GRE Challenge Words

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High Frequency Words Warm-up Words Intermediate Words Challenge Words Quantitative Reasoning

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V Z

A

abnegateTo renounce or reject something desired or valuable, especially through self-den…GRE abscondto leave secretly and hurriedly, typically to avoid detectionGRE · SAT abstemiousmoderate in eating and drinking; restrainedGRE · SAT abstractExisting in thought or as an idea but not having a concrete physical existenceGRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS abstruseExtremely difficult to understand; obscure and recondite.GRE · SAT accompliSomething that has already been accomplished and is irreversible, used in the ph…GRE accruedHaving been accumulated or gathered over a period of time.GRE acrimoniousAngry and bitter in tone or disposition, especially in speech or debate.GRE · SAT acumenThe ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, especially in a particul…GRE aggrandizeto increase in power or wealth; to make appear greaterGRE · SAT amalgamA mixture or blend of different elements or qualities.GRE ambivalentHaving mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS ambrosiaSomething extremely pleasing to taste or smell; by extension, anything supremely…GRE anachronismsomething or someone placed in the wrong time period; an error in timingGRE · SAT anathemaSomething or someone that is intensely disliked or loathed.GRE anomalousdeviating from the general or common order or typeGRE antediluvianof or belonging to the time before the biblical flood; extremely oldGRE · SAT apocryphalOf doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.GRE · SAT apotheosisThe highest point of development or the perfect example of something; the elevat…GRE · SAT asperityHarshness or severity of tone or manner.GRE aspersionAn attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.GRE astringentSharp or severe in manner or style; cutting.GRE

B

behemothSomething enormous in size or power.GRE bellicoseDemonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.GRE biliousBad-tempered or ill-natured; splenetic.GRE blandishmentA flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently.GRE bombasticostentatiously lofty in styleGRE boorishill-mannered and coarse in behavior or appearanceGRE · SAT bowdlerizeTo remove material considered improper or offensive from a text, thereby weakeni…GRE brusqueMarkedly short and abrupt in manner or speech; rudely curt.GRE · SAT bucolicRelating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and rural life.GRE

C

captiousTending to find fault or raise petty objections.GRE castigateTo reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.GRE · SAT catalystA substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumedGRE · SAT · TOEFL caulkTo seal a joint or seam against leakage; by extension, to fill in gaps or cracks…GRE chimeraA fanciful illusion or fabrication of the mind; an unrealizable dream.GRE churlishRude, mean-spirited, or lacking in civility.GRE circumscribeto draw a line or curve around; to draw a polygon around anotherGRE · SAT circumventTo find a way around an obstacle or rule; to overcome by ingenuity.GRE cloisterTo seclude or shut away from the outside world.GRE coagulatechange from a liquid to a thickened or solid stateGRE cognoscenteA person who has superior knowledge or understanding in a particular field, espe…GRE compendiumA concise but comprehensive collection of information on a particular subject.GRE contiguousSharing a common border; touching or adjacent without interruption.GRE · SAT contritefeeling or expressing pain or sorrowGRE conundrumA confusing and difficult problem or question with no easy solution.GRE corollaryA proposition that follows naturally from one already proven, requiring little o…GRE credoA statement of the beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions; a creed.GRE crescendoA gradual increase in intensity, volume, or force, reaching a peak.GRE

D

delineatedDescribed or portrayed precisely; having boundaries or features clearly defined.GRE delugea great flood of water; an overwhelming rush or abundanceGRE · SAT demagogueA political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular prejudices rather t…GRE denouementThe final resolution or outcome of a complex sequence of events, especially in a…GRE depravitymoral corruption or wickedness; extreme immoralityGRE · SAT deprecateto express disapproval of something; to belittle or disparageGRE · SAT disingenuousNot candid or sincere, typically by pretending to know less or be less involved …GRE doggerelVerse or poetry that is badly written or trivial in nature.GRE draconianExcessively harsh and severe, especially of laws or punishments.GRE

