Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 3 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

abnegate (verb) /ˈabnɪɡeɪt/
Definition: To renounce, relinquish, or give up something, often for a greater cause or to show humility.
Example Sentence: "Parents often abnegate their own leisure time in order to support their children’s activities."
Synonyms: abandon; abdicate; abstain; concede; decline; deny
Opposite Meaning: embrace

abrogate (verb) /ˈabrəɡeɪt/
Definition: To formally repeal, annul, or abolish a law, agreement, contract, or established custom or practice.
Example Sentence: "The government decided to abrogate the treaty with the neighboring country."
Synonyms: abolish; annul; cancel; discontinue; invalidate; nullify
Opposite Meaning: establish

absolve (verb) /əbˈzɒlv/
Definition: To formally pardon, excuse, or forgive someone for a wrongdoing or crime.
Example Sentence: "The jury voted to absolve the defendant of any wrongdoing."
Synonyms: acquit; clear; discharge; exculpate; exonerate; forgive
Opposite Meaning: blame

acrid (adjective) /ˈakrɪd/
Definition: Referring to a sharp, pungent, and often irritating odor, taste, or quality that is characterized by its harshness and bitterness.
Example Sentence: "The acrid smell of burning rubber filled the air after the car skidded to a halt."
Synonyms: astringent; biting; bitter; burning; caustic; harsh
Opposite Meaning: sweet

aphorism (noun) /ˈafərɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A concise statement that expresses a wise or clever observation or a general truth about life.
Example Sentence: "All that glitters isn’t gold, is an example of a famous aphorism that has become part of our cultural lexicon."
Synonyms: adage; axiom; cliché; dictum; epigram; maxim
Opposite Meaning: verbosity

apparition (noun) /ˌapəˈrɪʃn/
Definition: The appearance of a ghost or spirit, often as a visual or auditory phenomenon.
Example Sentence: "The apparition was captured on camera by the paranormal investigator."
Synonyms: eidolon; phantasm; phantom; poltergeist; revenant; specter
Opposite Meaning: reality

ardent (adjective) /ˈɑːd(ə)nt/
Definition: Having or showing very strong feelings of passion or enthusiasm.
Example Sentence: "He was an ardent campaigner for animal rights."
Synonyms: assiduous; avid; committed; dedicated; eager; fervent
Opposite Meaning: apathetic

audacious (adjective) /ɔˈdeɪ ʃəs/
Definition: Displaying a bold, daring, or fearless nature, often characterized by a willingness to take risks or challenge conventional norms.
Example Sentence: "He made an audacious move by launching his own startup with limited resources."
Synonyms: bold; brave; courageous; daring; dauntless; enterprising
Opposite Meaning: timid

avant-garde (adjective) /ˌavɒ̃ˈɡɑːd/
Definition: Innovative, experimental, and ahead of its time, especially in the realms of art, culture, or creative expression.
Example Sentence: "She was an avant-garde musician who experimented with electronic sounds."
Synonyms: contemporary; experimental; groundbreaking; innovative; inventive; modern
Opposite Meaning: traditional

blasé (adjective) /ˈblɑːzeɪ/
Definition: Indifference or boredom towards something that would typically excite or interest others.
Example Sentence: "After years of traveling the world, she was completely blasé about visiting new cities."
Synonyms: apathetic; blithe; bored; disinterested; indifferent; insouciant
Opposite Meaning: excited

bombastic (adjective) /bɒmˈbastɪk/
Definition: High-flown or inflated words and phrases, often used to impress or intimidate others.
Example Sentence: "The bombastic claims made by the scientist were met with skepticism."
Synonyms: flamboyant; florid; grandiloquent; grandiose; highfalutin; inflated
Opposite Meaning: plain

bowdlerize (verb) /ˈboʊd ləˌraɪz/
Definition: To remove or censor content from a literary work, typically to make it more appropriate for a general audience.
Example Sentence: "The TV network had to bowdlerize the movie to make it suitable for prime time."
Synonyms: expurgate; sanitize; redact; edit; purify; expunge
Opposite Meaning: expose

