Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 14 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

alacrity (noun) /əˈlakrɪti/
Definition: A state of eagerness, promptness, and cheerful willingness to carry out a task or respond to a situation.
Example Sentence: "He accepted the challenge with alacrity, ready to give it his best effort."
Synonyms: ardor; avidity; briskness; eagerness; enthusiasm; fervor
Opposite Meaning: reluctance

ambidextrous (adjective) /ˌambɪˈdɛkstrəs/
Definition: Having the ability to use both hands with equal ease and proficiency.
Example Sentence: "The ambidextrous artist could paint with both hands simultaneously."
Synonyms: adaptable; ambisinistral; bilateral; both; dexterous; dextrous
Opposite Meaning: one-handed

amnesty (noun) /ˈamnɪsti/
Definition: A formal act of forgiveness or pardon for a group or category of individuals who have committed certain offenses, usually of a political nature.
Example Sentence: "The opposition party demanded amnesty for their members who had been arrested."
Synonyms: absolution; acquittal; clemency; condonation; dispensation; exoneration
Opposite Meaning: penalty

ancillary (adjective) /anˈsɪləri/
Definition: Auxiliary, supplementary, or additional, often in a supportive or secondary role.
Example Sentence: "The ancillary staff are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office."
Synonyms: accessory; added; auxiliary; backup; complementary; contributory
Opposite Meaning: primary

antithesis (noun) /anˈtɪθəsɪs/
Definition: A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
Example Sentence: "The concept of war is the antithesis of peace."
Synonyms: antipode; contrary; contrast; converse; counter; inverse
Opposite Meaning: same

assiduous (adjective) /əˈsəːtɪv/
Definition: Diligent, dedicated, and painstakingly attentive to one's work or tasks.
Example Sentence: "He was an assiduous detective who never gave up on a case."
Synonyms: attentive; careful; conscientious; diligent; meticulous; punctilious
Opposite Meaning: lazy

augment (adjective) /ɔːɡˈmɛnt/
Definition: Having been increased, enlarged, or enhanced in size, quantity, or quality.
Example Sentence: "The chef used spices to augment the flavor of the dish."
Synonyms: amplify; boost; dilate; enhance; enlarge; expand
Opposite Meaning: decrease

clandestine (adjective) /klanˈdɛstɪn/
Definition: Done secretly or in a way that is meant to be hidden or concealed, especially because it is illicit or illegal.
Example Sentence: "He undertook several clandestine operations during his time in the secret service."
Synonyms: concealed; covert; furtive; hidden; private; secret
Opposite Meaning: open

cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/
Definition: Relating to the process of thinking, understanding, learning, and perceiving.
Example Sentence: "Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two conflicting beliefs or values."
Synonyms: cerebral; conceptual; intellectual; mental; rational; reasoning
Opposite Meaning: physical

construe (verb) /kənˈstruː/
Definition: To interpret, understand or explain something it in a particular way.
Example Sentence: "The judge warned the jury not to construe the evidence in a biased manner."
Synonyms: clarify; define; demonstrate; illustrate; infer; parse
Opposite Meaning: misunderstand

coy (adjective) /kɔɪ/
Definition: Displaying a modest or shy demeanor, often in an attempt to appear alluring, intriguing, or mysterious.
Example Sentence: "She used a coy tone of voice to ask for a favor, knowing he wouldn't be able to refuse."
Synonyms: alluring; bashful; coquettish; demure; enigmatic; flirtatious
Opposite Meaning: forward

credence (noun) /ˈkriːd(ə)ns/
Definition: The acceptance or belief in something as true or valid, often based on the credibility or trustworthiness of the source or evidence.
Example Sentence: "The inventor's ideas steadily gained credence among the scientific community."
Synonyms: acceptance; assurance; belief; certainty; confidence; conviction
Opposite Meaning: disbelief

decrepit (adjective) /dɪˈkrɛpɪt/
Definition: In a state of extreme disrepair or deterioration, often as a result of age or neglect.
Example Sentence: "The old, decrepit building was in dire need of renovation."
Synonyms: battered; creaky; crumbling; decaying; dilapidated; flimsy
Opposite Meaning: robust

