The Ultimate GRE Vocabulary List: Key Words, Learning Strategies, and Expert Tips

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A strong vocabulary is one of the most significant predictors of GRE (Graduate Record Examination) success. Your vocabulary skills are tested across reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions, which collectively account for over 50% of your verbal score. 

Learning these words is about understanding context, variation, and word usage, which are critical for interpreting complex texts and selecting the most accurate answers. This article aims to provide a carefully curated GRE vocabulary list, categorized by difficulty, along with proven study strategies to help you ace it effectively.

GRE Vocabulary List: Essential Words You Must Know

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section is notorious for its vocabulary-heavy questions. It requires you to understand words in context and apply them to various sentence structures. 

The ability to quickly identify the meaning of unfamiliar words is critical, especially for answering reading comprehension and text completion questions. Moreover, knowing how to use and recognize words in context can significantly affect your overall score among GRE sections, which is why a strategic approach to GRE vocabulary is essential.

Let's break down the essential GRE vocabulary list, carefully designed to cover key words and concepts regularly appearing on the test.

Easy-Level Vocabulary

At the easy level, the goal is to build a solid foundation for the GRE syllabus. These words might appear in passages that aren't overly complex, but having a good grasp of them is essential.

In fact, words at this level are often used in both sentence completion and reading comprehension questions.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Benevolent	Kind, charitable	Her benevolent attitude made her a favorite among colleagues.
Abundant	Plentiful, more than enough	The farm produced an abundant harvest this year.
Adept	Skilled, proficient	He is adept at solving challenging puzzles.
Candid	Honest, straightforward	She gave a candid account of the situation.
Eloquent	Fluent and persuasive in speech	The speaker's eloquent speech moved the entire audience.
Amiable	Friendly, pleasant	His amiable personality made him well-liked at work.
Jovial	Cheerful, happy	The jovial man cheered up everyone in the room.
Stalwart	Loyal, reliable	A stalwart supporter of the campaign, she never missed a meeting.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "The professor's _______ response made it clear that she was not pleased with the results."
   (A) candid, (B) reserved, (C) hesitant, (D) tactful
    (Answer: A) candid
2. Fill in the blank:
   "She had an _______ personality that made her an ideal candidate for the leadership position."
   (A) amiable, (B) aloof, (C) indifferent, (D) reserved
    (Answer: A) amiable
3. Multiple Choice:
   Which of the following words is closest in meaning to "abundant"?
   (A) scarce, (B) plentiful, (C) limited, (D) deficient
    (Answer: B) plentiful
4. Synonym Practice:
   Choose the word closest in meaning to "eloquent."
   (A) vague, (B) silent, (C) articulate, (D) confused
    (Answer: C) articulate
5. Contextual Guessing:
   "His _______ behavior during the meeting showed his strong commitment to the cause."
   (A) benevolent, (B) indifferent, (C) apathetic, (D) jovial
    (Answer: A) benevolent

Now, let’s look at intermediate-level words. These are slightly more complex but still very manageable with the right approach.

Intermediate-Level Vocabulary

Intermediate-level words are crucial for bridging the gap between foundational vocabulary and more advanced terms. These words often appear in complex GRE essays and test your ability to understand nuances in context.

They can be used in various contexts, from academic discussions to everyday conversation.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Incessant	Continuing without interruption	The incessant noise from the construction site was distracting.
Voracious	Eager, having a strong appetite for something	He had a voracious appetite for reading historical novels.
Perplexed	Confused, uncertain	She was perplexed by the professor's complicated explanation.
Convoluted	Extremely complex, intricate	The argument was so convoluted that no one understood it.
Belligerent	Hostile, aggressive	His belligerent attitude towards his colleagues caused tension.
Pragmatic	Practical, dealing with things sensibly	She offered a pragmatic solution to the problem.
Meticulous	Showing great attention to detail	His meticulous notes were perfect for the research project.
Innocuous	Harmless, not likely to provoke strong reactions	The joke seemed innocuous, but it offended a few people.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "The director's _______ response to the proposal confused the team."
   (A) pragmatic, (B) belligerent, (C) innocuous, (D) convoluted
    (Answer: D) convoluted
2. Fill in the blank:
   "The student’s _______ attitude made it difficult for her to collaborate with the group."
   (A) belligerent, (B) pragmatic, (C) innocuous, (D) voracious
    (Answer: A) belligerent
3. Multiple Choice:
   Which word is closest in meaning to "voracious"?
   (A) hungry, (B) indifferent, (C) patient, (D) relaxed
    (Answer: A) hungry
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "Despite his _______ nature, he was always the first to volunteer for difficult tasks."
   (A) meek, (B) belligerent, (C) pragmatic, (D) meticulous
    (Answer: C) pragmatic
5. Antonym Practice:
   Which word is the opposite of "meticulous"?
   (A) careful, (B) hasty, (C) precise, (D) deliberate
    (Answer: B) hasty

