Online Synonyms Quiz for GRE 9 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

abstruse (adjective) /əbˈstruːs/
Meaning: When a subject, concept, or piece of writing is labeled as abstruse, it implies that it requires a high level of comprehension, specialized knowledge, or intellectual effort to fully grasp its meaning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abstruse?
Options: obscure; clear; simple; straightforward
Answer: obscure
Synonyms: abstract; ambiguous; concealed; confusing; mysterious; obscure; puzzling; subtle; unclear; vague
Example: "The lecture delved into abstruse theories that left most of the audience confused."

amalgamate (verb) /əˈmalɡəmeɪt/
Meaning: This can refer to a variety of different types of entities, such as companies, organizations, or groups of people.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to amalgamate?
Options: combine; separate; divide; disjoin
Answer: combine
Synonyms: blend; coalesce; combine; compound; consolidate; fuse; incorporate; integrate; meld; merge; mix; unify
Example: "The two companies will amalgamate to form a larger corporation."

apropos (preposition) /ˌaprəˈpəʊ/
Meaning: It is often employed to introduce a comment, statement, or action that is timely, fitting, or pertinent to the ongoing discussion or circumstances.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apropos?
Options: relevant; irrelevant; unsuitable; inapplicable
Answer: relevant
Synonyms: about; belonging; germane; pertinent; regarding; related; relative; respecting; touching
Example: "Apropos of our discussion, I found an article that supports your argument."

arbitrary (adjective) /ˈɑːbɪt(rə)ri/
Meaning: It refers to something that is not based on reason, evidence or facts, but rather on the whim or caprice of the person making the decision.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to arbitrary?
Options: capricious; reasoned; systematic; methodical
Answer: capricious
Synonyms: capricious; chance; discretionary; erratic; fanciful; frivolous; haphazard; inconsistent; irrational; random; subjective; unpredictable
Example: "He was criticized for his arbitrary decision-making."

ascetic (adjective) /əˈsɛtɪk/
Meaning: It is often associated with religious or spiritual practices, where adherents may choose to live a simple and austere life in order to focus on their spiritual growth and development.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ascetic?
Options: disciplined; hedonistic; indulgent; extravagant
Answer: disciplined
Synonyms: abstemious; austere; celibate; monastic; monkish; puritanical; Spartan; stern; strict
Example: "The ascetic monk lived in solitude, detached from worldly desires."

captious (adjective) /ˈkapʃəs/
Meaning: It can also describe a person who is overly critical or nitpicky, especially in a way that is designed to be difficult or annoying.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to captious?
Options: critical; uncritical; tolerant; accepting
Answer: critical
Synonyms: carping; caviling; critical; disapproving; judgmental; nitpicking; pedantic; quibbling
Example: "Her captious remarks during the meeting hindered constructive discussion."

cessation (noun) /sɛˈseɪʃn/
Meaning: It can refer to the cessation of a physical action or a state of being, such as the cessation of smoking or the cessation of hostilities in a war.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cessation?
Options: stoppage; continuation; commencement; resumption
Answer: stoppage
Synonyms: abeyance; cease; halt; interruption; pause; remission; standstill; suspension; termination
Example: "The cessation of rainfall brought relief to the drought-stricken region."

coalesce (verb) /ˌkəʊəˈlɛs/
Meaning: This can be applied in various fields such as physics, chemistry, biology and engineering.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to coalesce?
Options: unite; separate; disperse; divide
Answer: unite
Synonyms: amalgamate; blend; cohere; combine; conjoin; consolidate; fuse; integrate; merge; unite
Example: "The ideas from the team coalesce into a groundbreaking innovation."

compendious (adjective) /kəmˈpɛndɪəs/
Meaning: It is characterized by being brief and yet containing a lot of information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to compendious?
Options: concise; verbose; lengthy; wordy
Answer: concise
Synonyms: abridged; brief; compact; concise; condensed; economical; laconic; pithy; short; succinct; summarized; summary
Example: "The compendious reference book was an invaluable resource for the students."

confabulate (verb) /kənˈfabjʊleɪt/
Meaning: It can also refer to the act of generating memories that are not based on actual experiences, a symptom that is commonly seen in people with memory disorders, such as dementia.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to confabulate?
Options: chat; silence; quiet; hush
Answer: chat
Synonyms: banter; chat; chitchat; communicate; confer; consult; converse; discuss; gossip; jaw; natter; palaver
Example: "Shall we confabulate over coffee tomorrow?"

