GRE 6 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary: Synonyms Quiz

accolade (noun) /ˈakəleɪd/
Meaning: Accolades can take many forms, including trophies, certificates, medals, or other forms of recognition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to accolade?
Options: honor; censure; criticism; reproach
Answer: honor
Synonyms: acclaim; applause; approval; compliment; homage; honor; kudos; praise; prize; tribute
Example: "The actor received a well-deserved accolade for his outstanding performance."

acrophobia (noun) /ˌakrə(ʊ)ˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: This fear can be so severe that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to acrophobia?
Options: fear of heights; comfort with heights; love of heights; eagerness for heights
Answer: fear
Synonyms: aerial; altitude; anxiety; apprehension; aversion; elevation; fear; fright; height; heights; phobia; terror
Example: "Her acrophobia made climbing the mountain an insurmountable challenge."

altruistic (adjective) /altruːˈɪstɪk/
Meaning: It is a quality that is characterized by a genuine concern for others, and an unwavering commitment to doing good and making a positive impact in the world.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to altruistic?
Options: selfless; selfish; egotistical; self-centered
Answer: selfless
Synonyms: benevolent; charitable; compassionate; considerate; generous; giving; humanitarian; kind; kindhearted; magnanimous; noble; philanthropic
Example: "She dedicated her life to altruistic endeavors, always putting others' needs before her own."

anomaly (noun) /əˈnɒməli/
Meaning: It can refer to a deviation from the typical pattern or trend, something that is out of the ordinary, or something that does not conform to the established rules or laws.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to anomaly?
Options: irregularity; norm; usual; standard
Answer: irregularity
Synonyms: aberration; abnormality; deviation; exception; incongruity; inconsistency; irregularity; oddity; peculiarity; quirk; rarity; variation
Example: "The sudden temperature drop was an anomaly for this time of year."

apathetic (adjective) /ˌæp əˈθɛt ɪk/
Meaning: It describes a state of indifference or disinterest, where an individual displays a lack of emotional or mental engagement.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apathetic?
Options: indifferent; passionate; enthusiastic; interested
Answer: indifferent
Synonyms: detached; disinterested; impassive; indifferent; lukewarm; passive; uncaring; unconcerned; unenthusiastic; uninterested; uninvolved; unresponsive
Example: "She seemed apathetic about the outcome of the game."

askance (adverb) /əˈskans/
Meaning: It can also be used as an adverb, as in "to look askance," meaning to look at something with suspicion or mistrust.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to askance?
Options: suspiciously; directly; trustingly; acceptingly
Answer: suspiciously
Synonyms: contemptuously; disdainfully; distrustfully; doubtfully; dubiously; incredulously; mistrustfully; sidelong; skeptically; suspiciously; warily
Example: "He looked askance at the car salesman's assertion that the car had only one previous lady owner."

beleaguer (verb) /bɪˈliːɡə/
Meaning: When someone or something is 'beleaguered,' it implies that they are under constant and often overwhelming pressure, facing difficulties, or enduring adverse circumstances.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to beleaguer?
Options: besiege; aid; assist; support
Answer: besiege
Synonyms: assault; attack; badger; beset; bother; gnaw; persecute; pester; plague; trouble
Example: "The snow continued to beleaguer the hikers, hindering their progress up the mountain."

convalesce (verb) /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe the process of regaining one's physical and emotional well-being after a period of sickness or weakness.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to convalesce?
Options: recover; deteriorate; weaken; worsen
Answer: recover
Synonyms: heal; improve; mend; rally; recoup; recuperate; rehabilitate; rejuvenate; restore; revive
Example: "He hopes to convalesce at home after the surgery."

curmudgeon (noun) /kəʳmʌdʒən/
Meaning: This term carries a sense of grumpiness, a disposition marked by a persistent and cantankerous nature.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to curmudgeon?
Options: grouch; optimist; cheerful person; extrovert
Answer: grouch
Synonyms: complainer; crab; crank; cynic; faultfinder; fusspot; grouch; grump; kvetch; malcontent; misanthrope; sourpuss
Example: "The old man down the street is known as the neighborhood curmudgeon, always grumbling about something."

derision (noun) /dɪˈrɪʒən/
Meaning: It is a term that denotes mockery or scornful laughter, often directed at a person or an idea that is considered to be ridiculous or worthy of ridicule.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to derision?
Options: mockery; respect; admiration; reverence
Answer: mockery
Synonyms: belittlement; disdain; disrespect; jeering; mockery; scorn; sneering; taunting; teasing
Example: "The politician was met with derision from the crowd after his controversial statement."