delineate (verb) /dɪˈlɪnɪeɪt/
Definition: To describe, depict or outline something in a clear and detailed way.
Example Sentence: "She used a flowchart to delineate the decision-making process."
Synonyms: sketch; outline; trace; portray; detail; define
Opposite Meaning: confuse

despondent (adjective) /dɪˈspɒnd(ə)nt/
Definition: Having a deep and lingering sense of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of motivation.
Example Sentence: "He had become rather despondent about his repeated setbacks and lack of progress."
Synonyms: crestfallen; dejected; depressed; desolate; despairing; disconsolate
Opposite Meaning: hopeful

discombobulate (verb) /ˌdɪskəmˈbɒbjʊleɪt/
Definition: To confuse, disorient, or unsettle someone or something.
Example Sentence: "He deliberately tried to discombobulate the opposition with his tricky manoeuvres."
Synonyms: baffle; bamboozle; bemuse; bewilder; confound; confuse
Opposite Meaning: clarify

disseminate (verb) /dɪˈsɛmɪneɪt/
Definition: To spread, disperse, or distribute information, knowledge, ideas, or something more tangible to a wider audience or across various locations.
Example Sentence: "The group disseminate their message to the public through social media."
Synonyms: broadcast; circulate; diffuse; disperse; promulgate; propagate
Opposite Meaning: contain

embellish (verb) /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ/
Definition: To add details or information to something in order to make it more interesting or impressive.
Example Sentence: "He tended to embellish his achievements in order to impress others."
Synonyms: adorn; deck; decorate; dress; enhance; enrich
Opposite Meaning: simplify

enunciate (verb) /ɪˈnʌnsɪeɪt/
Definition: To pronounce words or articulate sounds, speech, or ideas with precision, clarity, and careful articulation.
Example Sentence: "She struggled to enunciate her words clearly during the presentation."
Synonyms: say; voice; sound; utter; articulate; vocalize
Opposite Meaning: slur

epiphany (noun) /ɪˈpɪfəni/
Definition: A sudden and profound realization or insight, often marked by a heightened understanding of a situation, problem, or aspect of life.
Example Sentence: "He had a sudden and profound epiphany that changed the course of his life."
Synonyms: awakening; clarity; cognizance; comprehension; discovery; enlightenment
Opposite Meaning: confusion

esoteric (adjective) /ˌiːsə(ʊ)ˈtɛrɪk/
Definition: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.
Example Sentence: "The philosopher's ideas were considered too esoteric for mainstream thought."
Synonyms: abstruse; academic; ambiguous; complicated; obscure; profound
Opposite Meaning: common

exonerate (verb) /ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/
Definition: To absolve or clear someone of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular wrongdoing or accusation.
Example Sentence: "The lawyer fought tirelessly to exonerate his client and prove their innocence."
Synonyms: absolve; acquit; clear; discharge; exculpate; excuse
Opposite Meaning: blame

extrapolate (verb) /ɪkˈstrapəleɪt/
Definition: To forecast future values, trends, or outcomes by extending or projecting known data or information beyond its current range or scope.
Example Sentence: "The analyst was able to extrapolate trends from the data."
Synonyms: ascertain; conclude; deduce; derive; hypothesize; infer
Opposite Meaning: disregard

feckless (adjective) /ˈfɛkləs/
Definition: Weak in character, ineffective, and unable to take charge or take care of one's responsibilities.
Example Sentence: "The feckless management of the company was a major reason for its failure."
Synonyms: idle; incompetent; indolent; inefficient; inept; lazy
Opposite Meaning: competent

halitosis (noun) /ˌhalɪˈtəʊsɪs/
Definition: Chronic bad breath or an ongoing condition characterized by foul-smelling breath that is persistently unpleasant.
Example Sentence: "The man's halitosis was caused by smoking and improved after he quit."
Synonyms: breath; fetid; fetor; foul; malodor; malodorous
Opposite Meaning: freshness

