GRE Exam Vocabulary List: Top 100 Must-Know Words
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Introduction: GRE vocabulary list
The vocabulary list has become a sure-footed plank of success on the 2025 GRE test —particularly famous among Indian students who want to get into the best world universities. This is not just a list of words, it is a guide to the skills of advanced communication, critical thinking and situational comprehension. The digital innovation world has transformed student engagement in vocabulary preparation and memorisation through AI-based applications, flashcards, and personalised learning platforms. By strategically learning the GRE word list, students can turn the tedious vocabulary development process into an engaging, attention-grabbing one. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced person looking to improve your verbal score, this guide will cover optimal trends, scientific research techniques, and the most effective digital tools of 2025. Gateway International is here to help you through every step of the way —help you make the GRE vocabulary list the most significant competitive advantage of your own.
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The significance of the GRE Vocabulary List for Indian students in 2025
For Indian students who want to study abroad, the GRE vocabulary list is no less than a ticket to academic and career success worldwide. The GRE verbal section is more focused on situational awareness, logic and practical applications, so the ability to use vocabulary is of paramount importance in 2025. Good vocabulary preparation and clever memorisation may be what makes the difference between a mediocre and a high score.
The relevance of the GRE Vocabulary List in 2025
- Improves the new GRE format of verbal reasoning and understanding.
- Helps Indian students become competitive with international candidates.
- Improves academic writing in terms of clarity, accuracy and expression.
- Helps in efficient memorising and mastering the language in the long run.
- Prepares a platform of success in essays, interviews, and graduate studies.
- Still the best method of enhancement of GRE performance when used with the current digital vocab preparation methods.
Concisely, learning the GRE vocabulary list will enable Indian students to communicate effectively, think critically, and perform excellently in an internationally competitive world.
The 2025 Trends in the Preparation of the GRE Vocabulary List.
The coming year, 2025, marks a new era in preparing the GRE vocabulary list, as technology and cognitive science join forces to make studying more productive and individualised. The AI-based tools, interactive learning platforms, and information-driven strategies have supplanted traditional rote learning, turning vocab preparation into a more innovative and more efficient process than ever before.
Trend 1: Multimedia Learning: Multimedia environments provide learners with abundant new vocabulary and enhance retention.
Trend 2: Digital Learning: Multimedia classrooms will offer learners a rich source of new vocabulary and improve retention.
- Artificial Intelligence in Learning Applications: It is now possible to build study plans based on the pace and accuracy of individual learners, with applications like Magoosh, IntelliVocab or Ready4GRE adapting to each student.
- Contextual Learning Focus: The students are invited to study the GRE word list not by definition, but rather in a real-world application.
- Spaced Repetition Systems: Intelligent algorithms facilitate long-term memory and recall of high-frequency words.
- Gamified Practice: Vocabulary exercises, quizzes, and challenges will make their daily practice of vocabulary enjoyable and addictive.
- Combined Digital Flashcards: High-frequency lists such as Barron 333 and Magoosh 1200 are now in the form of interactive flashcards.
- Adaptive Feedback: In time, analytics are used to have students monitor their performance, determine the areas of weakness, and optimise study strategies.
These inventions make it possible to master the GRE vocabulary list much faster, more personally, and more effectively than ever.
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The Vocabulary List: How to memorise the GRE Vocabulary List
Many people fail to master the GRE vocabulary list by memorising words; they learn them in a strategic, long-term way. The ideal one is a combination of scientifically supported study techniques, a regular practice, and digital means. Indian students will be able to change their vocabulary preparation in 2025 using the following practical methods of memorisation:
Activities to Use Smart Strategies in Vocabulary Retention
- Spaced Repetition: You should review the words at the same time at a particular frequency using such applications as Anki or Magoosh in order to memorise them in the long-term memory.
- Active Recall: Challenge yourself every day and write the sentences and define the meanings, but do not read them over and over.
- Contextual Learning: Learn the list of words used in the GRE using academic text, articles and passages similar to those on the GRE.
- Personal Dictionary: Maintain an electronic or written list of problem or high-frequency words in categories.
- Word Targets: Every day, you will learn 10-15 new words and revise them once a week to ensure that you are constantly improving.
- Halfway Covenant: Use AI tools in conjunction with traditional note-taking to make the memorising process interesting and compelling.
These practices will make your GRE vocabulary list study targeted, fun, and goal-oriented, and ensure you retain it on the day of the test and afterwards.
🎯 2025 GRE Verbal Changes to Remember.
