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 9
(300 words)| Word | POS | Definition |
|---|---|---|
selection | noun | The act of choosing or picking something |
selfish | adj. | Lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure. |
semester | noun | A half-year term in a school or university |
sensible | adj. | Having or showing good judgment |
sensitive | adj. | Easily affected by external influences or stimuli |
sensuous | adj. | Affecting the senses in a pleasing way |
sentimental | adj. | Having or arousing feelings of nostalgia, tenderness, or sadness |
sequence | noun | A particular order in which related events or things follow each other |
serene | adj. | Calm, peaceful, and untroubled |
serenity | noun | The state of being calm and peaceful |
serious | adj. | Not joking or intended to be funny |
sermon | noun | A religious discourse delivered in public |
session | noun | A period devoted to a particular activity |
sever | verb | To cut off or apart |
severe | adj. | Very bad, serious, or unpleasant in degree or quality |
shabby | adj. | In poor condition through long use or lack of care |
shackle | noun | A metal fastening used to bind a limb |
shade | noun | A slight darkness caused by something blocking the direct light from the sun. |
shaft | noun | A long, narrow part or section forming the handle of a tool or club, the body of a spear or arrow, or a similar structure. |
shake | verb | To move something back and forth or up and down with quick, short movements |
sallow | adj. | Having an unhealthy yellow or pale brown color |
shameless | adj. | Having no sense of shame or embarrassment |
sharpen | verb | To make something pointed or more defined |
shatter | verb | To break suddenly into many small pieces |
shear | verb | To cut the wool off a sheep or other animal |
sheathe | verb | To put a blade, such as a knife or sword, into a sheath |
sheer | adj. | Complete or absolute |
shield | noun | A protective device or barrier |
shipment | noun | A quantity of goods sent together |
shove | verb | To push someone or something roughly or with force |
shrewd | adj. | Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute. |
shrink | verb | To become smaller in size |
shuffle | verb | To mix up or rearrange in a random order |
shun | verb | To deliberately avoid or keep away from |
shy | adj. | Nervous or timid in the company of other people. |
sick | adj. | Affected by physical or mental illness |
sicken | verb | To cause to feel disgust or revulsion |
siege | noun | A military operation where forces surround a place to force surrender |
sigh | verb | To exhale audibly in relief or weariness |
significant | adj. | Having a particular meaning; indicative of something |
signify | verb | To be a sign of something; to make known or clear |
silica | noun | A hard, unreactive compound that is the main constituent of sand and quartz |
silly | adj. | Lacking in seriousness or common sense |
simulate | verb | To imitate or mimic the conditions of something |
simultaneously | adv. | At the same time |
sin | noun | An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law |
singe | verb | To burn lightly |
sinister | adj. | Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen |
site | noun | A location or place |
skeptic | noun | A person who doubts the truth or value of an idea or belief |
skeptical | adj. | Having doubt or questioning something |
sketch | noun | A rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often made to assist in making a more finished picture |
skillful | adj. | Having or showing ability, expertise, or aptitude |
skim | verb | To read quickly to get the main ideas |
skimpy | adj. | Lacking in size or fullness |
slacken | verb | To make or become less tight |
slag | noun | Waste material from metal smelting |
slander | noun | A false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation |
slant | verb | To tilt or lean in a particular direction |
slap | verb | To hit with an open hand |
slight | adj. | Small in degree; inconsiderable. |
slim | adj. | Thin in an attractive way |
slippery | adj. | Tending to cause slipping or sliding |
slogan | noun | A short and memorable phrase used in advertising or promotion |
slope | noun | A surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than another. |
sloppy | adj. | Careless or untidy |
slovenly | adj. | Messy and untidy in appearance or habits |
slug | noun | A small, slimy creature similar to a snail but without a shell |
sluggish | adj. | lacking energy or slow to move or react |
slump | verb | To fall or sink suddenly |
sly | adj. | Having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature. |
smash | verb | To break into pieces forcefully |
smear | verb | To spread or apply a substance messily or carelessly |
smell | verb | To perceive or detect an odor |
smother | verb | To suffocate someone or something by covering it completely. |
