1. Aberrant - adj. - markedly different from an accepted norm
Example: The teacher noticed an aberrant behaviour in the classroom when one student started singing loudly during the math lesson.
2. Abeyance - noun - temporary cessation or suspension
Example: The project was put in abeyance until further funding could be secured.
3. Abscond - verb - run away, often taking something or somebody along
Example: He absconded with the money before anyone realised it was missing.
4. Abstemious - adj - marked by temperance in indulgence
Example: She maintained an abstemious diet, avoiding sweets and fried foods.
5. Abstruse - adj - difficult to understand
Example: The professor's lecture on quantum physics was so abstruse that most students couldn't understand it.
6. Absurd - adj - inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
Example: It’s absurd to think that cats can fly without any wings
7. Abyss - noun - a bottomless gulf or pit
Example: The deep ocean seemed like an abyss with no end in sight.
8. Abate - verb - become less intense or widespread
Example: the storm suddenly abated
9. Acquiesce - verb - agree or express agreement
Example: Despite his reluctance, he eventually acquiesced to his friend's request to join the hiking trip.
10. Adamant - adj - very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
Example: She was adamant about not leaving the party early, insisting on staying until the end.
11. Adept - adj - having or showing knowledge skill and aptitude
Example: Sarah is adept at playing the piano, effortlessly mastering each piece she learns.
12. Admonish - verb - scold or reprimand; take to task
Example: The teacher had to admonish the students for talking during the test.
13. Adulate - verb - flatter in an obsequious manner
Example: Some fans adulate their favourite celebrities, praising them endlessly for their talent.
14. Adulation - noun - exaggerated flattery or praise
Example: The actor received adulation from the crowd as he walked onto the stage to accept his award.
15. Adulterate - verb - make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance
Example: Some dishonest merchants adulterate their products by adding cheaper ingredients to increase profits.
16. Adumbrate - verb - describe roughly or give the main points or summary of
Example: The teacher adumbrated the main points of the lesson before diving into the details.
17. Adverse - adj - in an opposing direction
Example: The adverse weather conditions forced us to cancel our outdoor picnic plans.
18. Aesthete - noun - one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art
Example: As an aesthete, Emily has a deep appreciation for art and spends hours exploring museums and galleries.
19. Affable - adj - diffusing warmth and friendliness
Example: The new neighbour was very affable, greeting everyone with a warm smile and friendly conversation.
20. Affliction - noun - a cause of great suffering and distress
Example: Losing her pet was a great affliction for Sarah, as she had grown deeply attached to it.
21. Affluent - adj - having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
Example: The affluent neighborhood was filled with large houses and luxury cars.
22. Aggrandize - verb - embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of
Example: Tom tends to aggrandize his achievements, making them sound more impressive than they really are.
23. Agitate - verb - move or cause to move back and forth
Example: The noisy construction nearby continues to agitate the residents, disrupting their peace and quiet.
24. Agog - adj - highly excited
Example: The children were agog with excitement as they waited for the magician to perform his tricks.
25. Alacrity - noun - liveliness and eagerness
Example: With alacrity, James volunteered to help his neighbor carry groceries into the house.
26. Allegation - noun - a formal accusation against somebody
Example: The police investigated the allegation of theft made by the shop owner against the suspect.
27. Allegiance - noun - the act of binding yourself to a course of action
Example: She pledged her allegiance to her country by faithfully reciting the national anthem.
28. Ally - noun - a friendly nation
Example: As allies, they supported each other through both good times and bad.
29. Amalgamate - verb - bring or combine together or with something else
Example: The two companies decided to amalgamate their resources to create a stronger, more competitive entity.
30. Ambiguous - adj - having more than one possible meaning
Example: The instructions were ambiguous, leaving the students confused about what to do next.
31. Ambivalent - adj - uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
Example: Sarah felt ambivalent about accepting the job offer, torn between the excitement of a new opportunity and the comfort of her current position.
32. Ambrosial - adj - worthy of the gods
Example: The aroma of freshly baked bread was truly ambrosial, making everyone's mouths water.
33. Ameliorate - verb - make better
Example: The new regulations aim to ameliorate the living conditions of the residents in the community.
34. Amenable - adj - disposed or willing to comply
Example: Despite the challenges, she remained amenable to finding a solution that worked for everyone involved.
35. Anachronism - noun - locating something at a time when it couldn't have existed
Example: In today's digital age, using a typewriter seems like an anachronism, a relic from the past.
36. Analgesic - adj - capable of relieving pain
Example: She took an analgesic to relieve the pain in her headache.
37. Annex - verb - attach to
Example: The company decided to annex the adjacent building to expand their office space.
38. Annotate - verb - add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
Example: He used sticky notes to annotate important sections in his textbook.
39. Annul - verb - cancel officially
Example: The court ruling served to annul their marriage, rendering it invalid.
40. Anomalous - adj - deviating from the general or common order or type
Example: The strange behaviour of the dog was anomalous, as it had never acted that way before.
41. Antediluvian - adj - of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
Example: The archaeologists discovered antediluvian artifacts dating back thousands of years.
42. Antipathy - noun - a feeling of intense dislike
Example: There was a strong antipathy between the two rival teams, making cooperation difficult.
43. Antiseptic - adj - thoroughly clean and free of disease-causing organisms
Example: The nurse applied antiseptic to the wound to prevent infection.
44. Apocryphal - adj - being of questionable authenticity
Example: The story was deemed apocryphal, as there was no evidence to support its truthfulness.
45. Apparition - noun - a ghostly appearing figure
Example: Late at night, she thought she saw an apparition in the old abandoned house.
46. Appraise - verb - consider in a comprehensive way
Example: He asked his colleague to appraise his artwork to determine its value.
47. Apprehension - noun - fearful expectation or anticipation
Example: Despite his apprehension, he decided to go ahead with the bungee jump.
