Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for GRE 9 (Graduate Record Examination) Words

abstruse (adjective) /əbˈstruːs/
Definition: Extremely difficult to understand, often due to its complex, intricate, or deeply intellectual nature.
Example Sentence: "The company's technical manual was filled with abstruse jargon."
Synonyms: abstract; ambiguous; concealed; confusing; mysterious; obscure
Opposite Meaning: clear

amalgamate (verb) /əˈmalɡəmeɪt/
Definition: To merge or combine two or more things into a single entity.
Example Sentence: "The school board voted to amalgamate the two schools into one."
Synonyms: blend; coalesce; combine; compound; consolidate; fuse
Opposite Meaning: separate

apropos (preposition) /ˌaprəˈpəʊ/
Definition: Indicating relevance or appropriateness in relation to a particular topic, situation, or context.
Example Sentence: "Apropos the dress code, please wear business attire for the meeting."
Synonyms: about; belonging; germane; pertinent; regarding; related
Opposite Meaning: irrelevant

arbitrary (adjective) /ˈɑːbɪt(rə)ri/
Definition: Based on personal opinion or individual discretion, rather than any specific rule or principle.
Example Sentence: "The teacher was criticized for her arbitrary grading system."
Synonyms: capricious; chance; discretionary; erratic; fanciful; frivolous
Opposite Meaning: reasoned

ascetic (adjective) /əˈsɛtɪk/
Definition: Extreme self-discipline and abstinence from worldly pleasures or comforts.
Example Sentence: "The monk lived an ascetic lifestyle, free from worldly possessions."
Synonyms: abstemious; austere; celibate; monastic; monkish; puritanical
Opposite Meaning: hedonistic

captious (adjective) /ˈkapʃəs/
Definition: Marked by an inclination to find fault or express judgment about things in a way that is petty or unreasonable.
Example Sentence: "The captious critic gave a harsh and disparaging review of the teenage talent."
Synonyms: carping; caviling; critical; disapproving; judgmental; nitpicking
Opposite Meaning: uncritical

cessation (noun) /sɛˈseɪʃn/
Definition: The act of stopping or discontinuing something, either temporarily or permanently.
Example Sentence: "The cessation of hostilities allowed humanitarian aid to reach those in need."
Synonyms: abeyance; cease; halt; interruption; pause; remission
Opposite Meaning: continuation

coalesce (verb) /ˌkəʊəˈlɛs/
Definition: To bring separate or distinct elements together to form a unified entity.
Example Sentence: "The separated ideas in the discussion begin to coalesce into a single, cohesive argument."
Synonyms: amalgamate; blend; cohere; combine; conjoin; consolidate
Opposite Meaning: separate

compendious (adjective) /kəmˈpɛndɪəs/
Definition: Comprehensive and concise, providing a lot of information in a small space.
Example Sentence: "He wrote a compendious guide to the city's best restaurants."
Synonyms: abridged; brief; compact; concise; condensed; economical
Opposite Meaning: verbose

confabulate (verb) /kənˈfabjʊleɪt/
Definition: To have a conversation or discussion, especially an informal one.
Example Sentence: "The engineers will confabulate to address the technical challenges of the project."
Synonyms: banter; chat; chitchat; communicate; confer; consult
Opposite Meaning: silence

corroborate (verb) /kəˈrɒbəreɪt/
Definition: To confirm or support something with additional evidence or information.
Example Sentence: "Testimonies from several people corroborate the events of that night."
Synonyms: affirm; authenticate; bolster; confirm; document; endorse
Opposite Meaning: contradict

crepuscular (adjective) /krɪˈpʌskjʊlə/
Definition: Animals, plants, or activities that are primarily active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.
Example Sentence: "The crepuscular insects hummed softly as the sun began to set."
Synonyms: black; darkened; dimmed; dingy; gloomy; misty
Opposite Meaning: diurnal

deference (noun) /ˈdɛf(ə)rəns/
Definition: Polite submission and courteous respect given to another, typically in recognition of authority.
Example Sentence: "The apprentice bowed his head in deference to his master."
Synonyms: acquiescence; adulation; consideration; courtesy; deferment; esteem
Opposite Meaning: disrespect