derivation (noun) /ˌdɛr əˈveɪ ʃən/
Meaning: It encompasses the act of tracing the origin, development, or history of something, particularly words, concepts, or ideas.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to derivation?
Options: origin; end; conclusion; result
Answer: origin
Synonyms: ancestry; creation; development; etymology; evolution; extraction; formation; genesis; origin; provenance; root; source
Example: "The linguist studied the derivation of words in the English language."

docile (adjective) /ˈdəʊsʌɪl/
Meaning: When someone or something is described as docile, it suggests a calm and compliant nature, making it amenable to guidance, training, or control.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to docile?
Options: compliant; defiant; obstinate; uncooperative
Answer: compliant
Synonyms: amenable; biddable; compliant; easygoing; meek; obedient; pliable; pliant; tractable
Example: "The docile puppy eagerly followed its owner's commands."

domicile (noun) /ˈdɒmɪsɪl/
Meaning: It is often used in legal contexts to refer to a person's legal residence for the purposes of taxes, voting, and other legal obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to domicile?
Options: home; office; wilderness; transient
Answer: home
Synonyms: abode; accommodation; address; dwelling; habitation; home; lodging; quarters; residence
Example: "Their charming domicile was nestled in the heart of the countryside."

efficacy (noun) /ˈɛfɪkəsi/
Meaning: It signifies the degree to which a particular action, process, or solution is successful in achieving its intended purpose or goal.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to efficacy?
Options: effectiveness; ineffectiveness; uselessness; futility
Answer: effectiveness
Synonyms: adequacy; capability; competence; effectiveness; efficiency; fruitfulness; influence; potency; power; productiveness; strength; successfulness
Example: "The efficacy of the new drug was proven in clinical trials."

erudite (adjective) /ˈɛr(j)ʊdʌɪt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is extremely well-informed and knowledgeable, especially in a particular area of study.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to erudite?
Options: scholarly; ignorant; uneducated; uninformed
Answer: scholarly
Synonyms: academic; civilized; cultured; educated; informed; knowledgeable; learned; literate; scholarly
Example: "He enrolled in the university purely for mental stimulation and erudite conversation."

etymology (noun) /ˌet̬.ɪˈmɑː.lə.dʒi/
Meaning: It involves tracing the development of a word from its earliest known use to its current form, and examining the various linguistic and cultural influences that have shaped its meaning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to etymology?
Options: origin-study; present; future; neologism
Answer: origin-study
Synonyms: ancestry; birth; derivation; development; evolution; formation; history; lineage; origin; provenance; roots; source
Example: "The linguist dedicated his life to studying the etymology of ancient languages."

facetious (adjective) /fəˈsiːʃəs/
Meaning: Facetious is an adjective that describes a person, statement or a situation that is intended to be humorous but is often considered inappropriate or in poor taste.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to facetious?
Options: joking; serious; solemn; grave
Answer: joking
Synonyms: amusing; flippant; frivolous; humorous; ironic; jocular; joking; lighthearted; mocking; playful; sarcastic; waggish
Example: "His facetious remarks at the meeting lightened the mood but raised eyebrows."

gastronomy (noun) /ɡaˈstrɒnəmi/
Meaning: It encompasses a wide range of fields, including food science, nutrition, and cultural studies, and involves the exploration of the sensory aspects of food, such as taste, texture, and aroma.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to gastronomy?
Options: cuisine; ignorance; neglect; indifference
Answer: cuisine
Synonyms: alimentation; cookery; cooking; cuisine; culinary; Epicurean; Epicureanism; foodie; gastronomic; gourmet; nourishment; taste
Example: "His passion for gastronomy led him to become a chef."

genome (noun) /ˈdʒiːnəʊm/
Meaning: It is made up of DNA, which is a long, double-stranded molecule that contains the instructions for the development, function, growth, and reproduction of all living things.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to genome?
Options: genetics; non-genetic; non-hereditary; unrelated
Answer: genetics
Synonyms: blueprint; chromosomal; code; constitution; data; hereditary; information; makeup; material; profile; sequence
Example: "The human genome contains all the genetic information necessary for life."

hackneyed (adjective) /ˈhaknɪd/
Meaning: When we characterize something as hackneyed, we emphasize its tired, worn-out nature, often because 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 hackneyed?
Options: overused; original; fresh; novel
Answer: overused
Synonyms: banal; boring; commonplace; corny; overworked; stale; stereotyped; tired; unoriginal
Example: "His speech was full of hackneyed cliches and lacked originality."

