Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 11 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

accentuate (verb) /ækˈsɛn tʃuˌeɪt/
Definition: To emphasize or highlight something, typically by giving it greater prominence or making it more noticeable.
Example Sentence: "The artist used bold brush strokes to accentuate the intensity of the sunset."
Synonyms: amplify; emphasize; highlight; intensify; magnify; spotlight
Opposite Meaning: downplay

aesthetic (adjective) /iːsˈθɛtɪk/
Definition: Relating to matters of beauty, art, or the appreciation of artistic and visual qualities.
Example Sentence: "The photographer captured the aesthetic beauty of the city in his pictures."
Synonyms: artistic; attractive; beautiful; decorative; elegant; refined
Opposite Meaning: unattractive

aggrandize (verb) /əˈɡrandʌɪz/
Definition: To make someone appear more powerful or important than they actually are, often for the purpose of gaining attention or respect.
Example Sentence: "The CEO used the media to aggrandize his role in the company’s success."
Synonyms: applaud; boost; canonize; commend; elevate; ennoble
Opposite Meaning: minimize

ambiance (noun) /ˈæm bi əns/
Definition: The overall atmosphere, mood, or character of a place, environment, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The soft music and dim lighting created a romantic ambiance in the restaurant."
Synonyms: atmosphere; aura; character; climate; environment; feel
Opposite Meaning: blandness

analogous (adjective) /əˈnæl ə gəs/
Definition: Having similarities or corresponding to something else, without being identical or the same.
Example Sentence: "The way a virus infects a cell is analogous to a burglar breaking into a house."
Synonyms: akin; alike; allied; cognate; comparable; connate
Opposite Meaning: different

beget (verb) /bɪˈɡɛt/
Definition: To cause, produce or create something, especially a child or descendant.
Example Sentence: "The mythological creature was known to beget offspring with magical powers."
Synonyms: bring; catalyze; cause; engender; generate; induce
Opposite Meaning: destroy

charlatan (noun) /ˈʃɑːlət(ə)n/
Definition: A person who pretends to have knowledge, skills, or qualifications, especially to deceive or cheat others.
Example Sentence: "She was a charlatan who claimed to have a secret formula for weight loss."
Synonyms: fraudster; hoaxer; hoodwinker; hustler; impostor; masquerader
Opposite Meaning: expert

comport (verb) /kəmˈpɔːt/
Definition: To behave or conduct oneself in a particular manner, often in accordance with established norms or standards of behavior.
Example Sentence: "I expect you to comport yourself with dignity."
Synonyms: accord; acquit; act; adhere; agree; bear
Opposite Meaning: misbehave

consummate (adjective) /ˈkɒns(j)əmət/
Definition: Extremely skilled, proficient, or accomplished in a particular activity or skill, often to the highest degree possible.
Example Sentence: "He handled questions from the press with consummate ease."
Synonyms: exemplary; expert; faultless; gifted; impeccable; masterful
Opposite Meaning: inept

convivial (adjective) /kənˈvɪvɪəl/
Definition: Cheerful and friendly in manner or attitude, especially in a group setting.
Example Sentence: "The convivial atmosphere at the restaurant made it a favorite among locals."
Synonyms: cordial; enjoyable; genial; hospitable; jolly; jovial
Opposite Meaning: unsociable

decorum (noun) /dɪˈkɔːrəm/
Definition: Correct or proper behavior that shows respect and good manners in a particular social setting or situation.
Example Sentence: "The host reminded the guests to observe decorum during the formal event."
Synonyms: civility; correctness; courtesy; courtliness; dignity; etiquette
Opposite Meaning: impropriety

dissonance (noun) /ˈdɪs(ə)nəns/
Definition: A state of tension, conflict, or incongruity between two or more things, such as ideas, emotions, or actions.
Example Sentence: "The conflicting interests caused dissonance in the negotiating process."
Synonyms: cacophony; conflict; disagreement; discord; discrepancy; disharmony
Opposite Meaning: harmony

