Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 13 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

accede (verb) /əkˈsiːd/
Definition: To agree to a request, proposal, or demand, often by giving one's formal consent or approval.
Example Sentence: "The management is likely to accede to the employees' demands for a salary increase."
Synonyms: accept; acquiesce; admit; assent; comply; concede
Opposite Meaning: refuse

ameliorate (verb) /əˈmiːlɪəreɪt/
Definition: To make something better or more bearable, often by addressing problems or issues that are causing difficulties.
Example Sentence: "The doctor tried to ameliorate the old man's suffering."
Synonyms: alleviate; correct; improve; mitigate; rectify; redress
Opposite Meaning: worsen

amorphous (adjective) /əˈmɔːfəs/
Definition: Lacking a definite or well-defined shape, structure, or form.
Example Sentence: "The cloud of smoke billowed upward, forming an amorphous mass in the sky."
Synonyms: characterless; inchoate; indeterminate; irregular; nebulous; nondescript
Opposite Meaning: structured

anachronism (noun) /əˈnakrənɪz(ə)m/
Definition: Something that is out of its proper chronological or historical order when considered in a specific context.
Example Sentence: "The medieval castle had a modern elevator, an anachronism that puzzled visitors."
Synonyms: antiquity; archaism; fossil; incongruity; obsolete; outdated
Opposite Meaning: contemporaneity

aplomb (noun) /əˈplɒm/
Definition: A self-assured and confident composure in the face of challenges or difficult situations.
Example Sentence: "She faced the challenge with aplomb, determined to find a solution."
Synonyms: assurance; calmness; collectedness; composure; confidence; coolness
Opposite Meaning: anxiety

aspersion (noun) /əˈspəːʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A negative remark or statement that is intended to damage the reputation of someone or something.
Example Sentence: "He cast an aspersion on her character, questioning her integrity."
Synonyms: abuse; calumny; censure; defamation; reproach; slander
Opposite Meaning: praise

avarice (noun) /ˈav(ə)rɪs/
Definition: An extreme and insatiable desire for wealth, material possessions, or monetary gain.
Example Sentence: "He was driven by avarice and was always looking for ways to make more money."
Synonyms: acquisitiveness; avariciousness; covetousness; cupidity; desire; greed
Opposite Meaning: generosity

carte-blanche (noun) /kɑːt ˈblɑːnʃ/
Definition: A situation where someone is given complete freedom to act as they see fit.
Example Sentence: "The captain gave his first officer carte blanche to handle the ship's operations."
Synonyms: authority; autonomy; discretion; flexibility; freedom; license
Opposite Meaning: restriction

castigate (verb) /ˈkastɪɡeɪt/
Definition: To criticize or reprimand someone severely, especially in a public or formal way.
Example Sentence: "The coach will castigate the players for their lack of discipline during the game."
Synonyms: admonish; berate; censure; chastise; discipline; lambast
Opposite Meaning: commend

catalyst (noun) /ˈkatəlɪst/
Definition: Any person or thing that triggers or sparks a significant event or change, often by serving as a facilitator or accelerator.
Example Sentence: "The research project was a catalyst for developing new technology."
Synonyms: determinant; driver; generator; impetus; influence; inspiration
Opposite Meaning: impediment

chagrin (noun) /ˈʃaɡrɪn/
Definition: A feeling of embarrassment, humiliation, or distress caused by a sense of disappointment, failure, or inadequacy.
Example Sentence: "The chagrin of being criticized in front of the whole team was hard for him to bear."
Synonyms: annoyance; disappointment; discontent; dismay; displeasure; disquiet
Opposite Meaning: pride

contravene (verb) /ˌkɒntrəˈviːn/
Definition: To violate or go against a rule, law, regulation, or agreement.
Example Sentence: "The landlord's actions contravene tenant rights."
Synonyms: breach; break; defy; disobey; disregard; flout
Opposite Meaning: obey

curative (adjective) /ˈkjʊrətɪv/
Definition: Having the power or ability to heal or cure a disease or condition.
Example Sentence: "The herbal tea had curative properties that helped soothe the stomach."
Synonyms: corrective; medicinal; recuperative; rejuvenating; remedial; restorative
Opposite Meaning: harmful

