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 13 of 39

doldrums GRE

A state of inactivity, stagnation, or listlessness. Originally referred to a calm, windless area of ...

dolt GRE

A stupid or dull-witted person.

domineer SAT GRE

To assert oneself in a haughty or controlling manner; to rule over others in an arrogant way.

don GRE

To put on clothing; to wear. Also a title for distinguished academic or religious figures, especiall...

dormer GRE

A structure projecting from a roof to house a window or increase headroom.

dossier GRE

A file or collection of documents on a particular subject or person.

dote GRE

To show excessive affection or fondness for someone.

doting GRE

Excessively loving or indulgent, especially toward a child or pet.

dour GRE

Stern, unyielding, and gloomy in manner or appearance.

douse GRE

To plunge into water or to drench; also used for suddenly extinguishing a light or fire.

dowdy GRE

Unfashionable and dull in appearance; often describing clothing.

drab GRE

Dull in color or appearance; lacking brightness or interest.

draconian GRE

Extremely harsh and severe, especially in terms of laws or punishments.

drawl GRE

A slow, lazy way of speaking, common in some regional accents.

dredge GRE

To dig up something submerged or buried, especially from the bottom of a body of water.

dregs GRE

The remnants or least valuable part of something; the last, often undesirable, portion.

drenched GRE

Thoroughly soaked or saturated with liquid.

dribble GRE

To fall or flow in small drops or in an irregular stream; also, to move while letting liquid fall in...

drivel GRE

Senseless or foolish speech; drool flowing from the mouth.

droll GRE

Curiously amusing or whimsically humorous.

drone GRE

A continuous low humming sound; also, a male bee or an unmanned aircraft.

dross GRE

Waste or impurities, especially from molten metal; anything worthless or undesirable.

drove GRE

A large number of animals or people moving together; past tense of 'drive'.

dual GRE

Consisting of two parts, elements, or aspects.

duet SAT GRE

a musical composition for two performers; a performance by two people together.

dulcet GRE

sweet and soothing to the ear; melodious.

dupe GRE

a person easily deceived or tricked; to deceive or trick someone.

duplicity SAT GRE

deceitfulness; double-dealing or behaving in two different ways to deceive.

duress GRE

threats or force used to compel someone to do something against their will.

dynamite GRE

A powerful explosive made of nitroglycerin; something highly energetic or impactful.

earring GRE

An ornament worn on the ear, typically attached through a piercing.

earthy GRE

Relating to or resembling earth; unrefined but natural and pleasing.

eaves GRE

The lower edge of a roof that overhangs the wall.

eavesdrop GRE

To secretly listen to a private conversation.

ebb GRE

To recede or diminish, as the tide; a decline in strength or intensity.

ebullient SAT GRE

Cheerful and full of energy; exuberant.

echelon GRE

A level of authority or responsibility in an organization, especially in a military or hierarchical ...

ecstatic SAT GRE

Overwhelmed with great emotion or joy.

edification GRE

The act of instructing or improving someone morally or intellectually.

effeminate SAT GRE

(Of a man) having characteristics traditionally regarded as feminine, often used in a derogatory way...

effervescence GRE

The escape of gas from a liquid with fizzing; also describes liveliness or enthusiasm.

effigy GRE

A model or sculpture of a person, often used as a target or symbol of protest.

effrontery SAT GRE

Shameless boldness or audacity, often in a disrespectful way.

effusive GRE

Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt way.

egocentric GRE

Excessively self-centered, with little regard for others.

egotistical GRE

Excessively conceited or self-absorbed; overly proud of oneself.

egress SAT GRE

The action of going out of or leaving a place; an exit.

ejaculation GRE

A sudden exclamation, often expressing surprise or excitement.

elaboration GRE

The act of adding more detail or clarity to something.

elapse SAT GRE

Of time: pass or go by.

elated GRE

Extremely happy or excited; overjoyed.

elegy SAT GRE

A poem or song written as a lament for the dead, often expressing mourning or reflection.

ellipsis GRE

The omission of a word or words understood in context; also, the punctuation mark (...) indicating s...

elm GRE

A type of deciduous tree with tough, interlocking grain, commonly found in temperate regions.

elope GRE

To run away secretly to get married, often without parental consent.

eloquence GRE

The fluent and persuasive quality of speech or writing.

emaciated GRE

Extremely thin and weak, especially from lack of food or illness.

embargo SAT GRE

An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

embezzle SAT GRE

To steal or misappropriate money placed in one's trust, especially by an employee.

embezzlement GRE

The crime of stealing funds that one has been entrusted with, typically in a professional role.

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