snag | verb | To catch or obtain something quickly or unexpectedly |
snap | verb | To break suddenly with a sharp sound |
sneak | verb | To move quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed |
sneer | verb | To smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner. |
snobbish | adj. | Having or showing the attitude of people who think they are better than others |
sober | adj. | Not affected by alcohol; clear-headed |
sociable | adj. | Friendly and willing to engage in activities with others |
sojourn | noun | A temporary stay |
solar | adj. | Relating to or determined by the sun |
sole | noun | The underside of a person's foot. |
solemn | adj. | Serious and dignified |
solicit | verb | To ask for something earnestly or try to obtain something from someone. |
solicitous | adj. | Showing concern or care for someone's health, happiness, etc. |
solidly | adv. | In a firm or strong manner |
solitary | adj. | Existing alone or being the only one |
solitude | noun | The state of being alone, often by choice and with a positive connotation. |
somewhat | adv. | To a moderate extent or degree |
soothe | verb | To gently calm or reduce pain |
souvenir | noun | An object kept as a reminder of a place or event |
sovereignty | noun | Supreme power or authority |
spaceship | noun | A vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space. |
spacious | adj. | Having lots of space |
spawn | verb | To produce or generate, especially in large numbers |
spectacle | noun | A visually striking performance or display |
spectacular | adj. | Impressive or dramatic in appearance or effect |
spectator | noun | A person who watches an event, show, game, activity, etc., often as part of an audience. |
speculate | verb | To form a theory or guess without firm evidence |
speedy | adj. | Done or occurring quickly |
spew | verb | To eject or discharge forcefully |
sphere | noun | A round, three-dimensional shape where every point on the surface is equidistant from the center |
spine | noun | The series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the lower back, enclosing the spinal cord and providing support for the thorax and abdomen; the backbone. |
spineless | adj. | Lacking courage or strength of character |
spleen | noun | An organ involved in the production and removal of blood cells in most vertebrates and forming part of the immune system. |
splendid | adj. | Magnificent; very impressive. |
splendor | noun | Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur |
spoil | verb | To become bad or not fit to eat or use |
spontaneous | adj. | Happening naturally without planning |
sporadic | adj. | Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated. |
spot | noun | A small round mark or stain |
spouse | noun | A husband or wife |
spout | verb | To emit forcefully in a stream |
sprawl | verb | To spread out in an irregular or uncontrolled way |
spray | verb | To scatter liquid in small drops |
spring | noun | Season between winter and summer |
sprout | verb | To begin to grow |
spurt | verb | To gush or burst out suddenly |
squabble | verb | To engage in a petty or trivial argument |
squad | noun | A small group of people organized for a particular purpose |
squander | verb | To waste something, especially money or time, in a reckless or foolish manner |
square | noun | A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles |
squash | verb | To crush or flatten something with force |
squeak | verb | To make a short, high-pitched sound |
squeeze | verb | To apply pressure to something from opposite sides |
stab | verb | To pierce or wound with a pointed object |
stable | adj. | Not likely to change or fail |
staff | noun | A group of people who work for an organization or business |
stagger | verb | To walk or move unsteadily |
stale | adj. | No longer fresh |
stalk | verb | To follow or observe (a person) persistently and secretly, typically with harmful intentions. |
stall | verb | To stop making progress or to stop functioning |
stamina | noun | The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort. |
stand | verb | To be in an upright position on the feet |
startle | verb | To surprise or frighten (someone) suddenly and unexpectedly |
starve | verb | To suffer or die from extreme or prolonged lack of food |
static | adj. | Unchanging or lacking movement |
stationary | adj. | Not moving or not intended to be moved |
stationery | noun | Materials used for writing or office work |
statistics | noun | Branch of mathematics dealing with data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation |
statue | noun | A carved or cast figure of a person or animal |
status | noun | The position or rank in relation to others |
steadfast | adj. | Firmly fixed in place or position |
steady | adj. | Firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving. |
sterile | adj. | Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms |
stem | noun | The main stalk of a plant |
sticky | adj. | Having a glue-like texture |
