Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 7 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

anathema (noun) /əˈnaθəmə/
Definition: Something or someone that is vehemently disliked or detested by an individual or group.
Example Sentence: "The thought of being stuck in a cubicle all day was anathema to her adventurous spirit."
Synonyms: abhorrent; abomination; aversion; hateful; odious; offensive
Opposite Meaning: blessing

attest (verb) /əˈtɛst/
Definition: To provide evidence or testimony to confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Example Sentence: "The inspection report will attest to the safety of the building."
Synonyms: affirm; argue; assert; avouch; certify; confirm
Opposite Meaning: deny

binary (adjective) /ˈbʌɪn(ə)ri/
Definition: Characterized by the use of two distinct and mutually exclusive options or elements.
Example Sentence: "The binary system uses only two digits, 0 and 1."
Synonyms: binate; bipartite; dichotomous; double; dual; duo
Opposite Meaning: singular

brandish (verb) /ˈbrændɪʃ/
Definition: To wave or shake something in a threatening or dramatic manner, typically a weapon or an object that is intended to be used as a weapon.
Example Sentence: "The knight would brandish his sword, ready to defend the castle."
Synonyms: display; exhibit; expose; flaunt; flourish; gesture
Opposite Meaning: conceal

commensurate (adjective) /kəˈmɛnʃ(ə)rət/
Definition: Proportionate or equivalent in size, amount, or degree to something else.
Example Sentence: "The punishment was commensurate with the severity of the crime."
Synonyms: balanced; commensurable; comparable; compatible; consistent; correlative
Opposite Meaning: disproportionate

commiserate (verb) /kəˈmɪzəreɪt/
Definition: To express or feel sympathy and sorrow for someone who is in a difficult or unfortunate situation.
Example Sentence: "The team gathered to commiserate after their tough loss."
Synonyms: alleviate; comfort; condole; console; empathize; pity
Opposite Meaning: disregard

convoluted (adjective) /ˈkɒn vəˌlu tɪd/
Definition: Intricate, complex, or intricately twisted in nature.
Example Sentence: "Her convoluted explanation only served to further complicate matters."
Synonyms: complex; complicated; confusing; elaborate; intricate; involved
Opposite Meaning: simple

covenant (noun) /ˈkʌv(ə)nənt/
Definition: A legally binding agreement or promise to do or not do something.
Example Sentence: "The covenant between the two countries was a guarantee of non-aggression."
Synonyms: agreement; arrangement; bond; charter; commitment; compact
Opposite Meaning: breach

culpable (adjective) /ˈkʌlpəb(ə)l/
Definition: Deserving of blame, guilt, or responsibility for a particular action, decision, or situation.
Example Sentence: "The judge ruled that the company was culpable for the harm caused by their product."
Synonyms: accountable; answerable; blameworthy; censurable; errant; guilty
Opposite Meaning: innocent

defamation (noun) /ˌdɛfəˈmeɪʃn/
Definition: The act of making false and damaging statements about someone, with the intent to harm their reputation or character.
Example Sentence: "He sued the tabloid newspaper for defamation of character."
Synonyms: aspersion; calumniation; calumny; denigration; libel; misrepresentation
Opposite Meaning: praise

deleterious (adjective) /ˌdɛlɪˈtɪərɪəs/
Definition: Having a harmful or damaging effect on something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The use of pesticides in farming can have deleterious effects on wildlife."
Synonyms: adverse; damaging; dangerous; destructive; detrimental; harmful
Opposite Meaning: beneficial

dogmatic (adjective) /dɒɡˈmatɪk/
Definition: Strict adherence to a set of beliefs or doctrines, often without considering other possibilities or alternatives.
Example Sentence: "The dogmatic teacher would not allow any deviation from the curriculum."
Synonyms: arrogant; authoritarian; bullheaded; doctrinaire; dogged; domineering
Opposite Meaning: open-minded

effulgent (adjective) /ɪˈfʌl dʒənt/
Definition: Emitting or glowing an intense and radiant light, often in a way that is exceptionally bright, dazzling, or luminous.
Example Sentence: "The effulgent sunrise painted the sky with hues of pink and orange."
Synonyms: beaming; bright; brilliant; dazzling; gleaming; incandescent
Opposite Meaning: dim

