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This TOEFL vocabulary list has 4500 words. It is particularly useful when test day is coming, and you are planning to review TOEFL words in a short time frame.

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TOEFL 4500 - Set 15

(314 words)
WordPOSDefinition
sew
verb
To join or attach by stitches
sewage
noun
Waste water and excrement conveyed in sewers
shallow
adj.
Of little depth; not deep
sharply
adv.
In a sudden or abrupt manner
shed
verb
To lose or drop something naturally
shell
noun
The hard protective outer case of an animal or a nut.
shelter
noun
A structure that provides privacy and protection from danger or the elements
shift
verb
To move or cause to move from one place or position to another.
shore
noun
The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water
shortage
noun
A state where there is not enough of something
shortly
adv.
In a short time; soon
shovel
noun
A tool with a broad blade and typically upturned sides, used for moving coal, earth, snow, or other material.
shower
noun
A brief and usually light fall of rain, hail, sleet, or snow
shrimp
noun
A small, marine crustacean with a long body and legs
shroud
noun
A cloth used to cover something, especially a dead body
shrub
noun
A woody plant smaller than a tree, usually with multiple stems
shuttle
noun
A vehicle that travels back and forth between two points
sieve
noun
A tool with a mesh or perforated bottom used to separate finer particles from coarser ones or solids from liquids.
signal
noun
A gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions
significantly
adv.
In a way that is important or large enough to have an effect
silicon
noun
A chemical element used in electronics
silt
noun
Fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment.
similar
adj.
Having a resemblance in appearance, character, or quantity, without being identical.
simmer
verb
To cook gently just below boiling point
simply
adv.
In a straightforward or plain manner
simultaneous
adj.
Happening at the same time
sinuous
adj.
Having many curves and turns
situated
adj.
Located or placed in a particular position
skeletal
adj.
Relating to or resembling a skeleton.
skeleton
noun
The internal structure of bones that supports the body of an animal or human
skip
verb
To move along lightly, stepping from one foot to the other with a hop or bounce
skull
noun
The bone structure that forms the head and encloses the brain
skyscraper
noun
A very tall building
sled
noun
A vehicle for traveling on snow or ice, typically pulled by animals or pushed by a person.
sledding
noun
The activity of riding on a sled.
slender
adj.
Gracefully thin
slice
noun
A thin, broad piece cut from a larger object
slide
verb
To move smoothly along a surface
slip
verb
To lose one's footing and slide unintentionally
slog
verb
To work hard for a long period of time
sloth
noun
Reluctance to work or make an effort
slumber
verb
To sleep
smoothly
adv.
In a way that is without difficulty or problems
snack
noun
A small amount of food eaten between meals
snowflake
noun
A single ice crystal or a cluster of ice crystals that falls as snow
so-called
adj.
Used to indicate a name or term that might not be accurate or is used ironically
soccer
noun
A team sport played with a round ball that may not be touched with the hands or arms during play, except by the goalkeepers.
sociology
noun
The study of society and social behavior
soda
noun
A carbonated soft drink
sodium
noun
A soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal element
soft
adj.
Having a smooth texture
solder
verb
To join metal pieces using melted metal
solid
adj.
Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid
solo
noun
A performance by one person alone
soluble
adj.
Capable of being dissolved in a liquid, especially water
solution
noun
A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation
sophisticated
adj.
Having a refined knowledge of the world
soprano
noun
The highest vocal range for singers, typically female or young boys.
sore
adj.
Painful or aching
sound
noun
Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.
sour
adj.
Having an acidic taste
sow
verb
To plant seeds in the ground for growth
soybean
noun
A leguminous plant native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible seeds and oil.
space
noun
The vast, seemingly infinite region beyond Earth's atmosphere.
span
verb
To extend across a period of time or a range of items
spare
verb
To refrain from harming or destroying
spark
noun
A small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, or a small flash of light
sparse
adj.
Thinly dispersed or scattered
special
adj.
Better, greater, or otherwise different from what is usual
specialize
verb
To focus on a specific area of study or work
specialized
adj.
Designed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge
species
noun
A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring
specify
verb
To clearly define or identify
specimen
noun
An individual example of something, especially an animal, plant, or piece of a mineral, used for scientific study or display.
spectrum
noun
A range of different things, usually colors or ideas
spice
noun
A substance used to flavor food
spill
verb
To accidentally pour out liquid
spin
verb
To turn around quickly
spinning
verb
Turning around quickly
spiny
adj.
