothful; unresponsive
Example: "After the surgery, he felt torpid and unable to engage in his usual activities."

troglodyte (noun) /ˈtrɔːɡlədaɪt/
Meaning: Historically, it described prehistoric humans who inhabited caves or underground shelters.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to troglodyte?
Options: recluse; socialite; extrovert; mingler
Answer: recluse
Synonyms: anchorite; eremite; hermit; introvert; isolate; loner; misanthrope; recluse; solitary
Example: "The troglodyte's cave was hidden deep within the mountain."

unorthodox (adjective) /ʌnˈɔːθədɒks/
Meaning: Unorthodox ideas or approaches can be seen as unconventional or even controversial, as they often challenge or depart from widely accepted norms or customs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to unorthodox?
Options: unconventional; traditional; conventional; orthodox
Answer: unconventional
Synonyms: alternative; atypical; avant-garde; eccentric; heretical; heterodox; iconoclastic; irregular; nonconformist; nontraditional; offbeat; original
Example: "Her unorthodox approach to teaching encouraged students to think outside the box."