English Synonyms for GRE 14 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

alacrity (noun) /əˈlakrɪti/
Meaning: When someone acts with alacrity, they do so with enthusiasm and a sense of readiness, often displaying a quick and efficient response to challenges or opportunities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to alacrity?
Options: eagerness; reluctance; apathy; hesitation
Answer: eagerness
Synonyms: ardor; avidity; briskness; eagerness; enthusiasm; fervor; keenness; liveliness; readiness; zeal
Example: "She accepted the challenge with alacrity."

ambidextrous (adjective) /ˌambɪˈdɛkstrəs/
Meaning: This term is most commonly used to describe someone who can use their left and right hands interchangeably for tasks such as writing, drawing, or using utensils.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ambidextrous?
Options: dexterous; one-handed; unskilled; clumsy
Answer: dexterous
Synonyms: adaptable; ambisinistral; bilateral; both; dexterous; dextrous; double; dual; multi; versatile
Example: "Being ambidextrous, she excelled in both tennis and table tennis."

amnesty (noun) /ˈamnɪsti/
Meaning: This act is typically granted by a government or other authority as a means of promoting reconciliation, unity, or social stability.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to amnesty?
Options: pardon; penalty; punishment; conviction
Answer: pardon
Synonyms: absolution; acquittal; clemency; condonation; dispensation; exoneration; forgiveness; immunity; leniency; mercy; pardon; remission
Example: "The government declared an amnesty for political prisoners."

ancillary (adjective) /anˈsɪləri/
Meaning: It describes elements, objects, or functions that are subordinate to a primary or central component, serving to enhance or complement its main purpose.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ancillary?
Options: supportive; primary; main; principal
Answer: supportive
Synonyms: accessory; added; auxiliary; backup; complementary; contributory; extra; peripheral; secondary; subordinate; subsidiary; supplemental
Example: "The ancillary services provided additional support to the main operations of the company."

antithesis (noun) /anˈtɪθəsɪs/
Meaning: Antithesis is a literary and rhetorical device that involves the contrasting of two opposing ideas, usually in a balanced sentence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to antithesis?
Options: opposite; same; identical; akin
Answer: opposite
Synonyms: antipode; contrary; contrast; converse; counter; inverse; obverse; reverse
Example: "She is the antithesis of her introverted sister."

assiduous (adjective) /əˈsəːtɪv/
Meaning: When a person is described as assiduous, it implies that they approach their responsibilities with great care and unwavering commitment, consistently putting in considerable effort and attention to detail.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to assiduous?
Options: diligent; lazy; negligent; indifferent
Answer: diligent
Synonyms: attentive; careful; conscientious; diligent; meticulous; punctilious; rigorous; sedulous; thorough
Example: "She was an assiduous student who always got top grades."

augment (adjective) /ɔːɡˈmɛnt/
Meaning: When an object, attribute, or aspect is described as augment, it implies that it has been added to or improved upon to make it greater or more substantial.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to augment?
Options: increase; decrease; reduce; diminish
Answer: increase
Synonyms: amplify; boost; dilate; enhance; enlarge; expand; extend; grow; multiply; strengthen; swell
Example: "The company plans to augment its workforce with new hires."

clandestine (adjective) /klanˈdɛstɪn/
Meaning: It can also describe something that is done covertly or surreptitiously, often in order to avoid detection or scrutiny.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to clandestine?
Options: secretive; open; public; overt
Answer: secretive
Synonyms: concealed; covert; furtive; hidden; private; secret; sly; sneaky; stealthy; surreptitious; unauthorized; undercover
Example: "They had a clandestine meeting in a remote location, away from prying eyes."

cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/
Meaning: It describes mental activities that involve perception, attention, memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cognitive?
Options: mental; physical; tangible; corporeal
Answer: mental
Synonyms: cerebral; conceptual; intellectual; mental; rational; reasoning; thinking; thought
Example: "Alzheimer's disease is a cognitive disorder that affects memory and thinking."

construe (verb) /kənˈstruː/
Meaning: Construe is a verb that refers to the act of interpreting, understanding, or explaining something, often in a certain way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to construe?
Options: interpret; misunderstand; misconstrue; misinterpret
Answer: interpret
Synonyms: clarify; define; demonstrate; illustrate; infer; parse; read; translate
Example: "He tried to construe her cryptic message but couldn't decipher it."

