Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 1 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

acumen (noun) /ˈakjʊmən/
Definition: The ability to make good judgments and decisions quickly and effectively, especially in practical or business matters.
Example Sentence: "His strategic acumen helped turn the company around."
Synonyms: acuity; astuteness; cleverness; discernment; expertise; initiative
Opposite Meaning: ineptitude

adroit (adjective) /əˈdrɔɪt/
Definition: Having or showing great skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations.
Example Sentence: "He was an adroit negotiator, able to reach mutually beneficial agreements."
Synonyms: adept; artful; astute; capable; competent; deft
Opposite Meaning: clumsy

ascribe (verb) /əˈskrʌɪb/
Definition: To attribute or assign something to a particular cause, source, or person.
Example Sentence: "Some people ascribe their success to hard work and determination."
Synonyms: accredit; associate; attach; charge; credit; impute
Opposite Meaning: disassociate

avuncular (adjective) /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/
Definition: Resembling or characteristic of an uncle, especially in being friendly and helpful.
Example Sentence: "He had an avuncular manner and was always ready to offer advice."
Synonyms: affectionate; approachable; benevolent; friendly; genial; helpful
Opposite Meaning: unfriendly

boorish (adjective) /ˈbʊərɪʃ/
Definition: Behaving in a rude, crude, or uncultured manner, lacking social graces and displaying a lack of consideration for others.
Example Sentence: "She was offended by his boorish comments, finding them to be insensitive and hurtful."
Synonyms: churlish; coarse; loutish; oafish; rude; uncivilized
Opposite Meaning: refined

bucolic (adjective) /bjuːˈkɒlɪk/
Definition: Rustic, rural, or characteristic of the countryside, particularly in a charming and picturesque way.
Example Sentence: "The village was surrounded by lush, bucolic fields and quaint cottages."
Synonyms: agrarian; agrestic; agricultural; backwoods; country; countryside
Opposite Meaning: urban

censure (noun) /ˈsɛnʃə/
Definition: The act of criticizing or reprimanding someone severely, often as a formal or official rebuke.
Example Sentence: "The employee received a written censure for his repeated tardiness."
Synonyms: condemn; reproach; blame; denounce; disapprove; reprehend
Opposite Meaning: praise

clemency (noun) /ˈklɛmənsi/
Definition: Leniency or mercy shown to someone who is facing punishment or adverse consequences for their actions.
Example Sentence: "The judge showed clemency towards the first-time offender."
Synonyms: amnesty; compassion; forbearance; forgiveness; grace; humanity
Opposite Meaning: harshness

cogent (adjective) /ˈkəʊdʒ(ə)nt/
Definition: Clear, logical, and convincing, of an argument, reasoning or evidence.
Example Sentence: "His argument was cogent and well-supported by evidence."
Synonyms: coherent; compelling; conclusive; convincing; effective; forceful
Opposite Meaning: weak

contemptuous (adjective) /kənˈtɛmp tʃu əs/
Definition: Characterized by a deep disdain, scorn, or disrespect towards someone or something.
Example Sentence: "She couldn't hide her contemptuous sneer when her rival received the award."
Synonyms: arrogant; condescending; degrading; derisive; disdainful; disrespectful
Opposite Meaning: respectful

diatribe (noun) /ˈdʌɪətrʌɪb/
Definition: A speech or written passage that is marked by bitter, harsh, or condemnatory language, often directed against a particular person or group.
Example Sentence: "The journalist's diatribe against corruption in the industry caused a stir."
Synonyms: criticism; denunciation; fulmination; harangue; invective; jeremiad
Opposite Meaning: praise

disparate (adjective) /ˈdɪsp(ə)rət/
Definition: Fundamentally different or distinct in nature, kind, or character.
Example Sentence: "The team was made up of individuals with disparate skills and abilities."
Synonyms: contrary; contrasting; different; dissimilar; distinct; distinguishable
Opposite Meaning: similar

ersatz (adjective) /ˈɛrˌsɑts/
Definition: Made or used as a substitute or imitation, often intended to resemble or replace something else, but ultimately lacking in authenticity or genuine quality.
Example Sentence: "Her ersatz pearl necklace lacked the luster and elegance of the real pearls."
Synonyms: artificial; bogus; counterfeit; dummy; fake; false
Opposite Meaning: authentic

