GRE Intermediate Words

259 words · View all GRE words

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 W

A

abaseTo lower in rank, prestige, or esteem; to degrade or humble.GRE abjureTo formally renounce or reject a belief, cause, or claim.GRE · SAT abrogateTo formally abolish or annul a law, agreement, or custom by authoritative action…GRE · SAT abstainTo deliberately choose not to do or have something; to refrain.GRE · SAT · TOEFL accoladeAn award or expression of praise and admiration.GRE · SAT accrueTo accumulate or receive over time, especially benefits, profits, or advantages.GRE · SAT acerbicSharp, forthright, and harsh in tone or manner, especially of speech or commenta…GRE · SAT adamantRefusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; utterly unyielding.GRE · SAT adjunctSomething added or attached in a supplementary rather than essential capacity.GRE · SAT adulterateto make something less pure by adding an inferior substanceGRE · SAT alleviateto make easier or less severe; to reduce pain or distressGRE · SAT · TOEFL amalgamatejoined together into a wholeGRE ameliorateto make something better; to improveGRE · SAT anomalySomething that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.GRE · SAT · TOEFL aplombSelf-confident composure and poise, especially under pressure.GRE archaicVery old or old-fashioned; belonging to a much earlier period.GRE ascertainTo find out or learn with certainty through examination or investigation.GRE assuageprovide physical relief, as from painGRE

B

benevolentWell-meaning and kindly; characterized by doing good.GRE · SAT besmirchTo damage the reputation of; to sully or tarnish.GRE blitheShowing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be improper or callous.GRE · SAT broachTo raise a sensitive or difficult subject for discussion.GRE · SAT burnishto polish by rubbing; to make shiny or brightGRE · SAT

C

cabalA secret political group or faction engaged in plotting.GRE cacophonya harsh, discordant mixture of soundsGRE · SAT capitulateTo cease resisting and surrender to an opponent or demand.GRE · SAT chastenTo restrain or moderate; to make someone feel subdued or humbled, often through …GRE circuitouslonger than the most direct way; indirect and complicatedGRE · SAT circumlocutionThe use of many words where fewer would do, especially to avoid speaking directl…GRE · SAT circumspectWary and unwilling to take risks; carefully considering all circumstances.GRE · SAT clairvoyanceThe supposed ability to perceive events beyond normal sensory contact; exception…GRE coalesceTo come together to form one whole; to merge or unite.GRE · SAT cognizantHaving knowledge or awareness of something.GRE complaisantWilling to please others; obliging and agreeable.GRE compliantDisposed to agree with others or obey rules, often to an excessive degree.GRE compunctionA feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of someth…GRE concaveCurving inward, like the interior surface of a sphere; in geometry, a polygon is…GRE · SAT conciliatorymaking or willing to make concessionsGRE conjugalRelating to marriage or the relationship between a married couple.GRE convexCurving outward like the exterior of a sphere; in geometry, a polygon is convex …GRE · SAT copiousabundant; existing or available in large quantitiesGRE · SAT credenceBelief in or acceptance of something as true, especially without conclusive proo…GRE cupidityExcessive greed, especially for money or possessions.GRE cursoryHasty and therefore not thorough or detailed; superficial.GRE

D

dearthA scarcity or lack of something.GRE debacleA sudden and complete disaster or humiliating failure.GRE deignTo condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the favor being conferred.GRE deleteriousCausing harm or damage, especially in a subtle or unexpected way.GRE · SAT denizenAn inhabitant or occupant of a particular place.GRE deprecateto express disapproval of something; to belittle or disparageGRE · SAT desultoryLacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; occurring randomly or sporadically.GRE diffidencelack of self-confidenceGRE digressionA temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.GRE disaffectedDissatisfied with those in authority and no longer willing to support them.GRE discerninghaving or revealing keen insight and good judgmentGRE discrepancyA lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts or claims.GRE · IELTS disparateEssentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.GRE dissembleTo conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs behind a false appearance.GRE disseminatecause to become widely knownGRE dissidentA person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state.GRE divulgeTo make known private or sensitive information.GRE

