Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 2 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

abstemious (adjective) /əbˈstiːmɪəs/
Definition: Self-restraining, particularly when it comes to food and drink.
Example Sentence: "She lived an abstemious life, avoiding excess in all things."
Synonyms: abstentious; abstinent; ascetic; austere; frugal; moderate
Opposite Meaning: indulgent

accrue (verb) /əˈkru/
Definition: To gradually accumulate or increase something over time, typically in terms of financial benefits, interest, or other assets.
Example Sentence: "Late fees will accrue if you don't pay your credit card bill on time."
Synonyms: amass; collect; enlarge; ensue; flow; follow
Opposite Meaning: diminish

amenable (adjective) /əˈmiːnəbl/
Definition: Willing to cooperate, comply or be responsive to suggestions or requests.
Example Sentence: "He is generally amenable to others' suggestions when working on group projects."
Synonyms: accommodating; acquiescent; adaptable; agreeable; compliant; cooperative
Opposite Meaning: uncooperative

blather (verb) /ˈblaðə/
Definition: To talk excessively or foolishly, often without making any sense or without getting to the point.
Example Sentence: "He tends to blather on about his personal life, even to complete strangers."
Synonyms: babble; blabber; chatter; claptrap; drivel; gabble
Opposite Meaning: articulate

cathartic (adjective) /kəˈθɑːtɪk/
Definition: Having a purifying or cleansing effect, especially on the emotions.
Example Sentence: "Writing in a journal can be a cathartic experience for many people."
Synonyms: calming; freeing; liberating; poignant; purgative; refreshing
Opposite Meaning: upsetting

caustic (adjective) /ˈkɔːstɪk/
Definition: Sharp, critical, and biting in nature, often intended to mock or hurt someone's feelings.
Example Sentence: "She was caustic in her assessment of the restaurant's food."
Synonyms: acidic; harsh; acrid; sardonic; bitter; cutting
Opposite Meaning: soothing

compunction (noun) /kəmˈpʌŋkʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A feeling of guilt, remorse or regret about something you have done or might do.
Example Sentence: "He felt a twinge of compunction for breaking his promise to his friend."
Synonyms: condemnation; contrition; guilt; hesitation; misgiving; penitence
Opposite Meaning: indifference

credulous (adjective) /kredʒʊləs/
Definition: Easily willing to believe or accept something without questioning or applying critical thinking.
Example Sentence: "The credulous child believed every story told to them without question."
Synonyms: gullible; impressionable; ingenuous; naive; susceptible; trusting
Opposite Meaning: skeptical

deprecate (verb) /ˈdɛprɪkeɪt/
Definition: To express a low opinion of something, or to disapprove of it, often in a mild or polite way.
Example Sentence: "The book club members deprecate the censoring of classic literature."
Synonyms: disapprove; condemn; censure; denounce; deplore; dismiss
Opposite Meaning: praise

despotism (noun) /ˈdɛs pəˌtɪz əm/
Definition: A form of government or rule characterized by the exercise of absolute power and control by a single ruler or a small group of individuals.
Example Sentence: "The despotism of the monarchy was challenged by a growing resistance movement."
Synonyms: absolutism; autarchy; authoritarianism; autocracy; dictatorship; monocracy
Opposite Meaning: democracy

eclectic (adjective) /ɪˈklɛktɪk/
Definition: Describing a diverse and wide-ranging collection or approach that draws from various sources, styles, or influences.
Example Sentence: "The city is known for its eclectic mix of cultures and traditions."
Synonyms: assorted; broad; diverse; jumbled; miscellaneous; mixed
Opposite Meaning: uniform

effrontery (noun) /ɪˈfrʌnt(ə)ri/
Definition: Extreme boldness or impudence, particularly when directed towards someone in a position of authority.
Example Sentence: "The young man's effrontery in talking back to his boss was surprising."
Synonyms: arrogance; audacity; brazenness; cheek; gall; insolence
Opposite Meaning: deference

eulogy (noun) /ˈjuːlədʒi/
Definition: A speech or written tribute given in memory of a person who has died.
Example Sentence: "The eulogy at the funeral was a heartfelt tribute to the deceased."
Synonyms: acclaim; accolade; applause; commendation; compliment; exaltation
Opposite Meaning: criticism

