Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 8 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

abrade (verb) /əˈbreɪd/
Definition: To wear down or erode a surface, typically through friction or rubbing.
Example Sentence: "The waves abrade the coastline, gradually reshaping the land over the years."
Synonyms: buff; chafe; erase; file; graze; grind
Opposite Meaning: preserve

addendum (noun) /əˈdɛndəm/
Definition: A section or supplement added to a document, usually at the end, that provides additional information or clarification.
Example Sentence: "The addendum to the contract included additional terms and conditions."
Synonyms: addition; adjunct; affix; appendage; appendix; attachment
Opposite Meaning: deletion

amiable (adjective) /ˈeɪ mi ə bəl/
Definition: Friendly, pleasant, and likable.
Example Sentence: "He has an amiable personality that instantly puts people at ease."
Synonyms: affable; agreeable; approachable; charming; congenial; cordial
Opposite Meaning: unfriendly

arbiter (noun) /ˈɑːbɪtə/
Definition: A person or entity that has the authority to make a final decision or judgment in a dispute or conflict.
Example Sentence: "The committee appointed an arbiter to settle the disagreements among team members."
Synonyms: adjudicator; arbitrator; judge; mediator; moderator; negotiator
Opposite Meaning: participant

axiom (noun) /ˈaksɪəm/
Definition: A statement or proposition that is considered to be self-evident and universally accepted as true.
Example Sentence: "The axiom "survival of the fittest" is central to the theory of evolution."
Synonyms: adage; aphorism; dictum; gnome; maxim; postulate
Opposite Meaning: fallacy

badinage (noun) /ˈbadɪnɑːʒ/
Definition: A type of playful, witty, or flirtatious conversation that is usually done in a good-natured way.
Example Sentence: "The party guests indulged in lighthearted badinage throughout the evening."
Synonyms: banter; jesting; joshing; mockery; persiflage; raillery
Opposite Meaning: seriousness

bellicose (adjective) /ˈbɛlɪkəʊs/
Definition: Demonstrating confrontational behavior and eagerness or willingness to quarrel, fight or go to war.
Example Sentence: "Conflict looked likely as bellicose statements intensified between the two nations."
Synonyms: adversarial; aggressive; antagonistic; argumentative; belligerent; combative
Opposite Meaning: peaceful

bequeath (verb) /bɪˈkwiːð/
Definition: To leave something, typically property or assets, to someone in a will or testament.
Example Sentence: "He decided to bequeath his estate to his children."
Synonyms: bestow; commit; confer; deliver; endow; entrust
Opposite Meaning: disinherit

bludgeon (verb) /ˈblʌʤən/
Definition: To strike someone or something repeatedly and violently with a blunt object, typically with the intention to injure or kill.
Example Sentence: "The attacker used a bat to bludgeon his victim, leaving them severely injured."
Synonyms: attack; batter; beat; belt; clobber; club
Opposite Meaning: caress

caste (noun) /kɑːst/
Definition: The system of dividing society into social classes, usually by heritage, economic status, occupation or rank.
Example Sentence: "He belonged to the highest caste and enjoyed a privileged status."
Synonyms: class; division; echelon; grade; grouping; hierarchy
Opposite Meaning: equality

clairvoyant (noun) /klɛːˈvɔɪənt/
Definition: A person who has the ability to see things that are beyond the normal senses.
Example Sentence: "The clairvoyant claimed to have the ability to see into the future."
Synonyms: diviner; medium; oracle; psychic; seer; soothsayer
Opposite Meaning: oblivious

concerted (adjective) /kənˈsəːtɪd/
Definition: Planned, organized, and carried out in a cooperative and coordinated manner.
Example Sentence: "The team made a concerted effort to complete the project ahead of schedule."
Synonyms: active; collaborative; collective; combined; earnest; joint
Opposite Meaning: independent

constituent (adjective) /kənˈstɪtjʊənt/
Definition: Pertaining to a necessary and integral part of a larger whole.
Example Sentence: "The constituent parts of the machine were carefully assembled by the technician."
Synonyms: characteristic; component; element; facet; fragment; ingredient
Opposite Meaning: extra

