Max Vocab

6000 GRE words

Max Vocab Icon

Study on Your Phone

Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play

GRE 6000 - Set 20

(313 words)
WordPOSDefinition
unalloyed
adj.
Pure and not mixed with anything else
unanimity
noun
Complete agreement among everyone involved
unassailable
adj.
Impossible to challenge or attack
unassuaged
adj.
Not soothed or relieved
unassuming
adj.
Modest and not drawing attention
unassured
adj.
Lacking confidence
unbridled
adj.
Not controlled or restrained
uncanny
adj.
Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way
unceremonious
adj.
Lacking formality or politeness
uncompromising
adj.
Not willing to change or make concessions
unconscionable
adj.
Not right or reasonable
uncouth
adj.
Lacking good manners or refinement
unction
noun
Anointing with oil as part of a religious ceremony
unctuous
adj.
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily
undercut
verb
To offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor
underhand
adj.
Done in a secret or dishonest way
underlying
adj.
Fundamental or basic, serving as a basis or support
undermine
verb
To weaken or damage something gradually
underscore
verb
To emphasize or highlight something
understate
verb
To describe something as being smaller or less important than it actually is
understated
adj.
Subtly elegant or restrained
undertake
verb
To commit to and begin a task
undertaker
noun
A person whose business is preparing dead bodies for burial or cremation and making arrangements for funerals.
undertaking
noun
A task or project, especially one that is large or difficult
underwrite
verb
To assume financial responsibility for something, often by providing insurance or backing a financial venture.
undulate
verb
To move in a smooth, wave-like motion
undulating
adj.
Having a smooth, wave-like motion or form
unearth
verb
To dig up something buried
unearthly
adj.
Strange or unnatural
unequivocal
adj.
Leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous
unerringly
adv.
Without making mistakes
unexceptionable
adj.
Beyond criticism or objection
unfaltering
adj.
Steady and resolute
unfeigned
adj.
Genuine or sincere
unfetter
verb
To release from restraint or inhibition
unfettered
adj.
Not restricted or restrained
unflappable
adj.
Not easily upset or perturbed
unfledged
adj.
Inexperienced or immature
unforthcoming
adj.
Not willing to divulge information
unfrock
verb
To remove from a position of authority, especially in a religious context
ungainly
adj.
Lacking grace in movement or posture; awkward
unguent
noun
A soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin
uniformity
noun
The state of being the same or consistent
unilateral
adj.
Performed by or affecting only one side or party
unimpeachable
adj.
Not able to be doubted or questioned
uninhibited
adj.
Expressing feelings or thoughts freely without restraint
unintimating
adj.
Not causing fear or anxiety
unique
adj.
Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
unison
noun
Simultaneous performance or utterance of action or speech
universal
adj.
Applicable everywhere or in all cases
unkempt
adj.
Having an untidy or disheveled appearance
unmitigated
adj.
Absolute and not lessened
unnerve
verb
To make someone feel anxious or uncomfortable
unobtrusive
adj.
Not attracting attention
unprecedented
adj.
Never done or known before
unprepossessing
adj.
Not attractive or appealing
unpropitious
adj.
Not favorable or likely to lead to success
unravel
verb
To untangle or separate the threads of something
unregenerate
adj.
Not reforming or showing repentance; obstinately wrong or bad
unremitting
adj.
Never relaxing or slackening; persistent
unrequited
adj.
Not returned or reciprocated
unruly
adj.
Difficult to control or manage
unsavory
adj.
Disagreeable or unpleasant, especially in taste or smell
unscathed
adj.
Not injured or harmed
unscrupulous
adj.
Having no moral principles; not honest or fair
unseemly
adj.
Inappropriate or improper
unsightly
adj.
Not pleasant to look at
unsparing
adj.
Not holding back in giving or using something
unstinting
adj.
Generous and giving without restraint
unsullied
adj.
Not spoiled or made impure
untempered
adj.
Not moderated or controlled
untenable
adj.
Not able to be maintained or defended
untoward
adj.
Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient
untrammeled
adj.
Not restricted or restrained
unviable
adj.
Not capable of working or succeeding
unwarranted
adj.
Not justified or authorized
unwieldy
adj.