canard (noun) /kəˈnɑːd/
Definition: A false or misleading statement or story that is spread deliberately to deceive or mislead people.
Example Sentence: "He spread a canard about the company to hurt its reputation."
Synonyms: deceit; deception; fable; fabrication; fallacy; falsehood
Opposite Meaning: truth

cloying (adjective) /ˈklɔɪɪŋ/
Definition: Overly sweet, sentimental, or excessively indulgent to the point of becoming overwhelming or distasteful.
Example Sentence: "His cloying attempts to win her affection became increasingly annoying."
Synonyms: excessive; honeyed; mawkish; mushy; nauseating; overly sweet
Opposite Meaning: refreshing

consternation (noun) /kɒnstəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
Definition: A state of shock, dismay, or deep anxiety and confusion that arises in response to unexpected or distressing events or circumstances.
Example Sentence: "The news of the scandal caused consternation among the public."
Synonyms: alarm; anxiety; apprehension; bewilderment; distress; fear
Opposite Meaning: calmness

contumely (noun) /ˈkɒntjuːmᵊli/
Definition: Insulting language or treatment that is intended to be offensive and disrespectful.
Example Sentence: "The athlete faced contumely from the opposing team's fans throughout the game."
Synonyms: abuse; affront; degradation; disparagement; humiliation; indignity
Opposite Meaning: respect

denunciation (noun) /dɪˌnʌnsɪˈeɪʃn/
Definition: The act of publicly condemning or criticizing something or someone, often in a formal or official manner.
Example Sentence: "She issued a denunciation of the company's treatment of its employees."
Synonyms: accusation; censure; disapproval; execration; rebuke; rejection
Opposite Meaning: praise

dereliction (noun) /dɛrəˈlɪkʃ(ə)n/
Definition: The act of neglecting or abandoning a duty or responsibility.
Example Sentence: "The soldier was court-martialed for dereliction of duty for deserting his post."
Synonyms: abandonment; abdication; breach; default; delinquency; desertion
Opposite Meaning: fulfillment

diminutive (adjective) /dɪˈmɪnjʊtɪv/
Definition: Small or miniature in size, often in a way that is charming or endearing.
Example Sentence: "The little girl's diminutive voice was barely audible above the noise of the crowd."
Synonyms: dinky; dwarfish; Lilliputian; little; mini; minute
Opposite Meaning: large

felicity (noun) /fɪˈlɪsɪti/
Definition: A state of great happiness, joy, or contentment, often characterized by a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
Example Sentence: "Her felicity was evident as she danced on her wedding day."
Synonyms: delight; ecstasy; elation; exhilaration; exuberance; glee
Opposite Meaning: unhappiness

filibuster (noun) /ˈfɪlɪbʌstə/
Definition: A political tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill or other legislative measure by talking for an extended period of time.
Example Sentence: "The senator launched a lengthy filibuster to delay the passing of the controversial bill."
Synonyms: block; delay; dilatory; hinder; hinderance; impede
Opposite Meaning: expedite

gerrymander (verb) /ˈdʒɛrɪˌmandə/
Definition: To manipulate the boundaries of electoral districts in order to benefit a particular political party or group.
Example Sentence: "They aim to gerrymander the districts to favor their party."
Synonyms: arrange; contrive; doctor; engineer; maneuver; scheme
Opposite Meaning: equalize

Herculean (adjective) /ˌhəːkjʊˈliːən/
Definition: Extremely difficult or requiring a great deal of strength and effort.
Example Sentence: "The rebuilding of the city after the disaster was a Herculean task."
Synonyms: almighty; arduous; backbreaking; challenging; colossal; daunting
Opposite Meaning: easy

imbroglio (noun) ɪmˈbrəʊlɪəʊ/
Definition: A complicated and confusing situation, often involving a lot of conflicting interests or emotions.
Example Sentence: "The imbroglio surrounding the election results caused widespread controversy."
Synonyms: bind; dilemma; jam; mess; muddle; pickle
Opposite Meaning: simplicity

incredulous (adjective) /ɪnˈkrɛdjʊləs/
Definition: Skeptical or doubtful about something, often indicating a lack of belief or trust.
Example Sentence: "The judge was incredulous at the defendant's outrageous claim."
Synonyms: cynical; disbelieving; distrustful; doubtful; dubious; hesitant
Opposite Meaning: credulous

