English Synonyms for GRE 3 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

abnegate (verb) /ˈabnɪɡeɪt/
Meaning: It implies a conscious decision to deny oneself something that one may desire or need, in favor of something else.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abnegate?
Options: renounce; embrace; claim; pursue
Answer: renounce
Synonyms: abandon; abdicate; abstain; concede; decline; deny; eschew; forgo; forsake; sacrifice
Example: "He chose to abnegate his desires for the sake of his family."

abrogate (verb) /ˈabrəɡeɪt/
Meaning: When someone or an authority abrogates, they intentionally and officially declare the nullification or termination of a previously existing legal or binding obligation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abrogate?
Options: nullify; establish; enact; ratify
Answer: nullify
Synonyms: abolish; annul; cancel; discontinue; invalidate; nullify; renege; renounce; repeal; rescind; reverse; revoke
Example: "The government decided to abrogate the outdated tax law."

absolve (verb) /əbˈzɒlv/
Meaning: It is the act of absolving someone from guilt, responsibility, or penalty for a wrong act or an offense.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to absolve?
Options: pardon; blame; convict; accuse
Answer: pardon
Synonyms: acquit; clear; discharge; exculpate; exonerate; forgive; free; liberate; pardon; release; remit; unburden
Example: "The coach believed that the team’s victory would absolve them of their previous failures."

acrid (adjective) /ˈakrɪd/
Meaning: Acrid odors or flavors can be overwhelming and unpleasant to the senses, often causing discomfort or irritation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to acrid?
Options: pungent; sweet; mild; pleasant
Answer: pungent
Synonyms: astringent; biting; bitter; burning; caustic; harsh; irritating; pungent; sharp; stinging; strong
Example: "As we approached the factory, an acrid smell filled the air."

aphorism (noun) /ˈafərɪz(ə)m/
Meaning: It is a short, pithy statement that expresses a general truth or principle.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aphorism?
Options: adage; verbosity; rambling; discourse
Answer: adage
Synonyms: adage; axiom; cliché; dictum; epigram; maxim; motto; precept; proverb; saying; truism
Example: "An aphorism is a concise statement that conveys a universal truth."

apparition (noun) /ˌapəˈrɪʃn/
Meaning: The term comes from the Latin word "apparitio" meaning "an appearance" or "a visit.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apparition?
Options: ghost; reality; fact; actuality
Answer: ghost
Synonyms: eidolon; phantasm; phantom; poltergeist; revenant; specter; spook; visitant; wraith
Example: "An eerie apparition appeared in the haunted mansion."

ardent (adjective) /ˈɑːd(ə)nt/
Meaning: An ardent person is deeply committed to a cause, belief, or activity, and may be described as being very passionate and enthusiastic about it.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ardent?
Options: passionate; apathetic; indifferent; unenthusiastic
Answer: passionate
Synonyms: assiduous; avid; committed; dedicated; eager; fervent; keen; passionate; vehement; zealous
Example: "She was an ardent supporter of animal rights, dedicating her time to various conservation efforts."

audacious (adjective) /ɔˈdeɪ ʃəs/
Meaning: An audacious individual exhibits a courageous and confident demeanor, unafraid to venture into unfamiliar territory or tackle difficult tasks.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to audacious?
Options: bold; timid; cautious; fearful
Answer: bold
Synonyms: bold; brave; courageous; daring; dauntless; enterprising; fearless; gutsy; intrepid; plucky; valiant; venturesome
Example: "The audacious colors of the painting filled the room with a unique vibrancy."

avant-garde (adjective) /ˌavɒ̃ˈɡɑːd/
Meaning: When something is characterized as avant-garde, it signifies a departure from traditional, established norms and conventions, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional or mainstream.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to avant-garde?
Options: innovative; traditional; conventional; orthodox
Answer: innovative
Synonyms: contemporary; experimental; groundbreaking; innovative; inventive; modern; original; pioneering; progressive; revolutionary; trailblazing; unconventional
Example: "The artist's avant-garde approach to painting pushed the boundaries of traditional techniques."

blasé (adjective) /ˈblɑːzeɪ/
Meaning: When someone is blasé, they may appear disinterested or unconcerned, often as a result of having experienced similar situations or events numerous times before.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to blasé?
Options: unimpressed; excited; enthusiastic; passionate
Answer: unimpressed
Synonyms: apathetic; blithe; bored; disinterested; indifferent; insouciant; jaded; lukewarm; nonchalant; unconcerned; unexcited; unimpressed
Example: "The celebrity seemed entirely blasé about the paparazzi following her every move."