coy (adjective) /kɔɪ/
Meaning: A person who is coy may act in a reserved or demure manner, subtly withholding information, expressing reluctance, or feigning innocence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to coy?
Options: shy; forward; bold; direct
Answer: shy
Synonyms: alluring; bashful; coquettish; demure; enigmatic; flirtatious; modest; playful; reserved; reticent; shy; teasing
Example: "She gave him a coy smile, leaving him wondering about her intentions."

credence (noun) /ˈkriːd(ə)ns/
Meaning: When someone gives credence to an idea, claim, or piece of information, it means they consider it to be reliable and worthy of belief.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to credence?
Options: belief; disbelief; distrust; skepticism
Answer: belief
Synonyms: acceptance; assurance; belief; certainty; confidence; conviction; credibility; credit; faith; faithfulness; reliance; trust
Example: "Scientific research requires rigorous evidence to gain credence in the academic community."

decrepit (adjective) /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/
Meaning: It suggests that the object or person is in a weakened or fragile state, and is no longer functioning at an optimal level.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to decrepit?
Options: worn-out; robust; sturdy; new
Answer: worn-out
Synonyms: battered; creaky; crumbling; decaying; dilapidated; flimsy; frail; ramshackle; rickety; rundown
Example: "The abandoned house stood decrepit, its windows shattered."

delineate (verb) /dɪˈlɪnɪeɪt/
Meaning: It is characterized by the ability to present a clear and detailed picture, either through words or images, of something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to delineate?
Options: outline; confuse; obscure; muddle
Answer: outline
Synonyms: sketch; outline; trace; portray; detail; define; illustrate; represent; draw
Example: "The architect will delineate the plans for the new building."

despondent (adjective) /dɪˈspɒnd(ə)nt/
Meaning: When someone is feeling despondent, they often experience a profound emotional low, marked by a lack of enthusiasm, pessimism about the future, and a belief that their problems or difficulties are insurmountable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to despondent?
Options: hopeless; hopeful; optimistic; cheerful
Answer: hopeless
Synonyms: crestfallen; dejected; depressed; desolate; despairing; disconsolate; disheartened; dispirited; downhearted; downtrodden; forlorn; melancholy
Example: "The news of his failure left him feeling despondent."

discombobulate (verb) /ˌdɪskəmˈbɒbjʊleɪt/
Meaning: The term is often used in a playful or lighthearted way, and can be applied to a wide range of situations, from a person feeling disoriented after a long flight to a complex puzzle or problem that seems impossible to solve.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to discombobulate?
Options: confuse; clarify; enlighten; simplify
Answer: confuse
Synonyms: baffle; bamboozle; bemuse; bewilder; confound; confuse; flummox; fluster; muddle; perplex
Example: "The magic trick will discombobulate the audience."

disseminate (verb) /dɪˈsɛmɪneɪt/
Meaning: It implies the intentional act of sharing and making something more widely known or accessible.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disseminate?
Options: spread; contain; suppress; conceal
Answer: spread
Synonyms: broadcast; circulate; diffuse; disperse; promulgate; propagate; publicize; publish; scatter
Example: "The research team collaborates with other institutions to disseminate their findings globally."

embellish (verb) /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/
Meaning: Embellish can also mean to add decorative or ornamental details to something in order to make it more attractive or interesting.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to embellish?
Options: decorate; simplify; strip; undervalue
Answer: decorate
Synonyms: adorn; deck; decorate; dress; enhance; enrich; garnish; grace; ornament; gild; beautify
Example: "She loved to embellish her stories with vivid descriptions and imaginative details."

enunciate (verb) /ɪˈnʌnsɪeɪt/
Meaning: It involves the deliberate and distinct vocalization of words, ensuring that they are clearly and intelligibly expressed, whether in spoken language or public speaking.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to enunciate?
Options: pronounce; slur; mumble; garble
Answer: pronounce
Synonyms: say; voice; sound; utter; articulate; vocalize; express; convey; announce
Example: "She always takes the time to enunciate her words clearly during public speaking engagements."

epiphany (noun) /ɪˈpɪfəni/
Meaning: An epiphany is like a mental breakthrough or moment of clarity that brings about a deep and sometimes life-changing understanding.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to epiphany?
Options: revelation; confusion; misunderstanding; ignorance
Answer: revelation
Synonyms: awakening; clarity; cognizance; comprehension; discovery; enlightenment; eureka; illumination; insight; inspiration; perception; realization
Example: "His epiphany paved the way for the next twenty years of research."

