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

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Learn GRE 8 (Graduate Record Examination) vocabulary words with this free 50-card online vocabulary flashcard study set. Flip each flash card to see the part of speech, definition, and example sentence.

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Gear up for GRE success with these 50 essential words, ranging from "abrade" to "vagrant". This diverse collection is designed to enhance your vocabulary, crucial for excelling in the verbal section and enriching your academic language skills.

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abrade

How to pronounce abrade (audio)

Includes synonyms, etymology, and a detailed definition.

Part of Speech

verb

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."

Complete Flashcards List for GRE 8 (Graduate Record Examination) with Definitions, POS, IPA, Examples, Synonyms, and Antonyms

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

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