corroborate (verb) /kəˈrɒbəreɪt/
Meaning: Corroborate is a verb that refers to the act of providing evidence or confirmation to support the truth or accuracy of something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to corroborate?
Options: confirm; contradict; refute; disprove
Answer: confirm
Synonyms: affirm; authenticate; bolster; confirm; document; endorse; establish; justify; ratify; substantiate; validate; verify
Example: "The detective collects evidence to corroborate the witness's statement."

crepuscular (adjective) /krɪˈpʌskjʊlə/
Meaning: Crepuscular creatures, such as deer and rabbits, are adapted to living in low light conditions and are most active during the periods of transition between day and night.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to crepuscular?
Options: twilight-active; diurnal; nocturnal; daytime-active
Answer: twilight-active
Synonyms: black; darkened; dimmed; dingy; gloomy; misty; murky; overcast; shadowy; somber; twilit
Example: "The crepuscular animal was most active during the dim light of dawn."

deference (noun) /ˈdɛf(ə)rəns/
Meaning: When someone shows deference to someone else, they are acknowledging their authority or superiority and behaving in a way that is respectful and obedient.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to deference?
Options: respect; disrespect; defiance; disregard
Answer: respect
Synonyms: acquiescence; adulation; consideration; courtesy; deferment; esteem; homage; obedience; obeisance; obsequiousness; regard; respect
Example: "He showed deference to his elders, a sign of respect."

denote (verb) /dɪˈnəʊt/
Meaning: When we use language to communicate, we assign meanings to words and use them to represent concepts, ideas, objects, or actions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to denote?
Options: indicate; misrepresent; disguise; conceal
Answer: indicate
Synonyms: connote; designate; equal; express; imply; mark; mean; show; suggest; symbolize; typify
Example: "In mathematics, the symbol "+" will denote addition."

dichotomy (noun) /dʌɪˈkɒtəmi/
Meaning: It can refer to a situation or a concept that is divided into two mutually exclusive or conflicting parts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dichotomy?
Options: division; union; merger; amalgamation
Answer: division
Synonyms: bifurcation; contradiction; contrast; disjunction; distinction; division; dualism; duality; gulf; incongruity; paradox; polarity
Example: "The dichotomy between good and evil is a timeless theme."

dissemble (verb) /dɪˈsɛmbl/
Meaning: It refers to the act of pretending or hiding one's true intentions or emotions, often for the purpose of deception.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dissemble?
Options: deceive; reveal; disclose; be honest
Answer: deceive
Synonyms: bluff; camouflage; cloak; counterfeit; cover; fake; feign; hide; pretend; sham; shroud
Example: "He tried to dissemble his anger, but his tone betrayed his true feelings."

egocentric (adjective) /ˌi goʊˈsɛn trɪk/
Meaning: It refers to a self-centered or self-focused perspective, where one perceives the world primarily through the lens of their own experiences and concerns.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to egocentric?
Options: self-centered; altruistic; selfless; other-oriented
Answer: self-centered
Synonyms: conceited; egoistic; egoistical; individualist; insular; inward; narcissistic; prideful; selfish; solipsistic; vain
Example: "The egocentric politician only cared about advancing his own career."

euphemism (noun) /ˈjuːfɪmɪz(ə)m/
Meaning: The term comes from the Greek word "euphemia" which means "the use of words of good omen".
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to euphemism?
Options: understatement; vulgarity; directness; bluntness
Answer: understatement
Synonyms: alternative; circumlocution; colloquialism; concealment; delicacy; dodge; genteelism; metaphor; mincing; nicety; softening; substitute
Example: "The politician used a euphemism to soften the impact of his controversial statement."

faux-pas (noun) /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː/
Meaning: When someone commits a faux pas, they inadvertently violate accepted norms of behavior or decorum, often causing discomfort or offense to others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to faux-pas?
Options: blunder; propriety; correctness; etiquette
Answer: blunder
Synonyms: blooper; blunder; bungle; gaffe; goof; hash; mistake; oversight; slip; transgression
Example: "Her unintentional comment at the dinner party was a major faux pas."

fractious (adjective) /ˈfrakʃəs/
Meaning: When we refer to a person, group, or situation as fractious, we emphasize a tendency to exhibit disruptive behavior, resistance to authority or control, or a quickness to engage in arguments or conflicts.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fractious?
Options: irritable; amiable; cooperative; agreeable
Answer: irritable
Synonyms: argumentative; cantankerous; contentious; cranky; cross; disorderly; disruptive; irritable; peevish; quarrelsome; stubborn; testy
Example: "The fractious child was constantly causing disruptions in class."

