GRE word list | 50 words to improve your vocabulary!

GRE is the leading standardized test, prepared by many undergraduate students annually. Close to 66% of the American student population attempts this coveted exam, followed by 11% of the Indian student population. This entrance exam measures the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing abilities of students seeking admission to business schools globally. 

The GRE Verbal Reasoning component is an essential part, in addition to the Quantitative Reasoning and the Analytical Writing sections. Students can prepare for GRE Verbal Reasoning by getting into a habit of reading books and newspapers. Besides, writing down words with meanings is a great way to develop your lexicon!

If you need some help getting started on your GRE word list, here are 50 excellent words with meanings to add! 

50 words with meanings to add to your GRE word list 

Set 1

1. Abhor – To detest or to hate.
2. Amalgamate – To unite societies, mix or combine. 
3. Acumen – Accurate judgment or insight, quick and keen. 
4. Bolster – Strengthen or support. 
5. Bombastic – Inflated, high-sounding. 
6. Burlesque – A variety show. 
7. Caprice – A sudden desire. 
8. Caustic – Eating away or destroying by means of chemical action.
9. Castigate – A verbal slight or a scolding. 
10. Disingenuous – To not be sincere or candid.
11. Docile – Ready to accept instruction or control. 
12. Dote – To be uncritically and extremely fond of. 
13. Emissary – A person sent to represent another’s interests. 
14. Emollient – A substance that creates a soothing effect when applied topically. 
15. Enervate – To weaken morally, mentally, and physically. 
16. Flail – To flounder or struggle uselessly. 
17. Forage – To scavenge or search widely for food and provisions.
18. Fortuitous – A happening that is a lucky chance. 
19. Gambol – To run or play boisterously. 
20. Gastronome – An individual devoted to sensuous enjoyment (this is an excellent word to add to your GRE word list as it has appeared in papers before)! 
21. Gelid – Extremely cold. 
22. Harangue – A loud expression or declamation of a strong emotion.
23. Hegemony – The dominance of one social group over others. 
24. Hirsute – To be covered by hair. 
25. Idiosyncrasy – A behavioral trait that is peculiar to a specific individual.

Set 2

1. Impetuous – An act characterized by lack of thought and haste. 
2. Incongruous – The lack of compatibility, harmony, or appropriateness.
3. Jaunt – A journey taken to seek pleasure. 
4. Jeopardize – To present a danger or pose a threat. 
5. Jocose – To be characterized by good humor. 
6. Kinetic – Related to the motion of material bodies and their force.
7. Knave – An unreliable and deceitful scoundrel. 
8. Kismet – Fortune or fate.
9. Lacerate – To tear or cut irregularly.
10. Lackadaisical – Indolent or idle in a dreamy way.
11. Languid – Lacking liveliness or spirit. 
12. Masticate – To grind and bite with teeth.
13. Maverick – Exhibiting independence through action and thought.
14. Mealy Mouthed – Someone hesitant to state opinions directly.
15. Nebulous – Lacking limits or definite form. 
16. Nautical – Related to navigation and ships (adding this word to your GRE word list can prepare you for passage-based questions). 
17. Nepotism – Favoritism shown to friends and relatives by those in power. 
18. Obsequious – Attempting to win favor by flattery and lavish praise.
19. Odious – Extremely unpleasant or repulsive.
20. Odoriferous – Emitting an unpleasant smell.
21. Propriety – The quality or state of being proper or correct.
22. Philanthropic – The act of promoting the welfare of others. 
23. Prevaricate – Avoiding telling the truth by not answering a question directly.
24. Quixotic – Not sensible about practical affairs.
25. Resolute – Firm in belief and purpose. 

3 tips to build your GRE vocabulary 

While including these difficult words with meanings in your word list can be a great way of expanding your vocabulary, here are three tips to help you remain focused! 

1. Prioritize GRE test words 

One of the best ways to prepare for the GRE Verbal Reasoning section is by attempting practice tests and previous papers. If you come across new words, add them to your GRE word list and revise them regularly. Also, it is very likely that words tested in GRE before may be asked again. 

2. Make flashcards 

Make a set of five or six flashcards and use them whenever you find the time in your day-to-day routine. Using the flashcards while standing in line at the grocery store or on the bus back home can reinforce your memory and vocabulary.

3. Use the dictionary frequently

Keep a dictionary handy and learn how to look up new words and find their meanings. It is important to note that GRE often tests secondary definitions, in addition to first definitions! Therefore, remember to scan through all the definitions of the word you are looking up before putting the dictionary away. 

Key takeaways 

• The GRE is a standardized exam conducted for admission to business schools across the globe. Thousands of aspirants appear for this exam annually across different countries. 
• One of the essential components of this exam is the Verbal Reasoning section that tests an aspirant’s vocabulary and grasp of the English language. 
• A consolidated GRE word list can be a great way to prepare for this section.

Learning the words mentioned above will take you one step closer to acing GRE. If you are still struggling to get started with the test prep, reach out to us. We’d be happy to sail you through. 

Liked this blog? Read next: GRE books | 10 books you must have to ace this exam!

FAQs 

Q1. What other questions are a part of the Verbal Reasoning component of GRE? 

Answer – The GRE exam has sentence completion and critical reasoning questions that are based on passages. 

Q2. Which countries in the world accept a GRE score? 

Answer – Universities in Australia, Singapore, Europe, the UK, and the US accept a GRE score. This amounts to more than 600 B-schools globally. 

Q3. What is the cost of the GRE exam? 

Answer – The cost of GRE is USD 205.