Every pair in this list has appeared in real GRE sentence equivalence questions. The two words aren't always perfect synonyms, but in the context of a real question they function as the correct answer pair. I organized them by meaning so they're easier to study and recall.
How to use this: Go through the full list quickly. Mark the pairs you already know vs. the ones you don't. Focus your daily vocab sessions on the ones you don't know. By exam day you should have gone through this 10+ times. Speed and repetition beats slow memorization every time.
1. Praise / Support / Approval 28 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| hail | acclaim | praise enthusiastically |
| approbation | adulation, commendation | approval, praise |
| extol | applaud | praise highly |
| lionize | eulogize | treat as a celebrity, praise lavishly |
| valorize | exalt | give value or praise to |
| venerate | honor, respect, hallow | regard with deep respect |
| espouse | champion, advocate, defend | support or adopt a cause |
| buttress | bolster, prop up | support, reinforce |
| sanction | endorse, countenance | officially approve |
| underwrite | endorse | sign, support financially |
| tribute | encomium | expression of praise |
| estimable | praiseworthy | worthy of respect |
| exonerate | absolve, vindicate, exculpate | clear of blame |
| proponent | defender, champion | person who supports |
| exemplary | model | serving as a perfect example |
| paradigm | model | ideal example or pattern |
| buoy | help | lift up, encourage |
| concede | acknowledge | admit something is true |
| rehabilitate | restore | bring back to good condition |
| gratify | please | give pleasure or satisfaction |
| favorable | auspicious, propitious | indicating a good outcome |
| resonate | ring true | evoke agreement |
| secure | capture, earn | obtain, achieve |
| realize | achieve | bring to fruition |
| boon | benefit, windfall | something helpful, a blessing |
| triumph | success | great victory |
| abet | instigate | support, encourage (often negative) |
| indebted | beholden | feeling grateful, owing thanks |
2. Criticize / Disapprove / Attack 30 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| chastise | castigate | criticize severely |
| lambaste | denounce | criticize harshly |
| decry | condemn, reprehend | publicly criticize |
| disapprobation | censure | strong disapproval |
| derision | mockery, ridicule | contemptuous laughter |
| opprobrium | disdain, vitriol | harsh criticism, disgrace |
| slight | disparage, discount, snub | belittle, treat as unimportant |
| calumny | defamation, aspersion | false accusation, slander |
| excoriate | indict, crab | criticize severely |
| admonish | scold | warn, reprimand |
| rant | diatribe | angry forceful speech |
| contemptuous | disdainful | showing contempt |
| deplorable | reprehensible | deserving condemnation |
| ignoble | reprehensible | shameful, dishonorable |
| detract | deprecate | diminish the value of |
| deprecatory | detracting | expressing disapproval |
| rebuke | mockery | express sharp disapproval |
| vitriolic | acerbic, caustic, mordant, scathing | bitterly harsh or critical |
| belabor | overemphasize | attack or criticize excessively |
| repudiate | recant | refuse to accept, reject |
| anathema | repellent | something intensely disliked |
| slur | aspersion | damaging remark |
| didactic | preachy | morally instructive, heavy-handed |
| sanctimonious | preachy, didactic | making a show of moral superiority |
| disregard | defy, contempt | dismiss, show no respect for |
| flout | spurn, defy, disregard | openly disrespect a rule |
| dismiss | ignore, neglect | refuse to consider |
| hubris | arrogance | excessive pride |
| hauteur | superciliousness | haughty manner |
| narcissism | self-flattery | excessive self-admiration |
3. Reduce / Weaken / Lessen 26 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| mitigate | abate, curtail, temper, ameliorate, relieve | make less severe |
| alleviate | mitigate | make suffering less |
| attenuate | dissipate, mute | weaken, reduce in force |
| palliate | damp | relieve without curing |
| dwindle | contract | gradually decrease |
| curtail | diminish | reduce, cut short |
| undermine | impair, subvert, undercut, challenge | weaken from beneath |
| vitiate | impair | spoil, make ineffective |
| hamstring | impair | cripple, make powerless |
| compromise | impair, concession | weaken, endanger |
| wane | ebb, decline | decrease, grow weaker |
| destabilize | weaken | upset the stability of |
| soothe | deflate | calm, reduce intensity |
| offset | compensate | counterbalance |
| temper | modulate, mitigate, neutralize | moderate, make less extreme |
| circumscribe | confine, limit | restrict, define boundaries |
| relinquish | cede | give up, let go of |
| strip away | remove | take away completely |
| truncate | shorten, foreshorten | cut short |
| scant | limited | barely sufficient |
| restraint | moderation | holding back, self-control |
| deterioration | decay, decline | getting worse over time |
| dim | darken | make less bright, less hopeful |
| shrink | recoil | pull back, become smaller |
| mar | taint | damage, spoil |
| inadequate | ineffective | not sufficient |
4. Increase / Strengthen / Grow 18 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| proliferate | abound | increase rapidly |
| burgeon | expand, flourish | grow quickly |
| augment | extend, expand, enhance | make greater |
| exacerbate | aggravate | make worse |
| galvanize | animate, rouse, inspire | shock into action |
| hone | enhance | sharpen, improve |
| expansion | augmentation, burgeoning | growth, spreading |
| spur | foster | encourage, stimulate |
| induce | engender | bring about, cause |
| elicit | draw out | bring forth a response |
| rampant | luxuriant | spreading uncontrollably |
| robust | strong, reliable | sturdy, powerful |
| vigorous | spirited | full of energy |