48. Apprise - verb - inform somebody of something
Example: She called to apprise him of the latest developments in the project.
49. Approbation - noun - official acceptance or agreement
Example: The manager's approbation boosted the team's morale.
50. Aptitude - noun - inherent ability
Example: Her aptitude for mathematics was evident from her excellent grades.
51. Aqueous - adj - similar to or containing or dissolved in water
Example: The soil was too aqueous for planting crops; it was too soggy.
52. Arable - adj - capable of being farmed productively
Example: The farmer had several acres of arable land where he grew various crops.
53. Arbitrate - verb - act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
Example: The board has the power to arbitrate in disputes
54. Arduous - adj - characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion
Example: The couple decided to arbitrate their dispute through mediation rather than going to court.
55. Articulate - adj - express or state clearly
Example: She was able to articulate her thoughts clearly during the presentation.
56. Ascetic - adj - someone who practices self-denial as a spiritual discipline
Example: The monk chose an ascetic lifestyle, living in simplicity and austerity.
57. Ascribe - verb - attribute or credit to
Example: He tried to ascribe his success to hard work and perseverance.
58. Asperity - noun - harshness of manner
Example: Despite his usual asperity, the boss praised the team for their hard work.
59. Aspersion - noun - a disparaging remark
Example: She cast aspersions on his character, spreading rumors without evidence.
60. Aspiration - noun - a cherished desire
Example: Her aspiration was to become a doctor and help people in need.
61. Assess - verb - estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
Example: The teacher will assess the students' progress through regular quizzes and tests.
62. .Assuage - verb - provide physical relief, as from pain
Example: A warm cup of tea helped to assuage her sore throat.
63. Astringent - adj - tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
Example: The astringent taste of the lemon made her pucker her lips.
64. Astute - adj - marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
Example: His astute observations helped him solve the problem quickly.
65. Atone - verb - turn away from sin or do penitence
Example: He sought to atone for his mistake by apologizing sincerely.
66. Atrophy - verb - a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
Example: Without exercise, muscles will atrophy and weaken over time.
67. Attentive - adj - taking heed
Example: The attentive student listened carefully to the teacher's instructions.
68. Attenuate - verb - become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
Example: Adding water to the paint will attenuate its intensity.
69. Audacious - adj - disposed to venture or take risks
Example: Her audacious plan to climb the mountain impressed everyone.
70. Augment - verb - enlarge or increase
Example: Regular exercise can augment your strength and endurance.
71. Auspicious - adj indicating favourable circumstances and good luck
Example: The auspicious weather forecast promised a sunny day for the outdoor event.
72. Austere - adj - of a stern or strict bearing or demeanour
Example: The room was decorated in an austere style, with minimal furnishings.
73.Axiom - noun - a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof
Example: "Practice makes perfect" is an age-old axiom that holds true in many situations.
74. Banal - adj - repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
Example: The speech was filled with banal clichés, lacking originality or depth.
75. Belfry - noun - a tower in which bells are hung
Example: The bats flew out of the belfry as the bell rang loudly.
76.Bevy - noun - a flock of birds
Example: A bevvy of birds gathered around the bird feeder in the garden.
77.Bifurcate - verb - split or divide into two
Example: The river bifurcates into two smaller streams, flowing in different directions.
78.Bilk - verb - cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
Example: He tried to bilk his customers by overcharging them for inferior products.
79.Blight - noun - any plant disease resulting in withering without rotting
Example: The blight on the crops caused a significant decrease in yield.
80. Blithe - adj - carefree and happy and lighthearted
Example: She approached life with a blithe attitude, always cheerful and carefree.
81.Bolster - noun - support and strengthen
Example: The additional support will bolster the strength of the bridge.
82.Bombastic - adj - ostentatiously lofty in style
Example: His bombastic speech was full of grandiose claims and exaggerated language.
83.Bonhomie - noun - a disposition to be friendly and approachable
Example: The atmosphere was filled with bonhomie as friends gathered for a reunion.
84.Boor - noun - a crude, uncouth ill-bred person lacking refinement
Example: His boorish behaviour at the party offended many guests.
85.Burgeon - verb - grow and flourish
Example: The city continued to burgeon with new buildings and developments.
86. Burnish - verb - polish and make shiny
Example: He spent hours burnishing the antique silverware until it shone brightly.
87.Cabal - noun - a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue
Example: The cabal of politicians met in secret to discuss their plans.
88. Cacophony - noun - loud, confusing, disagreeable sounds
Example: The cacophony of honking horns made it hard to hear in the city traffic.
89. Calumny - noun - a false accusation of an offence
Example: He spread calumny about his rival to tarnish his reputation.
90.Canard - noun - a deliberately misleading fabrication
Example: The rumour turned out to be a canard with no basis in truth.
91. Candid - adj - openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness
Example: She appreciated his candid feedback on her performance.
92. Capricious - adj - determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity
Example: His capricious nature made it hard to predict his actions.
93. Cartography - noun - the making of maps and charts
Example: The cartography class taught students how to make maps.
94. Castigate - verb - inflict severe punishment on
Example: The coach didn't hesitate to castigate the team for their poor performance.
95. Catalyst - noun - a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction
Example: The new law served as a catalyst for change in the community.
96.Catholic - adj - comprehensive or broad-minded in tastes and interests
Example:: The Catholic church celebrated Mass every Sunday.
97. Caustic - adj - capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
Example: His caustic remarks left a sour taste in everyone's mouth.
98.Chaos - noun - formless state of matter before the creation of the cosmos
Example: The protest descended into chaos as tensions escalated.
99. Chauvinist - noun - a person with a prejudiced belief in his own superiority
Example: He was criticised for his chauvinist views on gender roles.
100. Chicanery - noun - the use of tricks to deceive someone
Example: The businessman used chicanery to manipulate the stock market.