dossier (noun) /ˈdɒsɪə/
Definition: A collection of documents or information on a specific subject or person.
Example Sentence: "He compiled a dossier on the company's financial history."
Synonyms: data; detail; file; information; intelligence; portfolio
Opposite Meaning: disorganization

ebullient (adjective) /ɪˈbʌljənt/
Definition: Filled with an exuberant and effervescent energy, enthusiasm, or joy that is infectious to those around them.
Example Sentence: "It was the festive season and everyone was in an ebullient mood."
Synonyms: bouncy; bubbly; chipper; chirpy; energetic; exuberant
Opposite Meaning: depressed

euphoric (adjective) /yuˈfɔr ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by or feeling intense happiness, joy, or elation.
Example Sentence: "The athlete felt euphoric as they crossed the finish line, breaking their personal record."
Synonyms: blissful; delighted; ecstatic; elated; enraptured; exultant
Opposite Meaning: depressed

fait-accompli (noun) /ˌfeɪt əˈkɒmpli/
Definition: An event that has already happened and cannot be changed or undone.
Example Sentence: "The restructuring was a fait accompli before the employees were informed."
Synonyms: accomplished; certainty; completed; decided; definitive; established
Opposite Meaning: possibility

galvanize (verb) /ˈɡalvənʌɪz/
Definition: To stimulate or excite someone into taking action, as if by electric shock.
Example Sentence: "The opposition attempted to galvanize public support for electoral reforms."
Synonyms: encourage; energize; impel; inspire; invigorate; jolt
Opposite Meaning: demotivate

grandiloquent (adjective) /grænˈdɪl ə kwənt/
Definition: Speaking in a pompous or extravagant manner, often using grand, showy, or overly complicated language.
Example Sentence: "The poet's grandiloquent verses were praised for their beauty and elegance."
Synonyms: bombastic; extravagant; florid; flowery; grandiose; inflated
Opposite Meaning: understated

harbinger (noun) /ˈhɑːbɪn(d)ʒə/
Definition: A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something, or serves as a warning or indication of something to come.
Example Sentence: "The early snowfall was a harbinger of a harsh winter to come."
Synonyms: forerunner; forewarning; herald; indication; omen; portent
Opposite Meaning: aftermath

hubris (noun) /ˈhjuːbrɪs/
Definition: Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to arrogance and a disregard for others.
Example Sentence: "The athlete's hubris caused him to lose the respect of his teammates."
Synonyms: arrogance; audacity; cockiness; conceit; ego; egoism
Opposite Meaning: humility

impeach (verb) /ɪmˈpiːtʃ/
Definition: To officially charge and try a public official, such as a president or governor, with wrongdoing while in office.
Example Sentence: "The House of Representatives can impeach government officials for misconduct."
Synonyms: accuse; allege; arraign; censure; challenge; charge
Opposite Meaning: absolve

incendiary (adjective) /ɪnˈsɛndɪəri/
Definition: Intending to cause or stir up conflict, especially in a political or social context.
Example Sentence: "His incendiary remarks at the meeting caused tension among the participants."
Synonyms: agitating; agitational; antagonistic; disruptive; dissentious; inflammatory
Opposite Meaning: pacifying

innate (adjective) /ɪˈneɪt/
Definition: Inherent to an individual or organism from birth or without external influence.
Example Sentence: "Plants possess innate mechanisms to adapt to their environment."
Synonyms: hardwired; inborn; inherent; inner; instinctive; intrinsic
Opposite Meaning: acquired

insolvent (adjective) /ɪnˈsɒlv(ə)nt/
Definition: Unable to pay debts or meet one's financial obligations when they are due.
Example Sentence: "The company was declared insolvent and went bankrupt."
Synonyms: bankrupt; broke; bust; failed; impoverished; indebted
Opposite Meaning: solvent

intransigent (adjective) /ɪnˈtransɪdʒ(ə)nt/
Definition: Unwilling to compromise or change one's position.
Example Sentence: "The intransigent attitude of the union leaders led to a prolonged strike."
Synonyms: adamant; immovable; inflexible; obdurate; obstinate; relentless
Opposite Meaning: adaptable