Also Read: Send GRE Scores: How to Send GRE Scores to Universities

Once you feel confident with intermediate-level vocabulary, it's time to tackle the advanced-level words that will test your verbal reasoning ability.

Advanced-Level Vocabulary

Advanced vocabulary tests not only your ability to recognize words but also your capacity to understand subtle meanings and complex sentence structures. This significantly improves your GRE verbal scores.

Many GRE questions with advanced words require logical reasoning and contextual understanding to derive meaning.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Abscond	To leave hurriedly and secretly	The thief absconded with the jewels before the police arrived.
Enervate	To weaken or drain energy	The long day at work left him feeling enervated and exhausted.
Obfuscate	To confuse or make unclear	The politician’s speech was designed to obfuscate the true issue.
Sycophant	A person who excessively flatters others	He surrounded himself with sycophants to maintain his power.
Quixotic	Extremely idealistic, unrealistic	His quixotic dream of solving world hunger in a year was met with skepticism.
Ubiquitous	Present or found everywhere	Smartphones have become ubiquitous, seen everywhere you go.
Assiduous	Showing great care and persistence	The assiduous student worked late into the night to perfect her research paper.
Recalcitrant	Resistant to authority or control	The recalcitrant employee refused to comply with the new policies.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "Her _______ efforts to complete the project on time paid off, and she finished early."
   (A) assiduous, (B) quixotic, (C) recalcitrant, (D) sycophantic
    (Answer: A) assiduous
2. Fill in the blank:
   "The leader's _______ attitude towards criticism led to his downfall."
   (A) quixotic, (B) sycophantic, (C) recalcitrant, (D) enervated
    (Answer: C) recalcitrant
3. Multiple Choice:
   Which word is closest in meaning to "enervate"?
   (A) invigorate, (B) tire, (C) energize, (D) uplift
    (Answer: B) tire
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "His _______ idealism was admirable, but ultimately impractical in solving the complex issue."
   (A) obfuscating, (B) quixotic, (C) assiduous, (D) ubiquitous
    (Answer: B) quixotic
5. Synonym Practice:
   Which word is a synonym of "obfuscate"?
   (A) clarify, (B) obscure, (C) simplify, (D) elucidate
    (Answer: B) obscure

It's time to examine how understanding synonyms and antonyms can improve your performance, especially in sentence completion questions.

Synonyms and Antonyms Practice

Words can have similar meanings, but their usage in context may vary. Recognizing synonyms lets you quickly identify equivalent terms in reading comprehension passages and sentence completion questions. 

Meanwhile, knowing antonyms helps you pinpoint opposite meanings, which is particularly useful in questions requiring choosing the most fitting word based on its contrast to another word.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Synonym(s)	Antonym(s)
Benign	Harmless, Gentle	Malignant, Harmful
Inevitable	Unavoidable, Certain	Avoidable, Preventable
Pragmatic	Practical, Sensible	Idealistic, Impractical
Diminish	Decrease, Lessen	Increase, Grow
Magnanimous	Generous, Kind	Stingy, Selfish
Abscond	Flee, Escape	Remain, Stay
Eloquent	Articulate, Fluent	Inarticulate, Mumbled
Apathy	Indifference, Disinterest	Passion, Enthusiasm

Practice Sets:

1. Synonym Selection:
   Which of the following is closest in meaning to "benign"?
   (A) Harmful, (B) Gentle, (C) Malignant, (D) Dangerous
    (Answer: B) Gentle
2. Antonym Identification:
   Which word is the opposite of "inevitable"?
   (A) Certain, (B) Unavoidable, (C) Preventable, (D) Inevitable
    (Answer: C) Preventable
3. Sentence Completion:
   "His _______ nature made him a popular leader, always willing to help those in need."
   (A) Magnanimous, (B) Stingy, (C) Selfish, (D) Hostile
    (Answer: A) Magnanimous
4. Synonym Practice:
   What is a synonym for "pragmatic"?
   (A) Practical, (B) Idealistic, (C) Theoretical, (D) Utopian
    (Answer: A) Practical
5. Fill in the Blank:
   "The storm will likely _______ by tomorrow, but until then, we’ll have to stay inside."
   (A) Increase, (B) Diminish, (C) Grow, (D) Multiply
    (Answer: B) Diminish

Also Read: GRE Exam Dates 2025: Secure Your Slot Now!