leviathan (noun) /lɪˈvaɪ ə θən/
Definition: A mythical sea monster or a powerful, enormous creature mentioned in ancient texts and mythologies.
Example Sentence: "The ancient sailors told tales of a fearsome leviathan lurking beneath the depths of the ocean."
Synonyms: behemoth; brute; chimera; colossus; dragon; giant
Opposite Meaning: minuscule

litany (noun) /ˈlɪtəni/
Definition: A catalog of items, phrases, or issues that are enumerated in a systematic or monotonous manner.
Example Sentence: "The store received a litany of complaints from dissatisfied customers."
Synonyms: account; catalog; catalogue; checklist; enumeration; inventory
Opposite Meaning: silence

milieu (noun) /mɪlˈjʊ/
Definition: The social, cultural, and environmental setting in which a person or group exists.
Example Sentence: "Growing up in a rural milieu, he developed a deep love for nature."
Synonyms: atmosphere; background; circumstances; context; habitat; scene
Opposite Meaning: isolation

oblivion (noun) /əˈblɪvɪən/
Definition: The state of being completely forgotten or erased from memory, or completely unaware or unconscious of one's surroundings.
Example Sentence: "The celebrity faded into oblivion after his scandalous behavior."
Synonyms: annihilation; extinction; limbo; neglect; nothingness; obliteration
Opposite Meaning: awareness

ostentatious (adjective) /ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃəs/
Definition: Showy or flamboyant, often in a manner that is meant to impress or attract attention.
Example Sentence: "The ostentatious party was a show of the host's status."
Synonyms: boastful; brash; conspicuous; extravagant; flamboyant; flashy
Opposite Meaning: modest

pecuniary (adjective) /pɪˈkjuːnɪəri/
Definition: Relating to or involving financial matters, particularly money or financial resources.
Example Sentence: "The pecuniary compensation was not enough to cover the damages."
Synonyms: banking; budgetary; budgeting; capital; cash; commercial
Opposite Meaning: non-financial

peripatetic (adjective) /ˌpɛrɪpəˈtɛtɪk/
Definition: Constantly on the move or traveling from place to place, especially due to multiple places of work.
Example Sentence: "The peripatetic nature of his job required him to travel frequently."
Synonyms: ambulant; itinerant; journeying; migrant; mobile; nomadic
Opposite Meaning: stationary

persecute (verb) /ˈpəːsɪkjuːt/
Definition: To subject someone to hostility or ill-treatment, often because of their race, religion, or political beliefs.
Example Sentence: "The regime sought to persecute journalists who reported on their corruption."
Synonyms: beset; bother; harass; harrow; hound; maltreat
Opposite Meaning: support

polemic (noun) /pəˈlɛmɪk/
Definition: A strong argument or attack on a particular belief, doctrine, or person.
Example Sentence: "His polemic against censorship championed the freedom of speech."
Synonyms: altercation; argument; clash; conflict; contention; controversy
Opposite Meaning: agreement

propinquity (noun) /prəˈpɪŋkwəti/
Definition: The state of being near or in close proximity to something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The propinquity of their workstations led to a close working relationship."
Synonyms: adjacency; contiguity; immediacy; intimacy; juxtaposition; neighborhood
Opposite Meaning: distance

pugnacious (adjective) /pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/
Definition: Inclined to be combative, aggressive, or eager to engage in physical or verbal confrontations.
Example Sentence: "The pugnacious tone of the email made it clear the sender was angry."
Synonyms: aggressive; antagonistic; argumentative; bellicose; belligerent; combative
Opposite Meaning: peaceful

rapturous (adjective) /ˈraptʃ(ə)rəs/
Definition: Characterized by feelings of intense joy, ecstasy, or delight.
Example Sentence: "The pianist was given a rapturous reception by the enthusiastic crowd."
Synonyms: delighted; ecstatic; elated; enthusiastic; euphoric; exhilarated
Opposite Meaning: miserable

renege (verb) /rɪˈniːɡ
Definition: To break a promise, commitment, or agreement that was previously made, often resulting in disappointment or betrayal of trust.
Example Sentence: "The company's reputation suffered when they chose to renege on their warranties."
Synonyms: backpedal; backtrack; default; recall; recant; repudiate
Opposite Meaning: honor