fecund (adjective) /ˈfi kʌnd/
Definition: Highly fertile, productive, or capable of producing an abundant amount of offspring or results.
Example Sentence: "The fecund soil of the farm produced an abundant harvest."
Synonyms: breeding; fertile; fruitful; generative; lush; prolific
Opposite Meaning: barren

foray (noun) /ˈfɒreɪ/
Definition: A brief and usually sudden incursion or raid into enemy territory or an unfamiliar or dangerous area.
Example Sentence: "The army made a foray into enemy territory, hoping to gain an advantage."
Synonyms: assault; attack; descent; incursion; invasion; offensive
Opposite Meaning: retreat

fruition (noun) /frʊˈɪʃn/
Definition: The realization or attainment of a long-anticipated goal, plan, or desire, often marking the point at which something is fully achieved or completed.
Example Sentence: "The project came to fruition after years of hard work and dedication."
Synonyms: accomplishment; achievement; actualization; attainment; completion; consummation
Opposite Meaning: failure

gauche (adjective) /ɡəʊʃ/
Definition: Lacking social grace, sophistication, or finesse, often displaying awkwardness or a lack of tact in social situations.
Example Sentence: "She was criticized for her gauche choice of words during the interview."
Synonyms: awkward; bumbling; clumsy; crude; graceless; inelegant
Opposite Meaning: elegant

gregarious (adjective) /ɡrɪˈɡɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Naturally outgoing, sociable and enjoying the company of others.
Example Sentence: "He is a gregarious man with a large and ecclectic group of friends."
Synonyms: affable; amiable; companionable; congenial; convivial; cordial
Opposite Meaning: introverted

haggard (adjective) /ˈhæg ərd/
Definition: Appearing exhausted, worn out, or gaunt, often as a result of physical or emotional strain.
Example Sentence: "His haggard face showed the years of stress and strain."
Synonyms: depleted; disheveled; drained; emaciated; exhausted; fatigued
Opposite Meaning: refreshed

ignominious (adjective) /ˌɪɡnə(ʊ)ˈmɪnɪəs/
Definition: Characterized by humiliation, disgrace, or a loss of honor and dignity.
Example Sentence: "The football team lacked preparation and faced an ignominious defeat."
Synonyms: contemptible; degrading; despicable; discreditable; disgraceful; dishonorable
Opposite Meaning: honorable

incarnation (noun) /ˌɪn kɑrˈneɪ ʃən/
Definition: The act or process of embodying or manifesting in a physical form, particularly in reference to a deity, spirit, or abstract concept taking on a human or tangible existence.
Example Sentence: "The birth of Jesus is seen as the incarnation of God in human form."
Synonyms: avatar; concretization; embodiment; epitome; exemplification; manifestation
Opposite Meaning: abstraction

inebriate (verb) /ɪˈniːbrɪeɪt/
Definition: To make someone drunk or intoxicated with alcohol or other substances.
Example Sentence: "The powerful mead was likely to inebriate those unaccustomed to its strength."
Synonyms: befuddle; besot; drug; fuddle; intoxicate; muddle
Opposite Meaning: sober

innuendo (noun) /ˌɪnjʊˈɛndəʊ/
Definition: A subtle or indirect hint or reference to something, usually of a derogatory nature, that conveys a meaning that is not stated directly.
Example Sentence: "She used innuendo to hint at her feelings without saying them outright."
Synonyms: allusion; aspersion; hint; implication; imputation; insinuation
Opposite Meaning: directness

maestro (noun) /ˈmaɪ stroʊ/
Definition: A person of exceptional skill and expertise, particularly in the field of music or conducting.
Example Sentence: "The renowned maestro conducted a spellbinding performance that left the audience in awe."
Synonyms: artist; conductor; director; expert; guru; leader
Opposite Meaning: novice

oblique (adjective) /ə(ʊ)ˈbliːk/
Definition: Neither straightforward nor direct, often characterized by subtlety or an avoidance of explicitness.
Example Sentence: "His oblique comment left us confused about his intentions."
Synonyms: circumlocutory; elliptical; evasive; implied; indirect; inexplicit
Opposite Meaning: direct