fulminate (verb) /ˈfʊlmɪneɪt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a public outburst or verbal attack.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fulminate?
Options: denounce; praise; commend; laud
Answer: denounce
Synonyms: condemn; inveigh; rail; rant; harangue; criticize; curse; censure; berate; castigate; vilify
Example: "In court, lawyers fulminate against unjust laws, demanding change fervently."

incorrigible (adjective) /ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒɪb(ə)l/
Meaning: When someone is labeled as incorrigible, it implies that their actions, habits, or tendencies are deeply ingrained and seem immune to intervention or rehabilitation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to incorrigible?
Options: unchangeable; reformable; correctable; amendable
Answer: unchangeable
Synonyms: confirmed; diehard; habitual; hardened; hopeless; incurable; intractable; intransigent; inveterate; irredeemable; obstinate; recidivist
Example: "She had an incorrigible love for sweets, which always overpowered her dieting plans."

laconic (adjective) /ləˈkɒnɪk/
Meaning: When someone is described as laconic, it implies that they are concise and to the point, often using minimal words to communicate effectively.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to laconic?
Options: terse; verbose; garrulous; loquacious
Answer: terse
Synonyms: brusque; clipped; compact; concise; crisp; curt; pithy; short; succinct; terse
Example: "His laconic response left us wondering about his true feelings."

languid (adjective) /ˈlaŋɡwɪd/
Meaning: It can refer to a person who moves slowly or appears lethargic, or to an atmosphere or mood that is calm or peaceful.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to languid?
Options: sluggish; energetic; lively; vigorous
Answer: sluggish
Synonyms: apathetic; indolent; lackadaisical; languorous; lazy; lethargic; listless; slothful; sluggish
Example: "The tropical afternoon invited a languid walk on the beach."

languish (verb) /ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/
Meaning: When we use the term "languish," we emphasize a state of physical or emotional deterioration, where one's vitality and energy diminish, leading to a sense of decline or stagnation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to languish?
Options: weaken; flourish; thrive; prosper
Answer: weaken
Synonyms: decay; decline; deteriorate; droop; fade; fail; flag; rot; sink; suffer; weaken; wilt
Example: "After his wife's death, he began to languish in his solitary apartment."

livid (adjective) /ˈlɪvɪd/
Meaning: When someone is described as livid, it signifies that they are not only angry but also visibly and intensely so, with their emotions manifesting physically through a pallid or ashen complexion.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to livid?
Options: enraged; calm; pleased; delighted
Answer: enraged
Synonyms: angry; boiling; enraged; exasperated; fuming; furious; incensed; infuriated; irate; mad; maddened; outraged
Example: "She was livid when she found out her work had been plagiarized."

magnanimous (adjective) /maɡˈnanɪməs/
Meaning: A magnanimous person is often seen as being large-hearted, generous, and willing to put the needs or feelings of others before their own.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to magnanimous?
Options: generous; selfish; spiteful; petty
Answer: generous
Synonyms: altruistic; benevolent; charitable; considerate; forgiving; gallant; generous; gracious; honorable; kind; lenient; munificent
Example: "He showed a magnanimous gesture by forgiving his friend's mistake."

malign (adjective) /məˈlʌɪn/
Meaning: When something is characterized as malign, it implies a deliberate and often secretive attempt to hurt or undermine others, whether through actions, words, or intentions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to malign?
Options: harmful; benign; beneficial; kind
Answer: harmful
Synonyms: cruel; hateful; hostile; malevolent; malicious; malignant; nasty; spiteful; vicious
Example: "His malign smile betrayed a malevolent intent, sowing chaos."

nihilism (noun) /ˈnʌɪ(h)ɪlɪz(ə)m/
Meaning: It suggests that moral and religious beliefs are unfounded and that life is ultimately meaningless.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to nihilism?
Options: negativism; existentialism; optimism; idealism
Answer: negativism
Synonyms: abnegation; atheism; cynicism; pessimism; rejection; renunciation; repudiation; skepticism
Example: "The novel’s theme of nihilism depicts a society where people have lost all sense of purpose."

noxious (adjective) /ˈnɒkʃəs/
Meaning: When a substance or element is deemed 'noxious,' it signifies that it has the potential to cause serious harm, illness, or damage upon exposure.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to noxious?
Options: poisonous; harmless; safe; beneficial
Answer: poisonous
Synonyms: baneful; dangerous; deleterious; hurtful; insalubrious; pestilent; toxic; unhealthy; virulent
Example: "The noxious fumes from the factory made us close all our windows."