resolute (adjective) /ˈrɛzəluːt/
Definition: Characterized by firmness, determination, and unwavering commitment to a course of action, decision, or belief.
Example Sentence: "Even in difficult times, their resolute spirit remained unshaken."
Synonyms: committed; determined; implacable; indefatigable; persistent; purposeful
Opposite Meaning: indecisive

saturnine (adjective) /ˈsatənʌɪn/
Definition: Characterized by a gloomy, moody, or melancholic disposition, often marked by a serious or stern demeanor.
Example Sentence: "The saturnine atmosphere of the city was largely due to the constant overcast weather."
Synonyms: austere; brooding; dour; downcast; glum; introspective
Opposite Meaning: cheerful

serene (adjective) /sɪˈriːn/
Definition: Calm, peaceful, and composed, often in the face of adversity or stress.
Example Sentence: "The lake was serene and mirror-like in the early morning."
Synonyms: calm; composed; harmonious; imperturbable; peaceful; placid
Opposite Meaning: agitated

sine-qua-non (noun) /ˌsɪnɪ kwɑː ˈnəʊn/
Definition: An essential and indispensable element or condition that is absolutely necessary for a particular outcome, result, or situation to occur.
Example Sentence: "She realized that hard work was a sine qua non for achieving her goals."
Synonyms: condition; crucial; essential; fundamental; imperative; indispensable
Opposite Meaning: unimportance

sordid (adjective) /ˈsɔːdɪd/
Definition: Marked by moral depravity, filthiness, or a squalid and shameful quality.
Example Sentence: "The sordid details of the scandal were revealed in the newspaper."
Synonyms: base; corrupt; debased; debauched; degenerate; degraded
Opposite Meaning: pure

taciturn (adjective) /ˈtasɪtəːn/
Definition: Having a natural inclination to be reserved, quiet, and uncommunicative, especially in social settings.
Example Sentence: "She was considered taciturn and didn't participate in group discussions."
Synonyms: aloof; distant; mute; quiet; restrained; reticent
Opposite Meaning: talkative

tangential (adjective) /tanˈdʒɛn(t)ʃl/
Definition: Loosely or slightly connected to the main topic, idea, or conversation.
Example Sentence: "Her tangential remarks in the meeting didn't contribute to the main discussion."
Synonyms: collateral; digressive; divergent; extraneous; immaterial; incidental
Opposite Meaning: central

tautology (noun) /tɔːˈtɒlədʒi/
Definition: A statement or phrase in which the same information is repeated twice, using different words or phrases.
Example Sentence: "The phrase 'exact same' is a tautology, as 'exact' and 'same' mean the same thing."
Synonyms: iteration; pleonasm; prolixity; redundancy; repetition; repetitiveness
Opposite Meaning: originality

tawdry (adjective) /ˈtɔːdri/
Definition: Flashy or showy, but with little real value or substance, and often in bad taste.
Example Sentence: "The tawdry nightclub was known for its sleazy atmosphere and questionable clientele."
Synonyms: brassy; cheap; garish; gaudy; meretricious; sleazy
Opposite Meaning: elegant

titillate (verb) /ˈtɪtɪleɪt/
Definition: To excite or stimulate in a pleasing or interesting way, particularly in a sexual or sensual manner.
Example Sentence: "The provocative dance routine was designed to titillate the audience."
Synonyms: arouse; delight; exhilarate; inspire; interest; intrigue
Opposite Meaning: bore

valedictory (adjective) /ˌvalɪˈdɪkt(ə)ri/
Definition: Serving as a farewell, departure, or parting speech, often delivered on a significant occasion, such as a graduation ceremony.
Example Sentence: "They performed a valedictory concert for the mayor's official retirement."
Synonyms: closing; concluding; departing; final; goodbye; last
Opposite Meaning: welcoming

visceral (adjective) /ˈvɪs(ə)r(ə)l/
Definition: Deeply and instinctively felt, often in a physical or emotional sense.
Example Sentence: "The music elicited a visceral sense of nostalgia for the listener."
Synonyms: core; emotional; fundamental; gut; inborn; innate
Opposite Meaning: intellectual