Next, let's explore the GRE vocabulary list of some commonly appearing words.

Words Commonly Appearing in GRE Verbal Section

Certain words appear more frequently in the GRE, especially in the reading comprehension and verbal reasoning sections. Focusing on these high-yield vocabulary words can maximize your efficiency and increase your chances of success.

Knowing these words also helps build familiarity with the test, reducing test anxiety, and allowing you to recognize question patterns.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Fervent	Passionate, intense	The fervent speaker inspired the crowd with his energetic words.
Ambivalent	Having mixed feelings	She was ambivalent about moving to a new city, torn between opportunity and nostalgia.
Aesthetic	Related to beauty or artistic taste	The gallery’s aesthetic appeal was undeniable, with its clean lines and vibrant colors.
Prolific	Producing large quantities of work	The prolific writer published over 20 novels during his career.
Enigmatic	Mysterious, difficult to understand	Her enigmatic smile left everyone wondering what she was really thinking.
Altruistic	Unselfishly concerned for others	His altruistic efforts to feed the homeless were well-known in the community.
Nefarious	Wicked, evil	The villain's nefarious plans were eventually thwarted by the hero.
Obsolete	Outdated, no longer in use	The old computer system became obsolete with the introduction of modern technology.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "The company was criticized for its _______ practices that exploited workers."
   (A) altruistic, (B) nefarious, (C) benevolent, (D) ethical
    (Answer: B) nefarious
2. Fill in the Blank:
   "The author was known for his _______ writing, producing several novels each year."
   (A) ambivalent, (B) aesthetic, (C) prolific, (D) altruistic
    (Answer: C) prolific
3. Synonym Selection:
   Which word is closest in meaning to "enigmatic"?
   (A) Clear, (B) Mysterious, (C) Obvious, (D) Transparent
    (Answer: B) Mysterious
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "His _______ behavior during the meeting made him appear self-centered and uncooperative."
   (A) altruistic, (B) ambivalent, (C) nefarious, (D) aesthetic
    (Answer: C) nefarious
5. Antonym Practice:
   Which word is the opposite of "prolific"?
   (A) Productive, (B) Idle, (C) Active, (D) Busy
    (Answer: B) Idle

With these commonly appearing words in hand, the next step is to tackle sentence completion, a key question type where GRE vocabulary skills truly shine.

GRE Vocabulary in Sentence Completion

Sentence completion questions test your ability to choose words that best fit a sentence based on context. The more vocabulary words you master, the faster and more accurately you can fill in the blanks.

These questions assess your vocabulary and ability to interpret meaning from a broader context, as the correct word must make sense within the sentence's structure and the passage's broader ideas.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Flabbergasted	Extremely surprised or shocked	He was flabbergasted when he received the unexpected award.
Meticulous	Showing great attention to detail	Her meticulous planning ensured the event went off without a hitch.
Ubiquitous	Present everywhere, found everywhere	The smartphone has become ubiquitous, seen in every corner of the world.
Sporadic	Occurring at irregular intervals	The rain was sporadic, coming in short bursts throughout the afternoon.
Hastily	Done quickly and without careful thought	She hastily packed her bags before running to the airport.
Subtle	Delicate, not obvious	The artist used subtle colors to create a soothing mood in the painting.
Loquacious	Talkative, chatty	The loquacious student easily made friends in every class.
Inevitable	Certain to happen, unavoidable	The storm was inevitable, as the weather forecasts had predicted it days in advance.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "The professor gave a _______ explanation of the theory, making it easier for students to understand."
   (A) flabbergasted, (B) meticulous, (C) subtle, (D) hasty
    (Answer: B) meticulous
2. Fill in the Blank:
   "The decision was _______ after the team's performance in the last game."
   (A) inevitable, (B) sporadic, (C) loquacious, (D) subtle
    (Answer: A) inevitable
3. Synonym Practice:
   Choose the word that best matches "loquacious."
   (A) Silent, (B) Chatty, (C) Reserved, (D) Shy
    (Answer: B) Chatty
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "Her _______ comments during the meeting showed her careful consideration of every detail."
   (A) hastily, (B) meticulous, (C) ubiquitous, (D) sporadic
    (Answer: B) meticulous
5. Multiple Choice:
   Which of the following words is closest in meaning to "ubiquitous"?
   (A) Rare, (B) Everywhere, (C) Unnoticed, (D) Occasional
    (Answer: B) Everywhere

