English Synonyms for GRE 7 (Graduate Record Examination) Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

anathema (noun) /əˈnaθəmə/
Meaning: The word is often used to describe an object, idea, or person that is abhorrent or loathsome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to anathema?
Options: curse; blessing; benediction; boon
Answer: curse
Synonyms: abhorrent; abomination; aversion; hateful; odious; offensive; outrageous; repellent; repugnant
Example: "Free-thinking and personal-liberty are anathema under communism."

attest (verb) /əˈtɛst/
Meaning: When someone attests to something, they are affirming that it is true or valid based on their personal knowledge or experience.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to attest?
Options: certify; deny; refute; contradict
Answer: certify
Synonyms: affirm; argue; assert; avouch; certify; confirm; prove; show; swear; testify; verify; witness
Example: "The witness will attest to what they saw during the incident."

binary (adjective) /ˈbʌɪn(ə)ri/
Meaning: It signifies a duality in which there are only two possible states, choices, or outcomes.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to binary?
Options: dual; singular; multifaceted; complex
Answer: dual
Synonyms: binate; bipartite; dichotomous; double; dual; duo; duplex; dyadic; paired; pairwise; twin; twofold
Example: "Computers operate on a binary system of ones and zeros."

brandish (verb) /ˈbrændɪʃ/
Meaning: This action is often done with an intention to intimidate or display power, and it can be used as a show of force or as a warning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to brandish?
Options: flaunt; conceal; hide; sheath
Answer: flaunt
Synonyms: display; exhibit; expose; flaunt; flourish; gesture; herald; parade; show; sport; unveil; wield
Example: "He likes to brandish his sword during reenactments."

commensurate (adjective) /kəˈmɛnʃ(ə)rət/
Meaning: It can also refer to something that is appropriate or suitable in relation to other things.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to commensurate?
Options: proportional; disproportionate; unequal; mismatched
Answer: proportional
Synonyms: balanced; commensurable; comparable; compatible; consistent; correlative; corresponding; equal; equivalent; fitting; matching; parallel
Example: "Her salary is commensurate with her level of experience."

commiserate (verb) /kəˈmɪzəreɪt/
Meaning: The verb "commiserate" means It implies the act of sharing feelings of sadness or sorrow with someone who is experiencing a difficult time.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to commiserate?
Options: sympathize; disregard; ignore; overlook
Answer: sympathize
Synonyms: alleviate; comfort; condole; console; empathize; pity; reassure; soothe; sympathize
Example: "Friends gathered to commiserate with her after the loss of her beloved pet."

convoluted (adjective) /ˈkɒn vəˌlu tɪd/
Meaning: It refers to a situation, idea, process, or concept that is characterized by a maze-like or intricate structure, making it difficult to understand or follow.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to convoluted?
Options: complex; simple; straightforward; clear
Answer: complex
Synonyms: complex; complicated; confusing; elaborate; intricate; involved; knotty; labyrinthine; perplexing; tangled; twisted
Example: "Her explanation of the incident was so convoluted that I couldn't follow her reasoning."

covenant (noun) /ˈkʌv(ə)nənt/
Meaning: Covenants can be found in various forms of legal documents, such as contracts, deeds, and mortgages.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to covenant?
Options: contract; breach; violation; infringement
Answer: contract
Synonyms: agreement; arrangement; bond; charter; commitment; compact; contract; convention; deal; pact; pledge; promise
Example: "The business partners entered into a covenant to share profits equally."

culpable (adjective) /ˈkʌlpəb(ə)l/
Meaning: When someone is deemed culpable, they are seen as having committed an act that is morally wrong or legally punishable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to culpable?
Options: guilty; innocent; blameless; exonerated
Answer: guilty
Synonyms: accountable; answerable; blameworthy; censurable; errant; guilty; liable; punishable; reprehensible; reproachable; responsible
Example: "The investigation revealed that he was indeed culpable for the financial fraud."

defamation (noun) /ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃn/
Meaning: It is characterized by malicious and false statements, which are made with the intent to deceive or harm the person being spoken about.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to defamation?
Options: slander; praise; commendation; flattery
Answer: slander
Synonyms: aspersion; calumniation; calumny; denigration; libel; misrepresentation; slander; vituperation
Example: "Spreading false rumors about someone can be considered defamation."