bombastic (adjective) /bɒmˈbastɪk/
Meaning: It is marked by grandiosity, exaggeration, and a lack of sincerity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bombastic?
Options: grandiloquent; plain; humble; understated
Answer: grandiloquent
Synonyms: flamboyant; florid; grandiloquent; grandiose; highfalutin; inflated; magniloquent; orotund; ostentatious; overblown; pompous; pretentious
Example: "The politician's bombastic speech was filled with grandiose language but lacked substance."

bowdlerize (verb) /ˈboʊd ləˌraɪz/
Meaning: The term originates from Thomas Bowdler, an English physician and philanthropist who published a family-friendly edition of Shakespeare's plays in 1807, removing any content deemed too risqué or offensive for women and children.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bowdlerize?
Options: censor; expose; reveal; disclose
Answer: censor
Synonyms: expurgate; sanitize; redact; edit; purify; expunge; cut; delete
Example: "To make the classic novel suitable for children, they decided to bowdlerize it."

canard (noun) /kəˈnɑːd/
Meaning: It is often used to describe fabricated news or rumors that are spread with the intention of manipulating public opinion or causing harm.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to canard?
Options: falsehood; truth; fact; reality
Answer: falsehood
Synonyms: deceit; deception; fable; fabrication; fallacy; falsehood; fraud; hoax; invention; lie; misinformation; myth
Example: "The story in the newspaper was nothing more than a canard."

cloying (adjective) /ˈklɔɪɪŋ/
Meaning: It describes a quality that can evoke feelings of discomfort or even annoyance due to its excessive nature.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cloying?
Options: saccharine; refreshing; invigorating; pleasing
Answer: saccharine
Synonyms: excessive; honeyed; mawkish; mushy; nauseating; overly sweet; saccharine; sappy; sentimental; sentimentalized; sickly; sugary
Example: "The cloying sweetness of the dessert overwhelmed my taste buds."

consternation (noun) /kɒnstəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: It represents a strong emotional reaction characterized by feelings of alarm, bewilderment, and even helplessness when individuals are confronted with situations that defy their expectations or challenge their sense of security.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to consternation?
Options: dismay; calmness; composure; tranquility
Answer: dismay
Synonyms: alarm; anxiety; apprehension; bewilderment; distress; fear; fright; horror; panic; terror
Example: "The sudden cancellation of the event caused widespread consternation among attendees."

contumely (noun) /ˈkɒntjuːmᵊli/
Meaning: It can be used to describe behavior that is deliberately rude or contemptuous, often aimed at humiliating or demeaning someone else.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to contumely?
Options: insult; respect; esteem; honor
Answer: insult
Synonyms: abuse; affront; degradation; disparagement; humiliation; indignity; mockery; slight; slur
Example: "The contumely heaped upon the unpopular politician during the debate was shocking."

denunciation (noun) /dɪˌnʌnsɪˈeɪʃn/
Meaning: It is characterized by a strong expression of disapproval or condemnation, often motivated by a belief that the person or action denounced is morally or ethically wrong.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to denunciation?
Options: condemnation; praise; endorsement; approval
Answer: condemnation
Synonyms: accusation; censure; disapproval; execration; rebuke; rejection; reprehend; reproach
Example: "The senator's denunciation of corruption earned him many followers."

dereliction (noun) /dɛrəˈlɪkʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: This can include neglecting one's own responsibilities, or neglecting the responsibilities that come with a particular job or position.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dereliction?
Options: neglect; fulfillment; observance; responsibility
Answer: neglect
Synonyms: abandonment; abdication; breach; default; delinquency; desertion; disregard; failure; forsaking; irresponsibility; lapse; neglect
Example: "The CEO's dereliction of duty led to the company's financial downfall."

diminutive (adjective) /dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv/
Meaning: This word can refer to physical objects, such as a diminutive dollhouse or a diminutive bonsai tree, or it can describe people or animals who are small in stature, such as a diminutive mouse or a diminutive child.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to diminutive?
Options: tiny; large; gigantic; enormous
Answer: tiny
Synonyms: dinky; dwarfish; Lilliputian; little; mini; minute; peewee; petite; slight; tiny; undersized
Example: "The diminutive kitten could fit in the palm of your hand."

felicity (noun) /fɪˈlɪsɪti/
Meaning: It denotes a feeling of immense pleasure and delight resulting from favorable circumstances, a positive outlook, or the fulfillment of one's desires and aspirations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to felicity?
Options: bliss; unhappiness; misery; sorrow
Answer: bliss
Synonyms: delight; ecstasy; elation; exhilaration; exuberance; glee; joviality; jubilation; merriment
Example: "The writer's felicity with words made his novels a pleasure to read."