emancipate (verb) /ɪˈmæn səˌpeɪt/
Definition: To liberate or set free from bondage, oppression, or a state of subjugation.
Example Sentence: "The legislation was enacted to emancipate workers from exploitative labor conditions."
Synonyms: deliver; disenthrall; extricate; free; liberate; release
Opposite Meaning: subjugate

enmity (noun) /ˈɛnmɪti/
Definition: A deep and typically mutual feeling of hostility, hatred, or animosity between individuals, groups, or entities.
Example Sentence: "The enmity between the siblings was rooted in their childhood conflicts."
Synonyms: acrimony; animosity; animus; antipathy; bitterness; friction
Opposite Meaning: friendship

excoriate (verb) /ɪkˈskɔːrɪeɪt/
Definition: To criticize or condemn someone or something severely and often publicly.
Example Sentence: "Food bloggers often excoriate new restaurants that fail to meet their high standards."
Synonyms: berate; blast; castigate; censure; chastise; denounce
Opposite Meaning: praise

exculpate (verb) /ˈɛkskʌlpeɪt/
Definition: To clear someone from blame or to prove someone's innocence.
Example Sentence: "Video evidence was used to exculpate him of the accusation."
Synonyms: absolve; acquit; discharge; dismiss; excuse; exonerate
Opposite Meaning: blame

flaccid (adjective) /ˈflasɪd/
Definition: Limp, lacking firmness, or devoid of the expected tension or stiffness.
Example Sentence: "His muscles had become flaccid after months of inactivity."
Synonyms: droopy; flabby; flimsy; floppy; loose; mushy
Opposite Meaning: firm

flout (verb) /flaʊt/
Definition: To openly and deliberately disregard or disrespect a rule, law, or social convention.
Example Sentence: "The rebellious teenager would often flout his parents' rules."
Synonyms: contravene; defy; deride; disobey; disregard; ignore
Opposite Meaning: comply

gallimaufry (noun) /ɡa.lɪˈmɔː.fɹi/
Definition: A confused or jumbled collection of various things or ideas, often with no clear organization or structure.
Example Sentence: "The antique shop was a gallimaufry of items, from rare books to vintage clothing."
Synonyms: amalgam; assortment; farrago; hotchpotch; miscellanea; mishmash
Opposite Meaning: order

garish (adjective) /ˈɡɛːrɪʃ/
Definition: Excessively bright, loud, or showy, and often in a way that is considered tasteless or vulgar.
Example Sentence: "He wore a garish shirt that stood out in the crowd."
Synonyms: blatant; brash; brilliant; flash; flashy; gaudy
Opposite Meaning: understated

gravitas (noun) /ˈɡravɪtas/
Definition: A quality of seriousness, dignity, and importance in a person's demeanor, speech, or actions.
Example Sentence: "His dignity and solemnity brought a sense of gravitas to the occasion."
Synonyms: attentiveness; authority; decorum; dignity; earnestness; grandeur
Opposite Meaning: frivolity

ideology (noun) /ˌaɪ diˈɒl ə dʒi/
Definition: A comprehensive set of ideas, beliefs, or principles that form the basis of a particular political, social, or economic system.
Example Sentence: "The ideology of capitalism promotes free markets and private ownership of resources."
Synonyms: belief; creed; doctrine; dogma; mindset; perspective
Opposite Meaning: apathy

impervious (adjective) /ɪmˈpəːvɪəs/
Definition: Resistant or unaffected by external influences, forces, or factors.
Example Sentence: "The fortress was considered impervious to attack."
Synonyms: immune; impenetrable; impermeable; insusceptible; invulnerable; resistant
Opposite Meaning: susceptible

incisive (adjective) /ɪnˈsʌɪsɪv/
Definition: Expressing difficult ideas or opinions in a clear, direct and confident manner.
Example Sentence: "Her incisive questioning helped uncover the truth behind the scandal."
Synonyms: concise; discerning; insightful; intelligent; perceptive; pithy
Opposite Meaning: vague