hindsight (noun) /ˈhʌɪn(d)sʌɪt/
Meaning: It is often used to refer to the phenomenon of looking back on a situation and realizing that one should have predicted or known something that was not obvious at the time.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hindsight?
Options: retrospection; foresight; anticipation; prediction
Answer: retrospection
Synonyms: afterthought; experience; introspection; knowledge; reappraisal; recollection; reconsideration; reevaluation; reexamination; reflection; retrospection; review
Example: "In hindsight, he realized that he should have made a different decision."

homonym (noun) /ˈhɒmənɪm/
Meaning: Homonyms can be words that are spelled the same but have different meanings, like "bass" (a fish) and "bass" (a low-frequency sound); or they can be words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings, like "flower" (a plant) and "flour" (a powder).
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to homonym?
Options: same-sounder; antonym; difference; dissimilarity
Answer: same-sounder
Synonyms: clone; copy; counterpart; double; duplicate; echo; homograph; homonymy; homophone; likeness; match; repetition
Example: ""Bear" is a homonym that can refer to an animal or to carry something."

impasse (noun) /amˈpɑːs/
Meaning: An impasse is It is a deadlock or a standstill, and can refer to a wide variety of situations, from negotiations and political disputes to personal conflicts and problems with no clear solution.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to impasse?
Options: deadlock; resolution; agreement; breakthrough
Answer: deadlock
Synonyms: deadlock; dilemma; gridlock; jam; logjam; predicament; stalemate; standoff; standstill
Example: "The negotiations reached an impasse as neither party was willing to compromise."

implicate (verb) /ˈɪmplɪkeɪt/
Meaning: When someone or something is implicated, it is suggested that they played a role in causing or contributing to a particular situation or outcome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to implicate?
Options: involve; exonerate; absolve; clear
Answer: involve
Synonyms: accuse; blame; compromise; embroil; entangle; entwine; impute; incriminate; inculpate; involve
Example: "The findings from the investigation implicate several senior officials in the scandal."

indefatigable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈfatɪɡəb(ə)l/
Meaning: Someone who is indefatigable is often described as being tenacious, persistent, and determined.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to indefatigable?
Options: tireless; exhausted; fatigued; worn out
Answer: tireless
Synonyms: assiduous; dogged; relentless; tenacious; tireless; unfaltering; unflagging; unrelenting; untiring
Example: "Her indefatigable spirit shines through in all her humanitarian work."

infer (verb) /ɪnˈfəː/
Meaning: When you infer something, you are using your reasoning skills to draw a conclusion that is not explicitly stated or proven.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to infer?
Options: conclude; misunderstand; ignore; overlook
Answer: conclude
Synonyms: assume; construe; deduce; derive; gather; indicate; intimate; presume; suggest; surmise
Example: "Based on the evidence presented, I can infer that she is unhappy."

juxtapose (verb) /ˌʤʌkstəˈpoʊz/
Meaning: This can be done either literally, such as positioning physical objects together, or figuratively, such as putting together different ideas or concepts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to juxtapose?
Options: contrast; merge; blend; combine
Answer: contrast
Synonyms: align; assemble; blend; combine; compare; connect; contrast; integrate; intermix; match; pair; unite
Example: "The artist chose to juxtapose modern designs with classical sculptures."

laissez-faire (noun) /ˌleɪseɪˈfɛː/
Meaning: French for "leave alone.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to laissez-faire?
Options: nonintervention; intervention; regulation; control
Answer: nonintervention
Synonyms: indifference; individualism; laxity; minimalism; noninterference; nonintervention; noninterventionism; nonrestriction; permissiveness
Example: "The economy operates on the principles of laissez-faire, with minimal government intervention."

leery (adjective) /ˈlɪər i/
Meaning: When someone is leery, they approach a situation or person with caution and skepticism, often due to a sense of distrust or uncertainty.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to leery?
Options: suspicious; trusting; gullible; naive
Answer: suspicious
Synonyms: apprehensive; cautious; distrustful; doubtful; dubious; guarded; hesitant; skeptical; suspicious; uncertain; wary
Example: "The detective remained leery of the suspect's alibi, sensing something was amiss."

macabre (adjective) /məˈkɑːbrə/
Meaning: When a scene, story, or artwork is described as macabre, it implies that it elicits a sense of horror, fascination, or morbid curiosity due to its dark and unsettling nature.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to macabre?
Options: gruesome; pleasant; delightful; appealing
Answer: gruesome
Synonyms: dreadful; frightful; ghastly; grim; hideous; horrid; horrific; morbid; shocking; terrifying
Example: "The macabre painting depicted a haunting scene of death and decay."