deleterious (adjective) /ˌdɛlɪˈtɪərɪəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe substances or conditions that cause harm, such as toxins, pollutants, or diseases.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to deleterious?
Options: harmful; beneficial; helpful; salutary
Answer: harmful
Synonyms: adverse; damaging; dangerous; destructive; detrimental; harmful; hazardous; hurtful; injurious; noxious; pernicious; poisonous
Example: "Smoking cigarettes has deleterious effects on your health."

dogmatic (adjective) /dɒɡˈmatɪk/
Meaning: A person who is dogmatic is characterized by an inflexible and rigid attitude towards their beliefs, often unwilling to consider other perspectives or listen to opposing viewpoints.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dogmatic?
Options: doctrinaire; open-minded; flexible; adaptable
Answer: doctrinaire
Synonyms: arrogant; authoritarian; bullheaded; doctrinaire; dogged; domineering; entrenched; imperious; inflexible; intolerant; opinionated; overbearing
Example: "His dogmatic approach to management left no room for input from the employees."

effulgent (adjective) /ɪˈfʌl dʒənt/
Meaning: When an object or entity is described as effulgent, it suggests an extraordinary and almost overwhelming brightness, often accompanied by a sense of splendor and beauty.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to effulgent?
Options: radiant; dim; dull; gloomy
Answer: radiant
Synonyms: beaming; bright; brilliant; dazzling; gleaming; incandescent; luminous; resplendent; sparkling
Example: "The starry night sky was effulgent with a thousand tiny lights."

ephemeral (adjective) /ɪˈfɛm(ə)rəl/
Meaning: It describes objects, experiences, or phenomena that exist only for a brief period, often with a sense of fragility and impermanence.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ephemeral?
Options: fleeting; permanent; enduring; lasting
Answer: fleeting
Synonyms: evanescent; fleeting; fugacious; impermanent; momentary; passing; temporary; transient
Example: "The beauty of a sunset is inherently ephemeral, lasting only a few moments."

epicure (noun) /ˈɛp ɪˌkyʊər/
Meaning: Epicures are often connoisseurs of gastronomy, seeking out and savoring the finest culinary experiences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to epicure?
Options: gourmet; ascetic; abstainer; glutton
Answer: gourmet
Synonyms: bon-vivant; connoisseur; cordon-bleu; foodie; gastronome; glutton; gourmet; sybarite
Example: "The epicure savored every bite of the gourmet meal."

equivocation (noun) /ɪˌkwɪv əˈkeɪ ʃən/
Meaning: It involves the use of carefully crafted words or phrases that can be interpreted in multiple ways, creating confusion and obscuring the speaker's true intentions or beliefs.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to equivocation?
Options: ambiguity; clarity; directness; certainty
Answer: ambiguity
Synonyms: ambiguity; artifice; deceit; deception; duplicity; equivocality; evasion; indirection; obfuscation; prevarication; sidestepping
Example: "The politician's equivocation during the press conference left the audience unsure of where they truly stood on the issue."

expurgate (verb) /ˈɛkspəɡeɪt/
Meaning: This process involves deleting or modifying parts of a written or spoken work that are deemed inappropriate, offensive, or harmful to certain groups of people or to society as a whole.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to expurgate?
Options: censor; retain; include; preserve
Answer: censor
Synonyms: abridge; amend; bleep; bowdlerize; censor; cleanse; cut; delete; edit; emend; purge; purify
Example: "The editor was instructed to expurgate any explicit content from the manuscript."

galumph (verb) /gəˈlʌmf/
Meaning: It suggests a combination of stomping, lumbering, and bouncing movements that lack grace or finesse.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to galumph?
Options: clomp; glide; float; tiptoe
Answer: clomp
Synonyms: clomp; clump; crash; lumber; plod; squash; stamp; stomp; thud; tramp; tromp; trudge
Example: "When the baby elephant sees a mud pool, it tends to galumph right into it."

genteel (adjective) /dʒɛnˈtiːl/
Meaning: It often conveys an air of elegance, good breeding, and sophistication.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to genteel?
Options: refined; coarse; vulgar; crude
Answer: refined
Synonyms: civilized; courteous; courtly; cultured; decorous; polite; posh; proper; sophisticated; urbane
Example: "Her genteel demeanor charmed everyone at the elegant soirée."

guffaw (noun) /gʌˈfɔ/
Meaning: It is characterized by its robust and hearty nature, often associated with genuine amusement or hilarity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to guffaw?
Options: laugh; frown; scowl; grimace
Answer: laugh
Synonyms: cackle; chortle; chuckle; giggle; glee; hoot; howl; laughter; roar; snicker; snort
Example: "His guffaw echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention."