depravity (noun) /dɪˈpravɪti/
Definition: The state or quality of being morally corrupt, wicked, or morally degraded to a severe and often shocking degree.
Example Sentence: "The novel delves into the depravity and corruption of high society."
Synonyms: corruption; debauchery; degeneracy; depravation; evil; immorality
Opposite Meaning: virtue

egalitarian (adjective) /ɪˌɡalɪˈtɛːrɪən/
Definition: Belief in the equality of all people, particularly in terms of social, political, and economic rights and opportunities.
Example Sentence: "The country's egalitarian constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens."
Synonyms: democratic; equable; equal; fair; impartial; just
Opposite Meaning: elitist

egregious (adjective) /ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/
Definition: Conspicuously and outrageously bad, offensive, or glaringly wrong in nature.
Example Sentence: "The company's egregious disregard for safety regulations led to a tragic accident."
Synonyms: abhorrent; appalling; atrocious; awful; dreadful; horrendous
Opposite Meaning: commendable

elucidate (verb) /ɪˈl(j)uːsɪdeɪt/
Definition: To make something clear or easy to understand by providing explanation or detail.
Example Sentence: "The author's goal was to elucidate the historical context of the event."
Synonyms: clarify; explain; expound; untangle; illuminate; illustrate
Opposite Meaning: confuse

emend (verb) /ɪˈmɛnd/
Definition: To correct or improve a text, particularly in reference to literary or historical works.
Example Sentence: "The committee will emend the guidelines to reflect current policies."
Synonyms: amend; change; edit; modify; rectify; redraft
Opposite Meaning: ruin

furtive (adjective) /ˈfəːtɪv/
Definition: Attempting to avoid notice or attention by sly or cautious stealthiness, typically because of guilt.
Example Sentence: "He had a furtive glance around the room before stealing the money."
Synonyms: clandestine; covert; hidden; secretive; skulking; slinking
Opposite Meaning: open

garrulous (adjective) /ˈɡar(j)ʊləs/
Definition: Talking excessively or at length, often about trivial or unimportant matters.
Example Sentence: "The garrulous salesman prattled on all day without making a sale."
Synonyms: babbling; chattering; gossiping; gushing; loquacious; prattling
Opposite Meaning: taciturn

iconoclast (noun) /aɪˈkɒnəʊklæst/
Definition: A person who challenges or opposes established beliefs, traditions, or institutions, often in a dramatic or disruptive way.
Example Sentence: "The artist was known as an iconoclast for her provocative and unconventional works."
Synonyms: agitator; dissident; heretic; innovator; maverick; nonconformist
Opposite Meaning: traditionalist

imminent (adjective) /ˈɪmɪnənt/
Definition: About to happen or occur in the very near future, often suggesting that it is impending or about to take place at any moment.
Example Sentence: "The launch of the rocket was imminent and the team was making final checks."
Synonyms: approaching; coming; forthcoming; impending; looming; nearing
Opposite Meaning: distant

imperative (adjective) /ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/
Definition: Absolutely necessary or crucial, and must be done regardless of other considerations.
Example Sentence: "He believed that it was imperative to invest in the company's future."
Synonyms: compulsory; crucial; essential; exigent; important; mandatory
Opposite Meaning: optional

ingratiate (verb) /ɪnˈɡreɪʃɪeɪt/
Definition: To gain favor or approval through flattery or excessive friendliness, typically insincere in nature.
Example Sentence: "The politician's attempts to ingratiate himself with the voters were seen as disingenuous."
Synonyms: blandish; brownnose; captivate; charm; cozy; crawl
Opposite Meaning: repulse

interpolate (verb) /ˌɪˈtɜrpəˌleɪt/
Definition: To insert something, such as a word, phrase, or passage, into a text or conversation where it was not originally present.
Example Sentence: "The researcher will interpolate the results of previous studies to form a hypothesis."
Synonyms: add; annex; append; embed; implant; include
Opposite Meaning: remove

invective (noun) /ɪnˈvɛktɪv/
Definition: Insulting or abusive language, typically used to express anger or contempt.
Example Sentence: "The student's invective towards his teacher led to immediate expulsion from school."
Synonyms: abuse; berating; castigation; censure; denunciation; diatribe
Opposite Meaning: praise