filibuster (noun) /ˈfɪlɪbʌstə/
Meaning: Filibusters are often used by members of a legislative body to delay or prevent a vote on a bill or other measure that they oppose.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to filibuster?
Options: obstruction; expedite; advance; further
Answer: obstruction
Synonyms: block; delay; dilatory; hinder; hinderance; impede; interference; obstruction; procrastinate; procrastination; prolong; stall
Example: "The filibuster lasted for hours, with the senator refusing to yield the floor."

gerrymander (verb) /ˈdʒɛrɪˌmandə/
Meaning: When someone gerrymanders, they redraw the boundaries of electoral districts in a way that favors a particular political party or group, often with the aim of ensuring that their candidates have an advantage in elections.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to gerrymander?
Options: manipulate; equalize; balance; fair
Answer: manipulate
Synonyms: arrange; contrive; doctor; engineer; maneuver; scheme; tamper; wangle
Example: "To win, they plan to gerrymander districts subtly, gaining an unfair edge."

Herculean (adjective) /ˌhəːkjʊˈliːən/
Meaning: The word is derived from the name of the ancient Greek hero, Hercules, who was known for his immense strength and endurance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to Herculean?
Options: arduous; easy; simple; effortless
Answer: arduous
Synonyms: almighty; arduous; backbreaking; challenging; colossal; daunting; demanding; formidable; gargantuan; gigantic; immense; laborious
Example: "Completing the marathon was a Herculean feat."

imbroglio (noun) ɪmˈbrəʊlɪəʊ/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a situation that is characterized by a lot of drama, conflict, and complexity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to imbroglio?
Options: complication; simplicity; clarity; order
Answer: complication
Synonyms: bind; dilemma; jam; mess; muddle; pickle; plight; predicament; problem; quandary; scrape
Example: "The political scandal turned into a complex imbroglio."

incredulous (adjective) /ɪnˈkrɛdjʊləs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a reaction to something that is hard to believe or that seems unlikely.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to incredulous?
Options: skeptical; credulous; believing; trusting
Answer: skeptical
Synonyms: cynical; disbelieving; distrustful; doubtful; dubious; hesitant; mistrustful; questioning; skeptical; suspicious; uncertain; unconvinced
Example: "His incredulous expression suggested he didn't believe a word of my story."

leviathan (noun) /lɪˈvaɪ ə θən/
Meaning: It is often described as a colossal sea serpent or a sea dragon, possessing great strength and often associated with chaos or destruction.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to leviathan?
Options: giant; minuscule; tiny; small
Answer: giant
Synonyms: behemoth; brute; chimera; colossus; dragon; giant; goliath; kraken; mammoth; monster; ogre; titan
Example: "The novel depicted a dystopian world ruled by a totalitarian leviathan."

litany (noun) /ˈlɪtəni/
Meaning: It often implies a sense of tiresome repetition and can be employed in various contexts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to litany?
Options: list; silence; quiet; hush
Answer: list
Synonyms: account; catalog; catalogue; checklist; enumeration; inventory; list; listing; recital; recitation; record; register
Example: "Every morning, she went through a litany of chores before heading to work."

milieu (noun) /mɪlˈjʊ/
Meaning: This term can encompass a wide range of factors, such as a person's upbringing, education, social status, and geographic location.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to milieu?
Options: environment; isolation; vacuum; solitude
Answer: environment
Synonyms: atmosphere; background; circumstances; context; habitat; scene; sphere; surroundings
Example: "The artist's work was heavily influenced by the urban milieu of her city."

oblivion (noun) /əˈblɪvɪən/
Meaning: It can also refer to a state of non-existence or annihilation, where something or someone has ceased to exist.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to oblivion?
Options: forgetfulness; awareness; remembrance; consciousness
Answer: forgetfulness
Synonyms: annihilation; extinction; limbo; neglect; nothingness; obliteration; unawareness; unimportance
Example: "The once-famous actor faded into oblivion."

ostentatious (adjective) /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃəs/
Meaning: Something that is ostentatious is characterized by being overly decorated, excessive, or grandiose, and is meant to demonstrate wealth, status, or power.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ostentatious?
Options: showy; modest; unpretentious; simple
Answer: showy
Synonyms: boastful; brash; conspicuous; extravagant; flamboyant; flashy; gaudy; grandiose; opulent; ornate; pretentious; showy
Example: "She wore an ostentatious diamond necklace to the gala, drawing everyone's attention."

