GRE Warm-up Words

200 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 L M N O P Q R S T U V W

A

abateto become less intense or widespread; to reduceGRE · SAT absolveTo declare free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.GRE admonishTo warn or reprimand someone firmly but not harshly.GRE · SAT aestheticconcerned with beauty or appreciation of beauty; artisticGRE · SAT allureto attract or tempt someone with the promise of something desirableGRE · SAT amalgamatejoined together into a wholeGRE analogyA comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation or clarification.GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS anarchya state of disorder; absence of government or controlGRE · SAT anthologyA published collection of literary works, such as poems or stories, chosen by a …GRE · SAT approbationapproval or consent; official sanction or agreementGRE · SAT appropriatesuitable or proper for a particular situation; to take or adoptGRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS arrestTo stop or check the progress or movement of something.GRE asceticsomeone who practices self denial as a spiritual disciplineGRE assimilateTo absorb and integrate people, ideas, or information into a wider society or st…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS assuageprovide physical relief, as from painGRE asylumProtection or shelter from danger, especially political protection granted by a …GRE augmentTo make something greater by adding to it; to increase or supplement.GRE austereof a stern or strict bearing or demeanorGRE aversionA strong feeling of dislike or disinclination toward something.GRE

B

bardA poet, especially one who writes lyrical or epic verse.GRE benignharmless or not dangerous; kind and gentleGRE · SAT bourgeoisBelonging to or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to …GRE · SAT buttressto increase the strength of; to support or reinforceGRE · SAT

C

candorthe quality of being open, honest, and direct; franknessGRE · SAT canonA collection of works or principles accepted as genuine, authoritative, or repre…GRE cardinalOf the greatest importance; fundamental.GRE caricatureA ludicrously exaggerated representation of someone or something.GRE castigationverbal punishmentGRE catharsisThe process of releasing strong or repressed emotions, resulting in relief or re…GRE · SAT celestialPositioned in or relating to the sky or outer space; heavenly.GRE championTo vigorously support or defend a cause or person.GRE clamorA loud and confused noise, especially of people shouting; a vehement public dema…GRE clemencyMercy or leniency, especially toward an offender or enemy.GRE clienteleThe body of customers or patrons of a business or professional service.GRE coerceTo compel someone to act or think in a certain way by using force, threats, or i…GRE commiserateTo express or feel sympathy or pity for someone's misfortune.GRE · SAT complacentShowing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements, ofte…GRE concessionSomething yielded or granted, especially in an argument or negotiation; an ackno…GRE confoundedConfused and surprised; also used to describe variables in a study that are mixe…GRE congenialPleasant and agreeable because suited to one's taste or nature.GRE · SAT conscientiousWishing to do what is right, especially to do one's work or duty thoroughly and …GRE consecratedMade or declared sacred; dedicated formally to a religious or divine purpose.GRE contendTo assert something as a position in an argument; also, to struggle or compete.GRE · IELTS conventionA widely accepted practice, standard, or norm within a particular group or field…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS conventionalBased on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed; conforming to…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS corroborateTo confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with additional ev…GRE · SAT covetTo yearn to possess or have something that belongs to another, especially enviou…GRE credulousHaving too great a readiness to believe things; gullible.GRE · SAT cumbersomeDifficult to manage or handle because of weight, size, or complexity; unwieldy.GRE

D

dearthA scarcity or lack of something.GRE decorumbehavior that is in accordance with accepted standards; proprietyGRE · SAT deferencehumble submission and respect shown toward an authority or elderGRE · SAT delugea great flood of water; an overwhelming rush or abundanceGRE · SAT depleteTo use up or exhaust the supply or resources of something.GRE · SAT deprecationThe act of expressing disapproval or belittlement.GRE depreciateTo diminish in value over time, or to disparage or belittle.GRE derideto express contempt for someone or something; to mock or ridiculeGRE · SAT destituteLacking the basic necessities of life; extremely poor.GRE didacticintended to teach, particularly in a pedantic or moralistic wayGRE · SAT diffusemove outwardGRE diminutiveExtremely or unusually small.GRE discrepancyA lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts or claims.GRE · IELTS discretionThe quality of behaving or speaking in a way that avoids causing offense or reve…GRE dismissTo reject as unworthy of consideration; to treat as insignificant.GRE disparageTo regard or represent as being of little worth; to belittle.GRE dupea person who is tricked or swindledGRE