lambaste (verb) /lamˈbast/
Definition: To criticize or attack someone or something severely and harshly.
Example Sentence: "The teacher didn't hesitate to lambaste the students for their irresponsible behavior."
Synonyms: assail; berate; castigate; censure; excoriate; rebuke
Opposite Meaning: praise

mundane (adjective) /ˌmʌnˈdeɪn/
Definition: Ordinary, routine, and lacking in excitement or exceptional qualities.
Example Sentence: "He found the job to be mundane and unfulfilling."
Synonyms: banal; common; everyday; familiar; generic; humdrum
Opposite Meaning: extraordinary

obviate (verb) /ˈɒbvɪeɪt/
Definition: To remove a problem or obstacle, make something unnecessary, or prevent the occurrence of something.
Example Sentence: "We need to take proactive measures to obviate any potential risks."
Synonyms: avert; avoid; circumvent; counter; counteract; deter
Opposite Meaning: necessitate

officious (adjective) /əˈfɪʃəs/
Definition: Excessively eager to offer unwanted or unnecessary help or advice, often in an intrusive or overbearing manner.
Example Sentence: "The officious security guard refused to let anyone enter without proper clearance."
Synonyms: bossy; bumptious; busybody; interfering; intrusive; meddlesome
Opposite Meaning: unobtrusive

omnipotent (adjective) /ɒmˈnɪpət(ə)nt/
Definition: Describing a state of unlimited and all-encompassing power and authority.
Example Sentence: "The belief in an omnipotent being is central to many religious traditions."
Synonyms: almighty; boundless; divine; godlike; infinite; invincible
Opposite Meaning: powerless

ornithology (noun) /ˌɔːnɪˈθɒlədʒi/
Definition: The scientific study of birds, encompassing a wide range of research areas related to avian biology, behavior, ecology, physiology, and taxonomy.
Example Sentence: "The ornithology club organized a field trip to observe local bird species."
Synonyms: avian; avifauna; behavior; biology; birdology; ecology
Opposite Meaning: mammalogy

palliative (adjective) /ˈpæliətɪv/
Definition: Providing temporary relief or comfort to a problem or symptom, rather than treating the underlying cause of the problem.
Example Sentence: "The hospice center provided palliative care for patients with terminal illnesses."
Synonyms: alleviating; ameliorative; assuaging; calming; easing; healing
Opposite Meaning: aggravating

patronage (noun) /ˈpeɪ trə nɪdʒ/
Definition: The support, sponsorship, or financial assistance provided by a patron to an individual, organization, or cause.
Example Sentence: "The bookstore thrived due to the patronage of avid readers in the community."
Synonyms: aid; assistance; backing; benefaction; contribution; encouragement
Opposite Meaning: opposition

perennial (adjective) /pəˈrɛnɪəl/
Definition: Persisting or enduring through all seasons or over many years.
Example Sentence: "The daffodil is a popular perennial flower that blooms in the spring."
Synonyms: constant; continuing; enduring; lasting; permanent; perpetual
Opposite Meaning: temporary

pittance (noun) /ˈpɪt(ə)ns/
Definition: A small or inadequate amount of money or resources, often considered to be insufficient or barely enough to meet basic needs.
Example Sentence: "The company offered a pittance for the employee's severance package."
Synonyms: crumb; dab; drop; mite; modicum; morsel
Opposite Meaning: fortune

portend (verb) /pɔːˈtɛnd/
Definition: To serve as a warning, omen, or sign that foreshadows or predicts a future event, often with a sense of foreboding or anticipation.
Example Sentence: "The murmurs of discontent among the citizens may portend a revolution."
Synonyms: announce; augur; forebode; foreshadow; foretell; forewarn
Opposite Meaning: reassure

puerile (adjective) /ˈpjʊərʌɪl/
Definition: Childish, immature or silly in a way that is not appropriate for the situation or context.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's puerile jokes did not resonate with the sophisticated audience."
Synonyms: adolescent; babyish; callow; childish; foolish; inane
Opposite Meaning: mature