esoteric (adjective) /ˌiːsə(ʊ)ˈtɛrɪk/
Meaning: It can also refer to knowledge or concepts that are not widely known or understood and are confined to a select group of people.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to esoteric?
Options: obscure; common; known; public
Answer: obscure
Synonyms: abstruse; academic; ambiguous; complicated; obscure; profound; recondite; scholarly
Example: "She had an esoteric collection of rare gemstones that few people knew about."

exonerate (verb) /ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/
Meaning: When an individual is exonerated, it signifies that they are declared innocent or free from any culpability related to a specific event or offense.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exonerate?
Options: clear; blame; convict; incriminate
Answer: clear
Synonyms: absolve; acquit; clear; discharge; exculpate; excuse; forgive; free; pardon; release; vindicate
Example: "The new evidence presented during the trial may exonerate the accused."

extrapolate (verb) /ɪkˈstrapəleɪt/
Meaning: When someone 'extrapolates,' they make educated guesses or inferences about what might happen in the future based on patterns, trends, or observations from the past or present.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to extrapolate?
Options: infer; disregard; ignore; neglect
Answer: infer
Synonyms: ascertain; conclude; deduce; derive; hypothesize; infer; predict; reason; theorize
Example: "We can extrapolate the results from this small sample."

feckless (adjective) /ˈfɛkləs/
Meaning: The word "feckless" is an adjective that is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, carefree, and lacking in initiative or drive.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to feckless?
Options: ineffective; competent; capable; effective
Answer: ineffective
Synonyms: idle; incompetent; indolent; inefficient; inept; lazy; slothful; unambitious; useless; worthless
Example: "His feckless behavior was a constant source of frustration for his family."

halitosis (noun) /ˌhalɪˈtəʊsɪs/
Meaning: Halitosis often results from various factors, such as poor oral hygiene, bacterial buildup in the mouth, dental problems like gum disease or cavities, or even underlying health issues.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to halitosis?
Options: bad breath; freshness; aromatic; sweet-smelling
Answer: bad
Synonyms: breath; fetid; fetor; foul; malodor; malodorous; mouth; odor; offensive; oral; smelling; stinky
Example: "Persistent halitosis can be a sign of underlying health issues."

hyperbole (noun) /hʌɪˈpəːbəli/
Meaning: It is an exaggeration beyond what is actually true or possible, in order to create emphasis or added effect.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hyperbole?
Options: exaggeration; understatement; literalism; accuracy
Answer: exaggeration
Synonyms: aggrandizement; amplification; embellishment; enlargement; exaggeration; extravagance; hype; inflation; magnification; overemphasis; overexaggeration; overstatement
Example: "The politician's speech was filled with exaggerated hyperbole, making it difficult to discern the truth."

inculpate (verb) /ˈɪnkʌlpeɪt/
Meaning: When an individual or authority inculpates someone, they are suggesting that the person is involved in or responsible for a particular crime, offense, or misconduct.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to inculpate?
Options: accuse; exonerate; absolve; clear
Answer: accuse
Synonyms: accuse; allege; blame; charge; denounce; fault; finger; frame; impeach; implicate; impugn; impute
Example: "The investigation revealed facts that could inculpate multiple individuals."

inexorable (adjective) /ɪnˈɛks(ə)rəb(ə)l/
Meaning: When a process, force, or circumstance is described as inexorable, it implies an unwavering and determined progression that follows its course relentlessly, regardless of efforts to alter or divert it.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to inexorable?
Options: relentless; flexible; yielding; lenient
Answer: relentless
Synonyms: adamant; implacable; inescapable; inevitable; inflexible; intransigent; obdurate; relentless; unavoidable; unbending; uncompromising; unrelenting
Example: "He faced the inexorable forces of nature with determination."

laborious (adjective) /ləˈbɔːrɪəs/
Meaning: When we characterize a task, process, or endeavor as laborious, we emphasize its arduous nature, suggesting that it demands significant time and energy investments.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to laborious?
Options: strenuous; effortless; easy; simple
Answer: strenuous
Synonyms: arduous; challenging; cumbersome; demanding; grueling; onerous; strenuous; taxing; tiring
Example: "The research project required a laborious analysis of extensive data."

licentious (adjective) /lʌɪˈsɛnʃəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who engages in activities that are considered immoral, such as adultery, fornication, or excessive drinking.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to licentious?
Options: lewd; chaste; moral; virtuous
Answer: lewd
Synonyms: debauched; decadent; degenerate; depraved; immoral; indecent; lewd; profligate; salacious
Example: "His licentious lifestyle was a constant source of scandal."

