GRE Word List - 1

introspection examining one's own thoughts and feelings

philanthropist one who loves mankind
antidote medicine used against a poison or a disease
strive to make great efforts, to struggle
ambidextrous able to use the left hand or the right equally well
precursors a person or thing that precedes, as in a process or job.
retrospective Looking back on past
introvert one who turns towards himself
ambiguous doubtful; uncertain
gerontocracy government ruled by old people
aggravate make worse; irritate
braggart boastful
entice attract, lure
equilibrium state of being balanced
alleviate make (pain) easier to bear
adorn add beauty; decorate
malevolent malicious; evil; having or showing ill will
connote Suggest or imply in addition to the precise, literal meaning
abhor to hate; to detest
agile active; quick-moving
endeavor to make an effort, to try very hard
stray wander lose one's way
renovate restore something to better condition
curriculum course of study
amalgamate mix; combine; unite societies
drowsiness feeling sleepy half asleep
disrobe undress
xenophile (zen-uh- a person who is attracted to foreign peoples cultures
fahyl)
suffocate cause or have difficulty in breathing
sequence succession connected line of
scent smell (especially pleasant)
sporadic happening from time to time
affinity close connection; relationship
audacious Bold
heterogeneous made up of different kinds
animosity strong dislike
fragile easily injured broken or destroyed
acumen Keen, quick, accurate insight or judgment
legacy Bequest or inheritance
massacre cruel killing of a large number of people
submerge put under water liquid sink out of sight
combustion process of burning
adulteration making unpure; poorer in quality
appease make quiet or calm
premature doing or happening something before the right time
inquest Legal or judicial inquiry, especially before a jury and especially
made by a coroner into the cause of someone.s death
shunned avoided, kept away from
conceal hide keep secret
anguish severe suffering
indigenous native
apt well-suited; quick-witted
correlate have a mutual relation
grumble to complain
offhand Without preparation or forethought
somersault rolling backward or forward (not sideways) movement
extinguish end the existence of/wipe or put out
edible fit to be eaten/not poisonous
conjoin to join together
surcharge additional load/charge
accolade praise; approval
disallow refuse to allow or accept as a correct
opaqueness dullness/not allowing light to pass through
impermeable that cannot be permeated
console give comfort or sympathy to
timid shy easily frightened
abscond to go away suddenly (to avoid arrest)
abide be faithful; to endure
embezzle use in a wrong way for one's own benefit
warrant authority written order guarantee
reminiscent suggest something in the past
extinct no longer active
loll rest to sit or stand in a lazy way hang (dog's tongue)
acclaimed welcomed with shouts and approval
clientele customers
catalyst substance that causes speeding up
shallow little depth; not earnest
brittle easily broken
negligent taking too little care
affable polite and friendly
poseur a person who attempts to impress by acting unlike himself
dangle hand or swing loosely
moribund in a dying state; near death
ascend go or come up
relapse fall back again
asterisk the mark * (e.g.. omitted letters)
yarn tale story fibers for knitting
arrogance proud; superior manner of behaviour
salvage the saving of property from loss
livid Furiously angry, enraged
divergence getting farther apart from a point
rejuvenation becoming young in nature or appearance
allegiance duty support loyalty
vigorous strong energetic
dullard a stupid, insensitive person
dwarf person much smaller the usual size
fragrant sweet-smelling
judicious sound in judgment; wise
nihilism total rejection of all religious and moral beliefs
odor smell
scribble write hastily
hospitable liking to give hospitality
narcissism Self-love
sawdust tiny bits of wood
ameliorate improve; make better
ingest take in by swallowing
gait a manner of walking, stepping, or running
sluggard lazy slow-moving person
succumb yield, die
reiterate say or do again several times
flop fail/move/fall clumsily
defer postpone
ossified turned to bone; hardened like bone; Inflexible
eloquence fluent speaking skillful use of language
derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source
commuter person who travels regularly
clot half-solid lump formed from liquid
weigh measure hoe heavy something is
steeply rising or falling sharply
torque twisting force causing rotation
benefactor person who has given help
complaisant trying to please; obliging
plea request
moderation quality of being limited; not extreme
enduring lasting
invincible too strong to be defeated
sanity health of mind soundness of judgment
turmoil trouble disturbance
flimsy lacking solidarity, strength
tadpole form of a frog when it leaves the egg
reconcile settle a quarrel restore peace
cryptic secret with a hidden meaning
sponge porous rubber for washing live at once expense
commemorate keep the memory of
sadistic Cruel
dote show much fondness center one's attention
encapsulate enclose in capsule
fission splitting or division (esp. of cells)
volatile changeable inconstant fickle unstable explosive
alloy to debase by mixing with something inferior
dormant in a state of inactivity but awaiting development
gallant brave,behaves well with women
grievous causing grief or pain; serious dire grave
enzyme catalyst
shard A piece of broken pottery
hypocrisy falsely making oneself appear to be good
eradicate get rid of pull up by the roots
chisel steel tool for shaping materials
infuriate fill with fury or rage
engulf swallow up
euphoria elation state of pleasant excitement
sanction approval (by authority) penalty
renowned celebrated; famous
riddle puzzling person or thing
evoke call up bring out
mischievous harmful; causing mischief
implicit implied though; not plainly expressed
disproof proof to the contrary
misogynist one who hates women/females
abysmal extreme bad
writ written order
pertain belong as a part have reference
erratic irregular in behaviour or opinion
meticulous giving great attention to details
impromptu without preparation
inclined directing the mind in a certain direction
constrict make tight or smaller
perish be destroyed decay
Lambaste attack verbally
luminary star; light-giving body
dupe cheat make a fool of
auxiliary helping; supporting
extralegal outside the law
ambivalent having both of two contrary meanings
tonic something giving strength or energy
endorse write one's name on the back of
turbulence being uncontrollably violent
connoisseur a person with good judgement (e.g.. in art)
indistinct not easily heard; seen clearly marked
abstruse difficult to comprehend; obscure
limp lacking strength; walking unevenly
parenthesis sentence within another one something separated
sophisticated complex; subtle; refined
aberration straying away from what is normal
recuperate become strong after illness loss exhaustion
perjury willful FALSE statement unlawful act
mite A very small amount, portion, or particle
pest destructive thing or a person who is nuisance
pluck pull the feathers off pick (e.g.. flowers)
satiate satisfy fully
colloquial involving or using conversation.