It’s also important to understand word structures, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes, to decipher unfamiliar words on the test.

Root Words, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Understanding root words, prefixes, and suffixes is beneficial when you encounter complex words during reading comprehension passages or sentence completion questions.

This strategy allows you to break down complex terms into more manageable parts, making it easier to infer meanings and save time during the test.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Root/Prefix/Suffix	Meaning	Example Word	Example Sentence
Bene-	Good, well	Beneficial, Benevolent	Her benevolent nature made her a beloved leader.
Pre-	Before	Predict, Prehistoric	The prediction was accurate as the storm hit earlier than expected.
-ology	Study of	Biology, Sociology	His interest in biology led him to pursue a career in medicine.
-phobia	Fear of	Claustrophobia, Arachnophobia	She suffers from arachnophobia, avoiding places with spiders.
-ic	Pertaining to	Historic, Organic	The historic landmark was preserved for future generations.
Sub-	Under, below	Subterranean, Subpar	The subterranean caves were a popular tourist attraction.
-able	Capable of	Predictable, Valuable	His predictions were predictable, based on years of data analysis.
Re-	Again	Reevaluate, Rewind	He needed to reevaluate his decision after receiving new information.

Practice Sets:

1. Root Word Identification:
   What does the prefix "bene-" mean?
   (A) Bad, (B) Good, (C) Before, (D) After
    (Answer: B) Good
2. Fill in the Blank:
   "Her _______ nature led her to help the community every chance she got."
   (A) benevolent, (B) -phobia, (C) subterranean, (D) sub-
    (Answer: A) benevolent
3. Sentence Completion:
   "He had a deep understanding of _______ studies, focusing on the behavior of societies."
   (A) -ology, (B) -ic, (C) sub-, (D) re-
    (Answer: A) -ology
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "The _______ behavior was evident when he visited the caves deep underground."
   (A) subterranean, (B) -phobia, (C) predictable, (D) beneficial
    (Answer: A) subterranean
5. Antonym Practice:
   Which word is the opposite of "predictable"?
   (A) Beneficial, (B) Subterranean, (C) Unpredictable, (D) Reevaluate
    (Answer: C) Unpredictable

Now that you’ve sharpened your vocabulary skills, it’s essential to tackle confusing word pairs, which are often tricky and test your precision.

Confusing Word Pairs

The GRE frequently tests your ability to distinguish between words that are similar in meaning but subtly different in use. These word pairs are essential for sentence completion and reading comprehension questions focusing on precision. 

A solid understanding of these confusing pairs will ensure you're not tricked by nuanced language during the test.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word 1	Word 2	Key Difference	Example Sentence
Affect	Effect	Affect is a verb (to influence)  Effect is a noun (a result)	The new policy will affect many employees  The effect was immediately visible.
Complement	Compliment	Complement completes something  Compliment is a praise	Her dress complemented her shoes perfectly  He gave her a compliment about her dress.
Elicit	Illicit	Elicit is to draw out  Illicit is illegal	The detective tried to elicit information from the suspect  The police arrested him for illicit activities.
Discreet	Discrete	Discreet is careful or tactful  Discrete is separate or distinct	She was discreet in handling the sensitive issue  The two discrete reports were unrelated.
Imply	Infer	Imply suggests something  Infer deduces from evidence	His words implied an interest in the proposal  From her silence, I inferred she disagreed.
Eminent	Imminent	Eminent is distinguished  Imminent means about to happen	The eminent scientist received an award  The storm's imminent arrival was alarming.
Stationary	Stationery	Stationary means not moving  Stationery refers to paper and writing materials	The car remained stationary at the intersection  I bought new stationery for my office.
Accept	Except	Accept means to receive  Except means excluding	She accepted the invitation  Everyone except John attended the meeting.