- The questions on vocabulary now become context-oriented and subtle.
- The secondary meanings and idiomatic expressions undergo testing more frequently.
- Tools that have been integrated with AI are now able to adapt to the progress of students in real-time.
- The most reliable sources of references are official GRE word lists.
Using these updates, your GRE vocabulary study list will always reflect the exam’s changing format.
What Is the Top 100 GRE Vocabulary List for 2025?
The list below is a compilation of the 100 most tested vocabulary and the most academically sound vocabulary from the three most reliable sources: Barron, Magoosh, and Manhattan Prep. The meanings and examples of use for each word are provided to enhance memorisation. (List is provided elsewhere (not here) because it is incredibly long, and this paper has limited space.)
| Word | Meaning | Sample Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Abate | To reduce in amount, degree, or severity | The storm suddenly abated, allowing the team to resume work. |
| Aberrant | Deviating from the norm | His aberrant behavior raised concerns among his peers. |
| Abjure | To renounce or reject solemnly | She abjured her previous beliefs after the incident. |
| Abscond | To leave secretly, often to avoid arrest | The accountant absconded with the company funds. |
| Abstemious | Moderate in appetite | He led an abstemious lifestyle, avoiding excess in all things. |
| Admonish | To warn or reprimand firmly | The teacher admonished the students for being late. |
| Alacrity | Cheerful readiness | She accepted the invitation with alacrity. |
| Ambiguous | Open to more than one interpretation | The instructions were ambiguous, causing confusion. |
| Ameliorate | To make better or improve | Policies were introduced to ameliorate living conditions. |
| Anachronism | Something out of place in time | The use of a typewriter in a modern office is an anachronism. |
| Antipathy | Strong dislike | There was clear antipathy between the two rivals. |
| Apathy | Lack of interest or emotion | Voter apathy is a concern in many democracies. |
| Arduous | Requiring great effort | Climbing the mountain was an arduous task. |
| Assuage | To make less severe | He tried to assuage her fears with kind words. |
| Austere | Severe or strict in manner | The monk’s austere lifestyle inspired many. |
| Bolster | To support or strengthen | Extra funds were needed to bolster the project. |
| Bombastic | Pompous in speech | The politician’s bombastic speech failed to impress. |
| Cacophony | Harsh, discordant mixture of sounds | The cacophony from the construction site was overwhelming. |
| Capricious | Impulsive and unpredictable | Her capricious decisions made her difficult to work with. |
| Castigate | To criticize or punish severely | The coach castigated the team for poor performance. |
| Caustic | Bitingly sarcastic or witty | His caustic remarks offended many people. |
| Chicanery | Trickery or deception | The company was accused of financial chicanery. |
| Cogent | Convincing and well-reasoned | Her cogent argument won the debate. |
| Convoluted | Complex and difficult to follow | The plot of the novel was convoluted. |
| Corroborate | To confirm or support | Witnesses corroborated the defendant’s story. |
| Credulous | Too trusting; gullible | Children are often credulous and believe in fairy tales. |
| Decorum | Proper behavior | He maintained decorum during the formal event. |
| Deference | Respectful submission | She showed deference to her elders. |
| Deride | To ridicule or mock | The critics derided the new film. |
| Desiccate | To dry out | The hot sun desiccated the crops. |
| Desultory | Lacking a plan or purpose | His desultory efforts led nowhere. |
| Diatribe | Bitter verbal attack | The editorial was a diatribe against corruption. |
| Diffident | Lacking self-confidence | Her diffident manner made her seem shy. |
| Dirge | Funeral hymn | The dirge played at the memorial was somber. |
| Disabuse | To free from error | The teacher disabused him of his misconceptions. |
| Disparate | Fundamentally different | The two cultures were disparate in many ways. |
| Dissemble | To disguise or conceal | He tried to dissemble his disappointment. |
| Dogma | Firmly held belief | He questioned the dogma of the organization. |
| Dupe | To deceive; a person who is easily deceived | He was duped by a clever scam. |
| Eclectic | Selecting from various sources | Her taste in music is eclectic. |
| Efficacy | Effectiveness | The efficacy of the new drug was proven in trials. |
| Elegy | A mournful poem | The poet wrote an elegy for his lost friend. |
| Eloquent | Persuasive and moving, especially in speech | Her eloquent speech inspired the audience. |
| Emulate | To imitate with the intent to equal or surpass | He tried to emulate his mentor’s success. |
| Enervate | To weaken | The long illness enervated him. |
| Enigma | Puzzle; mystery | The disappearance remains an enigma. |
| Ephemeral | Lasting a short time | Fame can be ephemeral in the digital age. |
| Equivocate | To use ambiguous language to mislead | The spokesperson equivocated when asked about the policy. |
| Erudite | Scholarly; learned | The professor was known for his erudite lectures. |
| Esoteric | Intended for or understood by a small group | The philosopher’s theories were esoteric. |
| Eulogy | Speech in praise of someone | He delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral. |