yeoman man owning small estate; middle-class farmer
ail to cause pain, uneasiness, or trouble to.
fidelity loyalty accuracy
mesmerize hypnotize
paradigm a model example or pattern
gullible easily gulled
sobriety quality or condition of being sober
dislodge move force from the place occupied
fleet number of ships; quick-moving
articulate speak distinctly; connect by joints
tractable easily controlled or guided
partisan one-sided committed to a party biased or prejudiced
predominate have more power than others
foolproof incapable of failure or error
suffice be enough
permeate spread into every part of
spear weapon with a metal point on a long shaft
solvent of the power of forming a solution
presentiment anticipatory fear; premonition
vivacious lively high-spirited
coagulation change to a thick and solid state
liberality free giving; generosity
elaborate worked out with much care in great detail
brass yellow metal (mixing copper and zinc)
malleable yielding easily shaped; moldable; adapting
patron regular customer person who gives support
immutable that cannot be changed
forgery counterfeit
woo try to win
cordial warm and sincere
cumbersome burdensome; heavy and awkward to carry
beguile mislead or delude; cheat; pass time
retrograde receding
sheath cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool
bewilder puzzle; confuse
knit draw together; unite firmly
unscathed unharmed unhurt
chortle loud chuckle of pleasure or amusement
jabber talk excitedly; utter rapidly
pivotal of great importance (others depend on it)
implosion collapse; bursting inward
repel refuse to accept/cause dislike
superimpose put something on the top
centurion leader of a unit of 100 soldiers
enigma something that is puzzling
calipers metal supports attached to the legs measuring instrument
redeem get back by payment compensate
buoyant able to float; light-hearted
impede hinder; get in the way of
stride walk with long steps
boisterous noisy; restraint
resuscitation coming back to consciousness
concur agree in opinion happen together
recitals a number of performance of music
treacherous not to be trusted, perfidious
indulgent inclined to indulge
pilferer to steal, especially in small quantities
foster nurture; care for
apartheid brutal racial discrimination
garrulous too talkative
edify instruct; correct morally
evasive tending to evade
misanthrope person who hates mankind
eulogy formal praise panegyric
arcane known or understood by very few
bogus sham; counterfeit; not genuine
dexterity skill (esp. in handling)
lampoon publicly mock or ridicule
skit short piece of humorous writing
incongruous out of place; not in harmony or agreement
repulsive causing a feeling of disgust
refine make or become pure cultural

list - 2
multifarious varied; motley; greatly diversified
substantiation giving facts to support (statement)
feud bitter quarrel over a long period of time
indefatigability not easily exhaustible; tirelessness
convoluted complicated;coiled; twisted
euthanasia easy and painless death
underbid make a lower bid then somebody else
cognizant being fully aware of
concoct invent, prepare by mixing together
turquoise greenish-blue precious stone
decree order given by authority
irate angry
frantic wildly excited with joy; pain; anxiety
alcove recess/partially enclosed place
reverent feeling or showing deep respect
derogatory insulting; tending to damage
fawn To seek favor or attention by flattery and obsequious
miser person who loves wealth and spends little
valiant brave
pervade spread through every part of
tarnished lost brightness
irrevocable final and unalterable
imminent likely to come or happen soon
soggy heavy with water
savor taste flavor something
wanton unrestrained; willfully malicious; unchaste
unearth discover and bring to light
hoax mischievous trick played to deceive
voluptuous arousing sensual pleasures
earthenware dishes made of baked clay
suppress prevent from being known put an end to
vindictive having a desire to revenge
defiance open disobedience or resistance
pinch be too tight take between the thumb and finger
coalescing coming together and uniting into one substance
gust outburst of feeling; sudden rain wind fire etc.