machismo (noun) /məˈtʃɪzməʊ/
Meaning: It can manifest as an emphasis on toughness, assertiveness, and control in men, sometimes at the expense of sensitivity, vulnerability, or empathy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to machismo?
Options: bravado; gentleness; meekness; humility
Answer: bravado
Synonyms: aggression; aggressiveness; bravado; chauvinism; dominance; maleness; manhood; manliness; masculinity; patriarchy; potency; swagger
Example: "Senior cabinet ministers were sent to flex their political machismo."

malaise (noun) /maˈleɪz/
Meaning: When someone experiences malaise, they may not feel well, but the symptoms are often non-specific and may not point to a specific illness or condition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to malaise?
Options: uneasiness; comfort; ease; wellness
Answer: uneasiness
Synonyms: affliction; ailment; complaint; complication; discomfort; disease; disorder; illness; indisposition; malady; queasiness; sickness
Example: "The country's economic malaise was evident in the declining GDP figures."

mnemonic (noun) /nɪˈmɒnɪk/
Meaning: It is a technique or device, such as a rhyme, acronym, or image, that helps a person to remember something, such as a list of words, a sequence of steps, or a complex concept.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to mnemonic?
Options: memory-aid; forgetfulness; amnesia; obliviousness
Answer: memory-aid
Synonyms: assist; clue; code; cue; help; hint; mnemotechnic; peg; prompt; reminder; trick
Example: "The mnemonic "Every Good Boy Does Fine" helps remember the musical notes on the lines of the treble clef."

nepotism (noun) /ˈnɛpətɪz(ə)m/
Meaning: This can take the form of giving family members preferential treatment in hiring, promotions, or other opportunities, or using one's position of power to benefit their family members or friends.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to nepotism?
Options: favoritism; meritocracy; impartiality; fairness
Answer: favoritism
Synonyms: bias; cronyism; discrimination; favoritism; favouritism; inequity; partiality; partisanship
Example: "Widespread nepotism plagued the organization's leadership."

odyssey (noun) /ˈɒdɪsi/
Meaning: The term is most commonly associated with the epic poem written by Homer in ancient Greece, called the "Odyssey.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to odyssey?
Options: journey; short trip; brief visit; stay
Answer: journey
Synonyms: crusade; excursion; expedition; jaunt; passage; peregrination; pilgrimage; quest; tour; trek
Example: "The explorer's odyssey took him to the farthest reaches of the Earth."

onus (noun) /ˈəʊnəs/
Meaning: It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as legal, moral, or social.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to onus?
Options: burden; exoneration; advantage; relief
Answer: burden
Synonyms: blame; charge; culpability; duty; encumbrance; fault; guilt; liability; load; task; weight; worry
Example: "The onus is on the students to complete their assignments on time."

ossify (verb) /ˈɒsɪfʌɪ/
Meaning: When something ossifies, it loses its adaptability or responsiveness and becomes fixed or set in its ways.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ossify?
Options: harden; evolve; adapt; change
Answer: harden
Synonyms: calcify; coagulate; congeal; crystallize; fossilize; freeze; harden; petrify; rigidify; set; solidify; stagnate
Example: "When we allow our viewpoints to ossify, we run the risk of losing our ability to learn and adapt."

parlance (noun) /ˈpɑːl(ə)ns/
Meaning: Parlance refers to the way a particular language or words are used within a particular profession or group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to parlance?
Options: dialect; silence; muteness; inarticulateness
Answer: dialect
Synonyms: argot; dialect; jargon; language; lingo; patois; phraseology; slang; terminology; vernacular
Example: "In political parlance, swing states play a pivotal role in elections."

perturb (verb) /pəˈtəːb/
Meaning: It can be used to describe a state of being mentally or emotionally disturbed or unsettled, or to refer to something that causes such a state.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to perturb?
Options: unsettle; calm; soothe; reassure
Answer: unsettle
Synonyms: annoy; bother; concern; distract; distress; disturb; haunt; irritate; plague; unhinge; upset
Example: "Loud noises perturb my concentration when I am reading."

pithy (adjective) /ˈpɪθi/
Meaning: Pithy statements are characterized by their ability to convey a lot of information or meaning in a few words, without being verbose or overly elaborate.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pithy?
Options: succinct; verbose; rambling; wordy
Answer: succinct
Synonyms: brief; cogent; compact; expressive; laconic; meaningful; short; succinct; terse; trenchant
Example: "He was known for his pithy wit and clever one-liners."

