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 8 of 39

cheetah GRE

A large, fast carnivorous cat native to Africa, known for being the fastest land animal.

cherubic GRE

Angelic or sweetly innocent in appearance, often describing a child's face.

chevron GRE

A V-shaped pattern or insignia, often used in design, road markings, or military rank.

chimera GRE

A mythological fire-breathing monster with parts from different animals; used figuratively for an un...

chimerical GRE

Imaginary or utterly unrealistic; based on a chimera or fanciful dream.

chink GRE

A narrow opening or crack, especially in a wall or surface; can also refer to a small amount of ligh...

chirp GRE

A short, sharp high-pitched sound, such as that made by a bird or insect.

choleric SAT GRE

Easily angered or bad-tempered; irritable.

chortle GRE

To chuckle gleefully; a blend of 'chuckle' and 'snort'.

chromosome GRE

A thread-like structure in the nucleus of a cell that carries genetic information in the form of DNA...

chronicle GRE

A chronicle is a detailed historical account of events in the order in which they occurred, often co...

chuck GRE

To chuck means to throw something casually or quickly, often with a short, quick motion.

chuckle GRE

A chuckle is a quiet, soft laugh, often indicating amusement or mild humor.

chump GRE

A chump is a foolish or gullible person, often easily tricked or taken advantage of.

chunky GRE

Chunky describes something made up of thick, heavy parts or pieces, or someone who is solidly built ...

churlish GRE

Churlish describes someone who is rude, unfriendly, or bad-tempered, especially in a way that shows ...

cinch GRE

A cinch is something that is very easy to do or achieve; it can also refer to a girth strap used to ...

cinder GRE

A cinder is a small piece of partially burned material, especially from coal or wood, left after a f...

circuitous GRE

Circuitous describes a route or process that is longer than necessary because it is not direct.

circumlocution SAT GRE

An indirect or roundabout way of speaking; using many words to express a simple idea.

cistern GRE

A tank for storing water, often used in homes or ancient buildings.

clairvoyant GRE

A person who claims to have the power to see things not perceptible by the senses, such as future ev...

clamber GRE

To climb or move in an awkward or laborious manner, often using both hands and feet.

clammy GRE

Slightly wet and unpleasantly cold to the touch; damp and sticky.

clangor SAT GRE

A continuous loud banging or ringing sound, often harsh or discordant.

clapper GRE

The striking part inside a bell that produces sound when it hits the sides.

claustrophobia GRE

An extreme or irrational fear of confined spaces.

cleavage GRE

The splitting or division of cells; also, the quality of being split or the degree of separation, es...

cleave GRE

To split or cut something apart; also, archaically, to adhere firmly.

clemency SAT GRE

Mercy or leniency, especially toward someone who is punished or forgiven.

clench GRE

To close or tighten the hand into a fist or to grip tightly.

clientele GRE

The customers or clients of a business or professional, typically viewed as a group.

climactic GRE

Relating to or constituting a climax, especially in a narrative or dramatic work.

clime GRE

A climate or region, especially as it relates to weather or atmosphere.

clinch GRE

To secure or settle something conclusively; to hold someone tightly in an embrace.

clique GRE

A small, exclusive group of people who share common interests and often exclude others.

cloister GRE

A sheltered walk in a monastery, often with covered arcs; also, a secluded or confined place.

closure GRE

The act of closing something; a sense of resolution or finality.

clot GRE

A thick mass formed from blood or other coagulated liquid.

clout GRE

Influence or power, especially in political or social contexts.

cloying GRE

Excessively sweet or sentimental to the point of being unpleasant.

coagulate SAT GRE

To change from a liquid to a thickened or solid state.

cobbler GRE

A person who repairs shoes; also, a type of fruit dessert with a biscuit topping.

coddle SAT GRE

To treat someone with excessive care or leniency.

codicil SAT GRE

A legal document that amends or adds to an existing will.

coerce SAT GRE

To force someone to do something against their will, often through threats or intimidation.

coffer GRE

A strongbox for storing valuables; also, a public treasury.

cogency GRE

The quality of being clear, logical, and convincing.

cogitate GRE

To think deeply about something; to ponder.

cognate SAT GRE

Related by blood, origin, or language; words or things that have a common source.

cognizance GRE

Knowledge or awareness of something.

cohere SAT GRE

To stick together or form a unified whole; to be logically connected.

coiffure GRE

A style of arranging or dressing the hair; a hairstyle.

colander GRE

A kitchen utensil with holes for draining food such as pasta after boiling.

collage GRE

A piece of art made by assembling various materials such as photographs, paper, or fabric and adheri...

collate GRE

To gather and arrange written, printed, or digital material in a specific, correct order.

collateral GRE

Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited if the borrower defaults.

colt GRE

A young male horse, typically under four years old.

coma GRE

A prolonged state of unconsciousness, often resulting from illness or injury, where the person canno...

comatose GRE

In a state of deep unconsciousness, as if in a coma.

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