candid frank; straight-forward
warmonger person who stirs up war
wince show bodily or mental pain
loquacious talkative; garrulous
gush burst out suddenly/talk ardently
swerve change direction suddenly
peccadillo small sin small weakness in one's character
precursory preliminary; anticipating
plunge move quickly suddenly and with force
counterfeit forgery
revere have deep respect for
torment severe pain or suffering
exculpate to clear from a charge of guilt
abraded rubbed off; worn away by friction
squander spend wastefully
quandary state of doubt or perplexity
dawdler person who is slow waste of time
noxious harmful
compunction feeling of regret for one's action
deplete use until none remains
coerce compel to force to make obedient
recompense make payment to reward punish
proliferate grow reproduce by rapid multification
polemic a controversial argument / a person engaged in such an argument
personable pleasing in appearance attractive
punitive Punishing
reciprocity granting of privileges in return for similar
antithetical direct opposing
holster leather case for a pistol
stifled suppressed, kept back
aseptic surgically clean
propagation increasing the number; spreading; extending
hapless unlucky
implacable incapable of being placated; unpleasable
ineptitude quality of being unskillful
distraught distracted violently upset in mind
vigilance watchfulness self-appointed group who maintain order
condense increase in density strength make laconic
forestall prevent by taking action in advance; preempt
stipulate state or put forward as a necessary condition
diabolical having the qualities of a devil
provoke make angry vax
lustrous being bright; polished
lament show feeling of great sorrow
plummet fall plunge steeply
subpoena written order requiring a person to appear in a low court
accrue accumulate
extol to praise highly
vitriolic corrosive; sarcastic
idolatry excessive admiration of
soot black powder in smoke
valorous brave
illicit unlawful; forbidden
apropos by the way
haughty arrogant; conceited
aversion strong dislike
floe a sheet of floating ice
complaisance tending to comply obliging willingness to please
supersede take the place of
apprehensive grasping understanding fear unhappy feeling about future
latent present but not yet active; developed or visible
viscous sticky/semi-fluid
topple be unsteady and overturn
deviance being different in moral standards (from normal)
concord agreement or harmony
pristine primitive unspoiled pure as in earlier times unadulterated
enunciate pronounce (words)/express a theory
inept unskillful; said or done at the wrong time
variegate To mark with different shade or colors
malevolence wishing to do evil
entangle put into difficulties
impediment something that hinders (e.g. stammer)
undermine weaken gradually at the base make something under
slack sluggish; dull; not tight
calisthenics exercises to develop strong bodies
regicide crime of killing a king
palate roof of the mouth; sense of taste
arduous steep difficult ascent; laborious
prevalent common
recluse person who lives alone and avoids people
pungency sharpness stinging quality
placate soothe pacify calm
tamper interfere with
iconoclast person who attacks popular beliefs
hush make or become silent
frugal careful; economical
felon person guilty of murder
shun keep away from avoid
finesse delicate way of dealing with a situation
whimsical full of odd and fanciful ideas
bigot stubborn; narrow-minded person
aloof reserved; indifferent
indomitable not easily discouraged or subdued
imperative urgent; essential
smolder burn slowly without flame
muffler cloth worn round the neck; silencer
perilous dangerous
apprise give notice to inform
dismal sad; gloomy; miserable
trickle flow in drops
enthral take the whole attention, enslave
disencumber free from encumbrance
impending imminent; about to happen; expected
lavish giving or producing freely liberally or generously
stickler person who insists on importance of something
avow admit; declare openly
stigma mark of shame or disgrace
mendacious lying; habitually dishonest
indulge gratify; give way to satisfy allow oneself
castigation severe punishment
deter discourage hinder
vehemence forcefulness
benevolence wish or activity in doing good
gist the point general sense
incredulous skeptical; unwilling to believe
squat crouch/settle without permission
exuberance state of growing vigorously being full of life
soar rise fly high
tenacity firmness persistency adhesiveness tending to hang on
incessant Constant
procrastination keeping on putting off
conciliatory reconciling; soothing; comforting; mollifying
subdue overcome bring under control
transient temporary fleeting
tassel bunch of threads
apostate one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions
engrave impress deeply
berate scold sharply
connotation suggestion in addition to
flaunting show off complacently
empirical relying on experiment
impair worsen; diminish in value
immaculate pure; faultless
pillage plunder (especially in war)
extrovert cheerful person
prone prostrate; inclined to (undesirable things)
astute clever quick at seeing to get an advantage
coy shy/modest (especially of a girl)
truce (agreement) stop of fighting for a time
precepts rules establishing standards of conduct
exorbitant much too high or great
mollify make calmer or quieter
incorrigibility cannot be cured or corrected
taciturn unspoken, silent
sober self-controlled
approbation approval
conviction convincing firm belief
castigate to chastise; correct by punishing
bolster give greatly needed support
efface rub or wipe out, obliterate
vex annoy distress trouble
fallacious based on error
flamboyant brightly colored; florid
nonchalant not having interest
gorge eat greedily/narrow opening with a stream
poncho large piece of cloth
grandiloquent using pompous words
pitfall covered hole as a trap unsuspected danger
coddle treat with care and tenderness
impassive unmoved; feeling no sign of passion
lull become quiet or less active
curtail make shorter then was planned
perch take up a high position
inscrutable incapable of being discovered or understood
shrill sharp; piercing
prudence careful forethought
cohort a group or band of people
boorish crude; rude
timorous fearful timid afraid
imperturbable calm not capable of being excited
arboreal of connected with trees
rescind repeal/annul/cancel
intersperse place here and there
oblivious unaware; having no memory
ignoble not noble; inferior
espouse To take in marriage
sagacious having sound judgment; perceptive; wise like a sage
nebulous cloud-like; hazy; vague; indistinct
disseminate distribute (esp. ideas)
bask in enjoy warmth and light
heed attention/give notice to
precarious uncertain risky dangerous
incise engrave; make a cut in
