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 7 of 39

cantata SAT GRE

A vocal composition with instrumental accompaniment, often on a religious theme and structured in se...

canter GRE

A smooth, three-beat gait of a horse, faster than a trot but slower than a gallop.

canto SAT GRE

A major division of a long poem, especially epic poetry.

capacious SAT GRE

Having a lot of space; roomy or spacious.

caper GRE

A playful leap or skip; also refers to a mischievous or risky act, often criminal.

capitulate SAT GRE

To surrender under specified conditions or cease resistance, often in war or an argument.

caption SAT GRE

A brief explanation or title accompanying an illustration, photograph, or article.

cardigan GRE

A type of knitted garment with an open front, often fastened with buttons or a zipper.

cardiologist GRE

A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

careen GRE

To lurch or swerve uncontrollably as one moves forward.

caribou GRE

A large deer of northern regions, both sexes of which have broad, flat antlers.

carnal SAT GRE

Relating to physical, especially sexual, desires rather than spiritual ones.

carol GRE

A joyful song, especially a religious hymn or Christmas song.

carping GRE

Persistent, petty criticism; finding fault unnecessarily.

cartographer GRE

A person who makes maps.

cascade GRE

A small waterfall or a sudden, rapid flow of something.

catapult GRE

A device for hurling objects, or to launch or increase something rapidly.

cataract SAT GRE

A medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing vision; also refers to a lar...

catcall GRE

A loud, often sexually aggressive or disrespectful comment shouted at someone in public.

catechism GRE

A summary of religious doctrine, often in question-and-answer form, used for instruction.

categorical GRE

Unambiguous, absolute, or not subject to conditions.

catharsis GRE

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

caucus SAT GRE

A meeting of members of a political or legislative group to select candidates, plan strategy, or mak...

caulk GRE

To seal a seam or joint, especially in wood, metal, or masonry, with a waterproof material.

causal SAT GRE

Expressing or indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.

cavalcade GRE

A procession of people, vehicles, or horses; also, a series of related acts or events.

cavalry GRE

Soldiers who fight on horseback; in modern use, troops equipped with armoured vehicles or helicopter...

cavil GRE

To raise trivial or malicious objections; to complain about unimportant matters.

cede SAT GRE

To yield or transfer (power, territory, or rights) to another.

celerity GRE

Swiftness or speed of movement or action.

celibacy GRE

The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, often for religious reasons.

celibate GRE

A person who abstains from marriage and sexual relations, typically due to religious vows.

censorious SAT GRE

Critical or judgmental in a harsh or excessive way.

centrifugal GRE

Directed or moving away from a center.

centripetal GRE

Directed or moving toward a center.

centurion SAT GRE

A commander of a century in the ancient Roman army, typically in charge of around 80 soldiers.

cerebral GRE

Intellectual rather than emotional or physical; relating to the cerebrum, the part of the brain asso...

cerebration GRE

The process of thinking or intellectual activity.

ceremonious SAT GRE

Formal and serious in manner, often following traditional customs or etiquette.

cereus GRE

A type of tall, ribbed cactus, often flowering at night.

certitude GRE

Absolute conviction or certainty about something, often philosophical or personal.

cession SAT GRE

The act of ceding or formally surrendering possession of land or territory, usually by treaty.

chaff GRE

The husks of grains separated during threshing; metaphorically, something worthless.

chaffing GRE

The irritation of the skin caused by repeated rubbing; the act of teasing humorously.

chalice GRE

A large ornamental cup, typically used in religious ceremonies to hold wine.

chameleon SAT GRE

A type of lizard known for its ability to change color and for its long, sticky tongue used to catch...

chandelier GRE

A large, decorative lighting fixture that hangs from the ceiling, typically with branching arms and ...

chap GRE

A man, typically used in British English; also refers to a small crack or sore on the skin.

chaperon GRE

A person, often an adult, who accompanies and supervises younger people, especially on social outing...

charades GRE

A guessing game where players act out a word or phrase without speaking, while others try to guess i...

charisma GRE

A compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.

charismatic GRE

Possessing charisma; magnetic and inspiring to others.

charlatan SAT GRE

A person who pretends to have more knowledge or skill than they actually possess; a fraud.

chary GRE

Cautious or reluctant, especially in taking risks.

chassis GRE

The main framework of a vehicle, including the wheels and engine mounting.

chasten SAT GRE

To make someone more serious or modest by means of criticism or suffering.

chastise SAT GRE

To rebuke or punish someone severely for doing something wrong.

chastity SAT GRE

The state of being pure or abstaining from sexual activity, especially before marriage.

checkered GRE

Having a pattern of alternating squares, typically in two colors; often used to describe a complex o...

checkmate GRE

A position in chess where the king is under threat of capture and cannot escape, ending the game; al...

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