Practice Sets:

1. Fill in the Blank:
   "The doctor tried to _______ a response from the patient about his symptoms."
   (A) Elicit, (B) Illicit, (C) Affect, (D) Effect
    (Answer: A) Elicit
2. Sentence Completion:
   "The team's _______ performance led them to win the competition."
   (A) Complement, (B) Compliment, (C) Affect, (D) Effect
    (Answer: A) Complement
3. Antonym Practice:
   What is the opposite of "discreet"?
   (A) Tactful, (B) Careful, (C) Outspoken, (D) Secretive
    (Answer: C) Outspoken
4. Synonym Selection:
   Which word is closest in meaning to "imminent"?
   (A) Far-off, (B) Likely, (C) Immediate, (D) Prolonged
    (Answer: C) Immediate
5. Contextual Guessing:
   "The _______ behavior during the meeting made it difficult to trust his opinions."
   (A) discrete, (B) eminent, (C) illicit, (D) discreet
    (Answer: D) Discreet

Also Read: GRE Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Next, let’s explore some popular idioms and phrases essential for reading comprehension.

Idioms and Phrases for GRE

Idiomatic expressions are commonly used in academic and literary texts. Although idioms seem like everyday expressions, they can sometimes be tricky if you're unfamiliar with their meanings. 

Recognizing common GRE idioms and phrases can help you better interpret passages and answer questions accurately.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
A double-edged sword	Something that has both positive and negative consequences	The new policy was a double-edged sword, improving efficiency but cutting jobs.
Bite the bullet	To do something unpleasant or difficult	After procrastinating for weeks, he finally had to bite the bullet and study for the GRE.
Burn the midnight oil	To work late into the night	She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project by the deadline.
In the long run	Over a long period of time	Although costly now, the investment will pay off in the long run.
A blessing in disguise	Something that seems bad but is actually good	Losing the job was a blessing in disguise, leading him to a better opportunity.
Break the ice	To initiate conversation or ease tension	His funny joke helped break the ice during the awkward meeting.
Hit the nail on the head	To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem	She hit the nail on the head when she identified the source of the issue.
Let the cat out of the bag	To reveal a secret, often by mistake	He accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "The manager's _______ comment broke the ice and got the team talking about the new project."
   (A) Blessing in disguise, (B) Break the ice, (C) Bite the bullet, (D) In the long run
    (Answer: B) Break the ice
2. Fill in the Blank:
   "His plan was a _______ because while it increased profits, it also led to job losses."
   (A) Blessing in disguise, (B) Double-edged sword, (C) Burn the midnight oil, (D) Hit the nail on the head
    (Answer: B) Double-edged sword
3. Multiple Choice:
   Which idiom means to work hard, especially late at night?
   (A) Break the ice, (B) Bite the bullet, (C) Burn the midnight oil, (D) Let the cat out of the bag
    (Answer: C) Burn the midnight oil
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "Her promotion was a _______ because it led her to a new job she loved but took her away from her old friends."
   (A) Double-edged sword, (B) Let the cat out of the bag, (C) A blessing in disguise, (D) In the long run
    (Answer: C) A blessing in disguise
5. Synonym Practice:
   Which idiom best matches the meaning of "to reveal a secret"?
   (A) Let the cat out of the bag, (B) Hit the nail on the head, (C) Bite the bullet, (D) Burn the midnight oil
    (Answer: A) Let the cat out of the bag

The final area to explore is understanding contextual vocabulary.

Contextual Vocabulary in Reading Comprehension

Words that seem unfamiliar at first glance can often be understood through the context provided in the passage. It's not enough to just memorize definitions; you need to know how words are used in specific contexts.

Contextual clues often provide hints about the passage's tone, subject, and direction, which can help you infer the meaning of challenging vocabulary.