101. Circumspect - adj - careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk
Example: She was circumspect in her dealings with strangers.
102. Cloying - adj - overly sweet
Example: The cloying sweetness of the dessert made her feel nauseous.
103. Coalesce - verb - fuse or cause to come together
Example: The diverse group of students began to coalesce into a cohesive team.
104. Coffer - noun - the funds of a government, institution, or individual
Example: He kept his savings in a coffer hidden under the floorboards.
105. Cogent - adj - powerfully persuasive
Example: Her cogent arguments persuaded even the sceptics.
106. Collusion - noun - secret agreement
Example: The evidence of collusion between the companies was undeniable.
107. Condone - verb - excuse, overlook, or make allowances for
Example: Some people condone lying if it serves their interests.
108. Connoisseur - noun - an expert able to appreciate a field
Example: He was a connoisseur of fine wine, able to discern subtle flavours.
109. Contrite - adj - feeling or expressing pain or sorrow
Example: He was contrite after realising the impact of his actions on others.
110. Contumacious - adj - willfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient
Example: The contumacious student refused to obey the teacher's instructions.
111. Convoluted - adj - highly complex or intricate
Example: The instructions were convoluted and hard to follow.
112. Corroborate - verb - give evidence for
Example: The witness was able to corroborate the suspect's alibi.
113. Cosset - verb - treat with excessive indulgence
Example: She loved to cosset her pet cat, pampering it with treats and toys.
114. Coterie - noun - an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
Example: They were part of an exclusive coterie of intellectuals.
115. Craven - adj - lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
Example: He was too craven to stand up for what he believed in.
116. Credulous - adj - showing a lack of judgment or experience
Example: His credulous nature made him an easy target for scams.
117. Crescendo - noun - a gradual increase in loudness
Example: The noise outside reached a crescendo as the parade passed by.
118. Cupidity - noun - extreme greed for material wealth
Example: His cupidity drove him to pursue wealth at any cost.
119. Curmudgeon - noun - an irascible, cantankerous person full of stubborn ideas
Example: The old man was known in the neighbourhood as a curmudgeon, always grumpy and irritable.
120. Debutante - noun - a young woman making her formal entrance into society
Example: The debutante made her first appearance at the ball, wearing a stunning gown.
121. Declivity - noun - a downward slope or bend
Example: The path led down a steep declivity, making it difficult to climb.
122. Decorous - adj - characterised by propriety and dignity and good taste
Example: She behaved in a decorous manner at the formal dinner, using proper etiquette.
123. Decorum - noun - propriety in manners and conduct
Example: The teacher reminded the students to observe decorum during the assembly.
124. Deface - verb - mar or spoil the appearance of
Example: Vandals tried to deface the statue by spray-painting graffiti on it.
125. Deference - noun - courteous regard for people's feelings
Example: He showed deference to his elders by listening respectfully to their advice.
126. Deleterious - adj - harmful to living things
Example: Smoking has deleterious effects on your health, causing harm over time.
127.Demagogue - noun - a leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions
Example: The politician was accused of being a demagogue, manipulating public opinion for his own gain.
128. Demur - verb - politely refuse or take exception to
Example: She raised her hand to demur when asked to do something she disagreed with.
129. Deride - verb - treat or speak of with contempt
Example: The bullies derided him for his unusual clothing.
130. Desiccate - verb - lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
Example: The dried fruit will desiccate if left out in the sun for too long.
131. Desultory - adj - marked by lack of definite plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Example: He made a desultory attempt at cleaning his room, not putting much effort into it.
132. Diaphanous - adj - so thin as to transmit light
Example: She wore a diaphanous scarf that fluttered in the breeze.
133. Diatribe - noun - thunderous verbal attack
Example: His speech turned into a diatribe against the government's policies.
134. Dictum - noun - an authoritative declaration
Example: The dictum "practice makes perfect" is often repeated in sports training.
135. Diffident - adj - showing modest reserve
Example: He was diffident about speaking in public, lacking confidence in his abilities.
136.Dilate - verb - become wider
Example: The doctor used drops to dilate her pupils during the eye exam.
137. Dilatory - adj - wasting time
Example: His dilatory behaviour caused him to miss the deadline for the project.
138. Dilettante - noun - an amateur engaging in an activity without serious intention
Example: He was considered a dilettante, dabbling in various hobbies without mastering any.
139. Dirge - noun - a song or hymn of mourning as a memorial to a dead person
Example: The mourners sang a dirge at the funeral, expressing their sorrow.
140. Disabuse - verb - free somebody from an erroneous belief
Example: She tried to disabuse him of the notion that all snakes are dangerous.
141. Discern - verb - perceive, recognise, or detect
Example: She could discern the outline of the mountains in the distance.
142. Disparate - adj - fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
Example: The two paintings were disparate in style, showing no similarity.
143. Dissemble - verb - behave unnaturally or affectedly
Example: He tried to dissemble his true intentions, pretending to agree with everyone.
144. Dissonance - noun - disagreeable sounds
Example: The dissonance between the two opinions led to a heated argument.
145. Distaff - noun - a stick on which wool or flax is wound before spinning
Example:The spinning wheel was traditionally associated with the distaff side of the family.
146. Distend - verb - cause to expand as if by internal pressure
Example: His stomach began to distend after eating too much food.
147. Dither - verb - be undecided or uncertain
Example: She stood in the doorway, dithering about whether to go inside or not.
148. Diurnal - adj - having a daily cycle or occurring every day
Example: Some animals are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
149. Divine - adj - a clergyman or other person in religious orders
Example: The priest was believed to have the ability to divine the future.
150. Doctrinaire - adj - a stubborn person of arbitrary or arrogant opinions
Example: He was criticised for being too doctrinaire, refusing to consider other viewpoints.