osmosis (noun) /ɒzˈməʊsɪs/
Meaning: This movement of molecules is driven by a concentration gradient and does not require the input of external energy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to osmosis?
Options: diffusion; stagnation; immobility; solidity
Answer: diffusion
Synonyms: absorption; assimilation; diffusion; imbibition; infiltration; permeation; saturation; transudation
Example: "Water molecules move through cell membranes via osmosis."

ostensible (adjective) /ɒˈstɛn sə bəl/
Meaning: It refers to a quality or characteristic that is outwardly evident or claimed, often serving as a cover or facade for something else.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ostensible?
Options: apparent; genuine; real; authentic
Answer: apparent
Synonyms: alleged; apparent; feigned; illusory; outward; professed; purported; putative; seeming; specious; superficial; supposed
Example: "Her ostensible joy hid the grief she felt inside; her smile didn't reach her eyes."

pathological (adjective) /paθəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l/
Meaning: It can also refer to behavior or traits that are abnormal, compulsive, or obsessive to the point of being unhealthy or harmful.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pathological?
Options: diseased; healthy; normal; wholesome
Answer: diseased
Synonyms: aberrant; abnormal; deranged; deviant; diseased; disordered; disturbed; morbid; sickly; twisted; unhealthy; warped
Example: "The doctor identified his behavior as pathological and recommended therapy."

placate (verb) /pləˈkeɪt/
Meaning: When we use the term "placate," we emphasize the effort to satisfy or soothe another person's emotions, often by making concessions or offering reassurances.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to placate?
Options: appease; provoke; agitate; irritate
Answer: appease
Synonyms: alleviate; appease; assuage; calm; comfort; conciliate; mitigate; mollify; relieve; satisfy
Example: "I try to placate my toddler when he throws a tantrum."

plutocracy (noun) /pluːˈtɒkrəsi/
Meaning: Plutocracy is a form of government in which the power is held by a small group of wealthy individuals or families.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to plutocracy?
Options: oligarchy; democracy; egalitarianism; meritocracy
Answer: oligarchy
Synonyms: aristocracy; bourgeoisie; elite; elitism; establishment; gentry; hierarchy; moneyed; nobility; oligarchy; patriciate
Example: "The plutocracy uses its wealth to influence politics and control the media."

quaint (adjective) /kweɪnt/
Meaning: It refers to something that is attractively unconventional or pleasantly peculiar, typically associated with a sense of nostalgia.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to quaint?
Options: charming; modern; contemporary; commonplace
Answer: charming
Synonyms: charming; enchanting; idyllic; peculiar; picturesque; quaintish; rustic; traditional; unique; vintage; whimsical
Example: "We stayed in a quaint bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the countryside."

rancor (noun) /ˈraŋkə/
Meaning: It is a strong and lasting feeling of ill will or hostility towards someone or something, often as a result of a past hurt or injustice.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to rancor?
Options: bitterness; goodwill; affection; amiability
Answer: bitterness
Synonyms: acrimony; animosity; animus; antipathy; bitterness; enmity; grudge; hatred; hostility; loathing; malice; resentment
Example: "Despite their past disagreements, there was no rancor between them anymore."

retinue (noun) /ˈrɛtɪnjuː/
Meaning: These people can include advisors, assistants, staff, guards or other followers who are dedicated to serving the person they accompany.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to retinue?
Options: entourage; enemy; adversary; opponent
Answer: entourage
Synonyms: aides; attendants; band; cortège; crew; entourage; followers; following; posse; servants
Example: "The monarch arrived with a regal retinue of courtiers and advisors."

revelry (noun) /ˈrɛv əl ri/
Meaning: It conveys a sense of joyful and exuberant behavior often associated with social gatherings or special occasions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to revelry?
Options: festivity; solemnity; mourning; gloom
Answer: festivity
Synonyms: bacchanalia; carousal; carousing; celebration; fest; festivity; frolic; jollification; jubilation; merriment; mirth; partying
Example: "The wedding reception was a night of non-stop revelry and dancing."

roguish (adjective) /ˈroʊ gɪʃ/
Meaning: A roguish individual typically exudes an air of playfulness and adventure, often accompanied by a sly smile or a twinkle in their eye.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to roguish?
Options: mischievous; honest; sincere; trustworthy
Answer: mischievous
Synonyms: adventurous; charming; cunning; deceitful; mischievous; playful; rakish; rascally; sly; trickster; unscrupulous; wily
Example: "The pirate’s roguish grin made him appear both menacing and charming at the same time."