endearing making dear or liked
ebullient overflowing with enthusiasm showing excitement
inferno hell
palpitate tremble beat rapidly and irregularly
fluke lucky; stroke
fluster make nervous or confused
graze touch or scrape lightly in passing
laudatory expressing or giving praise
matriculation be admitted enter a university as a student
susceptibility sensitiveness
embellish make beautiful
ominous threatening
ostracism shut out from society refuse to meet talk
divulge make known something secret
pliant easily bent
maverick rebel; nonconformist
malapropism misuse of a word (for one that resembles it)
quell suppress subdue
extort obtain by threats violence
cling to resist separation
sidestep step to one side
dubious feeling doubt
irascible irritable; easily angered
fidget move restlessly make nervous
epitome brief summary representative example a typical model
corroboration additional strengthening evidence
garner to gather and save to store up
ambrosial extremely pleasing to taste
ferocity savage cruelty
expurgate to remove obscenity purify censor
cantankerous bad-tempered/quarrelsome
arabesque a complex ornate design
attune bring into harmony
chaste pure
efficacy production of a desired result
rift split crack dissension
palpability can be felt or touched
veer change direction
insensible unconscious; unresponsive; unaffected
gourmand a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess
plead address a court of law as an advocate
morbid diseased; unhealthy (e.g.. about ideas)
enmity hatred being an enemy

GRE Word List - 3

impervious not allowing to pass through (of materials)
feral Existing in a wild or untamed state
convoke call together summon
breach opening; broken place; breaking
credulous ready to believe things
Conduce To bring about
superfluous more then is needed or wanted
daunt intimidate make fearful
trudge walk heavily
mephitic Poisonous; noxious
equipoise equal distribution of weight equilibrium
chastisement punishment
thrift care economy thriving prosperous
rarefy to make thin to make less dense to purify or refine
neophyte person who has been converted to a belief
benign kind and gentle
dissent have a different opinion refuse to assent
lackluster (of eyes) dull
veneration regard with deep respect
fret worry; irritation; wear away
pious dutiful to parents; devoted to religion
impiety lack of reverence or dutifulness
rave act with excessive enthusiasm
heresy belief contrary to what is generally accepted
frenetic frantic; frenzied
disheveled untidy
scalding hot enough to boil
guile deceit; cunning
irresolute hesitating; undecided
telltale That gives warning or information
temperate showing self-control
chicanery legal trickery/false argument
grave serious requiring; consideration
blas� bored with pleasure or dissipation
exoneration set someone clear (e.g.. from blame)
hoodwink trick; mislead
tawdry cheap gaudy showy tacky
debacle a breakup overthrow sudden disaster
striated striped grooved or banded
feckless lacking purpose or vitality ineffective careless
reticence uncommunicativeness
resilience quality of quickly recovering the original shape
contentious argumentative pugnacious combative quarrelsome
ardor enthusiasm
disdain look on with contempt
cajole use flattery or deceit to persuade
glimmer weak/unsteady light
jocular meant as a joke
taunt contemptuous reproach hurtful remark
conundrum a riddle dilemma enigma
incite stir up; rouse
terse brief and to the point
abeyance suspended action
drawl slow way of speaking
myriad very great number
apotheosis deification glorification to godliness
guileless honest; straightforward
alacrity eager and cheerful; readiness
clinch come to grips/settle conclusively
clamor shout complain with a lot of noise
falter waver/move in an uncertain manner
nexus a connection or link
inimitable defying; imitation; unmatchable
ale fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer
ulterior situated beyond
jagged notched
sash long strip worn round the waist
recant take back as being FALSE give up
decorum propriety properness
abet help/encourage somebody (in doing wrong)
sever break off
render deliver provide represent
discreet careful/prudent
itinerate to travel from place to place to peregrinate
innocuous causing no harm
ruffian violent cruel man
abrogate repeal or annul by authority
tepid lukewarm
talon claw of a bird of prey
quiescence state of being passive/motionless
exhaustive complete; thorough
flinch draw; move back; wince
sodden soaked; saturated
crush press lose shape subdue overwhelm
insurrection rising of people to open resistance to
ossify to turn to bone to settle rigidly into an idea
doleful dismal; mourful
quack person dishonestly claiming to something
commodious having plenty of space for what is needed
intrepid fearless; brave; undaunted
emaciate make thin and weak
pariah an outcast a rejected and despised person
unfeigned not pretended sincere
fixate stare at
prim neat; formal
thwart obstruct/frustrate
preternatural not normal or usual
vilify slander say evil things
transgress break go beyond (a limit)
hegemony predominance
insinuate suggest unpleasantly; make a way for something gently
recast cast or fashion anew
intransigence unwillingness to compromise stubbornness intractability
servile like a slave lacking independence
infuse put; pour; fill
engrossing taken up all the time or attention writing in large or formal
heinous odious (of crime)
covert disguised
fracas noisy; quarrel
sketchy shortly, roughly, quickly
putrefaction becoming rotten
ubiquitous present everywhere
assuage make something (pain desire) less
sycophant person who flatter to the rich and powerful
ebullience exuberance outburst of feeling
colander bowl-shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water
festoon a decorative chain or strip hanging between two points
cower crouch shrink back
proclivity inclination
assail attack violently
maul hurt by rough handling
forfeit suffer the loss of something
urbane elegant refined in manners
quixotic fanciful, fantastic, imaginary
burnish to polish; rub to a shine
equivocal having a double or doubtful meaning; suspicious
stingy spending using unwillingly
inadvertent not paying proper attention
austere severely moral and strict simple and plain
penury extreme poverty
gnaw waste away; bite steadily
torpid dull and slow
occluded blocked up
provisional of the present time only
ire anger
engender cause produce give rise to
rotund rich and deep; plump and round
wean to turn away (from a habit)
profuse abundant/lavish
savant person of great learning
ruddy reddish, healthy-looking
beatify to bless; make happy or ascribe a virtue to
vain without use result conceited
pry get something inquire too curiously
enervate weaken deprive of strength attenuate