E

ebullientjoyously unrestrainedGRE echelonA level or rank in an organization, profession, or society.GRE ecumenicalRepresenting or promoting unity among the world's Christian churches, or more br…GRE edifyingProviding moral or intellectual instruction; enlightening.GRE effervescentVivacious and enthusiastic; also, giving off bubbles.GRE effeteAffected, overrefined, and ineffectual; no longer capable of effective action.GRE egotisticalExcessively conceited or absorbed in oneself.GRE elucidateTo make something clear; to explain or clarify.GRE elysianRelating to or characteristic of heaven or paradise; blissful.GRE empiricalBased on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS empiricismThe philosophical theory that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience.GRE encomiumA speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.GRE endemicnative to or confined to a certain regionGRE ephemeralanything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a dayGRE · SAT equableNot easily disturbed or angered; calm and even-tempered.GRE equivocateto use ambiguous language to conceal the truth; to hedgeGRE · SAT ethosThe characteristic spirit, attitudes, and beliefs of a community, era, or moveme…GRE eugenicsThe study or practice of attempting to improve the genetic composition of a popu…GRE euphemisma mild or indirect word used in place of one that might seem harshGRE · SAT excoriateTo criticize someone severely; to censure harshly.GRE exculpateto show someone is not guilty; to clear from blameGRE · SAT existentialRelating to human existence, or to the philosophical movement of existentialism …GRE expostulateTo express strong disagreement or disapproval; to reason earnestly with someone …GRE extemporaneousSpoken or done without preparation; impromptu.GRE

F

faitAn accomplished fact; something that has already occurred and is thus unlikely t…GRE fatuoussilly and pointless; complacently foolishGRE · SAT fetidSmelling extremely bad; stinking.GRE filigreeOrnamental work of fine wire, or any delicate and intricate ornamentation.GRE firebrandA person who is passionate about a particular cause, often inciting change or un…GRE fracasA noisy disturbance or quarrel.GRE fractiousEasily irritated; unruly and difficult to control.GRE fulminateTo express vehement protest or criticism.GRE fulsomeExcessively flattering or insincerely lavish in praise; offensively overdone.GRE

G

galvanizeTo shock or excite someone into taking action.GRE garrulousfull of trivial conversationGRE genialityThe quality of having a friendly and cheerful manner.GRE glibFluent and voluble but insincere and shallow.GRE

H

harbingerA person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.GRE hedonismThe pursuit of pleasure as the highest good and the primary motivation for human…GRE · SAT hegemonythe dominance or leadership of one social group over othersGRE hermeticcompletely sealed or airtightGRE histrionicDeliberately affected or excessively dramatic in behavior or speech.GRE · SAT hubrisExcessive pride or arrogance, especially that which invites downfall or retribut…GRE

I

iconoclastA person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, institutions, or establish…GRE · SAT ignominyPublic shame or disgrace; deep personal humiliation and dishonor.GRE · SAT imbroglioAn extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation, especially one in…GRE imprimaturAn official approval or sanction, especially of a publication; an authoritative …GRE impugnTo call into question the integrity or validity of; to challenge or dispute as f…GRE inchoateonly partly in existence; imperfectly formedGRE inculcateTo instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction or repetition.GRE ineffableToo great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; indescribable.GRE · SAT inscrutableof an obscure natureGRE insoucianceCasual lack of concern; a carefree indifference to serious matters.GRE interloperA person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted …GRE introspectionThe examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.GRE inveigleTo persuade someone to do something by means of deception or flattery; to entice…GRE

J

jibeTo be in accord or agreement; to be consistent with something.GRE juxtaposeTo place close together or side by side for comparison or contrast.GRE

K

kismetDestiny or fate, especially as determined by a higher power or cosmic force.GRE