151. Dogma - noun -a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
Example: The religious sect followed a strict dogma with no room for deviation.
152. Dogmatic - adj - pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
Example: He was known for his dogmatic insistence on following the rules exactly.
153. Droll - adj - comical in an odd or whimsical manner
Example: His droll sense of humour always made his friends laugh.
154. Dupe - verb - fool or hoax
Example: She felt like a dupe after falling for the scam.
155.Dyspeptic - adj - suffering from indigestion
Example: His dyspeptic mood put a damper on the party, making everyone feel uneasy.
156.Ebullient - adj - joyously unrestrained
Example: Her ebullient personality lit up the room, spreading joy to everyone around her.
157. Eclectic - adj -selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
Example: She had an eclectic taste in music, enjoying everything from classical to rock.
158. Edify - verb - make understand
Example: The book aimed to edify readers on the principles of financial management.
159. Efficacy - noun - capacity or power to produce a desired result
Example: The efficacy of the new medicine was proven through extensive clinical trials.
160. Effigy - noun - a representation of a person
Example: Protesters burned an effigy of the dictator in the town square.
161. Effrontery - noun - audacious behaviour that you have no right to
Example: His effrontery knew no bounds as he shamelessly lied to everyone.
162. Elegy - noun - a mournful poem, a lament for the dead
Example: The poem was a heartfelt elegy for her late grandfather.
163.Eloquent - adj - expressing yourself readily, clearly, and effectively
Example: The speaker delivered an eloquent speech that moved the audience to tears.
164. Embellish - verb - make more attractive as by adding ornament or colour
Ex ample: He tended to embellish his stories, adding dramatic details to make them more interesting.
165.Emulate - verb - strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
Example: Students often try to emulate their favourite celebrities' fashion sense.
166.Encomium - noun - a formal expression of praise
Example: His encomium praised her kindness and generosity.
167. Endemic - adj - native to or confined to a certain region
Example: Malaria is endemic in tropical regions, where it is widespread.
168.Enervate - verb - weaken physically, mentally, or morally
Example: The long hours of work began to enervate him, leaving him exhausted.
169. Engender - verb - call forth
Example: Their argument only served to engender more conflict between them.
170. Enigma - noun - something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
Example: The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the painting remained an enigma.
171. Enumerate - verb - specify individually
Example: She took out her notebook to enumerate the items on her grocery list.
172. Ephemeral - adj - anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day
Example: The beauty of the cherry blossoms was ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks.
173. Epicure - noun - a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment
Example: He considered himself an epicure, always seeking out the finest cuisine.
174. Equivocate - verb - be deliberately ambiguous or unclear
Example: The politician tried to equivocate when asked about his stance on the issue.
175. Erratic - adj - liable to sudden, unpredictable change
Example: His erratic behaviour made it difficult to predict his actions.
176. Ersatz - adj - an artificial or inferior substitute or imitation
Example: The ersatz leather jacket looked real from a distance, but it was actually fake.
177. Erudite - adj - having or showing profound knowledge
Example: His erudite lectures on philosophy were highly praised by his students.
178. Eschew - verb - avoid and stay away from deliberately
Example: He chose to eschew alcohol, preferring to lead a sober lifestyle.
179. Esoteric - adj - understandable only by an enlightened inner circle
Example: The book delved into esoteric topics that only a few could understand.
180. Estimable - adj - deserving of respect or high regard
Example: Her estimable qualities earned her the admiration of her peers.
181. Ethos - noun - the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
Example: The company's ethos prioritised customer satisfaction above all else.
182. Eulogy - noun -a formal expression of praise for someone who has died
Example: He delivered a moving eulogy at his friend's funeral, honouring his memory.
183 Euphemism - noun - an inoffensive expression substituted for an offensive one
Example: The use of "passed away" as a euphemism for "died" softened the blow.
184. Euphony - noun - any pleasing and harmonious sounds
Example: The song had a beautiful euphony that soothed the listener's soul.
185. Exacerbate - verb -make worse
Example: His harsh words only served to exacerbate the situation, making things worse.
186. Exculpate - verb - pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
Example: The evidence presented in court served to exculpate the defendant.
187. Exigent - adj - demanding immediate attention
Example: The exigent circumstances required immediate action.
188.Exonerate - verb - pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
Example: The new evidence served to exonerate him of all charges.
189. Explicit -adj - precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable
Example: She gave explicit instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
190. Exponent - noun - notation of how many times to multiply a quantity by itself
Example: He was a staunch exponent of renewable energy.
191. Expurgate - verb - edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
Example: The editor had to expurgate the explicit content from the manuscript before publishing it.
192. Fallow - adj - left unplowed and unseeded during a growing season
Example: The farmer left his fields fallow to allow the soil to rest and regain nutrients.
193. Fanatical - adj - marked by excessive enthusiasm for a cause or idea
Example: His fanatical devotion to the team led him to attend every game, rain or shine.
194. Fatuous - adj - devoid of intelligence
Example: She made a fatuous comment that left everyone rolling their eyes.
195. Fawn - noun - a young deer
Example: The assistant manager would often fawn over the boss, hoping to gain favour.
196. Fecund - adj -capable of producing offspring or vegetation
Example: The fecund soil yielded a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.
197. Fervid - adj - characterised by intense emotion
Example: His fervid speech stirred the crowd, inspiring them to take action.
198. Fetid - adj - offensively malodorous
Example: The fetid smell emanating from the garbage can made everyone gag.
199. Flag - noun - a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
Example: The red flag warned swimmers of dangerous currents at the beach.
200. Florid - adj - elaborately or excessively ornamented
Example: Her florid prose was filled with elaborate descriptions and flowery language.
201. Foment - verb - try to stir up
Example: The politician's inflammatory remarks served to foment unrest among the population.