adamant kind of stone; inflexible
puerile childish
glut supply to much fill to excess
equivocate try to deceive by equivocal language
crease line made by crushing white line on the ground in cricket
ascertain get to know
splice join (two ends)
discrete distinct
reticent reserved; untalkative; silent; taciturn
sting something sharp
dynamo a generator something that produces electric current
penitent feeling or showing regret
dirge a song of grief or lamentation
elegy a lament a melancholy composition
retinue following; attendants
stolid showing no emotion impassive
effrontery boldness impudence arrogance
cogitate think deeply mediate
obtuse blunt/stupid
dissolution disintegration looseness in morals
indolence laziness
privation hardship
consummate perfect/make; perfect/complete
paucity scarcity a lacking of
diatribe bitter and violent attack in words
pyre large pile of wood for burning
derision ridicule mockery deriding
pusillanimous cowardly; craven
erudite learned; scholarly
churlish (adj) boorish
pulchritude Physical beauty
corporeal physical of or for the body
mercurial quick changeable in character fleeting
streak long thin move very fast
insularity narrow-mindedness; isolated
pedestrian commonplace trite unremarkable
equable steady; regular
decry disapprove of
coeval of the same period; coexisting
penchant strong inclination a liking
admonitory containing warning
onus responsilibilty,burden
vanquish conquer
nascent coming into existence; emerging
luculent easily understood; lucid; clear
secular material (not spiritual) living outside monasteries
auspicious favorable successful prosperous
palliate lessen the severity of
extirpate to destroy exterminate cut out exscind
dearth shortage
recidivism relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior
pellucid transparent easy to understand
baneful causing harm or ruin; pernicious; destructive
cogent strong; convincing
lurk be out of view ready to attack
condone forgive
discredit refuse to believe
assiduous diligent hard-working; sedulous
covetous eagerly desirous
accretion the growing of separate things into one
foray to venture
lumber move in a clumsy/noisy way
coda passage that completes a piece of music
indelible that cannot be rubbed out
cornucopia abundant supply
elicit draw out
veneer surface appearance covering the TRUE nature
serration having a toothed edge
deprave make morally bad;corrupt
dainty pretty/delicate(food)/difficult to please
petrify to make hard rocklike
odious repulsive; hateful
fledgling an inexperienced person.
dilate speak comprehensively become wider large
censure expression of blame or disapproval a rebuke
denigrate blacken; belittle; sully; defame
highbrow (person) with superior tastes
tocsin a signal, especially of alarm
inane silly; senseless
tyro a beginner
duplicity deliberate deception
chauvinist a blindly devoted patriot
caustic biting sarcastic
turbid muddy having the sediment stirred up
protracted prolonged
taut tightly stretched
interim as an installment
abjure promise or swear to give up
prevaricate to equivocate to stray from the truth
punctilious Meticulous
inundate flood cover by overflowing
ignominious shameful; dishonorable; undignified; disgraceful
avid eager; greedy
bellicose inclined to fighting
plaque flat metal on a wall as a memorial
malign to speak harmful untruths about someone
sanctimony self-righteousness hypocritical with FALSE piety
consume get to the end of
ingenuous naive; young; artless; frank; honest; sincere
lien legal claim until a debt on it is repaid
veracity truth
snub treat with contempt
attenuate make thin; weaken; enervate
inimical harmful or unfriendly
phlegmatic calm; sluggish; temperament; unemotional
barren not good enough; unable to have young ones without value
exigency emergency an urgent situation
finagle to practice deception or fraud; scheme.
florid very much ornamented naturally red (e.g.. of face)
libel statement that damages reputation
credulity too great a readiness to believe things
aver affirm; assert; prove; justify
dud no use person something that fails
forbearance patience; willingness to wait
idiosyncrasy personal mannerism
chagrin vexation
obdurate hardened and unrepenting; stubborn; inflexible

list - 4GRE Word List - 4

waft scent waving movement carry lightly through
conceit over-high opinion of too much pride
volubility fluency verbosity easy use of spoken language
resigned unresistant; submissive
facile easily done
contiguous touching neighboring near
verisimilitude appearing TRUE or real
husk worthless; outside part of anything
pernicious harmful; injurious
fringe edge ornamental border part of hair over the forehead
somatic of the body
abut border on
chastened corrected punished
coax get somebody to do something by kindness
incursion a raid; a sudden attack
repudiate disown refuse to accept or pay
dolt stupid fellow
parley negotiation
effluvia outflow in a stream of particles a noxious odor or vapor
insipid without taste or flavor
jejune insubstantial/dull/immature
penurious poor/stingy
obfuscate to darken; make obscure; muddle
preclude prevent make impossible
defalcate (v) to embezzle or misappropriate
disingenuous sophisticated artful trying to deceive cunning
encumbrance burden things that get on the way of
quirk habit or action peculiar to something
obtain to be established accepted or customary
gloat over look at with selfish delight
morose ill-tempered; unsocial
scorch become discolored/dry up/go at high speed
foil prevent from carrying out
perpetrate be guilty commit (a crime)
regale to delight or entertain to feast
disparate essentially different
extempore without previous thought or preparation
Palpable Obvious
malinger to fake illness or injury in order to shirk a duty
discern see with an effort but clearly
pundit pedant authority on a subject
Pastiche work (usually artistic) which imitates
transitory brief
extant still in existence
salubrious healthful
waffle talk vaguely and without much result
deluge great flood heavy rush of water
ascribe consider to be the origin of or belonging to
perfunctory done as a duty without care
squalid foul filthy
sullied to be stained or discredited
mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual commonplace everyday
exscind to cut out cut away
grouse Complain or grumble (verb)
lachrymose causing tears; tearful
visceral of the internal organs of the body
grovel crawl; humble oneself
temerity boldness brashness intrepidness
collusion secret agreement for a deceitful purpose
extenuate reduce the strength of lessen seriousness partially excuse
bandy discuss lightly or glibly; exchange (words) heatedly
undulate to move in wavelike fashion fluctuate
harbinger One that indicates or foreshadows what is to come; a forerunner.