Here is the relevant GRE vocabulary list and examples:

Word	Definition	Example Sentence
Skeptical	Doubtful or uncertain	The scientist was skeptical of the new findings and requested more data.
Reticent	Reserved, unwilling to speak	She was reticent during the meeting, preferring to listen rather than speak.
Impartial	Neutral, not influenced by personal feelings	The judge remained impartial during the trial, making decisions based on evidence.
Pragmatic	Practical, based on facts rather than ideals	His pragmatic approach to solving problems made him an effective manager.
Meticulous	Showing great attention to detail	The artist’s meticulous work on the sculpture was evident in every curve and angle.
Ambiguous	Unclear, open to multiple interpretations	The ambiguous message from the company left customers confused about the policy changes.
Comprehensive	Complete and thorough	The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the market trends over the last year.
Dynamic	Constantly changing, active	The dynamic nature of the job kept him engaged and challenged every day.

Practice Sets:

1. Sentence Completion:
   "The author’s _______ style made it difficult to understand the main idea of the passage."
   (A) ambiguous, (B) impartial, (C) reticent, (D) meticulous
    (Answer: A) ambiguous
2. Fill in the Blank:
   "The team’s _______ approach to solving the crisis helped them come up with a practical solution quickly."
   (A) skeptical, (B) pragmatic, (C) dynamic, (D) impartial
    (Answer: B) pragmatic
3. Multiple Choice:
   Which word would best describe a judge who doesn’t let personal opinions influence their decisions?
   (A) Skeptical, (B) Impartial, (C) Reticent, (D) Meticulous
    (Answer: B) Impartial
4. Contextual Guessing:
   "The scientist’s _______ research made him a respected figure in the field."
   (A) reticent, (B) meticulous, (C) dynamic, (D) ambiguous
    (Answer: B) meticulous
5. Synonym Practice:
   Which word means "complete and thorough"?
   (A) Dynamic, (B) Skeptical, (C) Comprehensive, (D) Impartial
    (Answer: C) Comprehensive

Get a head start on your GRE preparation! Download upGrad’s Free GRE Syllabus PDF now and plan your study schedule with a comprehensive guide to all test sections.

Now, let's see how these words appear in context, giving you a hands-on approach to applying your vocabulary knowledge to real GRE scenarios!

Sample Exercise: Contextual Usage of GRE Vocabulary

Recognizing a word's meaning is essential, but understanding how to use it in the right situation will set you apart. This exercise will help you practice using vocabulary in real-world contexts, which is precisely how words are tested in the GRE.

Below, you’ll find a short GRE essay with blanks. Your task is to fill in the blanks with the most appropriate words from the GRE vocabulary list provided. The words you'll be choosing from are ones that regularly appear in GRE passages.

Sample Exercise:

Here’s a short passage with blanks. Read it carefully, and choose the word that best fits the meaning of each blank based on the passage's context.

After months of intense debate, the company’s leadership team finally reached a _______ decision on the new marketing strategy. Despite the _______ views from some senior executives, the final choice was made with a strong belief in its potential to _______ the company’s position in the market. However, the team remained _______ about the long-term effectiveness of the plan, acknowledging that there were still significant risks involved.

Word List:

• A) Perplexed
• B) Convoluted
• C) Unanimous
• D) Ambivalent
• E) Fortify
• F) Diminish
• G) Indifferent
• H) Candid

Answers and Explanations:

1. First Blank:
   • Correct Answer: C) Unanimous
     The word “unanimous” means a decision made with complete agreement from all parties, which fits the context of the leadership team reaching a final decision after much debate. “Unanimous” suggests that everyone agreed on the decision despite the discussions.
2. Second Blank:
   • Correct Answer: D) Ambivalent
     “Ambivalent” means having mixed feelings or being unsure about something. The sentence indicates that some executives had opposing views, suggesting a state of indecision or uncertainty.
3. Third Blank:
   • Correct Answer: E) Fortify
     Explanation: “Fortify” means to strengthen or enhance something. The decision aims to strengthen the company’s market position, which fits perfectly in the passage's context.
4. Fourth Blank:
   • Correct Answer: A) Perplexed
     “Perplexed” means confused or uncertain. The team remains unsure about the long-term effectiveness of the plan, indicating that despite the decision being made, they still have doubts about its success.

There you go!

Here are some quick tips for you to ace this section effectively:

• Focus on Context: Pay close attention to the surrounding text. The correct answer should make the most sense within the context of the entire sentence or passage.
• Use Word Meanings Flexibly: Some words can have different meanings depending on context. Consider how each word fits the tone and direction of the passage.
• Eliminate Incorrect Options: Sometimes, one or more options won’t make sense at all in the sentence. Eliminating those quickly can help you zero in on the correct answer.
• Trust Your Instincts: If you're unsure, choose the word that feels most natural in the context. Often, the right word will "sound right."