hyperbole (noun) /hʌɪˈpəːbəli/
Definition: A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect.
Example Sentence: "He used hyperbole to describe the size of the fish he caught."
Synonyms: aggrandizement; amplification; embellishment; enlargement; exaggeration; extravagance
Opposite Meaning: understatement

inculpate (verb) /ˈɪnkʌlpeɪt/
Definition: To implicate or accuse someone of wrongdoing, typically in a legal or investigative context.
Example Sentence: "The new evidence may inculpate the suspect in the crime."
Synonyms: accuse; allege; blame; charge; denounce; fault
Opposite Meaning: exonerate

inexorable (adjective) /ɪnˈɛks(ə)rəb(ə)l/
Definition: Unyielding, relentless, and incapable of being influenced, persuaded, or stopped by any means.
Example Sentence: "The inexorable march of time could not be stopped."
Synonyms: adamant; implacable; inescapable; inevitable; inflexible; intransigent
Opposite Meaning: flexible

laborious (adjective) /ləˈbɔːrɪəs/
Definition: Requiring a great deal of effort, hard work, and painstaking detail to accomplish.
Example Sentence: "The laborious task of filing taxes took the whole weekend to complete."
Synonyms: arduous; challenging; cumbersome; demanding; grueling; onerous
Opposite Meaning: effortless

licentious (adjective) /lʌɪˈsɛnʃəs/
Definition: Sexually promiscuous, morally unrestrained, or lacking in self-control.
Example Sentence: "The society of that era was quite licentious, with little moral restraint."
Synonyms: debauched; decadent; degenerate; depraved; immoral; indecent
Opposite Meaning: chaste

loquacious (adjective) /lə(ʊ)ˈkweɪʃəs/
Definition: Tending to talk a lot, often in a way that is considered excessive or unnecessary.
Example Sentence: "The teacher's loquacious assemblies were known to be long-winded."
Synonyms: babbling; blathering; chattering; chatty; garrulous; gossipy
Opposite Meaning: silent

mendacious (adjective) /mɛnˈdeɪʃəs/
Definition: Habitually or intentionally dishonest, deceptive or untruthful.
Example Sentence: "The company was criticized for its mendacious advertising claims."
Synonyms: deceitful; deceptive; dishonest; disingenuous; duplicitous; erroneous
Opposite Meaning: truthful

orator (noun) /ˈɒrətə/
Definition: A skilled and eloquent public speaker who possesses the ability to convey ideas, messages, or persuasive arguments effectively to an audience.
Example Sentence: "He was an orator of great power, able to move audiences with his words."
Synonyms: communicator; declaimer; elocutionist; lector; lecturer; oratrix
Opposite Meaning: listener

pedestrian (adjective) /pɪˈdɛstrɪən/
Definition: Ordinary, unremarkable, and lacking in imagination or originality.
Example Sentence: "He delivered a pedestrian speech that failed to inspire or motivate the audience."
Synonyms: average; common; conventional; dull; everyday; humdrum
Opposite Meaning: innovative

perpetuate (verb) /pərˈpɛtʃ uˌeɪt/
Definition: To prolong, sustain, or continue a situation, condition, or belief, often in a negative or harmful sense.
Example Sentence: "Old libraries perpetuate the wisdom of the past through ancient books."
Synonyms: continue; endure; eternize; extend; immortalize; maintain
Opposite Meaning: cease

pervade (verb) /pəˈveɪd/
Definition: To spread or diffuse throughout a particular area, object, or environment, often in a subtle and all-encompassing manner.
Example Sentence: "A sense of calm and peace will pervade the room after the meditation session."
Synonyms: affect; fill; flood; imbue; infuse; penetrate
Opposite Meaning: exclude

plethora (noun) /ˈplɛθ(ə)rə/
Definition: An excessive or overabundant quantity or supply of something, often to the point of excess or saturation.
Example Sentence: "The website had a plethora of useful resources for people looking to learn a new skill."
Synonyms: abundance; cornucopia; deluge; excess; plenitude; profusion
Opposite Meaning: scarcity