evince to show clearly to indicate
fagged too tired
shrewd astute; showing sound judgement
hollow not soled with hole
conspicuous easily seen remarkable
august majestic; venerable
rife widespread
snare trap
ascetic practicing self-denial; austere; stark
rancorous feeling bitterness; spitefulness
mellifluous sweetly flowing
levity lack of seriousness
moot open to discussion or debate; doubtful
gaucherie socially awkward; tactless behavior
macabre gruesome; suggesting death
amortize end (a debt) by setting aside money
delineate to portray depict sketch out
finical too fussy about food clothing etc.
obviate to make unnecessary get rid of
paean song of praise or triumph
emote stir up excite
nadir lowest; weakest point
congeal make or become stiff and solid
uncouth rough awkward
verve spirit vigor enthusiasm
lope move along with long strides
fervor warmth of feelings earnestness
lionize treat as a famous person
expostulate argue earnestly to dissuade correct or protest
epicurean devoted to pleasure (sensuous enjoyment)
discourse speech lecture
sumptuous magnificent
noisome offensive; disgusting (smell)
sophomoric being immature
dogmatic positive certain arbitrary without room for discussion
lassitude weariness; tiredness
sanguine cheerful; confident; optimistic
broach bring up; announce; begin to talk about
irksome tiresome
ostentation display to obtain admiration or envy
requite repay give in return
kibosh block, halt, stop
imperious commanding; haughty; arrogant
gauche hence; awkward
craven cowardly
prodigal wasteful; reckless with money
brash hasty rush; cheeky; saucy
presage warning sign
supine lying on the back slow to act passive
didactic intended to instruct
verdant fresh and green
desiccant substance used to absorb moisture
philistine a smug ignorant person one who lacks knowledge
palatial magnificent
epiphany A Christian feast celebrating the manifestation of the divine nature
of Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.
prodigious enormous; wonderful
trifling unimportant
intransigent uncompromising
ensconce To settle (oneself) securely or comfortably
heretic recreant, protestant,skeptic
raconteur person who tells anecdotes
ferment substance become excited
perfidious treacherous; faithless
agog eager/excited
reactionary opposing progress
hauteur haughtiness
wile a trick
qualm feeling of doubt temporary feeling of sickness
dilettante a lover of an art or science
rumple make rough
curmudgeon bad-tempered person
bequest arrangement to give something at death
remonstrate to protest object
propitious auspicious; presenting favorable circumstances
drone male bee person who isn't self-employed
stymie to hinder obstruct or block
roll call calling of names
inchoate not yet fully formed; rudimentary; elementary
obtrusive projecting; prominent; undesirably noticeable
reproach scold upbraid
facetious humorous; funny; jocular
rivet fix take up secure metal pin
burgeon grow forth send out buds
fatuous without sense foolish; self-satisfaction
jibe gibe; make fun of
baleful harmful; ominous causing evil
rapacious greedy (esp for money)
wan looking ill, not bright
figurehead carved image on the prow of a ship
fetid stinking
overweening presumptuously; arrogant; overbearing
preen tidy/show self-satisfaction
vacillation being uncertain hesitating
discountenance refuse to approve of
eschew avoid
provident frugal; looking to the future
equanimity calmness of temperament
pedantic bookish showing off learning
extricable that can be freed
barrage artificial obstacle built across a river
impetuous having sudden energy; impulsive
macerate make or become soft by soaking in water
forswear renounce; disallow; repudiate
mendicant a beggar
hubris arrogant; pride
atonement repayment death of Jesus
saturnine gloomy; dark; sullen; morose
supplicate make a humble petition to
slur join sounds/words (indistinct)
rueful dejected
excoriation severe criticism
skiff small boat
soporific producing sleep
profundity depth
blandness polite manner; comforting; uninteresting
ford shallow place in a river (to cross)
cloture closing device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
blithe cheerful; casual; carefree
hallow to make holy; consecrate
scabbard sheath for the blade
egress way out exit
boggle To hesitate as if in fear or doubt
rant use extravagant language
contemn to scorn or despise
dereliction deserting and leaving to fall into ruins
petrous like a rock hard stony
benison blessing
perspicacity quick judging and understanding
tortuous devious/not straightforward
seminal like a seed constituting a source; originative
machination plot; scheme (esp. evil)
mendacity dishonesty
entreat ask earnestly
restive refusing to move reluctant to be controlled
prudish easily shocked; excessively modest
perfidy treachery breaking of faith
esoteric abstruse intended only for a small circle of
labyrinthine to entangle the state of affairs
incumbents official duties
prune dried plum silly person
depredation plundering
molt lose hair/feathers before new growing
contrite filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing
manacle chains for the hands or feet
stigmatize describe somebody scornfully
imbroglio complicated and embarrassing situation
germane relevant; pertinent to
goad something urging a person to action
probity uprightness incorruptibility principle
forage food for horses and cattle
indigence poverty
maladroit tactless; clumsy
fervid showing earnest feeling
vacuity idleness
overhaul examine thoroughly to learn about the condition
cravat piece of linen worn as a necktie