querulous (adjective) /ˈkwɛr(j)ʊləs/
Definition: Habitually complaining or grumbling, often in a peevish or petulant manner.
Example Sentence: "The querulous child whined and complained about every small inconvenience."
Synonyms: cantankerous; captious; carping; complaining; critical; discontented
Opposite Meaning: content

recapitulate (verb) /ˌrikəˈpɪʧəˌleɪt/
Definition: To summarize or review the main points or events of something, often in a brief and concise manner.
Example Sentence: "The speaker paused to recapitulate the main arguments of their presentation."
Synonyms: digest; encapsulate; outline; paraphrase; recap; recount
Opposite Meaning: elaborate

redress (verb) /rɪˈdrɛs/
Definition: To remedy, correct, or rectify a situation or grievance, typically involving the restoration of justice, fairness, or balance.
Example Sentence: "The teacher used good humor to redress difficult behaviour in his class."
Synonyms: ameliorate; amend; cure; fix; harmonize; heal
Opposite Meaning: worsen

renunciate (verb) /rɪˈnʌnsɪeɪt/
Definition: To give up, surrender or reject something of value, such as a right, claim, possession, title, or privilege.
Example Sentence: "You must renunciate your worldly possessions to enter the monastery."
Synonyms: abandon; abnegate; desert; disavow; discard; renounce
Opposite Meaning: claim

salacious (adjective) /səˈleɪʃəs/
Definition: Characterized by a strong inclination toward sexual content, often of a lewd, obscene, or lascivious nature.
Example Sentence: "The salacious details of the affair were splashed across the front page of the newspaper."
Synonyms: concupiscent; lascivious; lecherous; lewd; libidinous; lustful
Opposite Meaning: wholesome

sublimate (noun) /ˈsʌblɪmeɪt/
Definition: The process of redirecting or transforming a socially unacceptable impulse or desire into a more socially acceptable form.
Example Sentence: "He used sports as a way to sublimate his aggressive tendencies."
Synonyms: channel; cleanse; convert; distill; divert; elevate
Opposite Meaning: manifest

synchronicity (noun) /ˌsɪŋkrəˈnɪsɪti/
Definition: The idea that seemingly unrelated events are somehow meaningfully connected.
Example Sentence: "The synchronicity of their paths crossing after so many years was a miracle."
Synonyms: alignment; coexistence; coincidence; concurrence; confluence; congruence
Opposite Meaning: disconnection

terra-firma (noun) /ˌtɛrə ˈfəːmə/
Definition: The solid and stable surface of the Earth, as opposed to bodies of water or other less stable terrains.
Example Sentence: "After months at sea, the sailors were relieved to be back on terra firma."
Synonyms: dirt; dryland; earth; ground; hardstand; land
Opposite Meaning: water

totalitarianism (noun) /toʊˌtæl ɪˈtɛər i əˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A political system or ideology characterized by centralized and absolute control over all aspects of public and private life.
Example Sentence: "The totalitarian regime relied on surveillance to monitor and control its citizens."
Synonyms: authoritarianism; autocracy; control; despotism; dictatorship; dominance
Opposite Meaning: democracy

vacillate (verb) /ˈvasɪleɪt/
Definition: To waver or be indecisive, particularly in relation to making a decision or taking action.
Example Sentence: "I often vacillate between wanting to stay in or go out on Friday nights."
Synonyms: alternate; change; dither; fluctuate; hesitate; oscillate
Opposite Meaning: resolve

vacuous (adjective) /ˈvakjʊəs/
Definition: Empty, devoid of content, or lacking in substance, often suggesting a profound emptiness or shallowness.
Example Sentence: "The vacuous expression on her face made it clear that she wasn't paying attention."
Synonyms: blank; devoid; inane; mindless; shallow; stupid
Opposite Meaning: insightful

vagrant (noun) /ˈveɪɡr(ə)nt/
Definition: A person without a permanent home or regular employment, who wanders from place to place without any specific destination.
Example Sentence: "The police officer arrested the vagrant for public intoxication."
Synonyms: beggar; bum; dosser; drifter; hobo; homeless
Opposite Meaning: resident