Covered with or having spines
spiral
noun
A shape made up of curves, each one above or wider than the one before
splash
verb
To cause liquid to scatter in drops
split
verb
To divide into parts or sections
sponge
noun
A porous material used for cleaning or absorbing liquid
sponsor
noun
A person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity
spontaneity
noun
The quality of being impulsive or unplanned
spread
verb
To extend over a larger area
spun
verb
To turn or whirl around quickly
spur
verb
To encourage or prompt someone to do something
squid
noun
A type of sea animal with a soft body and long arms
squirrel
noun
A small rodent with a bushy tail
squirt
verb
To eject liquid in a thin stream
stack
verb
To pile or arrange objects on top of each other
stadium
noun
A large structure for sports or entertainment events with tiers of seats for spectators
stage
noun
A raised platform for performances or presentations
stagecoach
noun
A large, horse-drawn vehicle used for transporting passengers and mail along a regular route.
staggered
verb
To walk or move unsteadily
staggering
adj.
Astonishing or deeply shocking
stain
verb
To mark or discolor something
stake
noun
A strong wooden or metal post driven into the ground
standard
noun
A level of quality or attainment
staple
noun
A basic or principal item, especially of food.
starch
noun
A carbohydrate found in plants, used as a food source and thickening agent.
stark
adj.
Severe or bare in appearance or outline
startling
adj.
Causing sudden surprise or alarm
stash
verb
To store something safely in a hidden or secret place
state
noun
A condition or situation
statesman
noun
A skilled, experienced, and respected political leader
station
noun
A place where a particular activity or service is based
statistic
noun
A numerical fact or piece of data
statistical
adj.
Related to the use or analysis of numerical data
stature
noun
A person's natural height
steep
adj.
Having a sharp inclination; precipitous.
steer
verb
To guide the direction of a vehicle or vessel
stellar
adj.
Related to stars
stereo
noun
A sound system with two or more speakers that creates the illusion of multi-directional sound.
stew
noun
A dish made by slow cooking meat and vegetables in liquid
stick
noun
A long, thin piece of wood
sting
verb
To pierce or wound with a sharp-pointed part
stir
verb
To mix a substance by moving an implement through it in a circular motion
stock
noun
A supply or quantity of something available for use
storage
noun
The act of keeping something in a particular place until it is needed
strand
noun
A single thin length of something such as thread, fiber, or wire, often twisted with others to make a rope or cable.
strategy
noun
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim
stratum
noun
A layer of material, often one of several parallel layers.
stream
noun
A small, narrow river.
stress
noun
A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
stretch
verb
To extend or lengthen
strict
adj.
Demanding that rules concerning behavior are obeyed and observed
strike
verb
To hit or attack someone or something forcefully
string
noun
A thin piece of cord
stripe
noun
A long, narrow band or strip differing in color or texture from the surrounding area
studio
noun
A room or building for the purpose of creating art, music, or broadcasting
stylish
adj.
Having elegance or sophistication in appearance or manner
stylistic
adj.
Related to style, especially in art or literature
stylized
adj.
Designed or presented in a non-realistic, artistic manner
subdue
verb
To bring under control
subject
noun
A person or thing being discussed, described, or dealt with
submarine
noun
A watercraft capable of underwater operation
subsidize
verb
To support financially
subsidy
noun
Financial aid provided by the government to support a specific sector or industry.
subsist
verb
To maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level
subspecies
noun
A taxonomic group that is a division of a species
substance
noun
A particular kind of matter with uniform properties
substitute
verb
To replace one thing or person for another
subtle
adj.
Not obvious or easy to notice
suburb
noun
A residential area on the outskirts of a city or large town
subway
noun
An underground railway system used for public transport
suffragist
noun
A person advocating for voting rights, especially for women.
suitcase
noun
A portable case for carrying clothes and personal items
sulfur
noun
A yellow chemical element
summary
noun
A brief statement that presents the main points
sunlit
adj.
Illuminated by the sun
sunset
noun
The time in the evening when the sun disappears below the horizon
superior
adj.
