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 25 of 39

nefarious SAT GRE

Wicked or criminal; extremely immoral.

negation SAT GRE

The action or logical operation of denying or reversing the truth of a statement.

nemesis SAT GRE

A long-standing rival or opponent; someone or something that causes defeat or downfall.

neologism GRE

A newly coined word or expression that has not yet become part of standard language. It may eventual...

neonate GRE

A newborn baby, typically within the first four weeks of life. The term is often used in medical con...

neophyte SAT GRE

A beginner or someone new to a particular belief, activity, or field. It implies inexperience or rec...

nepotism GRE

The practice of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs, in business or politi...

nerveless GRE

Without nerves or lacking courage and determination. It can describe physical insensitivity or emoti...

nestling SAT GRE

A young bird that is still in the nest and unable to fly. It can also describe something that is snu...

nether GRE

Situated down, below, or beneath; often used to describe lower regions, sometimes with a mystical or...

nexus GRE

A connection or central point that links elements together.

nirvana GRE

In Buddhism, a state of enlightenment and liberation from suffering; often used generally to describ...

noggin GRE

A head or brain; also a small cup or measure of liquor.

nomenclature GRE

A system or set of terms used in a particular field or subject.

nonchalance SAT GRE

A casual lack of concern; indifference.

noncommittal GRE

Not expressing a clear opinion or showing a definite intention.

nondescript SAT GRE

Lacking distinctive or interesting qualities; dull and generic.

nonentity SAT GRE

A person or thing with no special or interesting qualities; someone unimportant.

nonplus GRE

To confuse or perplex someone so much that they are unsure how to react.

noose GRE

A looped rope that tightens when pulled, historically used in hangings.

nostrum SAT GRE

A medicine or remedy of unproven effectiveness, often prepared and sold by someone not medically qua...

notoriety GRE

The state of being famous or well-known for something bad.

nuance SAT GRE

A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound.

nubile GRE

(Of a young woman) sexually attractive and marriageable; reaching the age when one is suitable for m...

nude SAT GRE

Without clothing; also, a work of art depicting a naked person.

nudge GRE

To push someone or something gently, often with the elbow or hand.

nudity GRE

The state of being naked, especially in a public or artistic context.

nullify GRE

To make legally void or invalidate; to cancel the effect of something.

numismatist GRE

A person who collects or studies coins, paper money, and medals.

nunnery SAT GRE

A small monastery for nuns; also, historically, a woman's boarding house or school.

nuptial SAT GRE

Relating to a wedding or marriage.

nymph GRE

In classical mythology, a minor nature goddess often associated with forests, springs, or rivers; al...

obesity SAT GRE

A medical condition characterized by excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.

obfuscate GRE

To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand.

obstreperous SAT GRE

Noisy and difficult to control, especially in a crowd or group setting.

obtuse GRE

Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand; also, in geometry, an angle greater than 90 degrees.

occult SAT GRE

Involving mysterious or supernatural powers or phenomena beyond scientific understanding.

odium SAT GRE

A state of being widely hated or regarded with contempt.

officious GRE

Asserting authority intrusively or bossily; overly eager to show power.

offset GRE

To counterbalance or compensate for something; to set something in opposition.

ogle GRE

To stare at in a lecherous or admiration-filled way.

ointment SAT GRE

A medicinal preparation in a fatty or greasy form applied to the skin to treat or relieve conditions...

oligarchy GRE

A form of power structure in which power rests with a small number of people, often based on wealth ...

omniscient SAT GRE

Knowing everything; having unlimited knowledge.

omnivorous SAT GRE

An animal or person that eats both plants and animals.

onerous SAT GRE

Involving heavy burdens or responsibilities; difficult and tiring.

onlooker GRE

A person who watches an event or situation but does not take part in it.

opalescent GRE

Displaying a milky, iridescent luster with varied colors, similar to an opal.

operative SAT GRE

Working, functioning, or in effect; also refers to a person engaged in secret activities.

opiate GRE

A drug derived from opium, used to relieve pain and induce sleep; also refers to something that soot...

opinionated GRE

Holding strong views and unwilling to consider others' perspectives.

opprobrious GRE

Harshly critical or abusive; expressing contempt or shame.

opulence SAT GRE

Great wealth or luxuriousness in appearance or style.

oracular GRE

Resembling an oracle, especially in being mysterious or prophetic.

oration SAT GRE

A formal speech, often delivered on a ceremonial occasion.

ordain GRE

To officially make someone a priest, minister, or religious leader through a formal ceremony.

ordination SAT GRE

The formal religious ceremony in which someone becomes a minister, priest, or clergy member.

orifice GRE

An opening in the body or in a structure that allows for the passage of substances.

ornate SAT GRE

Heavily or elaborately decorated, often with elaborate detail.

ornithology GRE

The scientific study of birds.

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