kinetic (adjective) /kɪˈnɛt ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by motion, activity, or the dynamic movement of energy.
Example Sentence: "The kinetic sculpture was mesmerizing to watch."
Synonyms: active; animated; dynamic; energetic; lively; moving
Opposite Meaning: static

lethargic (adjective) /lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk/
Definition: Lacking vitality or enthusiasm, and suggesting a state of being slow-moving.
Example Sentence: "The team's performance was lethargic and uninspiring."
Synonyms: dormancy; idleness; inactivity; indolence; languor; laziness
Opposite Meaning: energetic

litigious (adjective) /lɪˈtɪdʒəs/
Definition: Having a tendency to engage in legal disputes or to be involved in lawsuits.
Example Sentence: "The litigious individual was not afraid to take legal action to seek justice."
Synonyms: argumentative; belligerent; combative; confrontational; contentious; disputatious
Opposite Meaning: uncontentious

melancholy (noun) /ˈmɛlənkəli/
Definition: A state of sadness or depression, often characterized by feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a general loss of interest in life.
Example Sentence: "As autumn leaves fell, a sense of melancholy settled over the once-bustling park."
Synonyms: dismal; downcast; gloomy; glum; lugubrious; moody
Opposite Meaning: happiness

misanthrope (noun) /ˈmɪz(ə)nθrəʊp/
Definition: A person who dislikes, distrusts, or has a general hatred or contempt for humanity.
Example Sentence: "The misanthrope's hatred of humanity led him to live a solitary life."
Synonyms: curmudgeon; cynic; hermit; isolate; loner; outsider
Opposite Meaning: philanthropist

nebulous (adjective) /ˈnɛbjʊləs/
Definition: Hazy, vague, or unclear, lacking well-defined boundaries or precise details.
Example Sentence: "The company's strategy was nebulous, with no clear path for growth."
Synonyms: ambiguous; cryptic; enigmatic; equivocal; imprecise; murky
Opposite Meaning: distinct

obtrusive (adjective) /əbˈtruːsɪv/
Definition: Excessively noticeable or attention-seeking, often in a negative way.
Example Sentence: "The obtrusive light from the streetlamp shone through the window at night."
Synonyms: annoying; blatant; brash; conspicuous; flamboyant; forceful
Opposite Meaning: unobtrusive

pageant (noun) /ˈpæʤənt/
Definition: A public spectacle or display, typically involving a parade, procession, or performance.
Example Sentence: "She won the beauty pageant by impressing the judges with her talent and grace."
Synonyms: competition; contest; exhibition; extravaganza; parade; performance
Opposite Meaning: ordinariness

petulant (adjective) /ˈpɛtjʊlənt/
Definition: Excessively irritable, peevish, or prone to complaining or behaving in a sulky or ill-tempered manner.
Example Sentence: "He stomped his foot in a petulant manner when he didn't get what he wanted."
Synonyms: choleric; crabby; cranky; crotchety; grouchy; grumpy
Opposite Meaning: patient

polyglot (noun) /ˈpɒlɪɡlɒt/
Definition: A person who speaks multiple languages fluently and can use them in an effective way.
Example Sentence: "She was known as a polyglot, speaking multiple languages with ease."
Synonyms: etymologist; fluent; glossarist; lexicologist; linguist; linguistic
Opposite Meaning: monoglot

proclivity (noun) /prəˈklɪvɪti/
Definition: A tendency or inclination towards a particular type of behavior or activity.
Example Sentence: "She had a proclivity for getting into trouble, despite her parents' warnings."
Synonyms: affinity; bent; bias; disposition; inclination; knack
Opposite Meaning: aversion

proletariat (noun) /ˌprəʊlɪˈtɛːrɪət/
Definition: A term for working-class people, or the lowest social and economic group in a society.
Example Sentence: "Class conflict is primarily a struggle between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat."
Synonyms: commoners; commons; employees; laborers; masses; peasants
Opposite Meaning: aristocracy