histrionic (adjective) /ˌhɪstriˈɑnɪk/
Meaning: This term can be applied to both positive and negative traits, depending on the context.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to histrionic?
Options: melodramatic; understated; reserved; calm
Answer: melodramatic
Synonyms: affected; artificial; dramatic; exaggerated; extravagant; flamboyant; hammy; mawkish; melodramatic; ostentatious; overacting; overemotional
Example: "She always captivates the room with her histrionic gestures and dramatic storytelling."

ignoramus (noun) /ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs/
Meaning: Calling someone an ignoramus typically implies criticism or disdain for their lack of knowledge or their inability to comprehend a particular subject matter.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ignoramus?
Options: uneducated; expert; knowledgeable; informed
Answer: uneducated
Synonyms: bonehead; dimwit; doofus; dullard; dummy; dunce; imbecile; knucklehead; numbskull
Example: "The professor couldn't believe the audacity of the ignoramus who interrupted the lecture."

illicit (adjective) /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Meaning: When something is described as "illicit," it suggests a sense of wrongdoing or impropriety, indicating that it falls outside the boundaries of what is legally or morally acceptable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to illicit?
Options: illegal; legal; lawful; legitimate
Answer: illegal
Synonyms: banned; clandestine; contraband; criminal; felonious; forbidden; illegal; illegitimate; prohibited; unauthorized; unlawful; wrongful
Example: "The police raided the warehouse and uncovered an illicit drug operation."

impertinent (adjective) /ɪmˈpəːtɪnənt/
Meaning: It implies a lack of proper manners or respect for others, and suggests that the person in question has crossed a boundary of social or cultural norms.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to impertinent?
Options: rude; polite; respectful; considerate
Answer: rude
Synonyms: audacious; brash; cheeky; discourteous; disrespectful; forward; fresh; impolite; impudent; insolent; presumptuous; saucy
Example: "The impertinent boy was scolded by the teacher for interrupting the class."

impetuous (adjective) /ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs/
Meaning: Impetuous individuals often make decisions or take actions based on sudden emotions or instincts, rather than taking the time to weigh the pros and cons.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to impetuous?
Options: rash; cautious; deliberate; thoughtful
Answer: rash
Synonyms: foolhardy; impromptu; imprudent; incautious; injudicious; rash; reckless; rushed; spontaneous
Example: "Her impetuous decision to quit her job left her uncertain about the future."

impetus (noun) /ˈɪmpɪtəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe the motivation or reason for something happening.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to impetus?
Options: stimulus; hindrance; obstacle; deterrent
Answer: stimulus
Synonyms: catalyst; encouragement; impulse; incentive; momentum; motivation; push; stimulant; urge
Example: "The new policy provided the impetus for change within the organization."

impugn (verb) /ɪmˈpjuːn/
Meaning: It often refers to the act of making accusations or statements that are meant to damage the reputation of a person or group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to impugn?
Options: question; trust; accept; believe
Answer: question
Synonyms: assail; attack; challenge; condemn; contest; contradict; criticize; denounce; dispute; doubt; oppose; query
Example: "It was not her intention to impugn his credibility, but the evidence was irrefutable."

infallible (adjective) /ɪnˈfalɪbl/
Meaning: When we characterize something as infallible, it suggests a level of perfection and reliability that is beyond doubt or criticism.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to infallible?
Options: flawless; fallible; imperfect; error-prone
Answer: flawless
Synonyms: accurate; faultless; flawless; impeccable; meticulous; perfect; precise; scrupulous; unerring
Example: "Recent events have shown that experts are far from infallible."

insolent (adjective) /ˈɪn sə lənt/
Meaning: It refers to a lack of proper respect or courtesy towards others, often accompanied by a sense of arrogance or defiance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to insolent?
Options: disrespectful; respectful; polite; courteous
Answer: disrespectful
Synonyms: audacious; brazen; cheeky; cocky; contemptuous; defiant; disrespectful; impertinent; impudent; rude; sassy; saucy
Example: "The boy gave his teacher an insolent grin when she corrected his mistake."

laggard (noun) /ˈlaɡəd/
Meaning: This term is often used to describe a company or industry that is not keeping pace with its peers in terms of growth or innovation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to laggard?
Options: straggler; leader; front-runner; pioneer
Answer: straggler
Synonyms: dawdler; lazybones; lingerer; loafer; loiterer; lounger; shirker; slacker; slowcoach; straggler
Example: "The laggard in the race struggled to catch up with the frontrunners."