ephemeral (adjective) /ɪˈfɛm(ə)rəl/
Definition: Having a very brief and transitory existence, emphasizing a fleeting and impermanent nature.
Example Sentence: "The ephemeral existence of the mayfly is one of the shortest in the animal kingdom."
Synonyms: evanescent; fleeting; fugacious; impermanent; momentary; passing
Opposite Meaning: permanent

epicure (noun) /ˈɛp ɪˌkyʊər/
Definition: An individual who has a refined and sophisticated appreciation for fine food and drink.
Example Sentence: "The epicure savored every bite of the gourmet meal."
Synonyms: bon-vivant; connoisseur; cordon-bleu; foodie; gastronome; glutton
Opposite Meaning: ascetic

equivocation (noun) /ɪˌkwɪv əˈkeɪ ʃən/
Definition: The act of deliberately using ambiguous or vague language in order to mislead or deceive others, often with the intention of avoiding the truth or committing to a clear stance.
Example Sentence: "The lawyer's skilled equivocation in the courtroom confused the jury and cast doubt on the defendant's guilt."
Synonyms: ambiguity; artifice; deceit; deception; duplicity; equivocality
Opposite Meaning: clarity

expurgate (verb) /ˈɛkspəɡeɪt/
Definition: To remove or censor objectionable or offensive content from a text or other work of media.
Example Sentence: "The publisher was forced to expurgate the book due to its explicit content."
Synonyms: abridge; amend; bleep; bowdlerize; censor; cleanse
Opposite Meaning: retain

galumph (verb) /gəˈlʌmf/
Definition: To move in a clumsy, heavy, or awkward manner.
Example Sentence: "The tired, old dog will usually galumph back to its bed after a long walk."
Synonyms: clomp; clump; crash; lumber; plod; squash
Opposite Meaning: glide

genteel (adjective) /dʒɛnˈtiːl/
Definition: Describing a refined and polite manner or social behavior that adheres to traditional norms and customs.
Example Sentence: "The genteel guests were known for their impeccable manners and refined taste."
Synonyms: civilized; courteous; courtly; cultured; decorous; polite
Opposite Meaning: coarse

guffaw (noun) /gʌˈfɔ/
Definition: A loud, boisterous burst of laughter.
Example Sentence: "His joke triggered a loud guffaw from the entire room."
Synonyms: cackle; chortle; chuckle; giggle; glee; hoot
Opposite Meaning: frown

histrionic (adjective) /ˌhɪstriˈɑnɪk/
Definition: Excessively dramatic or theatrical in one's behavior, often with the intention of drawing attention to oneself.
Example Sentence: "She has a knack for turning even mundane events into histrionic spectacles."
Synonyms: affected; artificial; dramatic; exaggerated; extravagant; flamboyant
Opposite Meaning: understated

ignoramus (noun) /ˌɪɡnəˈreɪməs/
Definition: A person who is profoundly ignorant, lacking specific knowledge or understanding, or exhibiting a general lack of education or awareness.
Example Sentence: "If you don't want to sound like an ignoramus, do some research before you speak."
Synonyms: bonehead; dimwit; doofus; dullard; dummy; dunce
Opposite Meaning: expert

illicit (adjective) /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
Definition: Pertaining to actions, behaviors, or activities that are prohibited, forbidden, or considered unlawful by established laws, regulations, or ethical standards.
Example Sentence: "The police uncovered an illicit drug operation in the city."
Synonyms: banned; clandestine; contraband; criminal; felonious; forbidden
Opposite Meaning: legal

impertinent (adjective) /ɪmˈpəːtɪnənt/
Definition: Rude, disrespectful, or inappropriate in behavior or speech.
Example Sentence: "He was in no position to ask his boss such an impertinent question."
Synonyms: audacious; brash; cheeky; discourteous; disrespectful; forward
Opposite Meaning: polite

impetuous (adjective) /ɪmˈpɛtjʊəs/
Definition: Characterized by impulsiveness, rashness, and a tendency to act quickly and without careful thought or consideration of consequences.
Example Sentence: "The impetuous investor lost all of his money by making hasty trades."
Synonyms: foolhardy; impromptu; imprudent; incautious; injudicious; rash
Opposite Meaning: cautious