202. Ford - noun - cross a river where it's shallow
Example: He helped her ford the river by holding her hand as they crossed.
203. Forestall - verb - keep from happening or arising; make impossible
Example: The new security measures were put in place to forestall any potential threats.
204. Fortuitous - adj - lucky; occurring by happy chance
Example: It was fortuitous that she found a $20 bill on the sidewalk just when she needed it.
205. Fractious - adj - easily irritated or annoyed
Example: The fractious children argued over who got to play with the toy first.
206. Frenetic - adj - fast and energetic in an uncontrolled or wild way
Example: The frenetic pace of the city was overwhelming for the small-town visitor.
207. Frugality - noun - prudence in avoiding waste
Example: His frugality allowed him to save money for a rainy day.
208. Furtive - adj - secret and sly
Example: She cast a furtive glance around before slipping the key into her pocket.
209.Gambol - verb - play or run boisterously
Example: The lambs gambol in the field, leaping and frolicking joyfully.
210. Garner - verb - assemble or get together
Example: She worked hard to garner support for her charity fundraiser.
211. Garrulous - adj - full of trivial conversation
Example: The garrulous old man loved to talk and would often chat for hours.
212. Gestation - noun - the period during which an embryo develops
Example: The gestation period for a baby elephant is around 22 months.
213. Glib - adj - artfully persuasive in speech
Example: His glib tongue allowed him to talk his way out of any situation.
214. Glower - verb - look angry or sullen as if to signal disapproval
Example: He gave her a glower of disapproval when she arrived late.
215.Gradation - noun - relative position in a ranked series
Example: There was a gradation of colours in the sunset, from pink to orange to purple.
216.Gregarious - adj - temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
Example: She's very gregarious and loves to be surrounded by friends and family.
217. Grievous - adj - causing or marked by grief or anguish
Example: The accident caused grievous injuries that took months to heal.
218. Grovel - verb - show submission or fear
Example: He had to grovel and apologise after offending his boss.
219. Guile - noun - shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
Example: With guile, the fox tricked the other animals into giving him their food.
220. Gullible - adj - naive and easily deceived or tricked
Example: She's so gullible that she'll believe anything you tell her.
221. Hapless - adj - unfortunate and deserving of pity
Example: The hapless kitten got stuck in the tree and couldn't get down.
222. Hegemony - noun - the dominance or leadership of one social group over others
Example: The country sought to establish hegemony over the region by exerting its influence.
223. Hermetic - adj - completely sealed or airtight
Example: The hermetic seal kept the food fresh inside the container.
224. Heterogeneous - adj - consisting of elements, not of the same kind or nature
Example: The city's population is highly heterogeneous, with people from diverse backgrounds.
225. Hoary - adj - having grey or white hair as with age
Example: The hoary old man told stories of his adventures from long ago.
226. Homogeneous - adj - all of the same or similar kind of nature
Example: The homogeneous mixture had the same composition throughout.
227. Husband - noun - a male partner in a marriage
Example: He vowed to husband his resources carefully to ensure they lasted.
228. Hyperbole - noun - extravagant exaggeration
Example: She used hyperbole to emphasise how much she loved her new job.
229. Iconoclast - noun - someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions
Example: The iconoclast challenged traditional beliefs by advocating for change.
230. Idiosyncrasy - noun - a behavioural attribute peculiar to an individual
Example: One of his idiosyncrasies was always wearing mismatched socks.
231. Ignoble - adj - dishonourable in character or purpose
Example: He committed an ignoble act by stealing from his own family.
232. Imbue - verb - spread or diffuse through
Example: Her mother tried to imbue her with a sense of responsibility from a young age.
233. Impasse - noun -a situation in which no progress can be made
Example: The negotiations reached an impasse when neither side would compromise.
234. Impecunious - adj - not having enough money to pay for necessities
Example: Growing up in an impoverished family, he was often impecunious.
235. Imperturbable - adj - marked by extreme calm and composure
Example: Despite the chaos around him, he remained imperturbable, showing no signs of stress.
236. Impervious - adj - not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
Example: The thick walls were impervious to the sound of the traffic outside.
237. Impetuous - adj - characterised by undue haste and lack of thought
Example: His impetuous decision to quit his job without a plan left him in a difficult situation.
238. Impious - adj - lacking piety or reverence for a god
Example: The king viewed the rebels as impious for challenging his authority.
239. Implacable - adj - incapable of being appeased or pacified
Example: The widow harboured implacable hatred towards her husband's killer.
240. Imprecation - noun - the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil
Example: He muttered an imprecation under his breath when he stubbed his toe.
241. Impugn - verb - attack as false or wrong
Example: The defence lawyer sought to impugn the credibility of the witness.
242. Incarnadine - noun - redden or make pinkish
Example: The sunset turned the sky incarnadine, painting it a deep red hue.
243. Inchoate - adj - only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
Example: His ideas for the project were still inchoate and needed further development.
244.Inculcate - verb - teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
Example: The teacher sought to inculcate good manners in her students.
245. Indolent - adj - disinclined to work or exertion
Example: His indolent nature meant he rarely exerted himself in any activity.
246. Inexorable - adj - impossible to prevent, resist, or stop
Example: Despite their pleas, the judge remained inexorable in his decision.
247. Ingenuous - adj - lacking in sophistication or worldliness
Example: She was too ingenuous to see through his lies.
248. Ingrate - noun - a person who shows no thankfulness or appreciation
Example: The politician accused his opponent of being an ingrate for not supporting his policies.
249. Ingratiate - verb - gain favour with somebody by deliberate efforts
Example: He tried to ingratiate himself with the boss by complimenting her work.
250. Inimical - adj - tending to obstruct or cause harm
Example: The harsh weather was inimical to the crops, causing them to wither.
251. Iniquity - noun- the absence of moral or spiritual values
Example: The dictator was known for his iniquity, committing numerous atrocities.