exhort (verb) /ɪɡˈzɔːt/
Definition: To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, typically by giving them advice or making a persuasive argument.
Example Sentence: "The teacher would often exhort her students to read beyond the syllabus."
Synonyms: advise; bid; caution; counsel; goad; incite
Opposite Meaning: discourage

foist (verb) /fɔɪst/
Definition: To impose or force something unwanted or unnecessary onto someone else, often through deception or manipulation.
Example Sentence: "The salesman tried to foist the inferior product onto the customer."
Synonyms: burden; dump; force; inflict; push; saddle
Opposite Meaning: reject

halcyon (adjective) /ˈhalsɪən/
Definition: Characterized by a very happy and successful period in the past.
Example Sentence: "His childhood memories were of halcyon days spent fishing with his grandfather."
Synonyms: blissful; carefree; contented; golden; happy; idyllic
Opposite Meaning: turbulent

hedonist (noun) /ˈhɛd(ə)nɪst/
Definition: A person who is devoted to the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification.
Example Sentence: "He was a hedonist, living for the moment and indulging in his desires."
Synonyms: debauchee; debaucher; decadent; epicurean; indulger; libertine
Opposite Meaning: ascetic

hiatus (noun) /hʌɪˈeɪtəs/
Definition: A pause, break, or gap in something that is usually continuous or ongoing.
Example Sentence: "She decided to take a hiatus from her career to start a family."
Synonyms: breach; break; chasm; gap; interim; interruption
Opposite Meaning: continuation

innocuous (adjective) /ɪˈnɒkjʊəs/
Definition: Harmless, causing no damage or injury, and not posing any threat.
Example Sentence: "The symptoms of some serious illnesses can start as innocuous discomforts."
Synonyms: anodyne; banal; benign; bland; gentle; harmless
Opposite Meaning: dangerous

inscrutable (adjective) /ɪnˈskruːtəb(ə)l/
Definition: Mysterious, enigmatic, or impossible to understand or interpret.
Example Sentence: "The inscrutable gaze of the customs official filled him with fear and anxiety."
Synonyms: cryptic; enigmatic; hidden; impenetrable; incomprehensible; inexplicable
Opposite Meaning: clear

insurgent (noun) /ɪnˈsəːdʒ(ə)nt/
Definition: A person or group who is actively engaged in a rebellion or resistance against an established government or authority.
Example Sentence: "The insurgent group staged a surprise attack on the government forces."
Synonyms: agitator; dissident; guerrilla; insurrectionist; mutineer; protester
Opposite Meaning: loyalist

jingoism (noun) /ˈdʒɪŋɡəʊɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A strong and aggressive nationalism or patriotism that often includes aggressive foreign policy, particularly in the form of military intervention.
Example Sentence: "The media's coverage of international affairs was criticized for promoting jingoism."
Synonyms: aggressiveness; bellicosity; belligerence; bigotry; chauvinism; hawkishness
Opposite Meaning: internationalism

jobbery (noun) /ˈdʒɒb(ə)ri/
Definition: The act of using one's power or influence to obtain personal benefits or advantages, typically in the form of financial gain.
Example Sentence: "The employee was fired for engaging in jobbery and accepting bribes from contractors."
Synonyms: bribery; crime; crookedness; exploitation; extortion; fraud
Opposite Meaning: meritocracy

jurisdiction (noun) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/
Definition: The official power of a court or government agency to interpret and enforce the law within a particular geographic area or over a specific group of people.
Example Sentence: "The Department of Justice has jurisdiction over cases involving federal law enforcement."
Synonyms: authority; command; control; discretion; dominion; influence
Opposite Meaning: powerlessness

lobby (verb) /ˈlɒbi/
Definition: To seek to influence public officials, policymakers, or legislators in favor of a particular cause or interest.
Example Sentence: "The labor union is planning to lobby for better working conditions."
Synonyms: advocate; appeal; campaign; champion; persuade; petition
Opposite Meaning: neglect