loquacious (adjective) /lə(ʊ)ˈkweɪʃəs/
Meaning: It implies a tendency towards being talkative, and suggests that the person in question is comfortable engaging in extended conversations or discussions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to loquacious?
Options: chatty; silent; reticent; laconic
Answer: chatty
Synonyms: babbling; blathering; chattering; chatty; garrulous; gossipy; synonyms; talkative; voluble; wordy
Example: "Sarah's loquacious storytelling at the party had everyone captivated, hanging on her every word."

mendacious (adjective) /mɛnˈdeɪʃəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe people who lie or mislead others on a regular basis, either for personal gain or to manipulate a situation in their favor.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to mendacious?
Options: deceitful; truthful; honest; sincere
Answer: deceitful
Synonyms: deceitful; deceptive; dishonest; disingenuous; duplicitous; erroneous; false; fibbing; fraudulent; insincere; lying; mendicant
Example: "The politician's mendacious statements during the campaign raised doubts about his integrity."

orator (noun) /ˈɒrətə/
Meaning: Orators are known for their mastery of rhetoric, the art of persuasive speech, and their capacity to captivate, inspire, or influence their listeners through the power of words and delivery.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to orator?
Options: speaker; listener; observer; mute
Answer: speaker
Synonyms: communicator; declaimer; elocutionist; lector; lecturer; oratrix; preacher; reciter; rhetorician; speaker; speechmaker; spokesperson
Example: "The orator's speeches were known for their rhetorical flourishes and emotive language."

pedestrian (adjective) /pɪˈdɛstrɪən/
Meaning: When we characterize something as pedestrian, we emphasize its common and uninspiring nature, suggesting that it fails to capture attention or stand out from the usual.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pedestrian?
Options: commonplace; innovative; original; creative
Answer: commonplace
Synonyms: average; common; conventional; dull; everyday; humdrum; lackluster; mediocre; mundane; ordinary; prosaic; routine
Example: "The pedestrian design of the skyscraper failed to stand out in the cityscape."

perpetuate (verb) /pərˈpɛtʃ uˌeɪt/
Meaning: It involves the act of preserving or causing something to endure over an extended period of time, even if it may be disadvantageous or undesirable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to perpetuate?
Options: continue; cease; stop; end
Answer: continue
Synonyms: continue; endure; eternize; extend; immortalize; maintain; preserve; prolong; reinforce; sustain; uphold
Example: "The clockmaker’s techniques perpetuate a long tradition of craftsmanship."

pervade (verb) /pəˈveɪd/
Meaning: It conveys the sense of something saturating or permeating a space, situation, or atmosphere, typically without being readily noticeable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pervade?
Options: permeate; exclude; confine; limit
Answer: permeate
Synonyms: affect; fill; flood; imbue; infuse; penetrate; permeate; riddle; saturate; suffuse; transfuse
Example: "Sweet fragrances pervade the air, wrapping the city in a cloak of floral grace."

plethora (noun) /ˈplɛθ(ə)rə/
Meaning: It conveys the idea of having an overwhelming and surplus amount of a particular item, quality, or option.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to plethora?
Options: excess; scarcity; lack; dearth
Answer: excess
Synonyms: abundance; cornucopia; deluge; excess; plenitude; profusion; surfeit; surplus; torrent; wealth
Example: "The buffet offered a plethora of delicious dishes."

precursor (noun) /prɪˈkəːsə/
Meaning: It can also be defined as a sign, indication, or forerunner of something that is to come later.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to precursor?
Options: forerunner; consequence; result; aftermath
Answer: forerunner
Synonyms: antecedent; forebear; forerunner; harbinger; herald; pioneer; predecessor; vanguard
Example: "The experiment was a precursor to the development of a new technology."

profane (adjective) /prəˈfeɪn/
Meaning: When an object, action, or language is referred to as profane, it implies a lack of respect for religious, moral, or cultural values and conventions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to profane?
Options: sacrilegious; sacred; holy; reverent
Answer: sacrilegious
Synonyms: blasphemous; impious; indecent; irreverent; lewd; obscene; sacrilegious; sinful; unholy
Example: "His profane remarks offended the religious gathering deeply."

ravenous (adjective) /ˈravənəs/
Meaning: It can also refer to an insatiable desire for something, often associated with a sense of greed or obsession.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ravenous?
Options: hungry; full; satiated; satisfied
Answer: hungry
Synonyms: famished; gluttonous; greedy; hoggish; hungry; piggish; rapacious; starving; voracious
Example: "He was ravenous after a long hike and ate everything in sight."