quagmire (noun) /ˈkwaɡmʌɪə/
Definition: A difficult or uncertain situation, often one that is complex and hard to resolve.
Example Sentence: "The country became embroiled in a quagmire of political corruption."
Synonyms: bind; conundrum; dilemma; fix; mess; muddle
Opposite Meaning: clarity

quixotic (adjective) /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/
Definition: Exceedingly idealistic, impractical, or visionary, often to the point of being unrealistic or far-fetched.
Example Sentence: "The young idealist had a quixotic belief in the power of love to conquer all."
Synonyms: chimerical; dreamy; fanciful; fantastical; foolish; imaginary
Opposite Meaning: pragmatic

rakish (adjective) /ˈreɪkɪʃ/
Definition: Having a stylish, debonair, and somewhat unconventional appearance or demeanor.
Example Sentence: "The rakish angle of his hat added to his debonair appearance."
Synonyms: dapper; dashing; debonair; decadent; flashy; jaunty
Opposite Meaning: conservative

resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/
Definition: The ability to recover quickly from difficult situations or adversity.
Example Sentence: "He was known for his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks."
Synonyms: adaptability; doggedness; fortitude; grit; hardiness; perseverance
Opposite Meaning: fragility

severance (noun) /ˈsɛv(ə)r(ə)ns/
Definition: The act of separating or cutting off something from a larger whole.
Example Sentence: "The employee received a severance package after being laid off."
Synonyms: breach; breakup; divorce; estrangement; parting; rupture
Opposite Meaning: union

stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/
Definition: A mark of shame, disgrace, or disapproval that is associated with a particular person or group.
Example Sentence: "The stigma around addiction can make it difficult for those struggling to ask for help."
Synonyms: blot; brand; dishonor; disrepute; guilt; imputation
Opposite Meaning: honor

stipulate (verb) /ˈstɪpjʊleɪt/
Definition: To specify, demand, or require certain conditions, terms, or provisions as part of an agreement, contract, or arrangement.
Example Sentence: "I can't sign the contract until they stipulate the terms clearly."
Synonyms: clarify; condition; define; designate; establish; impose
Opposite Meaning: generalize

symposium (noun) /sɪmˈpəʊzɪəm/
Definition: A formal gathering at which experts discuss a specific topic or theme.
Example Sentence: "The symposium provided a platform for young researchers to present their work."
Synonyms: colloquium; conference; congress; convention; forum; meeting
Opposite Meaning: disunion

tacit (adjective) /ˈtasɪt/
Definition: Understood, implied, or conveyed without being explicitly expressed through words or formal agreement.
Example Sentence: "The lack of objections was a tacit agreement to proceed."
Synonyms: hinted; implicit; implied; indirect; inferred; inherent
Opposite Meaning: explicit

tirade (noun) /tʌɪˈreɪd/
Definition: A prolonged and intense outburst of anger, criticism or condemnation.
Example Sentence: "She went on a tirade about the company's treatment of its employees."
Synonyms: attack; criticism; denunciation; diatribe; fulmination; harangue
Opposite Meaning: praise

traduce (verb) /trəˈdjuːs/
Definition: To speak or write about someone or something in a way that is false, malicious or damaging to their reputation.
Example Sentence: "She chose to traduce her former colleague's work to gain an unfair advantage."
Synonyms: decry; defame; denigrate; deprecate; detract; disparage
Opposite Meaning: praise

trite (adjective) /trʌɪt/
Definition: Overused, clichéd, and lacking in originality, often to the point of becoming stale and uninteresting.
Example Sentence: "She was accused of using trite arguments in her debate."
Synonyms: banal; clichéd; dull; hackneyed; stale; stereotyped
Opposite Meaning: original

venerable (adjective) /ˈvɛn(ə)rəbl/
Definition: Deserving honor and respect because of age, character, or achievement.
Example Sentence: "He was a venerable artist, respected and admired for his talent and creativity."
Synonyms: acclaimed; august; celebrated; dignified; distinguished; esteemed
Opposite Meaning: dishonored