stiff | adj. | Not easily bent or changed in shape |
still | adj. | Not moving or making a sound |
stimulate | verb | To encourage or arouse interest or enthusiasm |
stingy | adj. | Unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous |
stipulate | verb | To specify a condition or requirement |
stocky | adj. | Having a broad and sturdy build |
stodgy | adj. | Dull and uninspired; lacking in excitement or interest |
stout | adj. | bulky in figure; heavily built; corpulent; thickset; fat |
strain | noun | A force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage |
strait | noun | A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or large areas of water. |
strap | noun | A narrow piece of material used to fasten, secure, or carry something |
strengthen | verb | To make stronger or more powerful |
strenuous | adj. | Requiring or using great effort or energy |
stride | verb | To walk with long, decisive steps |
stringent | adj. | Strict and precise |
strip | verb | To remove the outer layer or covering from something |
strive | verb | To make great effort to achieve or obtain something |
stroll | verb | To walk leisurely |
stubborn | adj. | Unwilling to change one's mind or course of action despite good reasons to do so |
stuffy | adj. | Lacking fresh air |
stun | verb | To shock or surprise someone greatly |
stunt | noun | A daring or spectacular action |
sturdy | adj. | Strong and firm; not easily broken or damaged |
subjection | noun | The state of being under control or domination |
sublimate | verb | To redirect energy from unacceptable impulses into acceptable activities |
submerge | verb | To put under water |
submission | noun | The act of giving something for consideration or judgment |
submissive | adj. | Willing to obey someone else |
submit | verb | To rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi. |
subordinate | adj. | Lower in rank or position |
subsequent | adj. | Coming after something in time; following |
substantial | adj. | Of considerable importance, size, or worth |
substantiate | verb | To provide evidence to support or prove |
substantive | adj. | Having a firm basis in reality and therefore important, meaningful, or considerable. |
subtract | verb | To take away a number or amount from another to calculate the difference |
subvert | verb | To undermine the power or authority of an established system or institution. |
successful | adj. | Achieving a desired result or outcome |
successive | adj. | Following one after the other without interruption |
succinct | adj. | Expressed in a clear and brief manner |
succumb | verb | To fail to resist pressure, temptation, or some other negative force. |
sufficient | adj. | Enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end |
suffuse | verb | To spread through or over something |
suggest | verb | To propose an idea or plan for consideration |
suitable | adj. | Right for a certain purpose; proper; fitting |
sullen | adj. | Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy |
sum | verb | To add together to find the total amount |
summit | noun | The highest point of a hill or mountain |
summon | verb | To call on someone to be present, especially formally or by authority |
superb | adj. | Of the highest quality; grand; splendid. |
superficial | adj. | Concerned only with the surface or appearance |
superintendent | noun | A person who manages or oversees an organization or activity |
supersede | verb | To take the place of something that is considered old or no longer useful |
superstition | noun | A belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance. |
supplant | verb | To take the place of something or someone |
supple | adj. | Flexible and able to bend easily without breaking |
suppose | verb | To assume something is true without confirmation |
supreme | adj. | Highest in rank or authority |
surmise | verb | To guess something without having all the facts. |
surmount | verb | To overcome or deal with successfully |
surpass | verb | To go beyond or exceed in performance or quality |
surplus | noun | An amount that is more than what is needed |
survey | verb | To look over or examine carefully |
survive | verb | To continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship. |
susceptible | adj. | Easily affected or influenced by something |
suspect | verb | To believe that someone is likely to be guilty of a crime or responsible for a bad act |
suspicious | adj. | Feeling or showing distrust |
sustain | verb | To support or maintain |
sustenance | noun | Food and drink regarded as a source of strength |
swarm | noun | A large number of insects or other small creatures, especially when in motion |
swell | verb | To increase in size or volume |
swift | adj. | Happening quickly or promptly |
symbol | noun | Something that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. |
symmetry | noun | Balanced proportions or correspondence in size and shape on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane |
sympathetic | adj. | Showing understanding or compassion towards others' feelings |
symptom | noun | A physical or mental feature indicating a condition or disease |
synchronize | verb | To cause to occur at the same time or rate |
synopsis | noun | A brief summary or general overview of a text or subject |
synthetic | adj. | Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product. |
taboo | noun | A social or cultural prohibition |
tacit | adj. | Understood without being openly expressed |
tackle | verb | To confront or take on a challenge |
tactics | noun | Plans or actions designed to achieve a specific goal |
tag | noun | A label or marker attached to an object |
talent | noun | A natural aptitude or skill |
tally | verb | To count or calculate |
tamper | verb | To interfere with something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized changes |
tangible | adj. | Able to be touched or physically felt |
tangle | verb | To twist together in a confused mass |
tantalize | verb | To tease or torment with the promise of something unattainable |
tardy | adj. | Delayed beyond the expected or proper time |
tarnish | verb | To lose luster, especially due to exposure to air or moisture |
taste | noun | The sensation of flavor perceived in the mouth and throat |
taunt | verb | To mock or provoke someone in a scornful or contemptuous manner |
tease | verb | To make fun of or provoke |
tedious | adj. | Boring and too slow or long |
teem | verb | To be full of or swarming with |
temperament | noun | A person's or animal's nature, especially as it affects their behavior |
temperance | noun | Moderation or self-restraint |
temperate | adj. | Moderate or mild, especially in climate |
temperature | noun | The degree of heat present in a substance or object |
temporal | adj. | Related to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular |
temporary | adj. | lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent |
tempt | verb | To attract or entice someone to do something, often something unwise or wrong |
tenacious | adj. | Holding firmly to something |
tenant | noun | A person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord. |
tendency | noun | An inclination or predisposition toward a particular characteristic or type of behavior |
tender | adj. | Gentle and showing concern or sympathy |
tense | adj. | Feeling nervous or anxious |
tentative | adj. | Not certain or fixed; provisional |
tenuous | adj. | Very weak or slight |
tepid | adj. | Lukewarm; moderately warm |
terminate | verb | To bring to an end or halt |
terrify | verb | To cause intense fear |
terror | noun | Extreme fear |
testify | verb | To give evidence as a witness in a court of law |
testimony | noun | A formal statement given in a court of law |
textile | noun | A type of cloth or woven fabric |
thaw | verb | To become liquid or soft as a result of warming |
theft | noun | The act of stealing |
theoretical | adj. | Based on ideas rather than practical application |
thermometer | noun | An instrument for measuring temperature |
thesis | noun | A statement or theory put forward to be maintained or proved |
threaten | verb | To express an intention to harm |
threshold | noun | The point or level at which something begins or changes |
thrift | noun | The quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully |
thrive | verb | To grow or develop well or vigorously |
throng | noun | A large, densely packed crowd of people or animals |
thrust | verb | To push or drive with force |
thump | verb | To hit or strike heavily |
tide | noun | The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun |
tilted | verb | To cause to lean or slant |
timber | noun | Wood prepared for use in building and carpentry |
tingle | verb | To feel a slight prickling or stinging sensation |
tint | noun | A slight or pale color |
tiny | adj. | Very small in size or amount |
tip | noun | A small amount of money given for a service |
tissue | noun | A group of cells in an organism that have a similar structure and act together to perform a specific function |
titanic | adj. | Extremely large or powerful |
toe | noun | A digit of the foot |
tolerable | adj. | Acceptable or satisfactory, though not excellent |
tolerate | verb | To allow the existence, presence, practice, or act of without prohibition or hindrance; permit. |
toll | noun | A charge or fee for use |
torment | verb | To cause great physical or mental suffering |
torpid | adj. | Lacking energy or enthusiasm |
torturous | adj. | Causing extreme pain or suffering |
touching | adj. | Evoking strong feelings of sympathy or sadness |
touchy | adj. | Easily upset or offended |
tow | verb | To pull something behind using a rope or chain |
tower | noun | A tall, narrow building or structure that may stand apart or be attached to a larger structure. |
trace | verb | To find or discover by investigation |