Intermediate Vocabulary Words

Academic vocabulary common across TOEFL, IELTS, and multi-test contexts. These words appear in university-level texts and are essential for scoring well on standardized English proficiency tests.

6223 words · Page 94 of 104

symbiosis TOEFL

A close, long-term interaction between two different biological species.

symbiotic TOEFL

Relating to or involving a mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms.

symbol TOEFL IELTS

A mark, sign, or object representing an idea or quality.

symbolism TOEFL

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, especially in art or literature.

symbolize TOEFL

To represent or stand for something else, often abstract.

symmetrical SAT GRE TOEFL

Having two halves that mirror each other in size, shape, and position.

symmetry SAT GRE TOEFL

The quality of being symmetrical; balance or proportion.

sympathetic SAT TOEFL IELTS

Showing compassion or understanding toward others.

sympathize SAT TOEFL

To feel or express sympathy, especially with someone else's suffering.

sympathy TOEFL IELTS

A feeling of care and understanding for the suffering or problems of others.

symphony SAT TOEFL IELTS

A long, complex musical composition for an orchestra, typically in multiple movements.

symptom TOEFL IELTS

A physical or mental feature indicating the presence of a disease or condition.

synchronize GRE TOEFL

To cause two or more things to happen or operate at the same time or rate.

synonym SAT TOEFL

A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.

synonymous GRE TOEFL

Having the same meaning or closely associated in significance with something else.

synthesis TOEFL

The combination of components to form a connected whole.

synthesize TOEFL

To combine different ideas or components to create something new.

synthesizer TOEFL

An electronic musical instrument that generates and modifies sounds.

synthetic GRE TOEFL IELTS

Something made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product; artificial.

syrup TOEFL

A thick, sweet liquid made of sugar and water, often flavored and used as a topping or in medicine.

system TOEFL IELTS

A set of connected parts forming a complex whole, especially to serve a common purpose.

systematic SAT TOEFL

Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.

systematize TOEFL

To arrange according to an organized plan or system.

tableland GRE TOEFL

An area of elevated, nearly flat land; a plateau.

tableware TOEFL

Dishes, utensils, and other items used for serving or eating food.

taciturn SAT GRE TOEFL

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

tackle TOEFL IELTS

To deal with or attempt to solve a problem or task; also, a physical move to stop someone in sports.

tact SAT GRE TOEFL IELTS

Sensitivity in dealing with others or difficult situations to avoid causing offense.

tactic GRE TOEFL IELTS

A carefully planned action or strategy designed to achieve a specific goal.

tactics SAT TOEFL IELTS

Plural of tactic; refers to several planned actions used to gain an advantage.

tactile GRE TOEFL

Relating to the sense of touch; perceptible by touch.

tadpole GRE TOEFL

The aquatic larval stage of a frog or toad, with a tail and no legs.

tailor TOEFL IELTS

A person who makes, repairs, or alters clothing, typically suits and men's clothing; also means to c...

taint GRE TOEFL

To contaminate or spoil something, often in a way that's morally or physically corrupting.

talent TOEFL IELTS

A natural skill or ability in a particular area, especially in the arts or performance.

talented TOEFL IELTS

Having a great deal of talent; naturally skilled in a particular subject or activity.

tally GRE TOEFL IELTS

A record of a total number of items counted, or to add up or agree with something.

tame TOEFL IELTS

Domesticated or made less wild; also refers to something lacking excitement or intensity.

tamper GRE TOEFL

To interfere with something in a way that causes damage or improper functioning; often done secretly...

tangible SAT GRE TOEFL

Something that can be physically touched or is real and definite.

tangle TOEFL

A confused, twisted mass or a complicated problem.

tantalize SAT GRE TOEFL

To tease or torment by showing something desirable but keeping it out of reach.

tantamount SAT GRE TOEFL

Equal in effect or meaning; essentially equivalent to something else.

tap TOEFL IELTS

To strike lightly; to draw from a source, such as tapping a keg for beer.

tapering TOEFL

The process of gradually decreasing in width, thickness, or intensity.

tapestry SAT TOEFL

A richly woven fabric with intricate designs; often symbolizes a complex combination of elements.

tapeworm TOEFL

A long, flat parasitic worm that lives in the intestines of animals and humans.

tardiness TOEFL

The quality or habit of being late; lateness.

tardy GRE TOEFL

Late or delayed in happening or arriving.

target TOEFL IELTS

A goal or objective; also refers to a person, object, or place selected for attack or action.

tariff GRE TOEFL

A tax imposed on imported or exported goods.

tarnish SAT GRE TOEFL

To lose shine or luster, especially through superficial damage or exposure; to make something dull o...

tarry GRE TOEFL

To delay or linger in a place; to wait around.

tart GRE TOEFL

Having a sharp, sour taste; also, a type of open-faced fruit pastry.

taste TOEFL IELTS

The sensation of flavor perceived in the mouth; a preference for certain styles or qualities.

tasteless TOEFL

Lacking flavor or unpleasant to taste; also, lacking good judgment or decency.

tasty TOEFL

Pleasing to the taste; delicious.

taunt GRE TOEFL

To provoke or mock someone with derogatory remarks.

tautology TOEFL

A statement that repeats the same meaning using different words; a redundancy.

tavern TOEFL

A small drinking or eating establishment, historically common in inns or villages.

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