| Exculpate | To clear from blame | The evidence exculpated the accused. |
| Exigent | Urgent; requiring immediate action | The exigent circumstances demanded a quick response. |
| Fervid | Intensely emotional | Her fervid support for the cause was evident. |
| Florid | Excessively decorated or embellished | The florid prose made the novel difficult to read. |
| Foment | To arouse or incite | The activist fomented change in the community. |
| Garrulous | Excessively talkative | The garrulous host entertained the guests for hours. |
| Gregarious | Sociable | He was known for his gregarious nature. |
| Guile | Deceit; trickery | She used guile to achieve her goals. |
| Harangue | Long, pompous speech | The manager’s harangue demoralized the staff. |
| Iconoclast | One who opposes established beliefs | The artist was an iconoclast in her field. |
| Impetuous | Quick to act without thinking | His impetuous actions led to trouble. |
| Implacable | Unable to be calmed | The implacable enemy refused to negotiate. |
| Inchoate | Not fully formed | The plan was still inchoate at the meeting. |
| Ingenuous | Innocent and naive | Her ingenuous questions charmed the group. |
| Inimical | Hostile; unfriendly | The policy was inimical to progress. |
| Innocuous | Harmless | The comment was innocuous, but he took offense. |
| Insipid | Lacking interest or flavor | The soup was insipid and bland. |
| Intransigent | Uncompromising | The parties remained intransigent during negotiations. |
| Irascible | Easily angered | His irascible temper was well known. |
| Laconic | Using few words | His laconic reply ended the conversation. |
| Lethargic | Sluggish; inactive | The heat made everyone lethargic. |
| Loquacious | Very talkative | The loquacious student dominated the discussion. |
| Lucid | Clear and easily understood | Her explanation was lucid and concise. |
| Malinger | To evade responsibility by pretending illness | He malingered to avoid going to work. |
| Misanthrope | One who hates others | The character was portrayed as a misanthrope. |
| Mitigate | To soften; to lessen | Measures were taken to mitigate the impact. |
| Obdurate | Stubborn; unyielding | She remained obdurate despite the protests. |
| Obsequious | Overly submissive | His obsequious behavior annoyed his colleagues. |
| Occlude | To stop up; to prevent the passage of | The artery was occluded by plaque. |
| Onerous | Troublesome and oppressive | The new regulations were onerous for small businesses. |
| Opprobrium | Public disgrace | The scandal brought opprobrium to the company. |
| Paradox | A contradiction or dilemma | It was a paradox that the healthiest person fell ill. |
| Pedant | Someone who shows off learning | The professor was a pedant, correcting every minor error. |
| Perfidious | Willing to betray trust | His perfidious actions shocked his friends. |
| Placate | To soothe or pacify | She tried to placate the angry customer. |
| Precipitate | To cause to happen quickly | The announcement precipitated a crisis. |
| Prevaricate | To lie or deviate from the truth | The witness prevaricated under questioning. |
| Prodigal | Lavish; wasteful | The prodigal son returned home after spending his inheritance. |
| Propitiate | To appease | They offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods. |
| Propriety | Correct behavior | She conducted herself with propriety at all times. |
| Pulchritude | Beauty | The pulchritude of the landscape was breathtaking. |
| Quiescent | Motionless | The volcano was quiescent for decades. |
| Rarefy | To make thinner or sparser | The air rarefied as they climbed higher. |
| Repudiate | To reject the validity of | He repudiated the accusations against him. |
| Reticent | Silent; reserved | She was reticent about her personal life. |
| Soporific | Causing sleep or lethargy | The lecture was soporific and many students dozed off. |
| Specious | Deceptively attractive; seemingly plausible but fallacious | The argument was specious and easily refuted. |
| Stolid | Unemotional; lacking sensitivity | His stolid expression gave nothing away. |
| Tacit | Done without using words | There was a tacit agreement among the members. |
| Tirade | Long, harsh speech or verbal attack | The manager’s tirade left the team demoralized. |
| Tortuous | Winding, twisted, excessively complicated | The tortuous path made the journey difficult. |
| Transitory | Temporary; lasting a brief time | His happiness was transitory. |
| Vacillate | To sway physically; to be indecisive | She vacillated between two career options. |
| Venerate | To respect deeply | He was venerated as a hero in his village. |
| Veracity | Truthfulness; accuracy | The veracity of his statement was questioned. |
| Verbose | Wordy | The verbose report was difficult to read. |
| Vex | To annoy | The constant noise vexed the residents. |
| Volatile | Easily aroused or changeable; lively or explosive | The stock market is notoriously volatile. |
| Waver | To fluctuate between choices | He wavered before making his final decision. |
Personalising Vocabulary Prep to GRE with Digital Tools
Preparation for the GRE vocabulary list is more important than ever in 2025, thanks to advanced technology and AI-driven learning platforms. Using digital tools, vocab preparation is more intelligent, adaptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to learn even the most difficult words on the GRE word list through a method of concentration applied to memorisation and context-oriented learning.