precursor (noun) /prɪˈkəːsə/
Definition: Something that comes before and leads to the development or existence of something else.
Example Sentence: "The research was a precursor to major breakthroughs in the field."
Synonyms: antecedent; forebear; forerunner; harbinger; herald; pioneer
Opposite Meaning: consequence

profane (adjective) /prəˈfeɪn/
Definition: Disrespectful, irreverent, or impious, especially in relation to sacred or holy matters.
Example Sentence: "The religious leaders were outraged by the profane behavior of the tourists."
Synonyms: blasphemous; impious; indecent; irreverent; lewd; obscene
Opposite Meaning: sacred

ravenous (adjective) /ˈravənəs/
Definition: Intense hunger, particularly an insatiable appetite, often associated with a sense of urgency or desperation.
Example Sentence: "The dog was ravenous and devoured his food in seconds."
Synonyms: famished; gluttonous; greedy; hoggish; hungry; piggish
Opposite Meaning: full

ravish (verb) /ˈreɪvɪʃ/
Definition: To delight or enchant someone or something to a great degree, as if to take them captive through pleasure.
Example Sentence: "The romantic poem had the power to ravish the hearts of its readers."
Synonyms: allure; captivate; charm; enrapture; enthrall; entrance
Opposite Meaning: repel

recompense (noun) /ˈrɛkəmpɛns/
Definition: Compensation or payment given as a reward or in return for something, especially loss or injury.
Example Sentence: "She sought recompense for the loss of her home in the fire."
Synonyms: amends; compensation; damages; indemnification; pay; quittance
Opposite Meaning: forfeiture

remittance (noun) /rɪˈmɪt(ə)ns/
Definition: A sum of money sent or transferred, typically from one individual or entity to another, often across geographical distances.
Example Sentence: "He sent a remittance to his family back home every month."
Synonyms: allowance; consideration; contribution; delivery; deposit; disbursement
Opposite Meaning: non-payment

repartee (noun) /ˌrɛpɑːˈtiː/
Definition: A witty or clever exchange of remarks or banter in a conversation or debate.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's quick repartee had the audience in stitches."
Synonyms: badinage; banter; persiflage; pleasantry; raillery; rejoinder
Opposite Meaning: monologue

ribald (adjective) /ˈrɪb(ə)ld/
Definition: Vulgar, coarse, and often characterized by sexually explicit or indecent content.
Example Sentence: "The company's advertising was criticized for being ribald and offensive."
Synonyms: blue; coarse; filthy; indecent; naughty; obscene
Opposite Meaning: decent

sobriquet (noun) /ˈsəʊbrɪkeɪ/
Definition: A nickname or a term of endearment that is used in place of a person's real name.
Example Sentence: "He was given the sobriquet 'The Great Communicator' for his oratory skills."
Synonyms: alias; appellation; byname; designation; epithet; handle
Opposite Meaning: formal name

specter (noun) /ˈspɛk tər/
Definition: A haunting or unsettling image, concept, or idea that elicits fear, anxiety, or unease.
Example Sentence: "The specter of war cast a shadow over the diplomatic negotiations."
Synonyms: apparition; bogeyman; demon; ghost; phantasm; phantom
Opposite Meaning: reality

subservient (adjective) /səbˈsəːvɪənt/
Definition: Excessively obedient or submissive to another person or group.
Example Sentence: "The assistant was always subservient to the demands of her boss."
Synonyms: abject; acquiescent; compliant; deferential; docile; inferior
Opposite Meaning: dominant

veritable (adjective) /ˈvɛrɪtəbl/
Definition: To emphasize the authenticity or validity of a statement or claim.
Example Sentence: "His garden had become a veritable jungle by the time he returned from his travels."
Synonyms: absolute; downright; perfect; positive; pure; real
Opposite Meaning: dubious

vitriolic (adjective) /ˌvɪ triˈɒl ɪk/
Definition: Characterized by strong, bitter, and caustic language or behavior.
Example Sentence: "She received vitriolic hate mail in response to her controversial opinion piece."
Synonyms: acrimonious; bitter; caustic; cutting; harsh; hostile
Opposite Meaning: mild