pecuniary (adjective) /pɪˈkjuːnɪəri/
Meaning: When an issue or concern is characterized as pecuniary, it pertains to financial transactions, assets, liabilities, or other fiscal aspects.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pecuniary?
Options: monetary; non-financial; non-monetary; intangible
Answer: monetary
Synonyms: banking; budgetary; budgeting; capital; cash; commercial; economic; financial; fiscal; monetary; revenue
Example: "The businessman faced pecuniary challenges due to the economic downturn."

peripatetic (adjective) /ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/
Meaning: It refers to a situation where someone or something is always in motion, often without a fixed or permanent destination.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to peripatetic?
Options: wandering; stationary; static; settled
Answer: wandering
Synonyms: ambulant; itinerant; journeying; migrant; mobile; nomadic; roaming; roving; traveling; vagabond; vagrant; wandering
Example: "His peripatetic lifestyle made it difficult to maintain long-term relationships."

persecute (verb) /ˈpəːsɪkjuːt/
Meaning: When someone is persecuted, they may be harassed, intimidated, or even physically harmed because of who they are or what they believe.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to persecute?
Options: oppress; support; assist; defend
Answer: oppress
Synonyms: beset; bother; harass; harrow; hound; maltreat; oppress; plague; torment; victimize
Example: "They persecute individuals based on their religious beliefs."

polemic (noun) /pəˈlɛmɪk/
Meaning: It is often used to describe writing, speech, or other forms of communication that are intended to challenge or refute a particular point of view.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to polemic?
Options: diatribe; agreement; concord; harmony
Answer: diatribe
Synonyms: altercation; argument; clash; conflict; contention; controversy; criticism; debate; diatribe; disagreement; dispute; feud
Example: "The polemic between the two political pundits grew increasingly heated on live television."

propinquity (noun) /prəˈpɪŋkwəti/
Meaning: Propinquity is a noun that refers to It can also refer to a sense of nearness or familiarity between people or things, even if they are physically distant.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to propinquity?
Options: closeness; distance; remoteness; separation
Answer: closeness
Synonyms: adjacency; contiguity; immediacy; intimacy; juxtaposition; neighborhood; proximity; vicinity
Example: "The propinquity of our homes allowed us to meet often."

pugnacious (adjective) /pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/
Meaning: When we characterize an individual as pugnacious, we are highlighting their propensity to readily provoke or participate in disputes, arguments, or conflicts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pugnacious?
Options: aggressive; peaceful; friendly; amiable
Answer: aggressive
Synonyms: aggressive; antagonistic; argumentative; bellicose; belligerent; combative; confrontational; contentious; fighting; hostile; militant; petulant
Example: "The pugnacious boxer entered the ring with a fierce look in his eyes."

rapturous (adjective) /ˈraptʃ(ə)rəs/
Meaning: It implies a state of overwhelming happiness or enthusiasm that is so intense that it takes over one's entire being.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to rapturous?
Options: ecstatic; miserable; unhappy; despondent
Answer: ecstatic
Synonyms: delighted; ecstatic; elated; enthusiastic; euphoric; exhilarated; jubilant; overjoyed; thrilled
Example: "The audience showed their appreciation with rapturous applause."

renege (verb) /rɪˈniːɡ
Meaning: When someone reneges on an obligation, they fail to fulfill their end of the bargain or go back on their word, which can have negative consequences for the parties involved.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to renege?
Options: backtrack; honor; keep; uphold
Answer: backtrack
Synonyms: backpedal; backtrack; default; recall; recant; repudiate; retract; reverse; withdraw
Example: "He's known for his tendency to renege on promises, causing frustration."

resolute (adjective) /ˈrɛzəluːt/
Meaning: When someone is described as 'resolute,' it implies that they possess a strong and steadfast resolve, making them resolutely unwavering in the face of challenges, obstacles, or adversity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to resolute?
Options: determined; indecisive; vacillating; wavering
Answer: determined
Synonyms: committed; determined; implacable; indefatigable; persistent; purposeful; relentless; resolved; steadfast; tenacious; unbending; unflinching
Example: "She remained resolute in her pursuit of justice, despite numerous obstacles."

saturnine (adjective) /ˈsatənʌɪn/
Meaning: When someone or something is described as saturnine, it suggests a temperament or atmosphere that is heavy with a sense of introspection, seriousness, or even cynicism.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to saturnine?
Options: morose; cheerful; bright; jovial
Answer: morose
Synonyms: austere; brooding; dour; downcast; glum; introspective; morose; serious; solemn; somber
Example: "His saturnine expression suggested he was lost in deep thought."