Intelligent Vocabulary Personalisation to succeed in the GRE:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Apps: Work with such platforms as Magoosh or IntelliVocab, which adjust to your strengths, weaknesses, and gains.
- Figure 3. Custom Flashcards: To learn and memorise challenging words effectively, one can make personal digital or physical flashcards.
- Gamified Learning: Make vocab preparation a game with badges, leaderboards and streaks.
- Contextual Reading: Read with e-readers or annotation tools, words in actual passages and essays at the GRE level.
- Error Tracking: Check the errors and note the patterns, and concentrate your memorisation on the difficult words.
- Progress Analytics: The insights generated by AI tools can regularly be used to improve your strategy to memorise the list of GRE vocabulary.
Your own preparation is preferable because it makes the learning process quicker, retention stronger, and mastery of the GRE vocabulary list —keys to better grades and academic confidence —more permanent.
Riya Zainab
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🎯 Important: Top Digital Tools for GRE Vocabulary List Prep (2025)
Preparation for the GRE vocabulary list is more important than ever in 2025, thanks to advanced technology and AI-driven learning platforms. Using digital tools, vocab preparation is more intelligent, adaptive, and enjoyable, allowing you to learn even the most difficult words on the GRE word list through a method of concentration applied to memorisation and context-oriented learning.
Intelligent Vocabulary Personalisation to succeed in the GRE:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Apps: Work with such platforms as Magoosh or IntelliVocab, which adjust to your strengths, weaknesses, and gains.
- Figure 3. Custom Flashcards: To learn and memorise challenging words effectively, one can make personal digital or physical flashcards.
- Gamified Learning: Make vocab preparation a game with badges, leaderboards and streaks.
- Contextual Reading: Read with e-readers or annotation tools, words in actual passages and essays at the GRE level.
- Error Tracking: Check the errors and note the patterns, and concentrate your memorisation on the difficult words.
- Progress Analytics: The insights generated by AI tools can regularly be used to improve your strategy to memorise the list of GRE vocabulary.
Your own preparation is preferable because it makes the learning process quicker, retention stronger, and mastery of the GRE vocabulary list —keys to better grades and academic confidence —more permanent.
What Are the Key Challenges and Benefits of Mastering the GRE Vocabulary List?
The best skill to improve your GRE vocabulary list is to master the list of common GRE vocabulary, which will make your GRE technique of verbal performance and communication so effective. Although the process takes time, regularity and adequate vocab preparation, the rewards in the long run are most rewarding.
Advantages of learning the GRE Vocabulary List:
- Increases the verbal reasoning and reading comprehension scores.
- Improves admissions to the leading universities across the world.
- Develops trust in academic and professional intercourse.
- Helps to develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Enhances memorisation by use of AI-powered and eLearning tools.
- Gifts a lifetime language benefit in global careers.
Difficulties of studying the GRE Vocabulary List:
- Dealing with such a high number of words in the GRE word list.
- Storing hard words in the long term without due revision.
- Using and interpreting words correctly.
- Being encouraged and consistent in vocab training.
- Taking the vocabulary and other sections of the GRE.
- Getting rid of the reliance on rote memorisation with more innovative learning techniques.
Even these hurdles can be overcome with the proper approach and the help of experts.
🎯 Important: Overcoming GRE Vocabulary List Hurdles
- Set yourself a realistic daily target for your vocab preparation.
- Use AI-powered apps for adapative review and error tracking.
- Join the Gateway International mentorship programme you know and benefit from expert guidance and peer.
- Celebrate the little wins to stay motivated throughout your vocab journey.