denote (verb) /dɪˈnəʊt/
Definition: To indicate, signify or represent something, usually through a word, phrase or symbol.
Example Sentence: "In literature, spring often will denote new beginnings and renewal."
Synonyms: connote; designate; equal; express; imply; mark
Opposite Meaning: misrepresent

dichotomy (noun) /dʌɪˈkɒtəmi/
Definition: The division or separation of something into two contrasting or opposing parts.
Example Sentence: "The dichotomy between the rich and poor in the city was striking."
Synonyms: bifurcation; contradiction; contrast; disjunction; distinction; division
Opposite Meaning: union

dissemble (verb) /dɪˈsɛmbl/
Definition: To present a false appearance or to conceal one's true thoughts, feelings, or motives.
Example Sentence: "He had to dissemble his disappointment and congratulate the winner."
Synonyms: bluff; camouflage; cloak; counterfeit; cover; fake
Opposite Meaning: reveal

egocentric (adjective) /ˌi goʊˈsɛn trɪk/
Definition: Tending to prioritize one's own interests, needs, and desires above those of others.
Example Sentence: "His egocentric behavior made it difficult for him to form meaningful relationships."
Synonyms: conceited; egoistic; egoistical; individualist; insular; inward
Opposite Meaning: altruistic

euphemism (noun) /ˈjuːfɪmɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A polite, inoffensive or mild expression used in place of a more direct or blunt one.
Example Sentence: "Restructuring' is a euphemism for cutting jobs."
Synonyms: alternative; circumlocution; colloquialism; concealment; delicacy; dodge
Opposite Meaning: vulgarity

faux-pas (noun) /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː/
Definition: A social blunder, mistake, or breach of etiquette that is considered socially embarrassing or inappropriate within a particular cultural context.
Example Sentence: "The actor's gaffe on the red carpet was widely reported as a faux pas."
Synonyms: blooper; blunder; bungle; gaffe; goof; hash
Opposite Meaning: propriety

fractious (adjective) /ˈfrakʃəs/
Definition: Unruly, irritable, or prone to disputes and disagreements, often characterized by a difficult or quarrelsome nature.
Example Sentence: "The meeting became fractious as different opinions clashed."
Synonyms: argumentative; cantankerous; contentious; cranky; cross; disorderly
Opposite Meaning: amiable

fulminate (verb) /ˈfʊlmɪneɪt/
Definition: To make a loud and impassioned protest or denunciation, typically in a public or formal setting.
Example Sentence: "She could not resist the urge to fulminate against the inaccuracies in the historical film."
Synonyms: condemn; inveigh; rail; rant; harangue; criticize
Opposite Meaning: praise

incorrigible (adjective) /ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒɪb(ə)l/
Definition: Resistant to correction, reform, or improvement despite numerous attempts to change it.
Example Sentence: "The teacher's efforts to reform the incorrigible student were in vain."
Synonyms: confirmed; diehard; habitual; hardened; hopeless; incurable
Opposite Meaning: reformable

laconic (adjective) /ləˈkɒnɪk/
Definition: Characterized by brevity and a preference for using very few words to convey a message or express oneself.
Example Sentence: "The boss's laconic feedback left the team uncertain about their progress."
Synonyms: brusque; clipped; compact; concise; crisp; curt
Opposite Meaning: verbose

languid (adjective) /ˈlaŋɡwɪd/
Definition: Lacking energy or vitality, often characterized by a slow, relaxed, or lazy pace.
Example Sentence: "The market had a languid pace on a lazy Sunday morning."
Synonyms: apathetic; indolent; lackadaisical; languorous; lazy; lethargic
Opposite Meaning: energetic

languish (verb) /ˈlaŋɡwɪʃ/
Definition: To become weak, listless, or dispirited, often as a result of prolonged suffering, neglect, or lack of stimulation.
Example Sentence: "He started to languish without her love and affection."
Synonyms: decay; decline; deteriorate; droop; fade; fail
Opposite Meaning: flourish