irreverent (adjective) /ɪˈrɛvərənt/
Definition: Showing a lack of respect or reverence towards something that is typically held in high regard.
Example Sentence: "The student's irreverent behavior in class disrupted the lesson."
Synonyms: audacious; blasphemous; cheeky; contemptuous; disrespectful; flippant
Opposite Meaning: respectful

iteration (noun) /ˌɪtəˈreɪʃn/
Definition: The repetition of a process or the execution of a set of instructions a specified number of times or until a certain condition is met.
Example Sentence: "The latest iteration of the software includes several new features and enhancements."
Synonyms: duplication; recitation; reduplication; rehearsal; reiteration; renewal
Opposite Meaning: cessation

junta (noun) /ˈdʒʌntə/
Definition: A military or political group that takes control of a government, often by force, with the intention of ruling the country.
Example Sentence: "The military junta took control of the government after a successful coup."
Synonyms: assembly; cabal; clique; confederacy; coterie; faction
Opposite Meaning: democracy

luminary (noun) /ˈluːmɪn(ə)ri/
Definition: A brilliant and prominent person who inspires or influences others.
Example Sentence: "The presence of renowned luminaries created an electrifying athmosphere."
Synonyms: celebrity; dignitary; eminence; expert; leader; master
Opposite Meaning: unknown

lustration (noun) /lʌsˈtreɪʃᵊn/
Definition: The process of purifying or cleansing individuals or institutions associated with a previous regime, typically after a significant event or regime change.
Example Sentence: "The country underwent a period of lustration after the fall of the authoritarian regime."
Synonyms: ablution; accountability; atonement; cleansing; decontamination; detoxification
Opposite Meaning: corruption

meritocracy (noun) /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
Definition: A political and social system in which power and opportunity are based on merit, or individual ability and achievement.
Example Sentence: "A meritocracy can create a culture of competition and pressure to succeed."
Synonyms: adeptness; competency; excellence; expertise; proficiency; qualification
Opposite Meaning: nepotism

modicum (noun) /ˈmɒdɪkəm/
Definition: A small or moderate amount of something, often implying that the quantity is sufficient for a particular purpose but not abundant or excessive.
Example Sentence: "He possessed only a modicum of musical talent, but loved playing the guitar nonetheless."
Synonyms: dash; drop; fragment; glimmer; grain; iota
Opposite Meaning: abundance

moribund (adjective) /ˈmɒrɪbʌnd/
Definition: In a state of decline, stagnation, or near extinction, often referring to organizations, industries, or activities.
Example Sentence: "The industry was moribund, with few new developments or innovations."
Synonyms: defunct; deteriorating; doomed; expiring; fading; fallen
Opposite Meaning: thriving

obstinate (adjective) /ˈɒbstɪnət/
Definition: Unyielding, stubbornly resistant to change, persuasion, or compromise.
Example Sentence: "His obstinate nature made it hard for him to accept help from others."
Synonyms: adamant; determined; dogged; headstrong; immovable; inflexible
Opposite Meaning: flexible

pastoral (adjective) /ˈpɑːst(ə)rəl/
Definition: Relating to the countryside, rural life, or the peaceful and idyllic qualities of rural landscapes.
Example Sentence: "The small church in the pastoral village was the center of the community's social life."
Synonyms: agrestic; agricultural; Arcadian; bucolic; countrified; country
Opposite Meaning: urban

paucity (noun) /ˈpɔːsɪti/
Definition: A scarcity or shortage of something, or a lack of abundance or resources.
Example Sentence: "The paucity of evidence made it difficult to build a strong case."
Synonyms: absence; dearth; deficiency; deficit; inadequacy; insufficiency
Opposite Meaning: abundance

philanthropic (adjective) /ˌfɪl ənˈθrɒp ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by a genuine desire to promote the welfare and well-being of others, particularly through acts of generosity, charity, and humanitarianism.
Example Sentence: "Her philanthropic efforts provided clean drinking water to remote villages."
Synonyms: altruistic; beneficent; benevolent; charitable; compassionate; generous
Opposite Meaning: selfish