vestige trace or sign
specious illogical of questionable truth or merit
cordon line (of police acting as a guard)
flax pale yellow (hair) a plant
aleck one who considers himself smarter than others
poignant deeply moving keen
exploit brilliant achievement develop use selfishly
subsume include under a rule
petulant unreasonably; impatient
eddy circular or spiral movement (e.g.. of wind)
rubicund red and healthy
interdict prohibit forbid
platitude a trite or banal statement unoriginality
parsimonious too economical; miserly
severance severing
ineluctable certain; inevitable
insouciant unconcerned; carefree
predilection special liking mental preference
halcyon calm and peaceful
flout reject mock to go against (as in going against tradition)
gouge tool for cutting grooves in wood
lugubrious mournful; excessively sad
upbraid scold reproach
chary cautious; wary
officious too eager or ready to help offer advice
onerous needing effortl burdensome
demagogue person appealing not to reasons
profligate wasteful prodigal licentious extravagant
feint pretend
cabal a scheme or plot a group of plotters
belligerent (person nation) waging war
impute to attribute to a cause or source ascribe
obsequious too eager to obey or serve
retard check hinder
deprecate protest against; express disapproval of
inveterate deep-rooted. long-established
mulct to deprive (someone) of something, as by fraud, extortion, etc.
aplomb self-confidence
spurious false; counterfeit
propitiatory conciliatory; appeasing; mitigating
maudlin sentimental in a silly or tearful way
tautology a repetition a redundancy
dulcet melodious; harmonious
GRE Word List - 5
shunt send from one track to another lay aside evade discussion
inured accustomed to adapted
denouement an outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot
plethora glut
forge workshop for the shaping of metal to shape metal lead
sordid wretched; comfortless; contemptible
cursory quick; hurried
argot jargon; slang
gregarious living in societies liking the company
sinuous winding; undulating serpentine
hone stone used for sharpening tools
impecunious having little or no money
desultory aimless;haphazard; digressing at random
augury omenl sign
odium intense hatred or dislike
vigilant member of a vigilance committee
propinquity nearness in time or place affinity of nature
salacious obscene
homiletics act of preaching
recalcitrant disobedient
harangue a long passionate speech
libertine immoral person
turgid excessively ornate swollen or bloated
epistle letter
foible defect of character (a person is wrongly proud)
harrow to distress; create stress or torment
inculcate fix firmly by repetition
eclat Great brilliance, as of performance or achievement
deposition dethronement; depositing
tangential suddenly changeable
countervail counterbalance
gainsay to deny; to oppose
middling fairly good but not very good
gossamer soft light; delicate material
stentorian extremely loud and powerful
resort to frequently visit
divestiture taking off getting rid of giving up
churl bad-tempered person
repertoire A stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or a performer knows
or is prepared to perform
nary not any; no;
pinchbeck An alloy of zinc and copper used as imitation gold; A cheap imitation
finicky finical
temperance abstinence from alcohol self-control moderation
profane worldly having contempt for God
truculence aggressiveness ferocity
glean gather facts in small quantities
inveigh to attack verbally; denounce; deprecate
levee formal reception/embankment
diaphanous transparent; gauzy
diffidence shyness
trepidation alarm excited state of mind
tenuous insubstantial flimsy weak
rebuff snub
nugatory trifling/worthless
opprobrious showing scorn or reproach
pucker wrinkle
vitiate lower the quality weaken the strength
disinter dig up from the earth
foppish like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes
astringent substance that shrinks
detumescence diminishing or lessening of swelling
panegyric formal praise eulogy
flak criticism; anti-aircraft guns
distrait distracted
plod continue doing something without resting
refractory stubborn; unmanageable; intractable
ramify to be divided or subdivided to branch out
expedient likely to be useful for a purpose
fecund fertile
encomium warm or glowing praise eulogy panegyric
obloquy abusively; detractive language; sharp criticism; vituperation
trenchant forceful effective vigorous extremely perceptive incisive
disconcert upset the self-possession of
pugnacious fond of in the habit of fighting
quaff drink deeply
vituperate curse abuse in words
discomfit confuse embarrass
quail lose courage turn frightened
impudent rash; indiscreet
calumny slander; aspersion
nemesis deserved and unavoidable punishment for wrong doing
sublime extreme; astounding
peremptory urgent; imperative; unchallenged; ending debate
blandishment flattery; coaxing
rabble mob crowd the lower classes of populace
untoward unfortunate inconvenient
strut a supporting bar
voluble fluent
sermon reproving a person for his faults
prosaic straightforward.; lacking in imagination and spirit
bereft rob or dispossess of something (material)
fetter to shackle put in chains
cant insincere talk/jargon
glib ready and smooth but not sincere
turpitude wickedness shamefulness
raffish showing vulgar in nature or appearance; tawdry
implicate to be involved
asperity roughness; harshness; ill temper; irritability
ensign flag/badge
contumacious insubordinate rebellious
idyll a carefree episode or experience
quotidian banal; everyday
teetotal oppose to alcohol
veritable real rightly named