Higher in rank, status, or quality
supervise
verb
To watch over and direct a process or activity
supplement
noun
Something added to complete a thing or make up for a deficiency
suppress
verb
To stop something from being expressed or known
surge
noun
A sudden, powerful forward or upward movement
surgeon
noun
A medical doctor who performs operations
surrender
verb
To give up control or possession of something, often after a struggle
suspend
verb
To temporarily prevent from continuing or being in force or effect
suspension
noun
Temporary removal or stopping of something
sustained
adj.
Continuing for an extended period without interruption
swallow
verb
To cause or allow to pass down the throat
swamp
noun
A wetland area with trees and standing water
swan
noun
A large waterbird with a long neck, known for its graceful appearance and often white plumage.
swear
verb
To make a solemn promise or oath
sweat
verb
To excrete moisture through the pores of the skin
sweep
verb
To clean or clear a surface by brushing away dirt or debris
sweeping
adj.
Wide-ranging or extensive
swing
verb
To move back and forth or from side to side
switch
verb
To change the position, direction, or focus of
syllable
noun
A unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants
symbolic
adj.
Serving as a representation or symbol for something else
sympathy
noun
The feeling of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune
symphony
noun
A long and complex musical composition for an orchestra, typically with multiple sections.
synonym
noun
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word
synthesize
verb
To combine elements to form a coherent whole
syrup
noun
A thick, sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in boiling water
systematic
adj.
Done according to a fixed plan or system
tactic
noun
A planned action to achieve a specific end
tariff
noun
A tax on goods coming into or leaving a country
technique
noun
A way of carrying out a particular task, especially the execution of an artistic work or a scientific procedure
technological
adj.
Related to or involving technology
tectonics
noun
The study of the structure and movement of the Earth's crust
tedium
noun
The state of being monotonous and boring
telegraph
noun
An old communication system using coded signals sent over wires
telescope
noun
An instrument designed to make distant objects appear nearer, containing an arrangement of lenses, or of curved mirrors and lenses, by which rays of light are collected and focused and the resulting image magnified.
tendon
noun
A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone
tenement
noun
A large building divided into apartments, often in a poor area
tension
noun
The state of being stretched tight
tentacle
noun
A slender, flexible limb or appendage in animals, especially around the mouth of an invertebrate, used for grasping or moving.
terminal
adj.
Relating to an end or final stage
terminology
noun
The set of terms or vocabulary used in a particular field or subject.
terrain
noun
The physical features of a tract of land
terrestrial
adj.
Relating to the Earth or land
territory
noun
An area of land that is under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.
texture
noun
The feel or appearance of a surface or substance
therapy
noun
Treatment of physical or mental disorders
thorn
noun
A sharp, pointed part of a plant
thorough
adj.
Complete with great attention to detail
thrifty
adj.
Using money and resources carefully and not wastefully
thwart
verb
To prevent someone from accomplishing something
tile
noun
A flat, thin piece of material used for covering surfaces
tolerant
adj.
Showing willingness to allow the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.
topography
noun
The arrangement of natural and artificial features of an area
topsoil
noun
The uppermost layer of soil, rich in nutrients, where plants grow
tornado
noun
A violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground
torrent
noun
A strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid
tournament
noun
A series of contests in a particular sport or game
towering
adj.
Extremely tall, especially in comparison to surroundings
toxic
adj.
Containing or being poisonous material, especially when capable of causing death or serious harm
tract
noun
An area of land or water
tragic
adj.
Causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow.
transfer
verb
To move from one place to another
transit
noun
The act of passing through or across a place
translucent
adj.
Allowing light to pass through but not detailed shapes
transmit
verb
To send or pass something from one person, place, or thing to another
transplant
verb
To move something from one place to another
tread
verb
To walk in a specific way
trench
noun
A long, narrow ditch
tribal
adj.
Relating to a group of people with shared ancestry and culture
tributary
noun
A smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one
trigger
verb
To cause an event or situation to happen or exist
tropic
noun
Either of the two circles of latitude on Earth that mark the most northerly and southerly positions at which the sun can be directly overhead
troupe
noun
A group of performers
tube
noun
A long, hollow cylinder
tuition
noun
The fee for instruction
tundra
noun
A vast, treeless region with a cold climate and frozen subsoil, typically found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
tunnel
noun
An underground passage
turbulent
adj.
Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.
turkey
noun
A large bird native to North America, often raised for food
turnpike
noun
A major highway that requires a toll for use
turtle
noun
A reptile with a hard shell that lives in water or on land
tutor
noun
A person who provides individual instruction
twine
noun
Strong string made of two or more strands twisted together
twinkling
noun
A very brief moment
twist
verb
To bend or turn into a different shape
tycoon
noun
A wealthy and powerful business person
ultimately
adv.
In the end or finally
ultimatum
noun
A final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations
ultraviolet
adj.
Relating to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays.
unaided
adj.
Without help or assistance
unconsolidated
adj.
Not firmly joined together
undergo
verb
To experience or be subjected to something, typically something unpleasant or challenging
underlying
adj.
Fundamental or basic, serving as a basis or support
underneath
prep.
Situated directly below something
underscore
verb
To emphasize or highlight something
undertake
verb
To commit to and begin a task
uneven
adj.
Not level or flat
uniform
noun
A distinctive outfit worn by members of the same organization or group
unify
verb
To make or become a single unit
unity
noun
The state of being united or joined as a whole
unparalleled
adj.
Having no equal or match; exceptional
unprecedented
adj.
Never done or known before
unpredictable
adj.
Not able to be predicted or foreseen
unravel
verb
To untangle or separate the threads of something
unsubstantiated
adj.
Lacking evidence or support
untamed
adj.
Not domesticated or controlled
untapped
adj.
Not yet used or exploited
upheaval
noun
A strong or violent change or disturbance
uppermost
adj.
Highest in position or rank
utilitarian
adj.
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
utmost
adj.
Greatest or highest in degree or intensity
utter
verb
To say something or to make a sound with one's voice
vacate
verb
To leave a place that one currently occupies
vaccine
noun
A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases
vapor
noun
A substance diffused or suspended in the air, especially one normally liquid or solid
varied
adj.
Incorporating a number of different types or elements
vascular
adj.
Relating to the vessels that carry blood or other fluids in the body
vegetarian
noun
A person who does not eat meat
vegetation
noun
Plants collectively, especially those found in a particular area or environment.
vehicle
noun
A machine used for transporting people or goods, especially on land
velocity
noun
The speed of something in a given direction
vent
verb
To express feelings, especially anger or frustration
verbal
adj.
Related to words or speech
vertebrate
noun
An animal with a backbone
vessel
noun
A ship or large boat
viable
adj.
Capable of working successfully
vibrate
verb
To move back and forth rapidly
vice
noun
Immoral or wicked behavior
violently
adv.
In a forceful or intense manner
viral
adj.
Relating to or caused by a virus
virus
noun
A microscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism
visible
adj.
Able to be seen
visual
adj.
Relating to sight or seeing
vocal
adj.
Expressing opinions or feelings freely and loudly
volatile
adj.
Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
voyage
noun
A long journey, especially by water or into space
wagon
noun
A vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers, typically one that is pulled by horses
wane
verb
To decrease in size, extent, or degree
warehouse
noun
A large building for storing goods
warp
verb
To twist or bend out of shape
wasp
noun
A stinging insect with a slender body and wings
watercourse
noun
A natural or artificial channel through which water flows
wax
noun
A solid, yellowish substance made by bees and used in making candles, polish, etc.
weathering
noun
The process by which rocks are broken down by natural forces
weed
noun
A wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.
wick
noun
A strip or cord in a candle or lamp that is lit
willful
adj.
Intentional or deliberate
willow
noun
A type of tree with narrow leaves and flexible branches
wispy
adj.
Thin and fine
withstand
verb
To remain undamaged or unaffected by something
wrap
verb
To cover or enclose something with paper or other material
wreck
verb
To destroy or severely damage something
X-ray
yarn
noun
A long, thin strand made from fibers, used for knitting or weaving.
yeast
noun
A fungus used in baking and brewing to make dough rise and ferment liquids.
yield
verb
To produce or provide
yogurt
noun
A dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacteria.
zealous
adj.
Showing great energy or enthusiasm
zinc
noun
A bluish-white metallic element used to galvanize iron and as an ingredient in various alloys and compounds.
zone
noun
An area distinguished by a particular characteristic or purpose