Difficult to carry or handle because of size, shape, or weight
unwitting
adj.
Not aware or knowing
unwonted
adj.
Not usual or expected; unusual
upbraid
verb
To criticize or scold someone
upright
adj.
Vertical or erect in position
uproar
noun
A state of noisy excitement or confusion
uproarious
adj.
Extremely funny
upshot
noun
The final result or outcome of a situation
urbane
adj.
Having a refined, polite, and sophisticated manner
urchin
noun
A mischievous or playful young child, often poor and raggedly dressed.
urge
verb
To strongly suggest or encourage someone to do something
urgent
adj.
Requiring immediate attention or action
ursine
adj.
Relating to or resembling bears
usage
noun
The way something is used
usufruct
noun
The right to enjoy the use and advantages of another's property short of the destruction or waste of its substance.
usurp
verb
To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
usurpation
noun
Taking power or position illegally or by force
usury
noun
Charging excessively high interest on loans
utilitarian
adj.
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
utopia
noun
An imagined place or state of perfection
utter
verb
To say something or to make a sound with one's voice
utterly
adv.
Completely or absolutely
uxorious
adj.
Having or showing an excessive fondness for one's wife
vacate
verb
To leave a place that one currently occupies
vacillate
verb
To be unable to decide between different options
vacillation
noun
Indecisiveness or inability to choose between different opinions or actions
vacuous
adj.
Lacking thought or intelligence
vagary
noun
An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or someone's behavior.
vain
adj.
Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth.
vainglorious
adj.
Excessively proud of oneself; overly boastful
valance
noun
A decorative drapery hung across a top edge, often used to conceal curtain fixtures.
valedictory
adj.
Relating to a farewell
valetudinarian
noun
A person who is excessively concerned about their health and often suffers from imaginary illnesses.
validate
verb
To confirm the accuracy or truthfulness of something
valor
noun
Courage or bravery in dangerous situations
vampire
noun
A mythical creature that drinks blood
vanguard
noun
The leading position in a movement or field.
vanquish
verb
To defeat thoroughly
vantage
noun
A position giving a strategic advantage or a comprehensive view
vapid
adj.
Lacking liveliness or interest
variance
noun
The fact or quality of being different or inconsistent
variegated
adj.
Exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks.
vassal
noun
A person or country in a subordinate position to another
vat
noun
A large container used for mixing or storing liquid substances, especially in a factory
vaunt
verb
To boast about something excessively
vaunted
adj.
Highly praised or boasted about
veer
verb
To change direction suddenly
vegetate
verb
To live in a passive and unengaged way
vehement
adj.
Showing strong and intense feelings
vellum
noun
A fine parchment made from calfskin, used for writing.
venal
adj.
Open to corruption or bribery
venality
noun
Susceptibility to bribery
vendetta
noun
A prolonged and bitter feud or rivalry
veneer
noun
A thin decorative covering of fine wood applied to a coarser wood or other material.
venerable
adj.
Deserving respect because of age, wisdom, or character
venerate
verb
To regard with great respect or reverence
venerated
verb
To regard with great respect
venial
adj.
Pardonable or forgivable, often used in a moral or religious context
vent
verb
To express feelings, especially anger or frustration
ventral
adj.
Relating to the underside or abdominal part of an animal or plant.
venture
noun
A risky or daring undertaking or journey
venturous
adj.
Willing to take risks or embark on difficult or unusual courses of action.
veracios
adj.
Habitually truthful or honest
veracious
adj.
Truthful or honest
veracity
noun
Conformity to facts; accuracy
verbatim
adv.
In exactly the same words
verbiage
noun
Excessive use of words
verbose
adj.
Using more words than necessary
verdant
adj.
Green with vegetation
verdigris
noun
A green or bluish deposit formed on copper, brass, or bronze surfaces due to oxidation
verisimilar
adj.
Having the appearance of truth; likely to be true
verisimilitude
noun
The appearance of being true or real
veritable
adj.
Used as an intensifier to qualify a metaphor; real or genuine
verity
noun
A true principle or belief, especially one of fundamental importance
vermicular
adj.
Having a worm-like appearance or movement
vernal
adj.
Related to or occurring in spring
versatile
adj.
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
vertex
noun
A point where two or more lines or edges meet.
vertiginous
adj.