serene (adjective) /sɪˈriːn/
Meaning: It can also refer to a feeling of tranquility and contentment, as well as a sense of being unruffled or undisturbed.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to serene?
Options: peaceful; agitated; troubled; anxious
Answer: peaceful
Synonyms: calm; composed; harmonious; imperturbable; peaceful; placid; quiet; relaxed; restful; sedate; still; tranquil
Example: "The serene lake mirrored the calm blue sky above."

sine-qua-non (noun) /ˌsɪnɪ kwɑː ˈnəʊn/
Meaning: It is a Latin phrase that translates to "without which not.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sine-qua-non?
Options: necessity; unimportance; triviality; nonessential
Answer: necessity
Synonyms: condition; crucial; essential; fundamental; imperative; indispensable; key; must; necessity; precondition; prerequisite; proviso
Example: "The ability to communicate effectively is a sine qua non for success in business."

sordid (adjective) /ˈsɔːdɪd/
Meaning: When something is characterized as sordid, it typically implies a degree of moral corruption, immorality, or disgrace that is disturbing and offensive.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sordid?
Options: seedy; pure; noble; honorable
Answer: seedy
Synonyms: base; corrupt; debased; debauched; degenerate; degraded; despicable; disreputable; foul; ignoble; low; seedy
Example: "The detective uncovered a sordid plot involving corruption and blackmail."

taciturn (adjective) /ˈtasɪtəːn/
Meaning: A taciturn individual tends to speak very sparingly and may be perceived as unforthcoming in their conversations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to taciturn?
Options: silent; talkative; loquacious; communicative
Answer: silent
Synonyms: aloof; distant; mute; quiet; restrained; reticent; uncommunicative; unforthcoming; withdrawn
Example: "He was known for being taciturn and not saying much."

tangential (adjective) /tanˈdʒɛn(t)ʃl/
Meaning: When something is tangential, it is not directly relevant or essential to the central point or focus of discussion but may still have some relation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tangential?
Options: peripheral; central; integral; essential
Answer: peripheral
Synonyms: collateral; digressive; divergent; extraneous; immaterial; incidental; irrelevant; nonessential; peripheral; secondary; unimportant; unrelated
Example: "The movie's tangential plotlines added depth to the story."

tautology (noun) /tɔːˈtɒlədʒi/
Meaning: It is a type of redundancy in which the same idea is expressed twice, in a way that is not necessary.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tautology?
Options: redundancy; originality; freshness; uniqueness
Answer: redundancy
Synonyms: iteration; pleonasm; prolixity; redundancy; repetition; repetitiveness; verbiage; verbosity
Example: "The statement "It's either black or white" is a tautology, as it repeats the same information twice."

tawdry (adjective) /ˈtɔːdri/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a person or their behavior that is cheap, gaudy or tasteless.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tawdry?
Options: gaudy; elegant; tasteful; refined
Answer: gaudy
Synonyms: brassy; cheap; garish; gaudy; meretricious; sleazy; tacky; tasteless; tatty; trashy; vulgar
Example: "The tawdry jewelry at the flea market was a far cry from genuine gems."

titillate (verb) /ˈtɪtɪleɪt/
Meaning: It can be used to describe a feeling of pleasure or excitement caused by something that is intriguing, amusing, or provocative.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to titillate?
Options: arouse; bore; repel; uninterest
Answer: arouse
Synonyms: arouse; delight; exhilarate; inspire; interest; intrigue; provoke; tantalize; tease; thrill; tickle
Example: "The risqué novel aimed to titillate readers with its steamy scenes."

valedictory (adjective) /ˌvalɪˈdɪkt(ə)ri/
Meaning: When something is characterized as valedictory, it implies a sense of closure and a formal acknowledgment of the end of a particular phase or period.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to valedictory?
Options: farewell; welcoming; introductory; reception
Answer: farewell
Synonyms: closing; concluding; departing; final; goodbye; last; leaving; parting; terminal
Example: "His valedictory speech was packed with amusing anecdotes and just a hint of sadness."

visceral (adjective) /ˈvɪs(ə)r(ə)l/
Meaning: It often bypasses conscious thought and is characterized by strong physical sensations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to visceral?
Options: instinctive; intellectual; thought-out; reasoned
Answer: instinctive
Synonyms: core; emotional; fundamental; gut; inborn; innate; instinctive; intrinsic; intuitive; involuntary; natural; physical
Example: "The horror movie elicited a visceral reaction from the audience."