livid (adjective) /ˈlɪvɪd/
Definition: Extremely angry or furious, often to the point of appearing physically discolored due to intense emotion.
Example Sentence: "The coach was livid after the team lost their fifth consecutive game."
Synonyms: angry; boiling; enraged; exasperated; fuming; furious
Opposite Meaning: calm

magnanimous (adjective) /maɡˈnanɪməs/
Definition: Nobility, courage and generosity, especially towards a rival or less powerful person.
Example Sentence: "She was magnanimous in defeat and praised her opponent's skill."
Synonyms: altruistic; benevolent; charitable; considerate; forgiving; gallant
Opposite Meaning: selfish

malign (adjective) /məˈlʌɪn/
Definition: Harmful, malevolent, or characterized by ill intent and a desire to cause harm or damage.
Example Sentence: "The malign influence of social media on young people is a growing concern."
Synonyms: cruel; hateful; hostile; malevolent; malicious; malignant
Opposite Meaning: benign

nihilism (noun) /ˈnʌɪ(h)ɪlɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
Example Sentence: "The play deals with the concept of moral nihilism, where all moral principles are rejected."
Synonyms: abnegation; atheism; cynicism; pessimism; rejection; renunciation
Opposite Meaning: existentialism

noxious (adjective) /ˈnɒkʃəs/
Definition: Harmful, poisonous, or detrimental to living organisms or the environment.
Example Sentence: "The noxious emissions from the cars were a major contributor to air pollution."
Synonyms: baneful; dangerous; deleterious; hurtful; insalubrious; pestilent
Opposite Meaning: harmless

osmosis (noun) /ɒzˈməʊsɪs/
Definition: The movement of solvent molecules across a permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Example Sentence: "The process of osmosis plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body."
Synonyms: absorption; assimilation; diffusion; imbibition; infiltration; permeation
Opposite Meaning: stagnation

ostensible (adjective) /ɒˈstɛn sə bəl/
Definition: Appearing to be true or genuine on the surface, but may not necessarily be so in reality.
Example Sentence: "Her ostensible calmness was betrayed by the nervous tapping of her foot."
Synonyms: alleged; apparent; feigned; illusory; outward; professed
Opposite Meaning: genuine

pathological (adjective) /paθəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l/
Definition: Relating to or caused by a disease or disorder, whether physical or mental.
Example Sentence: "She had a pathological obsession with cleanliness."
Synonyms: aberrant; abnormal; deranged; deviant; diseased; disordered
Opposite Meaning: healthy

placate (verb) /pləˈkeɪt/
Definition: To pacify, calm, or appease someone's anger, resentment, or discontent in order to restore peace or reduce conflict.
Example Sentence: "He tried to placate the angry customer with an apology and a refund."
Synonyms: alleviate; appease; assuage; calm; comfort; conciliate
Opposite Meaning: provoke

plutocracy (noun) /pluːˈtɒkrəsi/
Definition: A country which is ruled exclusively by the wealthy few, either directly or indirectly.
Example Sentence: "Critics argued that the government had become a puppet of the plutocracy."
Synonyms: aristocracy; bourgeoisie; elite; elitism; establishment; gentry
Opposite Meaning: democracy

quaint (adjective) /kweɪnt/
Definition: Possessing a charming or old-fashioned quality, often in a small or picturesque way.
Example Sentence: "The quaint little bookstore on the corner had shelves filled with dusty, old volumes."
Synonyms: charming; enchanting; idyllic; peculiar; picturesque; quaintish
Opposite Meaning: modern

rancor (noun) /ˈraŋkə/
Definition: A feeling of bitterness or resentment that is long-lasting and deep-seated.
Example Sentence: "The meeting was filled with rancor as the opposing sides clashed over the issue."
Synonyms: acrimony; animosity; animus; antipathy; bitterness; enmity
Opposite Meaning: goodwill

retinue (noun) /ˈrɛtɪnjuː/
Definition: A group of people who accompany or follow an important or powerful person.
Example Sentence: "The singer was surrounded by a retinue of stylists and sycophants."
Synonyms: aides; attendants; band; cortège; crew; entourage
Opposite Meaning: enemy