E

eclecticselecting what seems best of various styles or ideasGRE effacingMaking oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous; self-effacing.GRE efficaciousSuccessful in producing a desired or intended result; effective.GRE efficacyThe ability to produce a desired or intended result.GRE egoismAn ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of morality, or ex…GRE emaciatedvery thin especially from disease or hunger or coldGRE empiricalBased on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS encumberTo impede or burden; to restrict or weigh down.GRE entreatTo ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.GRE enunciateTo pronounce words clearly, or to express an idea or theory precisely.GRE equanimitysteadiness of mind under stressGRE equivocateto use ambiguous language to conceal the truth; to hedgeGRE · SAT etymologyThe study of the origin and historical development of words.GRE · SAT evanescenttending to vanish like vaporGRE exacerbateto make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worseGRE · SAT exigencyAn urgent need or demand; a pressing requirement.GRE exorcizeTo drive out an evil spirit or to free someone or something from a persistent ne…GRE expurgateTo remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable from a text or accoun…GRE extemporaneousSpoken or done without preparation; impromptu.GRE extirpateTo root out and destroy completely.GRE extolto praise enthusiastically and publicly; to exaltGRE · SAT extricateTo free someone or something from a constraint or difficult situation.GRE

F

facetiousTreating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.GRE fallibleCapable of making mistakes or being erroneous.GRE faunaThe animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.GRE · IELTS feignTo pretend to be affected by something; to simulate or fabricate.GRE ferventHaving or displaying a passionate intensity of feeling.GRE fiatA formal authorization or decree; an arbitrary order.GRE flippantNot showing a serious or respectful attitude.GRE fomenttry to stir upGRE forestallkeep from happening or arising; make impossibleGRE frivolousNot having any serious purpose or value; carefree and not serious.GRE furtiveAttempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief …GRE

G

genteelPolite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or ostentatious way.GRE gentilitySocial superiority as demonstrated by polite and respectable manners, behavior, …GRE germaneRelevant and appropriate to the matter at hand.GRE glibFluent and voluble but insincere and shallow.GRE guileSly or cunning intelligence used to deceive.GRE

H

hackneyedLacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal.GRE harbingerA person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another.GRE hereticalHolding an opinion at odds with what is generally accepted, especially in religi…GRE hieroglyphicRelating to a system of writing using pictorial symbols, especially as used in a…GRE homogeneousComposed of parts or elements that are all of the same kind; uniform in structur…GRE

I

iconoclastA person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs, institutions, or establish…GRE · SAT ideologicalRelating to or based on a system of ideas and ideals, especially concerning poli…GRE imbueTo permeate or inspire with a feeling, quality, or idea.GRE imminentAbout to happen; impending and likely to occur very soon.GRE immutableunchanging over time; unable to be changed or alteredGRE · SAT impedimentA hindrance or obstruction that delays or prevents progress.GRE imperiousAssuming power or authority without justification; domineering and overbearing.GRE imperturbableUnable to be upset or excited; remaining calm under all circumstances.GRE imperviousnot admitting of passage or capable of being affectedGRE impetuousActing or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive and rash.GRE implicationA conclusion that can be drawn from something although not explicitly stated; an…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS imprecationA spoken curse; an invocation of evil or misfortune upon someone.GRE improvidentNot having or showing foresight; failing to provide for future needs; spendthrif…GRE inaneLacking sense or meaning; silly and pointless.GRE incursionAn invasion or attack, especially a sudden or brief one into foreign territory.GRE indefatigablePersisting tirelessly; showing sustained effort and determination without yieldi…GRE indifferentHaving no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned or apathetic.GRE · SAT indignantFeeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.GRE inexorableImpossible to stop or prevent; unyielding and relentless in progression.GRE infallibleIncapable of making mistakes or being wrong; consistently reliable and accurate.GRE innuendoAn allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one…GRE insipidlacking interest or significance or impactGRE interdictTo prohibit or forbid authoritatively; to intercept and prevent the movement of …GRE interpolateTo insert something between existing elements; to estimate an unknown value that…GRE intransigentUnwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something; stubbor…GRE invectiveInsulting, abusive, or highly critical language directed against someone.GRE inveighTo speak or write about something with great hostility; to protest or rail vehem…GRE invokeTo cite or appeal to someone or something as an authority for an action or in su…GRE irresoluteuncertain how to act or proceedGRE itineranttraveling from place to place to workGRE

J

juntaA military or political group that rules a country after seizing power by force.GRE jurisprudenceThe theory or philosophy of law; the study and interpretation of legal principle…GRE

K

kenThe range of what one can know or understand; one's scope of knowledge or percep…GRE