sequester (verb) /sɪˈkwɛstə/
Meaning: This can refer to physical separation, such as setting something apart in a laboratory or witness protection program, or it can refer to financial separation, such as setting aside funds for a specific purpose.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sequester?
Options: isolate; release; integrate; unite
Answer: isolate
Synonyms: confine; insulate; quarantine; remove; restrain; retire; seclude; segregate; withdraw
Example: "The company decided to sequester their funds in a high-yield savings account."

subterfuge (noun) /ˈsʌbtəfjuː(d)ʒ/
Meaning: It is a tactic or strategy used to mislead or deceive others, especially in order to achieve a specific goal.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to subterfuge?
Options: deception; honesty; openness; transparency
Answer: deception
Synonyms: artifice; bluff; deceit; dodge; machination; maneuver; ploy; pretense; ruse; sham; stratagem
Example: "The politician used subterfuge to deceive the public about his true intentions."

testament (noun) /ˈtɛstəm(ə)nt/
Meaning: There are two primary types of testament: the 'last will and testament' and the 'living will' or 'healthcare testament.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to testament?
Options: will; indecision; uncertainty; doubt
Answer: will
Synonyms: bequest; codicil; conveyance; decree; devise; directive; disposition; endowment; grant; legacy; settlement; will
Example: "The lawyer carefully reviewed the testament to ensure it adhered to the deceased's wishes."

triage (noun) /ˈtraɪɪʤ/
Meaning: Triage is a crucial component of emergency medicine and disaster response, as it helps medical professionals quickly identify and treat the most critical cases first.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to triage?
Options: prioritization; neglect; disregard; confusion
Answer: prioritization
Synonyms: allocation; arrangement; assessment; categorization; classification; evaluation; grading; prioritization; screening; selection; sorting
Example: "The ER nurses conducted triage to prioritize incoming patients."

umbrage (noun) /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/
Meaning: It can also imply a sense of hurt pride or dignity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to umbrage?
Options: offense; pleasure; delight; contentment
Answer: offense
Synonyms: anger; annoyance; chagrin; discomfort; disgruntlement; displeasure; dudgeon; exasperation; frustration; hurt; indignation; irritation
Example: "He took umbrage at the insinuation that he was lying."

verbatim (adverb) /və(ː)ˈbeɪtɪm/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a transcript, quote, or retelling of something that is identical to the original, without any changes, omissions, or additions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to verbatim?
Options: exact; paraphrased; altered; summarized
Answer: exact
Synonyms: accurately; closely; directly; faithfully; identically; literally; precisely; rigorously
Example: "The court reporter transcribed the testimony verbatim."

vitiate (verb) /ˈvɪʃ iˌeɪt/
Meaning: When something is vitiated, its essential attributes or inherent virtues are compromised, often leading to a diminished state or outcome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vitiate?
Options: corrupt; purify; enhance; improve
Answer: corrupt
Synonyms: blemish; contaminate; degrade; devalue; discredit; harm; mar; spoil; sully; taint; tarnish
Example: "His dishonesty could vitiate the trust others had in him."

waspish (adjective) /ˈwɒspɪʃ/
Meaning: The term is often used to describe a person who is easily angered or has a tendency to lash out at others with sharp or biting words.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to waspish?
Options: snappish; genial; amiable; pleasant
Answer: snappish
Synonyms: cantankerous; crabby; fiery; grumpy; irascible; peevish; petulant; testy; tetchy
Example: "Her waspish comments during the meeting offended several attendees."

writhe (verb) /raɪð/
Meaning: It is a physical response that usually indicates a person is experiencing some kind of distress, either physical or emotional.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to writhe?
Options: squirm; relax; still; calm
Answer: squirm
Synonyms: bend; contort; convulse; jerk; squirm; struggle; thrash; toss; twist; twitch; wiggle; wriggle
Example: "The snake began to writhe as it shed its skin."

xenophobic (adjective) /ˌzɛn əˈfoʊ bɪk/
Meaning: It signifies a deep-seated aversion or hostility towards individuals perceived as foreigners or outsiders.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to xenophobic?
Options: prejudiced; accepting; open-minded; tolerant
Answer: prejudiced
Synonyms: biased; bigoted; chauvinistic; discriminatory; ethnocentric; insular; intolerant; jingoistic; nativist; prejudiced; racist
Example: "Xenophobic sentiments have no place in a diverse and inclusive society."