revelry (noun) /ˈrɛv əl ri/
Definition: Lively and noisy festivities, celebrations, or merrymaking.
Example Sentence: "The streets were filled with revelry as the carnival procession passed by."
Synonyms: bacchanalia; carousal; carousing; celebration; fest; festivity
Opposite Meaning: solemnity

roguish (adjective) /ˈroʊ gɪʃ/
Definition: Possessing a charming, mischievous, and often slightly deceitful or rebellious nature.
Example Sentence: "She raised an eyebrow with a roguish smile, hinting that she was up to something mischievous."
Synonyms: adventurous; charming; cunning; deceitful; mischievous; playful
Opposite Meaning: honest

sequester (verb) /sɪˈkwɛstə/
Definition: To isolate or separate something from its normal environment or surroundings.
Example Sentence: "The judge ordered the jury to sequester themselves during the trial."
Synonyms: confine; insulate; quarantine; remove; restrain; retire
Opposite Meaning: release

subterfuge (noun) /ˈsʌbtəfjuː(d)ʒ/
Definition: A deception or trick used to hide, evade, or deceive someone or something.
Example Sentence: "He used subterfuge to conceal his true intentions from his colleagues."
Synonyms: artifice; bluff; deceit; dodge; machination; maneuver
Opposite Meaning: honesty

testament (noun) /ˈtɛstəm(ə)nt/
Definition: A legally binding document that outlines an individual's wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and property after their death.
Example Sentence: "The family gathered to read the last will and testament of their late relative."
Synonyms: bequest; codicil; conveyance; decree; devise; directive
Opposite Meaning: indecision

triage (noun) /ˈtraɪɪʤ/
Definition: The process of sorting or prioritizing patients based on the severity of their medical condition.
Example Sentence: "The triage nurse quickly assessed the severity of the patient's symptoms."
Synonyms: allocation; arrangement; assessment; categorization; classification; evaluation
Opposite Meaning: neglect

umbrage (noun) /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/
Definition: Offense, resentment, or anger taken at something perceived as a slight or insult.
Example Sentence: "She took umbrage at the suggestion that she was not qualified for the position."
Synonyms: anger; annoyance; chagrin; discomfort; disgruntlement; displeasure
Opposite Meaning: pleasure

verbatim (adverb) /və(ː)ˈbeɪtɪm/
Definition: Word-for-word or exactly as it was originally spoken or written.
Example Sentence: "He repeated the quote verbatim from the book."
Synonyms: accurately; closely; directly; faithfully; identically; literally
Opposite Meaning: paraphrased

vitiate (verb) /ˈvɪʃ iˌeɪt/
Definition: To impair, spoil, or degrade the quality, effectiveness, or value of something, typically through the introduction of flaws, errors, or negative elements.
Example Sentence: "A breach of confidentiality can vitiate the trust between a doctor and patient."
Synonyms: blemish; contaminate; degrade; devalue; discredit; harm
Opposite Meaning: purify

waspish (adjective) /ˈwɒspɪʃ/
Definition: Irritable, short-tempered, or prone to making cutting or biting remarks.
Example Sentence: "She unleashed a waspish retort in response to the criticism."
Synonyms: cantankerous; crabby; fiery; grumpy; irascible; peevish
Opposite Meaning: genial

writhe (verb) /raɪð/
Definition: To twist, squirm, or contort one's body in a way that is often painful or uncomfortable.
Example Sentence: "The spider's prey would writhe helplessly in its web, awaiting its fate."
Synonyms: bend; contort; convulse; jerk; squirm; struggle
Opposite Meaning: relax

xenophobic (adjective) /ˌzɛn əˈfoʊ bɪk/
Definition: Having an intense or irrational fear, dislike, or prejudice towards people from other countries, cultures, or ethnicities.
Example Sentence: "The xenophobic comments made by the politician fueled division and hostility towards immigrants."
Synonyms: biased; bigoted; chauvinistic; discriminatory; ethnocentric; insular
Opposite Meaning: accepting