L

lacklusterLacking in vitality, force, or conviction; dull and uninspired.GRE · SAT laconicusing very few words; brief and terse in speech or expressionGRE · SAT lambasteTo criticize harshly and severely; to reprimand or berate with great force.GRE levitythe treatment of a serious matter with humor; lightnessGRE · SAT limpidclear and brightGRE lithethin, supple, and graceful in movement; flexibleGRE · SAT lustrousHaving a gentle sheen or soft glow; shining with reflected light.GRE

M

machinationA crafty scheme or plot intended to accomplish some usually evil end; an underha…GRE magnanimityliberality in bestowing giftsGRE magnateA wealthy and influential person, especially in business or industry.GRE · SAT malfeasanceWrongdoing or misconduct, especially by a public official; illegal or unethical …GRE mavericksomeone who exhibits independence in thought and actionGRE mendaciousintentionally untrueGRE meticulousnessThe quality of showing great attention to detail; extreme carefulness and precis…GRE mettleA person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situati…GRE miscreantA person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law; a wrongdoer or villa…GRE

N

nascentJust beginning to develop; emerging and not yet fully formed.GRE nihilismThe rejection of all religious and moral principles, often based on the belief t…GRE nonchalanceThe quality of appearing casually calm and relaxed; a lack of concern or enthusi…GRE

O

obduratestubbornly refusing to change one's opinion; hardened against persuasionGRE · SAT obliqueNot explicit or direct in stating or expressing something; slanting or angled ra…GRE · SAT obliviousNot aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one; utterly unmind…GRE · SAT obsequiousexcessively obedient and eager to please; servileGRE · SAT obviateto avoid or prevent; to make unnecessaryGRE · SAT officiousAsserting authority or interfering in a domineering way, especially in trivial m…GRE · SAT onerousinvolving a great deal of effort and difficulty; oppressively burdensomeGRE · SAT opprobriousExpressing scorn, harsh criticism, or abusive disapproval.GRE opulenceGreat wealth or luxuriousness; lavish abundance.GRE ornateElaborately or excessively decorated; marked by intricate detail.GRE · SAT orthodoxAdhering to established, traditional, or widely accepted beliefs or practices.GRE · SAT oscillatemove or swing from side to side regularlyGRE

P

painstakingDone with or employing great care, thoroughness, and attention to detail.GRE palliateTo make a disease or its symptoms less severe without curing it; to alleviate wi…GRE palpableSo intense as to be almost able to be touched or felt; easily perceived or obvio…GRE · SAT partisana fervent and even militant proponent of somethingGRE parvenuA person who has suddenly acquired wealth or prominence but lacks the social gra…GRE penchantA strong habitual liking or inclination for something.GRE perfidiousDeceitful and untrustworthy; deliberately faithless or treacherous.GRE perfunctoryCarried out with minimal effort or care, merely as a routine duty.GRE perniciousHaving a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.GRE perquisiteA special benefit or privilege enjoyed in addition to regular income or compensa…GRE perturbedFeeling anxious, uneasy, or unsettled; disturbed.GRE physiognomyA person's facial features or expression, especially as regarded as indicative o…GRE piquantHaving a pleasantly sharp, stimulating taste or quality; engagingly provocative.GRE placidCalm, peaceful, and free from disturbance; not easily upset or excited.GRE · SAT plumbTo examine or explore thoroughly in order to understand something deeply.GRE pragmaticdealing with things sensibly and realistically; practicalGRE · SAT prattleTo talk at length in a foolish, inconsequential, or childish way.GRE precipitousDangerously steep; done suddenly and without careful consideration.GRE · SAT predilectionA preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something.GRE predisposedMade susceptible or inclined to something in advance; having a tendency toward.GRE presageTo be a sign or warning that something, typically bad, will happen; to foretell …GRE 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 proclivityA tendency or inclination to do something, especially something objectionable.GRE · SAT prodigiousRemarkably great in extent, size, or degree; impressively large or powerful.GRE · SAT proliferateTo increase rapidly in number; to multiply or spread at a fast rate.GRE proprietaryRelating to ownership; held or restricted as the property of an individual or or…GRE prosaicLacking poetic beauty or imagination; dull, mundane, and commonplace.GRE protractedLasting for a long time or longer than expected; prolonged.GRE prudenceThe quality of acting with care and thought for the future; cautious practical w…GRE prudentActing with or showing care and thought for the future; exercising good judgment…GRE