simper (give a) silly/self-conscious smile
mien demeanor
invective abusive language; curses
hirsute hairy; shaggy
impugned challenged to be doubted
umbrage offense resentment
meretricious attractive on the surface but of little value
incense make angry
surfeit satiate feed to fulness or to excess
endemic epidemic
sophistry fallacious; reasoning faulty logic
unencumbered easy-going trifle
felicitous suitably expressed; well chosen; apropos
hack cut roughly; hired horse
atavistic something reverting to an earlier type
mettle quality of endurance or courage
miseenscene the stage setting or scenery of a play
toady obsequious flatterer
peregrination traveling about wandering
forbear refrain from; be patient; ancestor
ecumenical representing the whole Christian world
incipient beginning
ineffable to great to be described in words
plaintive mournful; melancholy; sorrowful
pine waste away through sorrow or illness
ostensible seeming appearing as such professed
piquant agreeably pungent; stimulating
tout To solicit customers, votes, or patronage
tamp tap or drive down by repeated light blows
canvass discuss thoroughly sort of touting
minatory menacing; threatening
slate king of blue-grey stone propose criticize
stipple paint with dots
plumb get to the root of
stanch to stop the flow of a fluid
fledged able to fly trained experienced
demur to hesitate; raise objections
aspersion slander
deferential showing respect
sundry various miscellaneous; separate
blatant noisy and rough
consternation surprise and fear; dismay
cadge to beg; to get by begging
brummagem Cheap and showy
spurn have nothing to do reject or refuse
purvey provide supply
bedizen to adorn especially in a cheap showy manner
desuetude cessation of use disuse
obstreperous noisy; loud
suppliant asking humbly beseeching
countenance to favor or approve of
presumption arrogance
belabor beat hard
redoubtable formidable causing fear
balk obstacle purposely to get on the way of
supercilious disdainful characterized by haughty scorn
stygian hence; dark; gloomy
virago a loud domineering woman a scold or nag
orison prayer
trite not new
preponderance greatness in number strength weight
reprobate person hardened in sin; one devoid of decency
hermetic sealed by fusion
expiation ending; expiring
rebus puzzle in which pictures stand for words
vagary strange act or idea
imperviousness not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable
trencherman person who eats a lot
hew make by hard work cut (by striking)
proscribe denounce as dangerous
sententious short and pithy full of maxims/proverbs
portent omen marvelous threatening
doggerel trivial poorly constructed verse
dissemble speak or behave so as to hide something (in mind)
venal ready to do something dishonest
picaresque involving clever rogues or adventurers
splenetic bad-tempered;irritable
ferret discover by searching search
petrified taken away power (to think feel act)
duress threats to compel somebody
peripatetic wandering
profligacy shameless immorality
imprecation an invocation of evil a curse
succor assistance relief in time of distress
lithe bending; twisting
mettlesome courageous; high-spirited
froward intractable not willing to yield or comply stubborn
travesty parody/imitation
fulsome disgusting offensive due to excessiveness
puissance strength
acarpous effete no longer fertile; worn out
pied of mixed colors
pileous Covered with hair
effete infertile; worn out; weak
sobriquet nickname
wend to go proceed
edacious voracious; devouring
constrain compel
fulmination bitter protest
slake to assuage to satisfy allay
nibble show some inclination to accept (an offer)
pique hurt the pride or self-respect stir (curiosity)
ponderous heavy; bulky; dull
brook to tolerate; endure
detraction slandering verbal attack aspersion
salutary remedial wholesome causing improvement
welter turmoil a bewildering jumble
repast meal
cavalcade a procession
nostrum a quack remedy; an untested cure
nonplused greatly surprised
pith essential part force soft liquid substance
refulgent shining; brilliant
stint to be thrifty to set limits
suborn induce by bribery or something to commit perjury
expatiate to roam wander freely
recondite little known; abstruse
garble make unfair selection from facts
palaver To flatter; to cajole
fustian bombastic
mince pronounce or speak affectedly euphemize
scurvy mean; contemptible
epithet adjective
sedulous persevering
prolix tiring because too long
importune beg urgently solicit (of a prostitute)
bilge bulge; the protuberance of a cask
involute complex
abraid to awaken or rouse
sere make hard and without feeling
droll jesting
descry catch sight of see something in the distance
brazen made of brass
repine at be discontented with
limn paint portray
wag merry person
coruscate sparkle
lucubrate write in scholarly fashion
crass without refinement or sensitivity; gross.
consequential pompous self important
foment put something warm (to lessen the pain)
recreancy cowardice a cowardly giving up
testiness witness/evidence
arrant in the highest degree
quibble try to avoid by sophistication
lam a hasty escape; flight.
Archaic marked by the characteristics of an earlier period
imbibe to consume (liquids) by drinking; drink
repose rest;sleep
perfunctorily performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial
impasse a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock
pulchritudinous physically beautiful; comely.
eupeptic good digestion
Chicane deception
brobdingnagian gigantic
Exodus a going out; a departure
Rejoinder response
Furtive taken,done