pernicious (adjective) /pəˈnɪʃəs/
Definition: Harmful or destructive, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example Sentence: "Overuse of pesticides can have pernicious effects on the environment."
Synonyms: adverse; damaging; dangerous; devastating; hurtful; malicious
Opposite Meaning: beneficial

pinnacle (noun) /ˈpɪnɪkl/
Definition: The highest point or peak of something, often used to describe a culminating moment of achievement or success.
Example Sentence: "Winning the championship was the pinnacle of his athletic career."
Synonyms: acme; apex; apogee; crest; crown; eminence
Opposite Meaning: nadir

purport (verb) /pəˈpɔːt/
Definition: To claim or profess to be or do something, often with the implication that the claim may not be entirely truthful or accurate.
Example Sentence: "Why does he purport to be an expert when he has little experience?"
Synonyms: affirm; allege; argue; assert; avow; claim
Opposite Meaning: disclaim

quisling (noun) /ˈkwɪzlɪŋ/
Definition: A traitor who collaborates with an enemy occupying their country.
Example Sentence: "The quisling leader was arrested and tried for treason after the war."
Synonyms: backstabber; betrayer; collaborator; conspirator; defector; deserter
Opposite Meaning: loyalist

rancid (adjective) /ˈransɪd/
Definition: Unpleasant or offensive quality that elicits strong dislike or disgust.
Example Sentence: "The rancid smell of the old cheese made it unappetizing."
Synonyms: disgusting; foul; gross; hideous; loathsome; noxious
Opposite Meaning: fresh

remonstrate (verb) /ˈrɛmənstreɪt/
Definition: To protest or object to something in a forceful or emphatic way.
Example Sentence: "He felt it was necessary to remonstrate with his neighbor about the excessive noise."
Synonyms: argue; censure; challenge; combat; complain; criticize
Opposite Meaning: acquiesce

rescind (verb) /rɪˈsɪnd/
Definition: To revoke, cancel or annul a legal document, contract, agreement, or decision.
Example Sentence: "The mayor is expected to rescind the unpopular tax increase."
Synonyms: abolish; abrogate; annul; cancel; invalidate; nullify
Opposite Meaning: uphold

retroactive (adjective) /ˌrɛ troʊˈæk tɪv/
Definition: Having an effect on events that have already occurred.
Example Sentence: "The company implemented a retroactive pay raise to make up for years of low wages."
Synonyms: backdated; backward; compensating; compensative; compensatory; historical
Opposite Meaning: prospective

revile (verb) /rɪˈvʌɪl/
Definition: To speak or write about someone or something in an extremely critical, abusive or condemnatory manner.
Example Sentence: "She would often revile her neighbors with hurtful words."
Synonyms: abuse; defame; denigrate; libel; malign; reproach
Opposite Meaning: praise

sardonic (adjective) /sɑːˈdɒnɪk/
Definition: Characterized by a mocking, cynical, or ironic sense of humor.
Example Sentence: "He wrote a sardonic review of the resteraunt after he found a hair in his starter."
Synonyms: acerbic; acrid; bitter; caustic; derisive; jeering
Opposite Meaning: affable

skullduggery (noun) /skʌlˈdʌɡ(ə)ri/
Definition: Dishonest or deceitful behavior that is intended to deceive or defraud others.
Example Sentence: "The skullduggery of the criminal organization was finally uncovered by the police."
Synonyms: deceit; trickery; fraud; chicanery; deception; duplicity
Opposite Meaning: honesty

sophomoric (adjective) /ˌsɒfəˈmɒrɪk/
Definition: Immature, overly simplistic, or lacking serious thought or judgment.
Example Sentence: "Her argument was dismissed as sophomoric and poorly researched."
Synonyms: adolescent; arrogant; babyish; brash; callow; childlike
Opposite Meaning: mature

squalid (adjective) /ˈskwɒl ɪd/
Definition: Extremely dirty, foul, or wretched, usually as a result of poverty or neglect.
Example Sentence: "He lived in a squalid shack on the outskirts of town."
Synonyms: dank; filthy; grimy; grubby; messy; nasty
Opposite Meaning: pristine

