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 19 of 39

hoof GRE

The hard foot of a quadruped animal, especially animals like horses, cows, and deer.

hooked GRE

Addicted or strongly interested in something, often to the point of obsession.

hooligan GRE

A young person involved in violent or destructive behavior, especially at sports events.

hoop GRE

A circular band or ring, often made of metal or plastic, used in games or for decoration.

hormone GRE

A chemical substance produced in the body that regulates bodily functions and metabolism.

horrendous GRE

Extremely unpleasant, bad, or shocking.

hubbub GRE

A loud, chaotic noise, especially from a crowd; a state of confusion or excitement.

hubris GRE

Excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to downfall, often in a tragic context.

hulk GRE

A large, heavy, or bulky person or object; also refers to a fictional character with great strength.

hulking GRE

Large and bulky in size, often implying intimidation.

humdrum GRE

Lacking excitement or variety; tedious.

humour GRE

The quality of being amusing or funny; also spelled 'humor' in American English.

hunch GRE

A feeling or guess based on intuition rather than evidence; a bend in the back with shoulders raised...

hung GRE

Past tense and past participle of 'hang'; to suspend or be suspended, or to display something on a w...

hunk GRE

A large piece of something substantial; also, a physically attractive man.

hurdle GRE

A barrier or obstacle that must be overcome; also, a frame or fence used in track races.

husbandry GRE

The management and care of animals or crops, especially in farming; responsible resource management.

hustler GRE

A person who works hard to get ahead, often aggressively; sometimes implies someone who makes money ...

hybrid SAT GRE

A thing made by combining two different elements; an offspring of two different species or varieties...

hydrant GRE

A pipe or standpipe connected to a water main, used for firefighting.

hyena GRE

A nocturnal carnivorous mammal known for its scavenging habits and distinctive laughing call.

hypercritical SAT GRE

Excessively critical or prone to finding faults, often unreasonably so.

hypnosis SAT GRE

A trance-like state in which a person is highly focused and responsive to suggestion.

hypnotic SAT GRE

Having the effect of inducing hypnosis or a trance-like state; also refers to something fascinating ...

hypochondriac GRE

A person who is excessively anxious about their health, often believing they have serious illnesses.

hypodermic SAT GRE

Referring to something administered beneath the skin, such as a needle or injection.

hypothetical GRE

Based on a suggested idea or scenario rather than actual facts; conjectural.

hysteria SAT GRE

An overwhelming or uncontrolled emotion, often involving fear, anxiety, or excitement in a group or ...

icing GRE

A sweet, often colorful glaze made from sugar and liquid, used to cover or decorate cakes.

idiocy GRE

Extreme stupidity or foolishness.

igloo GRE

A dome-shaped shelter built of blocks of snow, traditionally used by Inuit people.

iguana GRE

A large, typically herbivorous lizard found in tropical regions, especially in Central and South Ame...

illegitimate SAT GRE

Not conforming to accepted standards, rules, or laws; not logically or legally sound.

illicit SAT GRE

Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; illegal or unlawful.

illogical GRE

Not conforming to the principles of valid reasoning or clear thinking.

illuminating GRE

Providing clarity or insight; enlightening.

illusory SAT GRE

Based on illusion; not real or not as it appears.

illustrious GRE

Well known, respected, and admired for past achievements or noble qualities.

imbecile GRE

A foolish or stupid person; historically used as a medical term for a low level of intelligence.

imbue GRE

To fill or influence strongly, often with emotions or qualities.

immemorial GRE

Extending beyond the reach of memory or record; ancient.

immensity GRE

The state or quality of being immense; vastness.

immerse SAT GRE

To place deeply into something, especially a liquid or activity.

immersion SAT GRE

The process of being deeply involved or submerged in something.

imp GRE

A small, mischievous child or creature, often imagined as a type of demon.

impalpable SAT GRE

Unable to be felt by touch; intangible.

impasse GRE

A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement.

impassioned GRE

Showing great emotion or intensity of feeling.

impassive SAT GRE

Not showing emotion or feeling; indifferent or stoic.

impenitent GRE

Not feeling remorse or regret for wrongdoing.

imperturbable SAT GRE

Remaining calm and composed, especially under pressure.

implant GRE

To insert something firmly into the body, often surgically; also used figuratively to mean instillin...

implode GRE

To collapse violently inward; also used figuratively to describe a sudden failure.

importunate SAT GRE

Persistently demanding or intrusive in an annoying way.

importune SAT GRE

To annoy or trouble by repeated requests.

impound GRE

To seize and take legal custody of something, typically by an authority.

impoverish SAT GRE

To make someone poor or to reduce in quality or richness.

inadvertent SAT GRE

Done without intention or awareness; accidental.

inalienable GRE

Rights or qualities that cannot be taken away or transferred.

inane SAT GRE

Stupid, senseless, or lacking significance.

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