252. Innocuous - adj - not injurious to physical or mental health
Example: His comments were innocuous, causing no harm or offence.
253. Inquest - noun - an investigation into the cause of an unexpected death
Example: The coroner conducted an inquest to determine the cause of death.
254.Insipid - adj - lacking interest, significance or impact
Example: The soup was insipid and lacked flavour.
255. Insurrection - noun -organised opposition to authority
Example: The insurrection was quickly put down by the government forces.
256. Inter - verb - place in a grave or tomb
Example: They decided to inter the deceased in the family plot.
257. Interregnum - noun -the time between two reigns or governments
Example: During the interregnum, there was no ruler to govern the country.
258. Intractable - adj - difficult to manage or mold
Example: The intractable problem seemed impossible to solve.
259. Intransigent - adj - impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, or reason
Example: The workers' union was intransigent in its demands for higher wages.
260. Intrepid - adj - invulnerable to fear or intimidation
Example: She showed intrepid bravery in the face of danger.
261. Inundate - verb - fill or cover completely, usually with water
Example: The heavy rain threatened to inundate the city streets.
262.Inure - verb - cause to accept or become hardened to
Example: Years of hardship had inured him to the difficulties of life.
263. Invective - noun - abusive language used to express blame or censure
Example: His invective against his opponent was harsh and spiteful.
264. Investiture - noun - the ceremonial promotion of a person to an office or rank
Example: The king's investiture ceremony marked the beginning of his reign.
265. Invidious - adj - containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice
Example: His comments comparing the two candidates were invidious and unfair.
266. Irascible - adj - quickly aroused to anger
Example: His irascible temper made it difficult to work with him.
267. Itinerant - adj - travelling from place to place to work
Example: As an itinerant worker, he travelled from place to place in search of employment.
268. Jargon - noun - technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject
Example: The doctor explained the procedure without using medical jargon, making it easier for the patient to understand.
269. Jettison - verb - throw away of something encumbering
Example: The ship had to jettison some cargo to stay afloat during the storm.
270. Jingoism - noun - fanatical patriotism
Example: His jingoism often led him to make overly patriotic statements.
271. Jocular - adj - characterised by jokes and good humour
Example: He lightened the mood with his jocular sense of humour.
272. Judicious - adj - marked by the exercise of common sense in practical matters
Example: She made a judicious decision after carefully considering all the options.
273.Juncture - noun- the shape or manner in which things come together
Example: The project's success hinged on meeting the deadline at this critical juncture.
274. Keen - adj - intense or sharp
Example: She has a keen interest in art and spends hours painting.
275. Kindle - verb - catch fire
Example: He used dry leaves and twigs to kindle a fire in the fireplace.
276. Kinetic - adj -relating to the motion of material bodies and their forces
Example: The kinetic energy of the moving car was converted into electricity.
277. Knell - noun - the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death
Example: The knell of the church bell signalled the end of the funeral service.
278. Kudos - noun - an expression of approval and commendation
Example: He received kudos from his boss for completing the project ahead of schedule.
279. Lachrymose - adj - showing sorrow
Example: She felt lachrymose after watching the sad movie, with tears in her eyes.
280. Laconic - adj - brief and to the point
Example: His laconic responses made it difficult to have a conversation with him.
281. Lament - noun - a cry of sorrow and grief
Example: She wrote a lament for her lost pet, expressing her sorrow in a poem.
282. Lampoon - verb - ridicule with satire
Example: The comedian's lampoon of politicians was met with laughter from the audience.
283. Languid - adj - lacking spirit or liveliness
Example: After a long day of work, she felt languid and tired.
284. Lapidary - adj - relating to precious stones or the art of working with them
Example: The jeweller's lapidary skills transformed the rough stone into a beautiful gem.
285. Larceny - noun - the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
Example: The thief was caught in the act of committing larceny and arrested.
286. Largess -noun - liberality in bestowing gifts
Example: The billionaire's largess allowed him to donate generously to charity.
287. Lassitude - noun - a feeling of lack of interest or energy
Example: She felt lassitude after the long hike, needing to rest.
288. Latent - adj - potentially existing but not presently evident or realised
Example: His talent as a musician remained latent until he started practising regularly.
289. Laud - verb - praise, glorify, or honour
Example: The teacher would always laud her students for their hard work.
290. Lavish - adj - very generous
Example: They hosted a lavish party with gourmet food and expensive decorations.
291. Leery - adj - openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
Example: She was leery of strangers, not trusting them easily.
292. Legerdemain - noun - an illusory feat
Example: His legerdemain as a magician amazed the audience with his tricks.
293. Lethargic - adj - deficient in alertness or activity
Example: After a big meal, she felt lethargic and didn't want to move.
294. Levity - noun - a manner lacking seriousness
Example: His levity lightened the mood in the room, making everyone smile.
295. Liberal - adj - showing or characterised by broad-mindedness
Example: He held liberal views on social issues, advocating for equality and justice.
296. Libertine - noun - unrestrained by convention or morality
Example: The libertine's lifestyle shocked conservative society.
297. Licentious - adj -lacking moral discipline
Example: The licentious behaviour at the party was frowned upon by many guests.
298. Limpid - adj - clear and bright
Example: The water in the pond was limpid and clear, allowing you to see to the bottom.
299. Lionize - verb - assign great social importance to
Example: The actor was lionised for his performance in the award-winning film.
300. Lissome - adj - moving and bending with ease
Example: The ballerina moved with lissome grace across the stage.
301. Listless - adj - lacking zest or vivacity
Example: He felt listless and unmotivated to do anything productive.
302.Livid - adj - furiously angry
Example: She was livid when she discovered her phone was missing.
303. Loquacious - adj - full of trivial conversation
Example: The loquacious salesman could talk for hours without pause.