succinct (adjective) /səkˈsɪŋ(k)t/
Definition: Expressed in a clear, concise, and brief manner without unnecessary elaboration or verbosity.
Example Sentence: "The company's brochure was succinct and provided all the necessary information."
Synonyms: blunt; compact; compendious; concise; condensed; gnomic
Opposite Meaning: verbose

tempest (noun) /ˈtɛmpɪst/
Definition: A violent and turbulent windstorm, often accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning.
Example Sentence: "The tempest swept across the coast, tearing down trees and power lines."
Synonyms: commotion; cyclone; disturbance; gale; hurricane; storm
Opposite Meaning: calm

temporal (adjective) /ˈtɛmp(ə)rəl/
Definition: Relating to matters of time, duration, or the earthly, material world as opposed to the spiritual or eternal.
Example Sentence: "The temporal nature of our existence is a fundamental aspect of human philosophy."
Synonyms: brief; ephemeral; fleeting; impermanent; momentary; passing
Opposite Meaning: spiritual

tenable (adjective) /ˈtɛn ə bəl/
Definition: Capable of being defended, supported, or justified with logical and sound reasoning.
Example Sentence: "The negotiators strived to find a tenable compromise that would satisfy all parties involved."
Synonyms: acceptable; credible; defensible; justifiable; logical; maintainable
Opposite Meaning: untenable

utopian (adjective) /juːˈtəʊpɪən/
Definition: Modelled on an idealistic or visionary concept that is impractical or impossible to achieve in reality.
Example Sentence: "The utopian dream of a perfect world has inspired countless works of literature and art."
Synonyms: chimerical; fantasy; idealistic; optimistic; perfect; quixotic
Opposite Meaning: realistic

vanity (noun) /ˈvanɪti/
Definition: An excessive preoccupation with one's appearance, abilities, or self-worth, often accompanied by a desire for admiration and validation from others.
Example Sentence: "His vanity was evident in the way he constantly checked his appearance in the mirror."
Synonyms: airs; arrogance; conceit; egotism; narcissism; pretension
Opposite Meaning: humility

vapid (adjective) /ˈvapɪd/
Definition: Dull, uninspiring, and lacking in liveliness or substance, often resulting in a sense of blandness or emptiness.
Example Sentence: "The conversation was vapid, lacking any real substance or depth."
Synonyms: bland; boring; dull; flat; insipid; limp
Opposite Meaning: interesting

veracity (noun) /veracity/
Definition: The quality or state of being truthful, accurate, or reliable.
Example Sentence: "The veracity of his statement was called into question by conflicting eyewitness accounts."
Synonyms: accuracy; authenticity; credibility; exactness; faithfulness; genuineness
Opposite Meaning: falsehood

vicarious (adjective) /vʌɪˈkɛːrɪəs/
Definition: Experiencing something through the actions or feelings of another person, rather than experiencing it directly.
Example Sentence: "He felt a vicarious thrill of victory as he watched his brother accept his Olympic medal."
Synonyms: derivative; empathetic; empathic; imagined; indirect; mimetic
Opposite Meaning: direct

vindicate (verb) /ˈvɪndɪkeɪt/
Definition: To clear someone's name, reputation, or actions from suspicion, doubt, or unjust criticism.
Example Sentence: "The evidence presented in court will vindicate the defendant."
Synonyms: absolve; acquit; discharge; disprove; exculpate; exonerate
Opposite Meaning: incriminate

voracious (adjective) /vəˈreɪʃəs/
Definition: Having or showing an urgent hunger, desire or interest in something.
Example Sentence: "She is an avid reader with a voracious appetite for romantic fiction."
Synonyms: avid; desirous; eager; edacious; enthusiastic; gluttonous
Opposite Meaning: satiated

zealous (adjective) /ˈzɛləs/
Definition: Showing great passion, enthusiasm and support for a person, cause, or belief.
Example Sentence: "The zealous parent was always pushing her children to succeed."
Synonyms: ardent; avid; committed; dedicated; devoted; eager
Opposite Meaning: apathetic