GRE Vocabulary · Level 2

Advanced Words

These 12 words are the tier that separates a solid GRE verbal score from an exceptional one.

Practice this set for free — no account needed. Loads 12 flashcards into the learner.

How to study this set

Look for the Latin roots you may already recognize — "prevaricate" shares a root with "varicose", both about a bending or twisting away.

appearing or claiming to be true, but not necessarily so

ostensible

The ostensible reason for the delay was weather, though rumors suggested otherwise.

to make something continue indefinitely

perpetuate

The policy only perpetuated the inequality it claimed to fix.

to speak evasively or misleadingly, to avoid telling the truth directly

prevaricate

He prevaricated when asked directly about the missing funds.

to reject or refuse to accept something as valid

repudiate

She repudiated the claims made against her.

false or fake, though appearing genuine

spurious

The study’s conclusions were based on spurious data.

reserved or uncommunicative in speech, saying little

taciturn

He grew more taciturn as the meeting went on.

lasting only a short time, temporary

transient

The pain was transient and faded within an hour.

never done or known before

unprecedented

The company reported unprecedented growth this year.

to clear someone of blame after they were accused, or to prove a claim correct

vindicate

New evidence eventually vindicated the accused man.

having or showing great energy or enthusiasm for a cause

zealous

She was a zealous advocate for environmental reform.

given to sudden, unpredictable changes in mood or behavior

capricious

The weather in the mountains can be capricious.

intended to teach or instruct, often excessively moralizing

didactic

The film felt more didactic than entertaining.

Next: Level 3, "The Hardest Tier" — the words that appear on almost every "hardest GRE words" list.