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🎯 Important: Gateway International’s GRE Vocabulary List Success Formula
- Personalized study plans based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- You can access vocabulary preparation tools with AI-powered vocabulary lists.
- Regular progress monitoring, feedback, and motivational support.
- From vocabularies to university applications and scholarships.
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What is the best way to memorize the GRE vocabulary list for a high score?
Use AI-powered flashcards with spaced repetition. Concentrate on high-frequency words and practice using them in sentences every day. Contextual learning and regular review cycles are the keys to long-term retention.
Q2: How many words should I learn for the GRE vocabulary list?
Try for 1,000 to 1,200 high-frequency academic words, with a priority on those on the lists from Barron’s 333, Magoosh, The quality and understanding of context are more important than.
Q3: Are digital vocab prep tools better than traditional methods?
Digital tools offer adaptive review, error tracking, and gamification, making vocabulary preparation more efficient and engaging. But it’s best to combine digital and traditional methods (such as a personal dictionary) to get.
Q4: How do I ensure I remember words for the GRE verbal section?
Actively recall, make use of spaced repetition, and apply words in context, both in speaking and in writing. Review your mistakes regularly and revisit difficult words.
Q5: Do I need to know secondary meanings and connotations for the GRE vocabulary list?
Yes, the Verbal Section of the 2025 GRE increasingly tests for secondary meanings and connotations. See, this knowledge of how words work in different contexts is essential for a top score.
Q6: Can I use Indian English words or regional vocabulary in the GRE?
No, the GRE vocabulary is based on standard academic English. Thing is, avoid the use of words which are only found in regional texts. Concentrate on.
Q7: How does Gateway International support GRE vocabulary list preparation?
Gateway International offers a personal study plan, access to AI-powered vocabulary tools, curated high-frequency word lists, and expert mentorship to help you ace your GRE verbal score.
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve Your GRE Vocabulary Goals
Step-by-Step Consultancy Support
Gateway International simplifies the journey to mastering the GRE vocabulary list through a focused, structured, and student-centred approach. Our expert team combines advanced digital tools with personalised mentorship to make vocab prep and memorisation efficient and effective.
- Personalised Study Plans: Tailored strategies based on your learning style and target universities, ensuring focused progress on the GRE vocabulary list.
- AI-Powered Learning: Smart apps track progress, highlight weak areas, and enhance memorisation for the most essential words from the GRE word list.
- Interactive Practice: Engaging quizzes and contextual exercises build real-world application and long-term retention.
- Continuous Feedback: Regular mentor reviews and progress tracking keep your vocab prep consistent and data-driven.
- Motivation & Mentorship: Ongoing support keeps you accountable, confident, and inspired throughout your preparation journey.
- Admission & Scholarship Guidance: We connect your strong vocabulary performance to better academic and funding opportunities.
With Gateway International, your GRE vocabulary list preparation becomes smarter, faster, and more impactful—helping you achieve top scores and reach your global education goals.
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Conclusion: GRE vocabulary list
Mastering the GRE vocabulary list is the key to unlocking global academic and career success. In 2025, AI-enhanced tools, personalised learning strategies, and research-driven memorisation techniques have revolutionised vocabulary preparation for Indian students. The right approach—combining the traditional GRE word list with digital innovation—ensures you learn smarter, not harder. Gateway International’s expertise helps you navigate this journey with structured guidance, adaptive technology, and motivational support. By building a strong foundation in advanced vocabulary, you not only boost your GRE verbal score but also enhance your overall communication, analytical, and reasoning abilities. Remember, your GRE vocabulary list is more than exam content—it’s a bridge to higher education, global exposure, and personal growth. Start today, and let your words open the door to tomorrow’s opportunities.
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About the Author
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2025, the GRE verbal section emphasizes critical reasoning and contextual usage, making a robust vocabulary essential for higher scores.
Indian students can use spaced repetition, digital tools, and contextual learning practices to enhance vocabulary retention and usage.
Key trends include AI-powered vocab apps, contextual learning, spaced repetition algorithms, and gamification of vocabulary learning.
A strong vocabulary helps Indian students achieve better outcomes in academic and career pursuits, enhancing critical thinking and communication skills.
Gateway International provides AI-powered tools, expert mentorship, and customized learning plans to optimize GRE vocab preparation.
Digital tools, offering adaptive learning and error tracking, can supplement traditional methods for a comprehensive and effective study approach.
Yes, mastering the vocabulary enhances academic profiles and job prospects by boosting communication, analytical skills, and exam performance.
