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 4 of 39

assuage SAT GRE

To calm or soothe someone's emotions or pain, often by providing comfort or relief.

assured GRE

certain or confident about something

asteroid GRE

A small rock that orbits the Sun, often thought to be leftovers from the formation of our solar syst...

asthma GRE

A condition where an individual has difficulty breathing or inhaling due to airway inflammation, oft...

astigmatism GRE

A condition where the eyeball is irregularly shaped, often affecting vision and causing blurry or di...

astral GRE

Relating to the stars or the region of the sky outside the Earth's atmosphere.

astringent SAT GRE

A substance that has a constricting or drying effect, often used in medicine or cosmetics.

asymmetric GRE

Lacking symmetry or balance; irregular or unbalanced.

atavism GRE

A reappearance or resurgence of a trait or characteristic that was previously lost or recessive in a...

atheistic GRE

Not believing in the existence of God or a higher power; often used to describe arguments or concept...

athletics GRE

Sports or physical activities that require skill and strength, often competing at a high level.

attacked GRE

Past tense of 'attack', having physically or verbally assaulted someone, or launching a sudden, ofte...

attenuate GRE

To make something weaker or less intense, often through the reduction of a force or influence.

attest SAT GRE

To confirm or verify the truth or accuracy of something, often through evidence or testimony.

attrition GRE

The process of gradual or slow wearing away or erosion, often due to friction or conflict.

atypical GRE

Not ordinary or average, often due to a deviation from the norm or a unique characteristic.

augury GRE

An omen or prediction based on the observation of the flight of birds or other natural phenomena; an...

auroral GRE

Relating to the aurora; characterized by the colors or phenomena of the aurora.

authoritative GRE

Having or based on authority; entitled to command respect or obedience.

authorization GRE

Official consent or approval, often in writing; permission to do something.

autocrat SAT GRE

A ruler or leader with complete authority, power, or control; someone who makes decisions without in...

autopsy SAT GRE

A medical examination of a dead body, often to determine the cause of death; a post-mortem examinati...

aviary SAT GRE

A collection of birds, especially a group kept in captivity, such as a museum or a breeder's facilit...

avow SAT GRE

To declare openly or formally; to affirm.

avowal GRE

A confident declaration or confession.

avuncular GRE

Having the characteristics of a kind and friendly uncle.

awe GRE

A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.

awning GRE

A sheet of canvas or other material on a metal frame, projecting from the outer wall of a building t...

axiom GRE

A statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true.

axle GRE

A central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear; a rod passing through the center of a wheel.

babble GRE

To talk rapidly and continuously in a silly or incoherent way; also, the sound of a flowing stream.

badger SAT GRE

A carnivorous mammal with a stocky body and distinctive black-and-white facial markings; also means ...

badinage GRE

Light, playful banter or teasing conversation.

bale SAT GRE

A large bundle of goods tightly bound for storage or transport; also an archaic expression of woe.

baleful SAT GRE

Harmful or menacing in intent or effect; threatening evil.

balk GRE

To stop suddenly and refuse to continue; to hesitate or refuse to accept something.

ballast GRE

Heavy material used to stabilize a ship or vehicle; anything that provides stability or balance.

ballerina GRE

A principal female dancer in ballet.

ballroom GRE

A large room designed for dancing, especially formal dances.

balm GRE

A soothing or healing ointment; something that provides comfort or relief.

bandy GRE

To exchange words or blows in a sharp or lively manner; to dispute or argue. It can also mean to pas...

banister GRE

A handrail on the side of a staircase, supported by balusters or a solid panel.

bantering GRE

Engaging in light, playful, or teasing conversation.

bard GRE

A poet, especially one who composes or recites lyric poetry; traditionally, a professional storytell...

barometer SAT GRE

An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure, often used to predict weather changes.

barrage GRE

A concentrated artillery bombardment; a large, overwhelming quantity of things.

barricade GRE

A barrier or obstacle set up to block a road or path, often for protection or protest.

barterer GRE

A person who engages in bartering goods or services.

bask SAT GRE

To lie comfortably and enjoy warmth, light, or a pleasant feeling.

bastion GRE

A fortified place; a position or thing strongly held or defended.

bate GRE

To reduce or moderate; to lessen intensity.

bauble SAT GRE

A small, decorative object, often a cheap ornament or trinket.

bawdy GRE

Humorously obscene or sexually suggestive.

bawl SAT GRE

To cry or shout loudly.

bazaar GRE

A market selling various goods, often associated with Middle Eastern or South Asian regions.

beacon GRE

A light or signal that serves as a guide or warning, often on a tower or hill.

beatific GRE

Giving or showing great happiness; blissful.

beatitude SAT GRE

A state of supreme happiness; a blessing, especially one of the statements in the Sermon on the Moun...

bedizen GRE

To dress or adorn gaudily or tastelessly.

bedraggle GRE

To make wet, muddy, and bedraggled; to drench and soil.

Browse all vocabulary → Themed word lists