Advanced Vocabulary Words

Challenging vocabulary primarily tested on the GRE. These sophisticated words distinguish high scorers and are essential for graduate-level reading and Text Completion questions.

2321 words · Page 1 of 39

abacus GRE

A device consisting of beads or counters on wires used for performing arithmetic calculations

abase SAT GRE

To lower in status, dignity, or character

abdomen SAT GRE

The part of the body between the chest and the hips

aberrant GRE

Unusual or deviating from the normal or expected

abeyance SAT GRE

A state of being suspended or inactive

abjure SAT GRE

To formally renounce or give up something, especially a faith or practice

ablution SAT GRE

A ritual washing of the body, especially as part of a religious practice

abnegation GRE

The act of giving up or denying oneself something, especially out of self-discipline

abode GRE

A person's home or dwelling place

aboriginal SAT GRE

Native to a particular region or country

abortive GRE

Failing to achieve its intended effect or resulting in failure

abracadabra GRE

A magical word used in spells and incantations to convey a sense of fantasy or illusion

abrade SAT GRE

To wear away or remove the surface of something by rubbing or friction

abrasion SAT GRE

A wearing away of the surface of something by friction or impact

abscond SAT GRE

To leave secretly or suddenly, often to avoid detection or capture

absolution SAT GRE

The act of forgiving or pardoning someone for a wrongdoing

absolve SAT GRE

To forgive or pardon someone for a wrongdoing

abstinence SAT GRE

The state of voluntarily giving up or limiting oneself, especially in regards to luxuries or pleasur...

abundance GRE

A large or excessive amount of something, often pleasant or desirable.

abusive SAT GRE

Causing harm or injury, often through unfair or cruel behavior.

abysmal GRE

Extremely bad or unpleasant, often shocking or disturbing.

accentuate GRE

To draw attention to or emphasize something.

accessible SAT GRE

Easy to reach or enter, or open to people in general.

accessory SAT GRE

Something used to accompany or enhance something else, often in a decorative or ornamental way.

acclimate GRE

To become accustomed to a new or different environment, often through gradual exposure.

acclivity GRE

A slope or incline, often used to describe a place that rises upwards.

accommodating GRE

Willing to help or assist someone, often through adjustments or accommodations.

accost SAT GRE

To approach or address someone, often in a bold or unexpected way.

accretion GRE

A gradual and natural increase in size or amount, such as in the formation of rocks or the growth of...

accrue GRE

to increase or gather something, especially money, over time

acerbity SAT GRE

A sharp, bitter, or harsh quality or taste, especially in speech or character, or a state of sharp o...

acetic SAT GRE

Having a sharp, sour, or acidic taste, especially like vinegar, or relating to vinegar or its deriva...

acidulous GRE

Having an acidic or sharp taste, often similar to vinegar or citrus fruits, or having a strong or pu...

acme SAT GRE

The highest or most superior point, level, or stage of something, especially in terms of quality, ac...

acne GRE

A chronic skin condition characterized by the occurrence of pimples, especially on the face, resulti...

acorn GRE

The nut of an oak tree, often harvested for food or used as a symbol of strength and fertility.

acoustics GRE

The branch of physics dealing with the production, transmission, and perception of sound, especially...

acquittal SAT GRE

The official declaration of someone's innocence or freedom from guilt, especially after trial or inv...

acrophobia GRE

An excessive or irrational fear of heights, often resulting in anxiety, avoidance, or other psycholo...

actuarial GRE

Relating to the field of actuarial science, which deals with the use of mathematical probability and...

acuity GRE

The quality or state of being precise, sharply defined, or keenly observed, especially in terms of s...

adage GRE

A short saying or phrase, often expressing a general truth, principle, or piece of advice, especiall...

addendum SAT GRE

Something added or annexed to something else, especially a document, list, or schedule, often to pro...

addiction GRE

The state of being physically or psychologically dependent on a substance or activity.

addle SAT GRE

To make someone confused or muddled, often by speaking nonsense.

adherent SAT GRE

A person or group that closely adheres to a particular perspective, policy, or organization.

adjudicate GRE

To settle a dispute or hear a case in order to make a fair and impartial judgment.

adjure GRE

To ask or command someone to do something, especially something considered right or honorable.

ado SAT GRE

A minor difficulty or problem, especially one that arises in a pleasant or interesting situation; to...

adorable GRE

Extremely pleasant, charming, or lovable, often in a way that is especially attractive in a child or...

adroit SAT GRE

Skilled, clever, or handy in doing something, often in a way that is flexible or resourceful, especi...

adulation GRE

Strong admiration or praise, especially for someone or something considered great or impressive, oft...

adulterate SAT GRE

To mix or add something unhealthy, unpleasant, or degrading to something good, especially so that it...

adumbrate SAT GRE

To indicate or foreshadow something; to give a clear but indirect indication of the future or someon...

adventitious GRE

Not original or inherited, but coming or coming from outside, especially through an unintentional or...

advisable GRE

Worth considering or prudent; wise or reasonable.

advisory SAT GRE

Providing advice or guidance; serving as a source of counsel or recommendation.

advocacy SAT GRE

The act of supporting or promoting a cause, issue, or group, often through public appeal or represen...

affidavit GRE

A sworn written statement or declaration, often used in legal proceedings or official matters.

affiliation GRE

a connection or relationship between people, organizations, or things

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