lustre (noun) /ˈlʌstə/
Definition: The brightness or sheen of a surface, often used to describe the appearance of materials such as metals or gems.
Example Sentence: "The golden statue had lost its lustre over time."
Synonyms: brilliance; dazzle; gleam; glint; glitter; gloss
Opposite Meaning: dullness

malady (noun) /ˈmalədi/
Definition: A physical or mental disorder, ailment, or illness that affects the health or well-being of an individual.
Example Sentence: "The doctor prescribed medication to alleviate the symptoms of the malady."
Synonyms: affliction; ailment; complaint; disorder; indisposition; infection
Opposite Meaning: health

misconstrue (verb) /ˌmɪskənˈstruː/
Definition: To interpret or understand something in the wrong way.
Example Sentence: "It's easy to misconstrue someone's intentions when you don't know them well."
Synonyms: confound; distort; garble; misapprehend; miscalculate; miscomprehend
Opposite Meaning: comprehend

nascent (adjective) /ˈneɪsnt/
Definition: In the early stages of development or existence, often in the process of emerging or being born.
Example Sentence: "The nascent technology had the potential to revolutionize the industry."
Synonyms: blossoming; budding; burgeoning; developing; early; embryonic
Opposite Meaning: declining

nefarious (adjective) /nɪˈfɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Extremely wicked, morally reprehensible and characterized by deliberate, malevolent intent.
Example Sentence: "The nefarious plan was foiled by the authorities before it could be executed."
Synonyms: corrupt; degenerate; depraved; heinous; malevolent; malicious
Opposite Meaning: virtuous

neurotic (adjective) /nʊˈrɒt ɪk/
Definition: Characteristic of being overly anxious, worrisome, or excessively preoccupied with one's own thoughts and emotions.
Example Sentence: "He had a neurotic tendency to overthink every decision, no matter how trivial."
Synonyms: agitated; anxious; fretful; insecure; jumpy; obsessive
Opposite Meaning: stable

obsequious (adjective) /əbˈsiːkwɪəs/
Definition: Excessively eager to please or comply with others, especially those in positions of authority.
Example Sentence: "The obsequious employee always agreed with everything the boss said."
Synonyms: cringing; deferential; fawning; flattering; groveling; ingratiating
Opposite Meaning: assertive

odious (adjective) /ˈəʊdɪəs/
Definition: Extremely repulsive, detestable, or deserving of intense hatred or strong aversion.
Example Sentence: "The odious language used in the movie offended many viewers."
Synonyms: abhorrent; abominable; contemptible; despicable; detestable; disgusting
Opposite Meaning: appealing

opprobrium (noun) /əˈprəʊbrɪəm/
Definition: Public disgrace, shame, or contempt arising from shameful or dishonorable conduct or actions.
Example Sentence: "The company faced widespread opprobrium for its unethical practices."
Synonyms: censure; condemnation; contempt; criticism; disapproval; disgrace
Opposite Meaning: honor

opulent (adjective) /ˈɒpjʊl(ə)nt/
Definition: Lavish displays of wealth and abundance, typically of property and goods.
Example Sentence: "It was a lavishly opulent hotel with a price tag to match."
Synonyms: deluxe; expensive; fancy; grand; luxurious; palatial
Opposite Meaning: modest

pacifist (noun) /ˈpasɪfɪst/
Definition: A person who is strongly opposed to war and violence, and advocates for peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Example Sentence: "The pacifist refused to take up arms and fight in the war."
Synonyms: antimilitarist; antiwar; conchie; dove; neutral; nonaggressor
Opposite Meaning: militarist

panacea (noun) /ˌpanəˈsiːə/
Definition: A supposed universal remedy or solution that can cure or alleviate all ills, problems, or difficulties.
Example Sentence: "The scientist claimed that his new discovery was a panacea for cancer."
Synonyms: balm; cure; drug; elixir; healing; nostrum
Opposite Meaning: detriment

paradigm (noun) /ˈparədʌɪm/
Definition: A distinct pattern, model, or framework that serves as the basis for understanding and interpreting a particular subject or phenomenon.
Example Sentence: "The theory proposed a new paradigm for understanding the universe."
Synonyms: archetype; blueprint; example; exemplar; idea; model
Opposite Meaning: anomaly