malapropism (noun) /ˈmaləprəpɪz(ə)m/
Meaning: Malapropisms are often unintentional and can occur due to a lack of knowledge of the correct word, confusion between similar-sounding words, or a slip of the tongue.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to malapropism?
Options: misusage; correctness; accuracy; propriety
Answer: misusage
Synonyms: blooper; blunder; flub; gaffe; mistake; misusage; misuse; paronym; solecism
Example: "Her speech was filled with one malapropism after another, leaving the audience bewildered."

mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
Meaning: When someone or something mitigates, it seeks to make the situation more bearable or manageable by taking actions that reduce its negative effects or consequences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to mitigate?
Options: alleviate; worsen; intensify; aggravate
Answer: alleviate
Synonyms: allay; alleviate; appease; assuage; attenuate; diminish; lessen; placate; quell; reduce; relieve
Example: "Planting more trees can help mitigate the effects of air pollution in urban areas."

narcissism (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪzᵊm/
Meaning: Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often exhibit a grandiose and self-centered attitude, believing they are superior to others and deserving of special treatment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to narcissism?
Options: self-absorption; altruism; selflessness; humility
Answer: self-absorption
Synonyms: arrogance; bigheadedness; boastfulness; braggadocio; cockiness; conceit; egocentrism; egotism; overconfidence; pride; smugness; vanity
Example: "His relentless narcissism made it challenging to maintain relationships."

nostalgic (adjective) /nɒˈstaldʒɪk/
Meaning: It is often associated with fond memories of one's childhood or earlier years, and can be triggered by a wide range of things such as a certain smell, sound, or object.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to nostalgic?
Options: wistful; forward-looking; contemporary; modern
Answer: wistful
Synonyms: cornball; dreamy; emotional; homesick; maudlin; mushy; sappy; wistful; yearning
Example: "The old photographs filled her with a nostalgic warmth."

obtuse (adjective) /əbˈtjuːs/
Meaning: When a person is labeled as obtuse, it typically suggests that they are not quick to comprehend nuances, subtleties, or even straightforward information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to obtuse?
Options: dull; perceptive; sharp; astute
Answer: dull
Synonyms: blunt; dense; dimwit; dull; halfwit; imperceptive; inattentive; insensible; stupid; thick; uncomprehending; unintelligent
Example: "His obtuse understanding of the project requirements led to unnecessary delays and confusion."

poignant (adjective) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/
Meaning: It refers to a situation in which something has a deeply affecting or emotional impact on someone, leaving a lasting impression or memory.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to poignant?
Options: touching; unemotional; bland; dull
Answer: touching
Synonyms: affecting; cutting; emotional; impactful; intense; meaningful; moving; penetrating; piercing
Example: "The poignant image of the abandoned house brought back many childhood memories."

portentous (adjective) /pɔːˈtɛntəs/
Meaning: It can also describe something that is grandiose, impressive, or impressive in a way that is intended to be taken as a sign of something greater or more important.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to portentous?
Options: ominous; reassuring; auspicious; benign
Answer: ominous
Synonyms: alarming; baleful; dire; doomy; eerie; fateful; forbidding; foreboding; gloomy; inauspicious; menacing; momentous
Example: "The dark clouds gathering on the horizon seemed portentous of an impending storm."

posit (verb) /ˈpɒzɪt/
Meaning: It implies a sense of assertion or hypothesis, and suggests that the thing in question is being proposed or suggested for consideration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to posit?
Options: propose; refute; deny; reject
Answer: propose
Synonyms: assert; assume; hypothesize; postulate; predicate; presuppose; state; submit
Example: "The scientist will posit a new hypothesis based on the experimental data."

prodigy (noun) /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/
Meaning: These prodigies often display an innate aptitude or mastery in areas such as music, mathematics, sports, or any other field, showcasing a level of proficiency that is far beyond what is considered typical for their age group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to prodigy?
Options: genius; novice; beginner; amateur
Answer: genius
Synonyms: genius; marvel; mastermind; phenomenon; sensation; virtuoso; whizz; wizard; wonder
Example: "The young computing-prodigy had already sold his first app by the age of eleven"

quintessence (noun) /kwɪnˈtɛsns/
Meaning: It is often used to describe the purest or highest form of a particular concept or substance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to quintessence?
Options: epitome; anomaly; deviation; exception
Answer: epitome
Synonyms: archetype; core; crux; embodiment; epitome; essence; exemplar; heart; ideal; model; paragon; personification
Example: "The quintessence of elegance is the little black dress."