ravish (verb) /ˈreɪvɪʃ/
Meaning: This usage is less common but still in use today, especially in literature or poetry.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ravish?
Options: enchant; repel; disgust; offend
Answer: enchant
Synonyms: allure; captivate; charm; enrapture; enthrall; entrance; fascinate; mesmerize; spellbind
Example: "The passionate kiss had the ability to ravish her with desire."

recompense (noun) /ˈrɛkəmpɛns/
Meaning: It can refer to a financial compensation, such as money or benefits, or non-financial compensation, such as an apology, recognition or an act of kindness.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to recompense?
Options: compensation; forfeiture; loss; penalty
Answer: compensation
Synonyms: amends; compensation; damages; indemnification; pay; quittance; redress; reimbursement; remuneration; reparation; repayment; restitution
Example: "He received generous recompense for his years of service."

remittance (noun) /rɪˈmɪt(ə)ns/
Meaning: Remittances are commonly associated with financial support provided by immigrants or individuals working abroad to their families or loved ones in their home country.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to remittance?
Options: transfer; non-payment; withdrawal; confiscation
Answer: transfer
Synonyms: allowance; consideration; contribution; delivery; deposit; disbursement; fund; pay; payment; remission; salary; settlement
Example: "The overseas worker eagerly awaited the monthly remittance from their family back home."

repartee (noun) /ˌrɛpɑːˈtiː/
Meaning: It is often characterized by quick, clever responses and a playful or humorous tone.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to repartee?
Options: banter; monologue; silence; lecture
Answer: banter
Synonyms: badinage; banter; persiflage; pleasantry; raillery; rejoinder; retort; riposte; witticism; wordplay
Example: "Their dinner party was filled with lively repartee and laughter."

ribald (adjective) /ˈrɪb(ə)ld/
Meaning: When something is described as ribald, it typically implies a lack of propriety and a willingness to engage in irreverent, bawdy, or risqué commentary or jokes.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ribald?
Options: coarse; decent; refined; polite
Answer: coarse
Synonyms: blue; coarse; filthy; indecent; naughty; obscene; racy; raunchy; risqué; rude; smutty
Example: "His ribald jokes made the room burst into laughter."

sobriquet (noun) /ˈsəʊbrɪkeɪ/
Meaning: It is a name or phrase that is used to describe or address someone in a familiar or affectionate way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sobriquet?
Options: nickname; formal name; legal name; official title
Answer: nickname
Synonyms: alias; appellation; byname; designation; epithet; handle; label; moniker; pseudonym; tag; title
Example: "His sobriquet was "The King of Pop."

specter (noun) /ˈspɛk tər/
Meaning: It often implies a ghostly or supernatural presence that appears as a disturbing or threatening apparition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to specter?
Options: ghost; reality; tangibility; physicality
Answer: ghost
Synonyms: apparition; bogeyman; demon; ghost; phantasm; phantom; poltergeist; shade; shadow; spirit; spook; wraith
Example: "The abandoned mansion was rumored to be haunted by a spectral specter."

subservient (adjective) /səbˈsəːvɪənt/
Meaning: It refers to a person who is willing to comply with the wishes or commands of another, without questioning or resisting, often in a way that is demeaning or degrading.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to subservient?
Options: obedient; dominant; controlling; assertive
Answer: obedient
Synonyms: abject; acquiescent; compliant; deferential; docile; inferior; meek; obedient; obsequious; pliant; servile; slavish
Example: "The loyal dog was subservient to its owner's every command."

veritable (adjective) /ˈvɛrɪtəbl/
Meaning: When something is described as veritable, it means that it is not in doubt or not open to question.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to veritable?
Options: authentic; dubious; questionable; false
Answer: authentic
Synonyms: absolute; downright; perfect; positive; pure; real; sheer; total; unadulterated; unmitigated; utter
Example: "Her collection of rare stamps is a veritable treasure trove."

vitriolic (adjective) /ˌvɪ triˈɒl ɪk/
Meaning: It is often used to depict speech, writing, or criticism that is marked by intense hostility, spitefulness, or malice.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vitriolic?
Options: acidic; mild; gentle; soothing
Answer: acidic
Synonyms: acrimonious; bitter; caustic; cutting; harsh; hostile; malicious; rancorous; scathing; spiteful; venomous; vindictive
Example: "He unleashed a vitriolic attack on his political opponent during the debate."