By regularly practicing these exercises, you’ll develop a sharper instinct for spotting the correct vocabulary in the GRE, helping you feel more confident and prepared when test day arrives.

Also Read: Master GRE AWA Writing With These Sample Essays

Now, let’s focus on how to learn and retain these words for long-term success effectively.

How to Effectively Learn GRE Vocabulary?

Acing vocabulary isn’t just about memorizing a long GRE vocabulary list or some study materials; it's about consistently practicing and integrating it into your everyday language. Simply put, it’s not enough to know what a word means; you need to be able to use it confidently when required.

Here are some of the most engaging methods, such as top GRE prep apps and sites, to help you learn and remember the vocabulary:

1. Utilize Flashcards

Whether physical or digital, flashcards engage your memory through active recall. This method strengthens your brain's ability to retain information and makes retrieving a word's meaning easier during the test. 

• Flashcard apps like Anki and Quizlet are beneficial because they incorporate spaced repetition, meaning that words you struggle with are reviewed more often, ensuring they stick.
• Create flashcards that don't just define the word but also include a sentence using the word in context, a synonym, and an antonym.

2. Engage with High-Level Reading Materials

Reading high-level materials like academic journals is one of the most effective ways to acquire GRE-level vocabulary. The more you read, the more likely you encounter challenging words in different contexts.

• For example, reading The Economist or Scientific American articles can expose you to GRE-level words, especially in fields like politics, science, and technology.

3. Practice with GRE Vocabulary Apps

Numerous apps are explicitly designed for GRE vocabulary. These apps are often interactive, offering quizzes, word lists, and games that make learning fun and efficient. 

• Some of the most popular GRE vocabulary apps include Vocabulary Builder and Vocabulary.com, which feature curated lists of words commonly found on the GRE, along with example sentences and audio pronunciations.
• Many apps allow you to track your progress to see how many words you’ve mastered over time.

4. Create a Vocabulary Journal

Every time you learn a new word, write it down along with its definition, synonyms, antonyms, and an example sentence. Regularly reviewing your journal will help reinforce your knowledge.

• You can take this further by categorizing words based on themes, for example, grouping words related to emotions, business, or politics.
• Try using the new words you learn in your daily conversations or writing. The more you actively use a word, the more likely you will remember it.

Diversifying your study methods will not only keep things interesting but also enhance your ability to retain and recall words on test day.

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Next, let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid while preparing for the GRE vocabulary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Learning GRE Vocabulary

During GRE preparation, learning vocabulary can feel daunting. The pressure to memorize hundreds of words can often lead to missteps that hinder your progress.

It's easy to get overwhelmed or fall into common traps that can waste time and energy. By being aware of the most frequent mistakes, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure a more efficient and effective study process.

Here are some of the key mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overloading with Too Many Words at Once: Learning too many words at once can lead to burnout and poor retention. Research shows that overloading your brain with information hampers long-term recall.

Pro Tip: Focus on mastering 10-15 words daily and review them before moving on.

• Neglecting Word Context: Memorizing definitions without understanding how words are used in context can lead to confusion. Context helps define subtle meanings and correct usage.

Pro Tip: Practice with sentences or passages that use the words to grasp their context.

• Ignoring Pronunciation: Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and confusion during the test. It also helps to remember the word’s proper form.

Pro Tip: Listen to the correct pronunciation via apps like Google Translate or YouTube and repeat the words aloud.

• Not Reviewing Regularly: You can forget up to 50% of new words within a few hours if you don’t review them. Regular review is crucial for retention.

Pro Tip: Use spaced repetition tools like Anki to review words at increasing intervals.

• Relying Solely on Notes

Simply taking notes isn’t enough. Passive learning doesn’t reinforce vocabulary effectively. Actively using the words will strengthen your recall.

Pro Tip: Write essays or use the words in conversation to reinforce their meanings.

Avoid these mistakes and take a more strategic approach to learning GRE vocabulary. Focused practice, regular review, and active use of words will improve your recall and set you up for success.

To further enhance your prep, here’s a Complete Guide on How to Prepare for GRE in 2 Months by upGrad for efficient, realistic preparation!