rankle (verb) /ˈraŋkl/
Meaning: When something rankles, it creates a lasting emotional discomfort or annoyance, and the feelings associated with it continue to fester over time.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to rankle?
Options: irritate; please; comfort; soothe
Answer: irritate
Synonyms: aggravate; agitate; annoy; bother; exasperate; fester; harass; rage; rile; seethe; torment; vex
Example: "The unfair treatment continued to rankle him for years."

regurgitate (verb) /rɪˈɡəːdʒɪteɪt/
Meaning: When someone regurgitates information, they simply recall it from memory and repeat it, often in a mechanical or robotic manner, without engaging with the substance or meaning of the information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to regurgitate?
Options: repeat; originate; create; innovate
Answer: repeat
Synonyms: duplicate; echo; parrot; recapitulate; reiterate; reproduce; restate; retell
Example: "He could only regurgitate the facts, lacking true comprehension."

reiterate (verb) /ˌriːˈɪtəreɪt/
Meaning: Reiteration can be done in different ways, such as repeating a statement, demonstrating a concept or performing an action.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to reiterate?
Options: repeat; contradict; differ; diverge
Answer: repeat
Synonyms: duplicate; echo; recapitulate; reenact; renew; repeat; replicate; resay; restate; retell
Example: "Let me reiterate my stance on this issue—it's crucial to prioritize sustainability."

remedial (adjective) /rɪˈmidiəl/
Meaning: It is commonly used to describe actions, programs, or therapies that are designed to correct or alleviate a deficiency, disability, or deficiency in knowledge or skills.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to remedial?
Options: corrective; harmful; worsening; damaging
Answer: corrective
Synonyms: corrective; curative; curing; healing; medicinal; rectifying; reformative; remedying; reparative
Example: "She enrolled in a remedial math course to improve her skills."

sagacious (adjective) /səˈɡeɪʃəs/
Meaning: The term can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is able to think deeply and critically about a subject, and is able to discern important or valuable information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sagacious?
Options: wise; foolish; unwise; imprudent
Answer: wise
Synonyms: astute; brilliant; clever; insightful; intelligent; judicious; knowledgeable; perspicacious; wise
Example: "He was an extremely sagacious judge of character."

sanguine (adjective) /ˈsaŋɡwɪn/
Meaning: When we characterize an individual as sanguine, we are highlighting their hopeful and positive outlook on life, which is marked by a belief in favorable outcomes and an ability to maintain a good mood even when faced with difficulties.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sanguine?
Options: optimistic; pessimistic; despondent; bleak
Answer: optimistic
Synonyms: assured; bright; bullish; buoyant; cheerful; confident; enthusiastic; hopeful; upbeat
Example: "She is remarkably sanguine about her employment prospects."

schadenfreude (noun) /ˈʃɑːd(ə)nˌfrɔɪdə/
Meaning: German for "harm-joy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to schadenfreude?
Options: malice; empathy; sympathy; compassion
Answer: malice
Synonyms: delight; glee; gloating; gratification; joy; malice; pleasure; relish; satisfaction; smugness; spitefulness; triumph
Example: "Schadenfreude is the feeling of joy or satisfaction derived from the misfortune of others."

subjugate (verb) /ˈsʌbdʒʊɡeɪt/
Meaning: It is an action taken by one group of people to gain power and control over another group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to subjugate?
Options: conquer; liberate; emancipate; free
Answer: conquer
Synonyms: enslave; master; overcome; overpower; overthrow; quell; subdue; suppress; tame
Example: "If you let your fears subjugate you, you will never fulfill your true potential."

symbiosis (noun) /sɪmbʌɪˈəʊsɪs/
Meaning: Symbiosis can take many forms, ranging from mutualistic, where both organisms benefit, to commensalistic, where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected, to parasitic, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to symbiosis?
Options: cooperation; antagonism; conflict; competition
Answer: cooperation
Synonyms: collaboration; connection; cooperation; exchange; mutualism; reciprocity; synergism; synergy
Example: "Symbiosis is nature's way of fostering mutually beneficial partnerships."

ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
Meaning: When a phenomenon, object, or idea is described as ubiquitous, it implies that it can be found or observed in a multitude of places, situations, or contexts, often to the point of being nearly inescapable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ubiquitous?
Options: everywhere; rare; uncommon; scarce
Answer: everywhere
Synonyms: commonplace; everywhere; familiar; inescapable; omnipresent; pervading; pervasive; popular; present; prevailing; prevalent; universal
Example: "The song was ubiquitous, playing on the radio and in shops everywhere."