304. Lucid - adj - transparently clear; easily understandable
Example: The instructions were lucid and easy to understand.
305.Lugubrious - adj - excessively mournful
Example: The lugubrious music added to the sombre atmosphere of the funeral.
306. Lumber - verb - the wood of trees prepared for use as building material
Example: They had to lumber the heavy furniture up the stairs to the second floor.
307. Luminous - adj - softly bright or radiant
Example: The stars in the night sky were luminous and twinkling above.
308. Machination - noun - a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
Example: The villain's machination to take over the city was thwarted by the hero.
309. Maelstrom - noun - a powerful circular current of water
Example: The ship was caught in a maelstrom of swirling waves during the storm.
310. Magnate - noun - a very wealthy or powerful businessperson
Example: He was a magnate in the tech industry, owning several successful companies.
311. Malediction - noun - the act of calling down a curse that invokes evil
Example: The witch's malediction cursed the kingdom with eternal darkness.
312. Malinger - verb - avoid responsibilities and duties, often by faking illness
Example: He tried to malinger to avoid going to school by pretending to be sick.
313. Malleable - adj - capable of being shaped or bent
Example: The malleable clay was easy to shape into different forms.
314. Mannered - adj - having unnatural behavioural attributes
Example: Her mannered speech and gestures seemed artificial and rehearsed.
315.Martinet - noun - someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
Example: His strict rules and discipline earned him the reputation of being a martinet.
316. Maudlin - adj - very sentimental or emotional
Example: She became maudlin after watching a sad movie, crying over every scene.
317. Mendacious - adj - given to lying
Example: His mendacious behaviour made it hard to trust anything he said.
318. Mendicant - adj - a pauper who lives by begging
Example: The mendicant begged for food and shelter on the streets.
319. Mercurial - adj - liable to sudden, unpredictable change
Example: His mercurial temperament made it hard to predict his mood.
320. Meretricious - adj - tastelessly showy
Example: She wore a meretricious dress, flashy and lacking in taste.
321. Metaphor - noun - a figure of speech that suggests a non-literal similarity
Example: His anger was like a metaphorical storm, fierce and destructive.
322. Meticulous - adj - marked by precise accordance with details
Example: He was meticulous in his work, paying attention to every detail
323. Militate - verb - have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
Example: The high crime rates in the area militate against property values.
324. Mirth - noun - great merriment
Example: The children's laughter filled the room with mirth and joy.
325. Misanthrope - noun - someone who dislikes people in general
Example: The misanthrope avoided social gatherings, preferring solitude.
326. Missive - noun - a written message addressed to a person or organisation
Example: He received a missive from the king ordering him to report to the palace.
327. Mitigate - verb - lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
Example: Taking aspirin can help mitigate the symptoms of a headache.
328. Mollify - verb - cause to be more favourably inclined
Example: She tried to mollify her angry boss by apologising for the mistake.
329. Molt - verb - cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers
Example: The snake began to molt, shedding its old skin for a new one.
330. Monastic - adj - relating to life in an isolated religious community
Example: The monastery provided a monastic lifestyle focused on prayer and meditation.
331. Monotony - noun - the quality of wearisome constancy and lack of variety
Example: The monotony of the job made every day feel the same.
332. Mores - noun - the conventions embodying the fundamental values of a group
Example: Cultural mores dictate acceptable behaviour within a society.
333. Multifarious - adj - having many aspects
Example: The library contains a multifarious collection of books on various subjects.
334. Myopic - adj - unable to see distant objects clearly
Example: His myopic view of the world prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.
335. Nadir - noun - the lowest point of anything
Example: His confidence hit its nadir after he failed the exam.
336. Naive - adj - marked by or showing unaffected simplicity
Example: She was naive and easily tricked by strangers.
337.Nascent - adj - being born or beginning
Example: The company was in its nascent stages, just starting out.
338. Neologism - noun - a newly invented word or phrase
Example: The word "selfie" is a neologism that wasn't used decades ago.
339. Neophyte - noun - a participant with no experience with an activity
Example: As a neophyte gardener, she had a lot to learn about planting flowers.
340. Nettle - noun - plant having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation
Example: Be careful not to nettle the bees while picking apples from the tree.
341. Noisome - adj - causing or able to cause nausea
Example: The noisome smell coming from the garbage made everyone cover their noses.
342. Nominal - adj - relating to or constituting or bearing or giving a name
Example: He paid only a nominal fee for the rental car.
343. Nuance - noun - a subtle difference in meaning or opinion, or attitude
Example: There's a subtle nuance in the meaning of the two words.
344. Numismatics - noun - the collection and study of money (and coins in particular)
Example: He collected coins as a hobby, studying numismatics in his free time.
345. Obdurate - adj - stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
Example: Despite their pleas, he remained obdurate and refused to change his mind.
346. Oblique - adj - slanting or inclined in direction or course, or position
Example: She gave him an oblique glance, hinting at her disapproval.
347. Obsequious - adj - attempting to win favour from influential people by flattery
Example: The waiter was obsequious, fawning over the wealthy patrons.
348. Obstinate - adj - marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
Example: His obstinate refusal to listen led to many arguments.
348. Obviate - verb - do away with
Example: Taking this shortcut will obviate the need for a long detour.
349. Occlude - verb - block passage through
Example: Plaque buildup can occlude arteries, leading to heart problems.
350. Officious - adj - intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
Example: His officious behaviour annoyed everyone in the office.
351. Onerous - adj - burdensome or difficult to endure
Example: The task of moving heavy furniture was onerous and tiring.
352. Opaque - adj - not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy
Example: The windows were opaque, letting in very little light.
353. Opine - verb - express one's view openly and without fear or hesitation
Example: He paused to opine on the current state of politics.
354. Opprobrium - noun - a state of extreme dishonor
Example: His actions brought opprobrium upon the family's reputation.