E

eclecticselecting what seems best of various styles or ideasGRE egregiousOutstandingly bad; shockingly flagrant.GRE eloquentexpressing yourself readily, clearly, effectivelyGRE eludeTo evade or escape from, typically in a skillful or cunning way; to fail to be u…GRE emulatestrive to equal or match, especially by imitatingGRE enhanceTo intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of some…GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS exhortTo strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.GRE exigentdemanding immediate attentionGRE expedientConvenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral; serving one's imm…GRE · SAT extraneousirrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with; superfluousGRE · SAT

F

facetOne side or aspect of something, especially one of several.GRE fallaciousbased on a mistaken belief; containing a fallacyGRE · SAT fallacyA mistaken belief or a flawed argument based on unsound reasoning.GRE · SAT fastidiousVery attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; excessively particula…GRE · SAT fetterTo restrain or confine; a chain or shackle placed on the feet.GRE fidelityFaithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty a…GRE floraThe plants of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.GRE · IELTS flourishTo grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a f…GRE formidableInspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable…GRE founderTo fail or collapse completely; to fill with water and sink (of a ship).GRE futileIncapable of producing any useful result; pointless.GRE

G

genreA category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style,…GRE · TOEFL gravityExtreme importance or seriousness; also, the force that attracts a body toward a…GRE · TOEFL guiseAn external form or appearance, especially one that conceals the true nature of …GRE

H

hypothesisA supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence, ser…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS

I

impedebe a hindrance or obstacle toGRE imperviousnot admitting of passage or capable of being affectedGRE impetuousActing or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive and rash.GRE imputeTo attribute or ascribe a characteristic, action, or motive to someone, often wi…GRE incessantuninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuingGRE · SAT incontrovertibleNot able to be denied or disputed; unquestionable and beyond argument.GRE incorporatemake into a whole or make part of a wholeGRE · TOEFL indolentdisinclined to work or exertionGRE infamyThe state of being well known for some bad quality or deed; notoriety for wicked…GRE ingeniousCleverly inventive or resourceful; showing remarkable originality and skill.GRE inherentExisting in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS insensiblebarely able to be perceivedGRE insinuatesuggest in an indirect or covert wayGRE intimateTo suggest or hint at something subtly and indirectly; to imply without explicit…GRE intrepidFearless and adventurous; showing resolute courage in the face of danger.GRE intricateVery complicated or detailed; having many complexly arranged elements.GRE

L

languiddisplaying a disinclination for physical exertion; listlessGRE · SAT leveean embankment built to prevent a river from overflowingGRE liberalshowing or characterized by broad-mindednessGRE lineageDirect descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.GRE luminoussoftly bright or radiantGRE

M

magnanimousVery generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.GRE · SAT mediocreOf only moderate quality; neither good nor bad; lacking distinction or excellenc…GRE mercenaryPrimarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics; a person hired t…GRE mitigateTo make less severe, serious, or painful; to lessen the impact of.GRE · IELTS museTo think about something carefully and at length; to be absorbed in thought or r…GRE

N

negateto nullify or make ineffective; to deny or contradictGRE · SAT nettleTo irritate or annoy someone; to provoke with petty vexations.GRE nostalgiaA sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.GRE notoriousFamous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed; widely and unfavor…GRE nullifyTo make legally null and void; to invalidate or render ineffective.GRE · SAT

O

oblivionThe state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening; the state of bei…GRE onomatopoeiaThe formation of a word that phonetically imitates or suggests the sound it desc…GRE

P

pacifyTo bring to a state of peace or calm; to appease or soothe.GRE partisana fervent and even militant proponent of somethingGRE patronA person who gives financial or other support to a person, organization, or caus…GRE pecuniaryRelating to or consisting of money; financial.GRE penitentFeeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant.GRE peripheralRelating to or situated on the edge or outskirts; of secondary or minor importan…GRE placatecause to be more favorably inclinedGRE placidCalm, peaceful, and free from disturbance; not easily upset or excited.GRE · SAT ponderousSlow and clumsy because of great weight; dull, laborious, or excessively solemn.GRE · SAT preceptA general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought; a guiding principle.GRE · SAT precipitateTo cause an event or situation to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.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 prerogativeAn exclusive right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group.GRE · SAT prestigeWidespread respect and admiration resulting from achievement, quality, or social…GRE prodigalSpending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.GRE · SAT profoundvery great or intense; showing deep understanding; far-reachingGRE · SAT · IELTS proponentA person who advocates for or supports a theory, proposal, or course of action.GRE proprietyConformity to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals; the state…GRE providentMaking provision for future needs; prudent and thrifty.GRE provincialNarrow in scope or outlook; unsophisticated, especially in cultural matters.GRE prudentActing with or showing care and thought for the future; exercising good judgment…GRE pugnaciousEager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; combative in nature.GRE