Causing a sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall; extremely high or steep.
vertigo
noun
A sensation of spinning or dizziness
verve
noun
Energy and enthusiasm in expression or performance
vestige
noun
A small remaining part of something that once existed
vestment
noun
An official or ceremonial garment, especially one worn by clergy during services.
vex
verb
To annoy or irritate
vexation
noun
State of being annoyed or frustrated
via
prep.
By way of
viable
adj.
Capable of working successfully
viand
noun
An item of food, especially a choice or delicious dish
vicarious
adj.
Experienced through the actions or feelings of another person
vicissitude
noun
A change or variation occurring in the course of something.
victuals
noun
Food or provisions
vie
verb
To compete eagerly with someone in order to achieve something.
vigilance
noun
The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
vigilant
adj.
Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
vigor
noun
Physical strength and good health
vilify
verb
To speak or write harshly about someone, making them seem bad.
vim
noun
Great energy or enthusiasm
vindicate
verb
To clear from blame or suspicion
vindictive
adj.
Having a strong desire for revenge
vintage
adj.
Classic and high-quality from a past era
vintner
noun
A person who makes or sells wine
viper
noun
A venomous snake
virago
noun
A loud and overbearing woman
virile
adj.
Having strength, energy, and a strong sex drive; traditionally associated with masculinity.
virtual
adj.
Existing or occurring on computers or the internet rather than in the physical world
virtuoso
noun
A person highly skilled in a particular art, especially music
virulent
adj.
Extremely severe or harmful in its effects
virus
noun
A microscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism
visage
noun
The face or facial expression
viscid
adj.
Having a thick, sticky consistency
viscous
adj.
Having a thick, sticky consistency
visionary
adj.
Having or showing clear ideas about what should happen or be done in the future
vitality
noun
The state of being strong and active
vitiate
verb
To impair or spoil the quality or efficiency of something
vitreous
adj.
Having the nature of glass; glassy
vitriol
noun
Bitter criticism or malice
vitriolic
adj.
Filled with bitter criticism or malice
vituperate
verb
To criticize harshly
vituperative
adj.
Characterized by harsh and abusive language
vivacious
adj.
Full of life and energy
vivisection
noun
The practice of performing operations on live animals for scientific research
vociferous
adj.
Expressing opinions loudly and forcefully
vogue
noun
The prevailing fashion or trend at a particular time
volatile
adj.
Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
volition
noun
The act of making a choice or decision
volubility
noun
The quality of talking fluently and readily
voluble
adj.
Speaking a lot and with ease
voracious
adj.
Having an extremely strong appetite or desire for something
votary
noun
A devoted follower or advocate of a particular cause or person
vouchsafe
verb
To grant or give something in a gracious or condescending manner
wade
verb
To walk through water or another liquid or soft substance
waffle
verb
To speak or write evasively without making a clear point
waft
verb
To move gently through the air
wag
verb
To move something back and forth, typically a tail or finger
wage
noun
Regular payment for work
waggish
adj.
Playfully humorous or mischievous
waif
noun
A homeless and helpless person, especially a neglected or abandoned child.
waive
verb
To refrain from enforcing a rule or fee
wake
verb
To stop sleeping
wallow
verb
To roll around in mud or water for pleasure or comfort
wan
adj.
Pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion
wander
verb
To walk around without a specific destination or purpose
wanderlust
noun
A strong desire to travel
wane
verb
To decrease in size, extent, or degree
wangle
verb
To obtain something by clever or deceitful means
wanting
adj.
Lacking in a certain required or necessary quality.
wanton
adj.
Deliberate and unprovoked
warble
verb
To sing in a trilling or quavering voice
ward
noun
A section in a hospital for a particular type of patient care
warp
verb
To twist or bend out of shape
warrant
noun
A document issued by a legal or government official authorizing the police to make an arrest, search premises, or carry out some other action.
warranted
adj.
Justified or necessary
warranty
noun
A written guarantee promising to repair or replace an item if necessary within a specified period.
warren
noun
A network of interconnected rabbit burrows
wary
adj.
Cautious or careful about possible dangers or problems.
wastrel
noun
A person who is wasteful, especially with money
waver
verb
To become unsteady or unsure
wax
noun
A solid, yellowish substance made by bees and used in making candles, polish, etc.
waylay
verb
To stop or interrupt someone and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other way.
wayward
adj.