impetus (noun) /ˈɪmpɪtəs/
Definition: The force or energy that drives a person or thing to action or movement.
Example Sentence: "The success of the project provided the impetus for further research."
Synonyms: catalyst; encouragement; impulse; incentive; momentum; motivation
Opposite Meaning: hindrance

impugn (verb) /ɪmˈpjuːn/
Definition: To challenge or attack the integrity, credibility or reputation of something or someone.
Example Sentence: "The defendant's lawyer attempted to impugn the witness's testimony."
Synonyms: assail; attack; challenge; condemn; contest; contradict
Opposite Meaning: trust

infallible (adjective) /ɪnˈfalɪbl/
Definition: Incapable of making mistakes or errors, and considered completely trustworthy and flawless in action or judgment.
Example Sentence: "Even the most experienced doctors are not infallible."
Synonyms: accurate; faultless; flawless; impeccable; meticulous; perfect
Opposite Meaning: fallible

insolent (adjective) /ˈɪn sə lənt/
Definition: Disrespectful, rude, or contemptuous.
Example Sentence: "The student was reprimanded for his insolent behavior towards the teacher."
Synonyms: audacious; brazen; cheeky; cocky; contemptuous; defiant
Opposite Meaning: respectful

laggard (noun) /ˈlaɡəd/
Definition: A person or thing that falls behind in terms of progress, development, or achievement.
Example Sentence: "The company has been a laggard in embracing new technology."
Synonyms: dawdler; lazybones; lingerer; loafer; loiterer; lounger
Opposite Meaning: leader

malapropism (noun) /ˈmaləprəpɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The incorrect use of a word that is similar in sound to the word they intended to use, often with humorous or amusing effect.
Example Sentence: "She couldn't help but laugh at the malapropism he made during the interview."
Synonyms: blooper; blunder; flub; gaffe; mistake; misusage
Opposite Meaning: correctness

mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/
Definition: To lessen, alleviate, or reduce the severity, intensity, or impact of something, typically a problem, challenge, or adverse situation.
Example Sentence: "The company installed safety measures to mitigate the risk of accidents in the workplace."
Synonyms: allay; alleviate; appease; assuage; attenuate; diminish
Opposite Meaning: worsen

narcissism (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪzᵊm/
Definition: A psychological trait or personality disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a constant craving for admiration and validation.
Example Sentence: "Narcissism often leads to a lack of empathy towards others."
Synonyms: arrogance; bigheadedness; boastfulness; braggadocio; cockiness; conceit
Opposite Meaning: altruism

nostalgic (adjective) /nɒˈstaldʒɪk/
Definition: Characterized by a longing or wistful affection for the past, particularly for moments, experiences, or aspects of one's personal history.
Example Sentence: "She felt a nostalgic twinge as she drove past her childhood home."
Synonyms: cornball; dreamy; emotional; homesick; maudlin; mushy
Opposite Meaning: forward-looking

obtuse (adjective) /əbˈtjuːs/
Definition: Slow to understand or perceive things, often characterized by a lack of insight, intelligence, or sharpness in grasping concepts or ideas.
Example Sentence: "The obtuse article failed to clearly convey the author's intended message."
Synonyms: blunt; dense; dimwit; dull; halfwit; imperceptive
Opposite Meaning: perceptive

poignant (adjective) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/
Definition: Evoking a strong emotional response, often a feeling of sadness or nostalgia.
Example Sentence: "The poignant lyrics of the song made her tear up."
Synonyms: affecting; cutting; emotional; impactful; intense; meaningful
Opposite Meaning: unemotional

portentous (adjective) /pɔːˈtɛntəs/
Definition: Ominous or foreboding, suggesting something bad or significant is about to happen.
Example Sentence: "She felt a portentous sense of dread as she prepared for the meeting."
Synonyms: alarming; baleful; dire; doomy; eerie; fateful
Opposite Meaning: reassuring