pejorative (adjective) /pɪˈdʒɒrətɪv/
Definition: Having a negative or derogatory connotation, often intended to belittle, insult, or criticize someone or something.
Example Sentence: "She was upset by the pejorative comments made about her work."
Synonyms: abusive; belittling; contemptuous; degrading; demeaning; denigrating
Opposite Meaning: complimentary

perfunctory (adjective) /pəˈfʌŋ(k)t(ə)ri/
Definition: Done in a routine, cursory, or mechanical way, without much care, interest or attention.
Example Sentence: "The receptionist gave a perfunctory smile as we checked out of the hotel."
Synonyms: apathetic; automatic; careless; cursory; detached; disinterested
Opposite Meaning: thorough

pique (verb) /piːk/
Definition: To arouse or stimulate a feeling of interest, curiosity, or irritation in someone.
Example Sentence: "The unique design of the building will definitely pique architectural curiosity."
Synonyms: excite; galvanize; incite; inspire; kindle; motivate
Opposite Meaning: bore

platitude (noun) /ˈplatɪtjuːd/
Definition: A statement or remark that is so overused that it has lost its power to be meaningful or interesting.
Example Sentence: "The coach's encouragement sounded like an empty platitude."
Synonyms: banality; bromide; cliché; commonplace; conventionality; hackneyed
Opposite Meaning: profundity

pontificate (verb) /pɒnˈtɪfɪkeɪt/
Definition: To speak in a dogmatic, arrogant or self-important way, particularly on a subject one is not an expert in or on a subject that is not of importance.
Example Sentence: "During dinner parties, he would pontificate on the art of fine dining."
Synonyms: bluster; declaim; dogmatize; expound; lecture; pontify
Opposite Meaning: listen

protagonist (noun) /prəˈtaɡ(ə)nɪst/
Definition: An advocate or champion of a particular cause, idea, or movement.
Example Sentence: "He was a vehement protagonist for animal rights."
Synonyms: adherent; advocate; champion; defender; enthusiast; exponent
Opposite Meaning: antagonist

sentient (adjective) /ˈsɛnʃnt/
Definition: Possessing consciousness, the ability to perceive and experience sensations, emotions, or awareness of its own existence.
Example Sentence: "The sentient being was aware of its own existence."
Synonyms: alive; awake; aware; cognizant; conscious; knowing
Opposite Meaning: insentient

stalwart (adjective) /ˈstɔːlwət/
Definition: Resolutely loyal, dependable, and unwavering in one’s support or commitment to a particular cause, group, or individual.
Example Sentence: "She was a stalwart member of the community, always willing to lend a helping hand."
Synonyms: dedicated; devoted; faithful; redoubtable; resolute; staunch
Opposite Meaning: disloyal

surreptitious (adjective) /ˌsʌrɪpˈtɪʃəs/
Definition: Done secretly or covertly, in order to avoid detection or avoid drawing attention to oneself.
Example Sentence: "The surreptitious recording of the conversation was later used as evidence in court."
Synonyms: clandestine; concealed; covert; devious; furtive; hidden
Opposite Meaning: open

temporize (verb) /ˈtɛmpərʌɪz/
Definition: To delay or avoid making a decision or taking action, often in order to gain time or avoid confrontation.
Example Sentence: "I always temporize when faced with difficult decisions."
Synonyms: dawdle; dodge; equivocate; filibuster; hedge; hesitate
Opposite Meaning: decide

travail (noun) /ˈtraveɪl/
Definition: A difficult and painful experience or labor, often associated with physical or mental exertion.
Example Sentence: "The explorer documented their travail as they crossed treacherous terrain."
Synonyms: drudgery; effort; grind; hardship; slog; strain
Opposite Meaning: ease

woebegone (adjective) /ˈwəʊbɪɡɒn/
Definition: Appearing extremely sad, distressed, or forlorn, often characterized by a haggard and dejected appearance.
Example Sentence: "The abandoned puppy looked woebegone and hungry on the side of the road."
Synonyms: crestfallen; dejected; depressed; despondent; disconsolate; doleful
Opposite Meaning: cheerful