L

lachrymoseTearful or given to weeping; inducing tears through excessive sentimentality.GRE · SAT lacunaAn unfilled space or gap, especially in a manuscript, text, or body of knowledge…GRE lasciviousFeeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire; lustful and lew…GRE laudableDeserving praise and commendation; worthy of admiration.GRE legerdemainSkillful use of one's hands when performing tricks; deception or trickery.GRE lethargicaffected by lethargy; sluggish and apatheticGRE · SAT lexiconThe vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge; a dictionary or wo…GRE litanyA tedious recital or repetitive series; a long and monotonous list of complaints…GRE loquacioustending to talk a great deal; garrulous and wordyGRE · SAT lucreMoney or profit, especially when regarded as sordid or obtained dishonorably.GRE

M

maelstromA powerful whirlpool; a situation or state of confused and turbulent movement or…GRE · SAT magniloquentUsing high-flown or bombastic language; speaking in a lofty or grandiose style.GRE malapropismThe mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with humoro…GRE martinetA strict disciplinarian, especially in the military; someone who demands absolut…GRE · SAT mendicantA person who lives by begging; relating to or characteristic of a beggar.GRE meretriciousApparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity; superficially…GRE meritoriousDeserving reward, praise, or recognition for excellence or worthiness.GRE metamorphoseTo change completely in form, nature, or character; to undergo a profound transf…GRE mnemonicA device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in re…GRE modicumA small quantity of a particular thing, especially something considered desirabl…GRE multifariousMany and of various types; exhibiting great diversity and variety.GRE munificentExtremely generous; characterized by great liberality in giving.GRE myopicLacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight; narrowly focused on imm…GRE

N

nascentJust beginning to develop; emerging and not yet fully formed.GRE nattySmart and fashionable in dress or appearance; neatly and stylishly dressed.GRE necromancyThe supposed practice of communicating with the dead to predict the future; sorc…GRE neophyteany new participant in some activityGRE nonplussedSo surprised and confused that one is unsure how to react; bewildered and at a l…GRE nostrumA medicine of unproven effectiveness; a pet scheme or favorite remedy, especiall…GRE

O

obfuscateTo render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible; to deliberately make something co…GRE · SAT obstreperousNoisy and difficult to control; stubbornly defiant and unruly.GRE · SAT oeuvreThe complete body of work produced by a writer, artist, or composer over their c…GRE opprobriuma state of extreme dishonorGRE ostensibleAppearing to be true or real but not necessarily so; stated or seeming as oppose…GRE

P

palliateTo make a disease or its symptoms less severe without curing it; to alleviate wi…GRE panegyricA formal public speech or written composition that lavishly praises someone or s…GRE paradigmA typical example, model, or pattern of something; a framework of concepts and a…GRE · SAT parsimoniousExcessively unwilling to spend money or use resources; extremely frugal or sting…GRE · SAT parvenuA person who has suddenly acquired wealth or prominence but lacks the social gra…GRE pathosA quality that evokes feelings of pity, sympathy, or sorrow in the audience.GRE patinaA surface coating or appearance that develops on something over time, often sugg…GRE patoisA regional dialect or nonstandard form of a language, especially one with low so…GRE pedanticExcessively concerned with minor details or rules, especially in teaching or aca…GRE pejorativeExpressing contempt or disapproval; having a disparaging or derogatory connotati…GRE penchantA strong habitual liking or inclination for something.GRE penuriousExtremely poor or unwilling to spend money; characterized by poverty or extreme …GRE peregrinationA long journey, especially one undertaken on foot or through foreign lands.GRE platitudeA remark or statement that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtf…GRE plethoraan excess or abundance of somethingGRE · SAT polemicalInvolving or characterized by aggressive, controversial argument or critical att…GRE · SAT pontificateTo express opinions or judgments in a pompous, dogmatic, and self-important mann…GRE · SAT postulateTo assume or claim as true, especially as a basis for reasoning or discussion; a…GRE · SAT precociousHaving developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than is usu…GRE · SAT prevaricateTo speak or act in an evasive, misleading way; to avoid giving a direct or truth…GRE · SAT probityThe quality of having strong moral principles; complete honesty and uprightness.GRE prodigalSpending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.GRE · SAT profligateRecklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources; shamelessly immoral.GRE prohibitiveSo high or burdensome as to prevent or discourage purchase, use, or action.GRE prolixityThe use of an excessive number of words; tedious long-windedness in speech or wr…GRE promulgateTo make widely known; to put a law or decree into effect by official proclamatio…GRE propensityAn innate inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way.GRE pusillanimousShowing a lack of courage or determination; timid and cowardly.GRE