355. Orotund - adj - overly formal and pompous in style
Example: The politician's speech was full of orotund phrases but lacked substance.
356. Ossify - verb - become bony
Example: Over time, the bone will ossify, becoming hard and rigid.
357. Ostensible - adj - appearing as such but not necessarily so
Example: The ostensible reason for his absence was illness, but some suspected otherwise.
358. Ostentation - noun - pretentious or showy or vulgar display
Example: She displayed ostentation by wearing expensive jewelry to the party.
359. Overwrought - adj - deeply agitated especially from emotion
Example: Her overwrought emotions made it difficult for her to think clearly.
360. Palatial - adj - relating to or being a large and stately residence
Example: The mansion had palatial rooms with high ceilings and elegant furnishings.
361. Palliate - verb - lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
Example: He tried to palliate her fears by reassuring her that everything would be fine.
362. Pallid - adj - pale, as of a person's complexion
Example: His pallid complexion indicated that he was feeling unwell.
363. Panache - noun - distinctive and stylish elegance
Example: She entered the room with panache, drawing everyone's attention.
364. Panegyric - noun - formally expressing praise
Example: The speech was a panegyric, praising the leader's achievements.
365. Panoply - noun - a complete and impressive array
Example: The museum displayed a panoply of artifacts from different historical periods.
366. Paradox - noun - a statement that contradicts itself
Example: It's a paradox that the cure can sometimes cause the same symptoms it aims to cure.
367. Paragon - noun - perfect embodiment of a concept
Example: She was considered a paragon of virtue, admired by all who knew her.
368. Pare - verb - strip the skin off
Example: He decided to pare down his possessions, keeping only what was necessary.
369. Pariah - noun - a person who is rejected from society or home
Example: The homeless man was treated as a pariah, shunned by society.
370. Parley - noun - a negotiation between enemies
Example: The two leaders met for a parley to discuss a peace treaty.
371. Parry - verb - impede the movement of
Example: He deftly parried the opponent's attacks during the fencing match.
372. Pastiche - noun -a work of art that imitates the style of some previous work
Example: Her artwork was a pastiche of different artistic styles.
373. Pathogenic - adj - able to cause disease
Example: The pathogenic bacteria spread quickly, causing illness in many people.
374. Peccadillo - noun - a petty misdeed
Example: His peccadillo, though minor, caused embarrassment for the company.
375. Pedant - noun - a person who is preoccupied with rules and learning
Example: He was a pedant, always correcting others on trivial matters.
376. Pejorative - adj - expressing disapproval
Example: Using pejorative language can hurt people's feelings.
377.Penury - noun -a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Example: He lived in penury, struggling to make ends meet.
378. Peregrinate - verb - travel around, through, or over, especially on foot
Example: They decided to peregrinate through Europe, visiting different countries.
379. Perfidious - adj - tending to betray
Example: The perfidious friend betrayed her trust by spreading rumors.
380. Perfunctory - adj - hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
Example: He gave a perfunctory nod as he passed by, not really paying attention.
381. Peripatetic - adj - traveling especially on foot
Example: As a peripatetic salesman, he traveled from town to town selling his wares.
382. Permeate - verb - spread or diffuse through
Example: The smell of coffee pervaded the kitchen, filling the air with its aroma.
383. Perspicacious - adj - mentally acute or penetratingly discerning
Example: Her perspicacious observations helped solve the mystery.
384.Pervade - verb - spread or diffuse through
Example: The scent of flowers pervaded the garden on a warm summer day.
385. Phalanx - noun - any closely ranked crowd of people
Example: The soldiers marched in a phalanx, ready for battle.
386. Philanthropy - noun - the act of donating money or time to promote human welfare
Example: His philanthropy helped countless people in need.
387. Philistine - noun - a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits
Example: He was considered a philistine for his lack of appreciation for the arts.
388. Phlegmatic - adj - showing little emotion
Example: His phlegmatic demeanor made it hard to know what he was feeling.
389. Pithy - adj - concise and full of meaning
Example: She gave a pithy response, summing up the situation in just a few words.
390. Placate - verb - cause to be more favorably inclined
Example: He tried to placate the angry customer by offering a refund.
391. Plastic - noun - synthetic material that can be molded into objects
Example: The plastic cup was lightweight and easy to carry.
392. Plebeian - noun - of or associated with the great masses of people
Example: The plebeian origins of the politician were well-known.
393. Plethora - noun - extreme excess
Example: There was a plethora of options to choose from at the buffet.
394. Plucky - adj - showing courage
Example: Despite the danger, she remained plucky and determined to succeed.
395. Polemic - noun - a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
Example: The article was a polemic against the government's policies.
396. Politic - adj - marked by artful prudence, expedience, and shrewdness
Example: It's important to be politic when discussing sensitive topics.
397. Polyglot - adj - a person who speaks more than one language
Example: Being a polyglot, she could speak several languages fluently.
398. Posit - verb - take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
Example: He posit that technology could solve many of society's problems.
400. Potentate - noun - a powerful ruler, especially one who is unconstrained by law
Example: The potentate ruled over the kingdom with absolute power.
There's no single "best" list, but consider high-frequency word lists from Magoosh, Barron's, or The Official Guide to the GRE.
The GRE verbal section includes over 3,500 vocabulary words! Learning all those definitions with flashcards or online searches would take forever!
Let's say you take a practice test without studying and score somewhere between 152 and 154 (or even lower) on the verbal section. This might mean you need to learn around 1,000 new words to improve your score. On the other hand, if you're scoring 155 or higher on practice tests, you'd probably only need to focus on learning around 500 new words.
The GRE loves testing fancy words (around 3,500 of them!). You might even be able to read or spell some of them, but the tricky part is knowing what they actually mean. The GRE also likes to see how you use words that have multiple meanings and can be used as different kinds of words in a sentence.