plaudit (noun) /ˈplɔːdɪt/
Meaning: Plaudits are typically expressed as a show of approval, admiration, or appreciation for exceptional work, success, or a praiseworthy endeavor.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to plaudit?
Options: acclaim; criticism; disapproval; condemnation
Answer: acclaim
Synonyms: acclaim; acclamation; accolade; admiration; applause; approbation; approval; cheers; commendation; compliments; congratulations; kudos
Example: "The musician earned every plaudit for her captivating performance."

posterity (noun) /pɒˈstɛrɪti/
Meaning: When we use the term "posterity," we are emphasizing the enduring legacy that one leaves behind, including the impact of their actions, achievements, and contributions on the lives and well-being of future generations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to posterity?
Options: descendants; ancestors; predecessors; forebears
Answer: descendants
Synonyms: children; family; heirs; lineage; offspring; progeny; stock; successors
Example: "Our actions today will shape the world for posterity."

pro-bono (adverb) /prəʊ ˈbəʊnəʊ/
Meaning: When someone offers their services pro bono, it means they are doing so out of a sense of goodwill, often to help those who may not have the financial means to afford such services.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pro-bono?
Options: voluntary; paid; commercial; for-profit
Answer: voluntary
Synonyms: benevolent; charitable; complimentary; costless; free; gratis; unpaid; voluntary
Example: "She offered her consulting services pro bono to the non-profit organization."

recalcitrant (adjective) /rɪˈkalsɪtr(ə)nt/
Meaning: It is used to describe individuals who are difficult to manage, uncooperative, or simply defiant.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to recalcitrant?
Options: obstinate; compliant; obedient; cooperative
Answer: obstinate
Synonyms: defiant; disobedient; headstrong; insubordinate; intractable; mulish; obstinate; refractory; stubborn; uncooperative; unruly; wayward
Example: "The recalcitrant child refused to do his homework, despite his parents' insistence."

replete (adjective) /riˈplit/
Meaning: It suggests that there is an ample amount of something, and that there is no lack or scarcity of it.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to replete?
Options: filled; empty; lacking; barren
Answer: filled
Synonyms: abundant; awash; brimming; bursting; charged; crammed; filled; packed; stuffed; teeming
Example: "The history book was replete with interesting facts and anecdotes."

reprobate (noun) /ˈrɛprəbeɪt/
Meaning: The noun "reprobate" refers to This individual has a character marked by persistent wrongdoing, depravity, and disregard for ethical and social norms.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to reprobate?
Options: degenerate; virtuous; moral; upright
Answer: degenerate
Synonyms: degenerate; delinquent; dissolute; evildoer; libertine; malefactor; miscreant; rascal; rogue; scoundrel; sinner; villain
Example: "The townspeople labeled him a reprobate after his scandalous deeds."

specious (adjective) /ˈspiːʃəs/
Meaning: It refers to an argument, claim, or appearance that seems to be reasonable or convincing, but upon closer examination, is revealed to be flawed or misleading.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to specious?
Options: deceptive; genuine; authentic; real
Answer: deceptive
Synonyms: beguiling; deceitful; deceiving; deceptive; delusive; fallacious; false; illusory; incorrect; insincere; misleading; plausible
Example: "She made a specious claim that there was no scientific evidence to support."

subversion (noun) /səbˈvəːʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: Subversion refers to the act of undermining or attempting to overthrow an established government, political system, or social order, typically through covert or illegal means.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to subversion?
Options: overthrow; support; endorsement; reinforcement
Answer: overthrow
Synonyms: anarchy; clandestine; destabilization; insurgency; insurrection; mutiny; overthrow; rebellion; sabotage; sedition; treachery; undermining
Example: "The government crackdown was a response to suspected acts of subversion."

unilateral (adjective) /juːnɪˈlat(ə)r(ə)l/
Meaning: When something is described as unilateral, it emphasizes a one-sided nature where one entity takes independent action or makes a choice without seeking input or approval from other parties.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to unilateral?
Options: one-sided; joint; collaborative; cooperative
Answer: one-sided
Synonyms: exclusive; independent; individual; personal; private; single; sole; solo
Example: "The company's decision to implement the new policy was unilateral and not subject to negotiation."

vagary (noun) /ˈveɪɡ(ə)ri/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a sudden or unexpected deviation from a normal pattern or behavior, and can refer to both positive and negative changes.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vagary?
Options: caprice; predictability; constancy; stability
Answer: caprice
Synonyms: anomaly; caprice; deviation; eccentricity; foible; idiosyncrasy; impulse; inconsistency; inconstancy; irregularity; oddity; peculiarity
Example: "Her sudden vagary left us all bewildered, wondering what had sparked the change."