Q

quagmireA difficult, precarious, or complex situation from which it is hard to extricate…GRE querulousHabitually complaining in a whining or petulant manner.GRE quixoticExceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical, especially in the pursuit o…GRE

R

rapaciousAggressively greedy or grasping; given to seizing what is desired.GRE rarefiedBelonging to or appealing to a select, elevated, or exclusive group; esoteric.GRE rebuffTo reject or refuse bluntly or ungraciously; a blunt or abrupt refusal.GRE rebusA puzzle in which words or phrases are represented by combinations of pictures, …GRE recalcitrantStubbornly resistant to authority, control, or guidance; uncooperative.GRE recapitulateTo summarize and restate the main points of an argument or discussion.GRE reconditeLittle known or understood; dealing with subject matter that is abstruse or obsc…GRE redoubtableFormidable, especially as an opponent; commanding respect or fear.GRE repertoireThe complete range of skills, techniques, or works that a person or group is pre…GRE reprobateAn unprincipled or morally depraved person; one without moral scruples.GRE rubricA set of established rules, guidelines, or criteria used for assessment or class…GRE

S

sacrosanctRegarded as too important or valuable to be interfered with; inviolable.GRE · SAT sagaciousHaving or showing keen discernment, sound judgment, and farsightedness.GRE · SAT sanguineOptimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.GRE · SAT sartorialRelating to tailoring, clothing, or style of dress.GRE saturnineHaving a gloomy, morose, or sullen temperament.GRE seismicOf enormous proportions or effect; relating to a sudden and dramatic upheaval.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS sinecureA position or office that requires little or no work but provides a salary or in…GRE soliloquyAn act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when alone, especially in a dramatic per…GRE solventHaving sufficient funds or assets to pay all debts; financially sound.GRE speciousSuperficially plausible but actually wrong or misleading.GRE stentorianExtremely loud and powerful in sound.GRE stratifiedArranged or classified into distinct layers, levels, or social strata.GRE striateMarked with parallel grooves, ridges, or streaks.GRE superciliousBehaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; disdainfully…GRE supineLying face upward; also, failing to act or protest as a result of moral weakness…GRE surreptitiousKept secret because it would not be approved of; done stealthily.GRE

T

tangentialOnly marginally related to the matter at hand; diverging from the main point.GRE tantamountEquivalent in seriousness, effect, or value.GRE tautologyThe saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered a fa…GRE tawdryShowy but cheap and of poor quality; morally low or distasteful.GRE · SAT tenuousVery weak, slight, or insubstantial; lacking a sound basis.GRE · SAT theocracyA system of government in which priests or religious leaders rule in the name of…GRE toadyA person who flatters and defers to others in a servile way for personal gain.GRE travestyA false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.GRE trepidationa feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happenGRE · SAT truculentEager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.GRE

U

unconscionableNot right or reasonable; shockingly unfair or unjust.GRE unctuousExcessively flattering or ingratiating; oily in manner.GRE · SAT

V

vacillatingWavering between different opinions or actions; irresolute.GRE vacuousHaving or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; empty and purposeless.GRE vapidOffering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; dull and uninspired.GRE venialDenoting a fault or offense that is minor and easily forgiven.GRE verbiageSpeech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions.GRE verisimilitudeThe appearance of being true or real; the quality of seeming believable.GRE vertigoA sensation of dizziness and disorientation, as if the surroundings are spinning…GRE virulentExtremely severe or harmful in effect; bitterly hostile or antagonistic.GRE visceralRelating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect; instinctive and g…GRE vituperateTo blame or insult someone in strong or violent language.GRE

Z

zealotA person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, poli…GRE