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 3 of 39

antidote SAT GRE

A remedy or treatment used to counteract or neutralize the effects of a poison or disease.

antipathy GRE

A strong dislike or aversion towards someone or something.

antler GRE

The branching bony structure of a deer, or in some contexts, a similar shape or structure in other o...

anvil GRE

A heavy block of metal used with a hammer to shape and form objects, typically hot metal.

aorta GRE

The main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

aperitif GRE

A drink taken before a meal, often to stimulate the appetite.

aperture SAT GRE

An opening in a camera or other optical instrument that controls the amount of light entering.

apex SAT GRE

The highest or most superior point of something, such as a mountain or a triangle.

aphasia GRE

A condition in which a person has difficulty with spoken or written language, often due to a brain i...

aphorism SAT GRE

A short, memorable statement or phrase that expresses a general truth or insight.

apiary SAT GRE

A place where bees are kept for honey, wax, or other products.

aplomb GRE

Confident or self-assured behavior, often with a sense of calm or serenity.

apocalyptic GRE

Relating to or involving a catastrophic or disastrous event, often with a sense of a world-ending or...

apocryphal GRE

Not considered to be authentic or genuine, often because of doubts about its origin or credibility.

apogee SAT GRE

The point in the orbit of a celestial body, such as the moon or an artificial satellite, when it is ...

apolitical GRE

Not interested in or connected with politics.

apologetic GRE

Feeling or showing regret or remorse for a mistake or error.

apologist GRE

A person who defends or justifies something, often in a formal or systematic way.

apostate SAT GRE

A person who has abandoned their original faith, creed, or allegiance.

apostrophe GRE

A grammatical construction in which a word or phrase is not part of its normal sentence structure, o...

apotheosis SAT GRE

The state or condition of a person or thing being exalted or deified, often to a very high status or...

appall SAT GRE

To shock, outrage, or disgust someone, often due to a harsh or unacceptable situation.

append SAT GRE

To add something to the end of a text, document, or other material.

appendage GRE

A part or accessory added to something, often to make it more useful or functional.

applicable GRE

Suitable or relevant to a particular situation or context.

apposite SAT GRE

Well-suited or relevant to a particular situation, often due to a common quality or characteristic.

appreciative GRE

Expressing gratitude, admiration, or respect.

apropos GRE

Appropriate or relevant to the situation or occasion; or timely or suitable.

aquiline GRE

Having a hooked or curved beak, often referring to birds of prey.

arbitrator GRE

A person or entity appointed to settle disputes or make decisions, often in an official or formal ca...

arboretum SAT GRE

A collection of trees or shrubs, often in a garden or park, for display or study purposes.

arcade SAT GRE

A row of shops or buildings, often attached to a larger building or a shopping center.

arcane GRE

Secretive or mysterious, often relating to the occult or magic.

archaic SAT GRE

Old-fashioned or outdated, especially in language, customs, or beliefs.

archer GRE

A person who shoots a bow and arrow, often for sport or hunting purposes.

aristocrat SAT GRE

A member of an aristocracy, typically characterized by wealth, refinement, and social standing.

armada SAT GRE

A fleet of warships, typically gathered for a specific purpose or mission.

arraign SAT GRE

To formally accuse or charge someone with a crime or offense, typically in a court of law.

arrears GRE

Overdue amounts, typically referring to debts, taxes, or other financial obligations.

arrogate SAT GRE

To assume or claim a power, right, or privilege that one does not have.

arroyo GRE

A small dry river bed or gully, often found in desert or arid regions.

arsenic GRE

A toxic chemical element, often used as a poison or in mining and manufacturing.

arson GRE

The act of intentionally setting fire to property, often with malicious intent or for financial gain...

arsonist GRE

Someone who intentionally sets fire to property, often with malicious intent or for financial gain.

artifice SAT GRE

A clever trick, hoax, or deception, often used to manipulate or deceive someone.

artless SAT GRE

Lacking in skill, cunning, or guile, often appearing childish or naive.

ascendancy GRE

The state of being in a position of power or authority, often over others or in a particular domain.

aseptic GRE

Free from bacteria or other microorganisms, often in a medical or scientific context.

ashen SAT GRE

Having a pale, wan, or wan-like appearance, often due to shock, fear, or illness.

asinine GRE

Excessively silly or pointless; foolish.

askance SAT GRE

With a suspicious or questioning look, usually sideways; or, slightly off-center.

askew GRE

Crooked or not properly aligned.

asparagus GRE

A spear-like vegetable with a delicate flavor and numerous health benefits.

asperity SAT GRE

A harshness or roughness in character or disposition.

asphalt GRE

A mixture of petroleum and minerals used as a road surface or for waterproofing.

aspirant SAT GRE

A person who is seeking a position, especially one of authority or influence.

aspire SAT GRE

To have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something.

assay SAT GRE

To test the quality, strength, or purity of something, especially metal or minerals.

assent SAT GRE

A gesture or statement indicating agreement or acceptance.

assertive GRE

Showing confidence and willingness to assert one's own opinions or rights.

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