posit (verb) /ˈpɒzɪt/
Definition: To put forward a theory, idea, or argument, often as a starting point for further discussion or investigation.
Example Sentence: "Many religions posit the existance of life after death."
Synonyms: assert; assume; hypothesize; postulate; predicate; presuppose
Opposite Meaning: refute

prodigy (noun) /ˈprɒdɪdʒi/
Definition: An individual, typically a child or young person, who possesses exceptional and extraordinary talents, skills, or abilities well beyond their years.
Example Sentence: "He was a child prodigy who performed his first piano symphony at the age of nine."
Synonyms: genius; marvel; mastermind; phenomenon; sensation; virtuoso
Opposite Meaning: novice

quintessence (noun) /kwɪnˈtɛsns/
Definition: The most essential or perfect embodiment of something.
Example Sentence: "The symphony is often considered the quintessence of classical music."
Synonyms: archetype; core; crux; embodiment; epitome; essence
Opposite Meaning: anomaly

rankle (verb) /ˈraŋkl/
Definition: To cause lingering resentment, bitterness, or irritation, often as a result of a perceived offense, insult, or unfair treatment.
Example Sentence: "The criticism from her boss continued to rankle her even after she had left the job."
Synonyms: aggravate; agitate; annoy; bother; exasperate; fester
Opposite Meaning: please

regurgitate (verb) /rɪˈɡəːdʒɪteɪt/
Definition: To repeat information without understanding or analyzing it.
Example Sentence: "The student had to regurgitate the facts for the exam."
Synonyms: duplicate; echo; parrot; recapitulate; reiterate; reproduce
Opposite Meaning: originate

reiterate (verb) /ˌriːˈɪtəreɪt/
Definition: To say or do something again, often in order to emphasize or clarify a point.
Example Sentence: "Let me reiterate my earlier point to make sure everyone understands."
Synonyms: duplicate; echo; recapitulate; reenact; renew; repeat
Opposite Meaning: contradict

remedial (adjective) /rɪˈmidiəl/
Definition: Intended to provide a solution or cure for a problem, or to improve a situation that is in need of assistance.
Example Sentence: "The school offered remedial classes for students struggling in certain subjects."
Synonyms: corrective; curative; curing; healing; medicinal; rectifying
Opposite Meaning: harmful

sagacious (adjective) /səˈɡeɪʃəs/
Definition: Having or showing perceptive judgement and discerning decision making.
Example Sentence: "After weeks of analysis he made a sagacious investment in government bonds."
Synonyms: astute; brilliant; clever; insightful; intelligent; judicious
Opposite Meaning: foolish

sanguine (adjective) /ˈsaŋɡwɪn/
Definition: Optimistic, cheerful, and confident, often in the face of challenging or uncertain circumstances.
Example Sentence: "Investors are taking a particularly sanguine view of economic growth."
Synonyms: assured; bright; bullish; buoyant; cheerful; confident
Opposite Meaning: pessimistic

schadenfreude (noun) /ˈʃɑːd(ə)nˌfrɔɪdə/
Definition: The feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that comes from the failure or misfortune of others.
Example Sentence: "His constant schadenfreude made it challenging to maintain a positive friendship."
Synonyms: delight; glee; gloating; gratification; joy; malice
Opposite Meaning: empathy

subjugate (verb) /ˈsʌbdʒʊɡeɪt/
Definition: To bring under control, dominate or conquer by force or by other means.
Example Sentence: "They sought to subjugate their rivals through economic power."
Synonyms: enslave; master; overcome; overpower; overthrow; quell
Opposite Meaning: liberate

symbiosis (noun) /sɪmbʌɪˈəʊsɪs/
Definition: A relationship between two or more different species that benefits each of them in some way.
Example Sentence: "The relationship between plants and bees is a classic example of mutualistic symbiosis."
Synonyms: collaboration; connection; cooperation; exchange; mutualism; reciprocity
Opposite Meaning: antagonism

ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/
Definition: Omnipresent, seemingly present everywhere at the same time, or very commonly and widely encountered.
Example Sentence: "The use of smartphones has become ubiquitous in today's society."
Synonyms: commonplace; everywhere; familiar; inescapable; omnipresent; pervading
Opposite Meaning: rare