Now, let’s explore some expert tips and tricks that will take your GRE vocabulary skills to the next level.

Expert Tips & Tricks to Become Proficient in GRE Vocabulary

Learning GRE vocabulary involves applying smart strategies to make your study process more effective. With the proper techniques and efficient GRE resources, you can retain a wide range of vocabulary and use it confidently on test day. 

The expert tips below will help you do just that and enhance your GRE scores, turning vocabulary study from a tedious task into a strategic advantage.

1. Use the “Spaced Repetition” Technique

Spaced repetition is a proven method for retaining vocabulary over the long term. The concept is simple: instead of cramming all your vocabulary learning into one session, you revisit words at increasing intervals over time. 

• Pro Tip: Use apps like Anki or Quizlet, designed explicitly for spaced repetition. They'll schedule your reviews based on how well you remember each word.

2. Contextual Learning

Contextual learning helps you grasp subtle nuances in meaning, making applying vocabulary in GRE questions easier. Without context, it’s easy to misinterpret such words.

• Pro Tip: Read articles, essays, or books that use GRE-level vocabulary. Highlight unfamiliar words, figure out their meanings from context, and then check a dictionary to confirm.

3. Make Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards remain one of the most effective tools for learning vocabulary. They're simple, quick, and force you to engage in active recall. The more details you add, the stronger your understanding will be.

• Pro Tip: Focus on creating digital flashcards with apps supporting spaced repetition, or add images to the flashcards to create visual associations.

4. Group Words by Themes

Grouping vocabulary words by themes or topics can help reinforce connections between them. This method enables you to recall not just individual words but entire groups of related vocabulary when needed.

• Pro Tip: When reviewing, study words by themes rather than randomly. This method takes advantage of the brain's natural tendency to remember information organized into categories.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is crucial for effective vocabulary learning. Aim for a smaller, realistic number like 10-15 words per day, and focus on mastering them before moving on.

• Pro Tip: Break your goals into manageable steps. For example, aim to learn and review 10 words daily, and use them in sentences or practice questions by the end of the week.

Stick to these tips, and you'll notice significant progress in no time.

Curious about your GRE score potential? Try out upGrad's GRE Score Calculator to get a quick, personalized estimate and start planning your next steps toward graduate school success!

Also Read: What is GRE Score Validity: Know GRE Exam Types & Scoring System

Next, let’s understand what to focus on and avoid during your vocabulary prep.

GRE Vocabulary Dos and Don’ts

While plenty of strategies will help you succeed, it's equally important to understand what not to do during your prep. The right approach can save you time and keep you focused on what truly matters. 

Let’s explore the key dos and don’ts to make your vocabulary study more efficient and targeted:

DOs	DON’Ts
Focus on contextual learning. Understand how words are used in sentences, not just their definitions.	Don’t overload with too many words at once. Learning too many words in one session can cause burnout and confusion.
Use spaced repetition. Review words at increasing intervals to reinforce memory.	Don’t ignore pronunciation. Mispronouncing words can lead to confusion and hinder recall.
Learn words in groups or themes. Grouping related words makes them easier to remember.	Don’t skip context. Memorizing words without knowing how they fit into context can lead to incorrect usage.
Review regularly. Consistent revision helps strengthen retention and ensures the words stay fresh.	Don’t cram vocabulary last minute. Cramming leads to short-term recall, but long-term retention requires regular practice.
Use new words in writing or conversation. Active usage helps reinforce your memory and understanding.	Don’t rely solely on notes. Passive learning (just reading notes) won’t help you apply vocabulary effectively during the test.

Remember, quality over quantity is key. Don’t rush; instead, focus on learning the words with the help of the GRE vocabulary list that will help you excel on test day.

Confused between GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL for studying abroad? Explore upGrad’s complete guide on IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT & more to choose the proper test for you.

How Can upGrad Help You Excel in GRE Vocabulary?

The GRE Vocabulary section is not just about memorizing words but about understanding them in context, reinforcing them with spaced repetition, and actively using them. 

With consistent practice and effective techniques like flashcards and thematic grouping, you'll ensure your vocabulary knowledge sticks and is test-ready. Focused study and the right strategies will help you confidently tackle the exam.

If you're feeling lost or unsure about how to approach your study plan, upGrad's 1:1 career counseling can help. Our experts will guide you in creating a personalized approach that fits your goals and learning style!