prehensile (adjective) /priːˈhɛnsʌɪl/
Definition: Referring to a body part or appendage that possesses the ability to grasp, seize, or hold objects.
Example Sentence: "The monkey's tail was prehensile, able to grasp and hold objects."
Synonyms: catching; clinging; clutching; grabbing; gripping; plucking
Opposite Meaning: rigid

putative (adjective) /ˈpjuːtətɪv/
Definition: Generally considered or believed to be true or accurate, but has not been proven or confirmed.
Example Sentence: "The putative benefits of the new diet plan were unproven by scientific research."
Synonyms: alleged; apparent; assumed; imputed; presumed; presumptive
Opposite Meaning: disproven

qualm (noun) /kwɑːm/
Definition: A feeling of uneasiness, doubt or hesitation, often about the morality or propriety of a particular action or decision.
Example Sentence: "The qualm about his relationship had been growing for months."
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; compunction; doubt; hesitation; misgiving
Opposite Meaning: certainty

ramification (noun) /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃᵊn/
Definition: The complex, often unforeseen consequences, outcomes, or branches that result from a particular action, decision, event, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The software update has an unexpected ramification on system performance."
Synonyms: aftermath; consequence; development; effect; implication; issue
Opposite Meaning: cause

ramshackle (adjective) /ˈramˌʃakl/
Definition: In a state of severe disrepair, decay, or deterioration, to the point where it appears unstable and unsafe.
Example Sentence: "The village was made up of a collection of ramshackle huts."
Synonyms: abandoned; crumbling; decaying; decrepit; derelict; dilapidated
Opposite Meaning: sturdy

semblance (noun) /ˈsɛmbləns/
Definition: The outward appearance or perception of something, often in contrast to the reality or truth.
Example Sentence: "The old house bore little semblance to its former glory."
Synonyms: act; charade; disguise; façade; front; guise
Opposite Meaning: reality

serendipity (noun) /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/
Definition: The phenomenon of finding or discovering valuable or fortunate things by chance.
Example Sentence: "The serendipity of discovering a new use for the medicine was a major breakthrough."
Synonyms: accident; blessing; coincidence; fortuitousness; godsend; happenstance
Opposite Meaning: misfortune

sophistry (noun) /ˈsɒfɪstri/
Definition: The use of clever but unsound reasoning or fallacious arguments in order to deceive or mislead.
Example Sentence: "He was skilled in sophistry and able to make a weak argument appear strong."
Synonyms: ambiguity; casuistry; chicanery; cunning; deceit; deception
Opposite Meaning: truth

sublime (adjective) /səˈblʌɪm/
Definition: Of the highest, most elevated, or transcendent quality, often evoking a sense of awe, wonder, or profound admiration.
Example Sentence: "The painting captured the sublime beauty of the natural world."
Synonyms: amazing; celestial; divine; elevated; exalted; glorious
Opposite Meaning: ordinary

supercilious (adjective) /ˌsuːpəˈsɪlɪəs/
Definition: Displaying an attitude of haughty superiority or disdain towards others.
Example Sentence: "Her supercilious expression showed her disdain for the topic of conversation."
Synonyms: aloof; arrogant; condescending; contemptuous; disdainful; haughty
Opposite Meaning: humble

sycophant (noun) /ˈsɪkəfant/
Definition: A person who acts in an obsequious, flattering or servile manner towards someone powerful in order to gain advantage.
Example Sentence: "The sycophant's constant brown-nosing irritated his colleagues."
Synonyms: bootlicker; crawler; fawner; flatterer; flunkey; groveler
Opposite Meaning: critic

terse (adjective) /təːs/
Definition: Brief, concise, and to the point, often using as few words as necessary to convey a message or idea.
Example Sentence: "She delivered the news in a terse, matter-of-fact tone."
Synonyms: abrupt; brusque; concise; curt; gruff; laconic
Opposite Meaning: verbose

verbiage (noun) /ˈvəːbɪɪdʒ/
Definition: An excessive or unnecessary use of words, often resulting in long-winded, convoluted, or overly complex language that obscures the intended meaning.
Example Sentence: "The company's contracts were criticized for their legal verbiage."
Synonyms: circumlocution; floridity; pleonasm; prolixity; repetition; tautology
Opposite Meaning: conciseness