Difficult to control or predict due to unusual behavior
wean
verb
To gradually stop feeding a baby or young animal with its mother's milk and start feeding it other food.
weary
adj.
Feeling or showing tiredness
weather
noun
The state of the atmosphere at a place and time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind.
weigh
verb
To determine the weight of something
weird
adj.
Unusual or strange
welkin
noun
The sky or the vault of heaven
well-bred
adj.
Having or showing good manners and upbringing
welt
noun
A raised mark on the skin caused by a blow or pressure.
welter
noun
A chaotic mess or jumble
wheedle
verb
To persuade someone to do something or give something by using flattery or coaxing
whelp
noun
A young offspring of a mammal, especially a dog or wolf.
whereas
conj.
Used to contrast two different things or situations
whet
verb
To sharpen a tool or blade
whiff
noun
A slight smell carried on the air
whim
noun
A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is odd or unexplained.
whimsical
adj.
Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way
whimsy
noun
Playful or fanciful behavior or humor
whine
verb
To complain in an annoying way
whinny
verb
To make a gentle, high-pitched neighing sound
whit
noun
A very small amount
whitewash
verb
To cover up unpleasant facts
whittle
verb
To carve or shape by cutting small pieces from it.
wholesome
adj.
Promoting health or well-being
whorl
noun
A pattern of spirals or concentric circles
wiggle
verb
To move with small, quick movements from side to side or up and down.
willful
adj.
Intentional or deliberate
willowy
adj.
Gracefully slender and flexible
wilt
verb
To become limp or drooping, often due to lack of water.
wily
adj.
Skilled at gaining an advantage, often through deceit
wince
verb
To make a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement due to pain or distress.
windfall
noun
Unexpected gain or advantage
winnow
verb
To remove chaff from grain by blowing air on it
winsome
adj.
Attractive or appealing in a sweet or innocent way
wisp
noun
A small, thin, or delicate piece or amount
wispy
adj.
Thin and fine
wistful
adj.
Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing
withdrawn
adj.
Shy and not wanting to interact with others
wither
verb
To become dry and shriveled
withhold
verb
To refuse to give something that is due or desired.
withstand
verb
To remain undamaged or unaffected by something
witless
adj.
Lacking intelligence or sense
witticism
noun
A clever or witty remark
wizardry
noun
The art or practice of magic
wizened
adj.
Having a shriveled or wrinkled appearance, often due to aging
woe
noun
Great sorrow or distress
woeful
adj.
Full of sorrow or misery
wont
noun
A habitual way of doing something
worldly
adj.
Experienced and knowledgeable about life and society
wraith
noun
A ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen shortly before or after their death.
wrangle
verb
To argue or dispute
wrath
noun
Extreme anger
wreak
verb
To cause something harmful or damaging
wrench
noun
A tool used for gripping and turning objects
wrest
verb
To take something away by force
wretch
noun
A person in a very unhappy or unfortunate state.
wring
verb
To twist and squeeze something to remove liquid
wrinkle
noun
A small line or fold in something, especially fabric or skin, due to crumpling or aging.
writ
noun
A formal written order issued by a court
writhe
verb
To twist or squirm in pain or discomfort
wrongheaded
adj.
Having or showing bad judgment or misguided opinions
wry
adj.
Expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
xenophobia
noun
An intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries.
xenophobic
adj.
Having an irrational fear or dislike of people from other countries
yen
noun
The basic monetary unit of Japan
yeoman
noun
A farmer who owns a small amount of land
yield
verb
To produce or provide
yoke
noun
A wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull.
yokel
noun
A person from a rural area, often seen as unsophisticated or naive
yore
noun
A time long past
zany
adj.
Amusingly unconventional or idiosyncratic
zeal
noun
Great enthusiasm or energy in pursuit of a cause or objective
zealot
noun
A person who is fanatically committed to a cause
zealous
adj.
Showing great energy or enthusiasm
zeitgeist
noun
The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history, as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
zenith
noun
The highest point or peak
zephyr
noun
A gentle, mild breeze
zest
noun
Great enthusiasm and energy