Q

qualifiedLimited or restricted in meaning; not absolute; modified by conditions or except…GRE queryA question or inquiry, especially one expressing doubt or requesting information…GRE

R

rancorBitter, deep-seated resentment or ill will; lasting hostility.GRE rebukeTo express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior.GRE recluseA person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid the company of others.GRE rectifyTo put right; to correct an error, fault, or undesirable situation.GRE replenishTo fill or build up something again; to restore to a former level or condition.GRE reprieveA temporary relief or postponement of punishment, suffering, or an unpleasant ob…GRE · SAT reproachTo express disapproval of or disappointment in someone; to censure or rebuke.GRE resolutionA firm decision to do or not do something; the quality of being determined or re…GRE · SAT · TOEFL resolvedFirmly determined to do something; having made a definite decision.GRE resonantHaving the quality of resounding or evoking strong images, memories, or emotions…GRE · SAT restiveUnable to remain still, silent, or submissive, especially because of boredom or …GRE revereto feel deep respect or admiration for something or someone; to venerateGRE · SAT rueTo feel regret or sorrow for something done or left undone.GRE

S

sageA person of profound wisdom and judgment, especially one revered for experience …GRE · SAT sanctionTo give official permission or approval; also, a penalty imposed for violating a…GRE · SAT satiateTo satisfy a desire or appetite fully, often to the point of excess.GRE secreteTo produce and discharge a substance from a cell or gland; also, to conceal in a…GRE semblanceThe outward appearance or apparent form of something, especially when the realit…GRE servileExcessively willing to serve or please others; showing a lack of independence or…GRE · SAT singularExceptionally remarkable or outstanding; beyond what is ordinary.GRE skepticA person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions and claims.GRE solicitorA person who seeks to obtain something, such as business or contributions; in la…GRE sovereignPossessing supreme power or authority; independent of outside control.GRE spontaneousPerformed or occurring as a result of a sudden impulse, without premeditation or…GRE · TOEFL · IELTS stagnationThe state of not flowing or moving; lack of activity, growth, or development.GRE stoicA person who endures pain or hardship without showing emotion or complaint.GRE subsideTo become less intense, violent, or severe; to diminish gradually.GRE subtleSo delicate or precise as to be difficult to detect or describe; making use of c…GRE suffrageThe right to vote in political elections.GRE superfluousExceeding what is sufficient or necessary; more than what is needed.GRE

T

tacitunderstood or implied without being stated directly; silentGRE · SAT temerityExcessive confidence or boldness; audacity or reckless daring.GRE temperanceModeration or self-restraint, especially in eating and drinking.GRE terrestrialOf or relating to the earth or its inhabitants; living on or in the ground.GRE tiradeA long, angry, and vehement speech of censure or denunciation.GRE · SAT transientlasting only for a short time; staying only briefly; temporaryGRE · SAT treatiseA formal and systematic written work dealing in depth with a particular subject.GRE turbulenceA state of violent disturbance, disorder, or commotion.GRE

U

uniformNot changing in form or character; remaining the same in all cases.GRE · TOEFL · IELTS usurpTo seize and hold power, position, or rights by force or without legal authority…GRE · SAT

V

vagrantA person without a settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place.GRE vapidOffering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; dull and uninspired.GRE vehementShowing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense.GRE venerateTo regard with great respect and reverence.GRE veracityConformity to facts; habitual truthfulness and accuracy.GRE vilifyTo speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner; to defame.GRE vindicateTo clear someone of blame or suspicion; to prove that something is justified or …GRE virtuosoA person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit; someone with maste…GRE

W

warrantTo justify or necessitate a course of action; to serve as adequate grounds for s…GRE waryFeeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.GRE · SAT wistfulHaving or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.GRE