Q

querulousHabitually complaining in a whining or petulant manner.GRE

R

raconteurA person who tells anecdotes and stories in a skillful and entertaining way.GRE rancorousCharacterized by bitterness, deep-seated ill will, or resentment.GRE raucousMaking or constituting a disturbingly harsh, loud, and unpleasant noise.GRE recalcitrantStubbornly resistant to authority, control, or guidance; uncooperative.GRE recantTo formally withdraw or disavow a previously held belief or statement.GRE recidivismThe tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend; a relapse into previous undesi…GRE recluseA person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid the company of others.GRE redolentStrongly reminiscent or suggestive of something; having a rich, pleasant smell.GRE redundantNo longer needed or useful; containing more words or data than necessary to conv…GRE refractoryStubbornly resistant to authority or control; difficult to manage or treat.GRE regaleTo entertain or delight someone with conversation, stories, or good food and dri…GRE remonstrateTo make a forceful, reasoned protest or objection against something.GRE repertoireThe complete range of skills, techniques, or works that a person or group is pre…GRE reprieveA temporary relief or postponement of punishment, suffering, or an unpleasant ob…GRE · SAT repudiateTo refuse to accept, acknowledge, or be associated with; to reject as invalid or…GRE · SAT rescindTo revoke, cancel, or repeal a law, order, or agreement.GRE · SAT resoluteAdmirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering in pursuit of a goal.GRE reticentNot revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved and uncommunicative.GRE · SAT rudimentaryRelating to the most basic or fundamental level; undeveloped or elementary.GRE

S

salubriousConducive to health or well-being; wholesome.GRE · SAT sanctimoniousMaking a hypocritical show of religious devotion or moral superiority.GRE · SAT saturnineHaving a gloomy, morose, or sullen temperament.GRE sentimentA view or opinion held or expressed; also, a feeling or emotion evoked by someth…GRE sobrietyThe quality of being serious, sensible, and solemn; also, the state of being sob…GRE solicitousShowing attentive care or concern; anxiously eager to help or please.GRE soporificTending to induce drowsiness or sleep; extremely dull or boring.GRE speciousSuperficially plausible but actually wrong or misleading.GRE spuriousNot genuine, authentic, or true; based on false reasoning or information.GRE stridentLoud, harsh, and grating in sound or manner; aggressively forceful.GRE substantiateTo provide evidence or proof to support a claim or assertion.GRE substantiveHaving a firm basis in reality; meaningful, important, and worthy of considerati…GRE subterfugeDeceit or trickery used to achieve one's goal.GRE succorAssistance and support given to someone in difficulty or distress.GRE superciliousBehaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; disdainfully…GRE surfeitAn excessive amount of something; overindulgence.GRE sycophantA person who flatters someone important in order to gain advantage.GRE

T

tacitunderstood or implied without being stated directly; silentGRE · SAT taciturnReserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.GRE talismanAn object thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.GRE · SAT tenaciousHolding firmly to something; persistent and determined.GRE · SAT tenuousVery weak, slight, or insubstantial; lacking a sound basis.GRE · SAT tortuousFull of twists, turns, and complexity; excessively lengthy and indirect.GRE tractableEasy to control, manage, or deal with; responsive to guidance.GRE · SAT transcendTo go beyond the range or limits of something; to surpass.GRE transientlasting only for a short time; staying only briefly; temporaryGRE · SAT travailPainful or laborious effort; a state of hardship and suffering.GRE truculentEager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.GRE turgidSwollen, distended, or bloated; of language, pompously bombastic or dull.GRE

U

usurpTo seize and hold power, position, or rights by force or without legal authority…GRE · SAT

V

vacuousHaving or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; empty and purposeless.GRE variegatedExhibiting different colors, tones, or forms; marked by variety or diversity.GRE vauntTo boast about or praise something excessively.GRE veneerA superficial or deceptively attractive appearance that conceals the true nature…GRE veraciousSpeaking or representing the truth; truthful and accurate.GRE veritableUsed for emphasis, meaning genuine or actual; true.GRE vindictiveHaving or showing a strong desire for revenge; disposed to seek vengeance.GRE voraciousHaving a very eager approach to an activity; wanting or devouring great quantiti…GRE vortexA whirling mass of fluid or air, especially a whirlpool or whirlwind; a situatio…GRE

W

wanPale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion; lacking vitality.GRE