| voracious | prodigious, insatiable | having a huge appetite |
| wealth | profusion | large amount |
| abundance | glut | more than enough |
| sizable | substantial | considerable in amount |
| immense | colossal | extremely large |
5. Block / Prevent / Restrict 18 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| impede | hamper, hinder | obstruct, slow down |
| stymie | hinder, neutralize | block, prevent progress |
| inhibit | hinder, bridle, suppress, constrain | hold back, restrain |
| deter | constrain | prevent, discourage |
| stifle | shackle | suppress, smother |
| stem | check | stop the flow of |
| preclude | prevent, rule out | make impossible |
| forestall | stave off, avert, prevent | act in advance to prevent |
| avert | forestall | prevent, turn away |
| prophylactic | inhibitory | intended to prevent |
| confine | limit, circumscribe | keep within bounds |
| bound | limit | set boundaries for |
| safeguard | preserve | protect from harm |
| circumvent | bypass, sidestep, skirt | find a way around |
| shun | eschew | deliberately avoid |
| deflect | shrug off | turn aside, divert |
| insulated from | buffered against | protected from |
| snag | hitch | obstacle, complication |
6. Unclear / Confusing / Hard to Understand 20 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| equivocal | ambiguous, mute | open to multiple interpretations |
| obscure | anonymous, opaque, obfuscate | unclear, unknown, hard to understand |
| arcane | esoteric, recondite, abstruse | understood by few |
| cryptic | elusive | mysterious, hard to interpret |
| inscrutable | unfathomable, impenetrable, uninformative | impossible to understand |
| perplex | confound, baffle, flummox | bewilder completely |
| vague | nebulous | not clearly defined |
| muddle | confuse | mix up, make disordered |
| evasive | elusive, equivocal, slippery | avoiding commitment |
| inexplicable | incomprehensible | impossible to explain |
| convoluted | intricate, tortuous | extremely complex |
| knotty | complicated | complex, difficult to solve |
| riddle | conundrum, enigma, puzzle | difficult problem or mystery |
| enigmatic | perplexing, difficult | hard to understand |
| opaque | obscure, inaccessible | not transparent, hard to grasp |
| occult | numinous, arcane | hidden, mysterious, supernatural |
| circuitous | indirect | roundabout, not direct |
| complexity | intricacy | state of being complicated |
| unfocused | diffuse | scattered, lacking concentration |
| chimera | illusion | thing hoped for but impossible |
7. Clear / Obvious / Visible 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| patent | evident, manifest | clearly obvious |
| conspicuous | obtrusive, prominent, salient, remarkable | easy to notice |
| pellucid | limpid | transparently clear |
| self-evident | manifest | obvious without explanation |
| unmistakable | decisive | impossible to misunderstand |
| readable | intelligible | easy to read and understand |
| perceptible | discernible | able to be noticed |
| unimpeachable | blameless | beyond doubt or reproach |
| indubitable | incontrovertible | impossible to doubt |
| understandable | transparent | easy to comprehend |
| unassailable | sound, airtight | impossible to dispute |
| irrefutable | undeniable | cannot be disproven |
| faultless | perfect | without any flaws |
| underscore | highlight | emphasize, draw attention to |
8. Old / Outdated / Stale 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| archaic | antediluvian, outdated | extremely old-fashioned |
| fusty | obsolete, outmoded | stuffy, old-fashioned |
| stale | banal | lacking freshness |
| formulaic | canned | predictable, following a formula |
| rehash | recycle | reuse old material |
| senescence | decrepitude | aging, deterioration |
| onetime | erstwhile | former |
| outmoded | unfashionable, obsolete | no longer in style |
| vestige | relic | trace, remnant of the past |
| archetypical | classic | representing a standard type |
9. New / Original / Unprecedented 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| novel | original, unexampled, unprecedented | new, never seen before |
| nascent | budding, unformed, embryonic | just beginning to develop |
| innovative | experimental | introducing new ideas |
| unprecedented | abnormal | never done before |
| unconventional | original, unorthodox, quirky | not based on tradition |
| renaissance | revival | renewed interest |
| beget | create | bring into existence |
| generate | originate | produce, bring about |
| heterodox | iconoclastic | unorthodox, challenging tradition |
| subversive | iconoclastic, revolutionary | seeking to overturn the established |
10. Bold / Aggressive / Forceful 16 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| truculent | pugnacious, bellicose, combative, aggressive | eager to fight |
| belligerent | pugnacious | hostile, ready to fight |
| audacious | striking | daring, bold |
| zealous | impassioned, fervent, fiery, passionate | intensely enthusiastic |
| zealot | extremist, ideologue | fanatical believer |
| impassioned | fiery | filled with passion |
| impetuous | precipitate | acting rashly |
| impulsive | capricious, hasty | acting without thought |
| formidable | daunting, sensational, forbidding | inspiring fear or respect |
| overwhelming | irresistible | very strong, hard to resist |
| provocative | inflammatory | intended to provoke |
| trenchant | profound, incisive | vigorous, sharp |
| pressing | exigent, critical | urgent, demanding attention |
| stringent | exacting, prescriptive, rigorous, demanding | strict, severe |
| laborious | arduous, taxing | requiring hard work |
| onerous | burdensome | involving heavy obligation |
11. Careful / Cautious / Restrained 16 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| prudent | circumspect, provident, chary, cautious | careful, showing good judgment |
| vigilant | careful | keeping careful watch |
| abstemious | austere, moderate | restrained, not indulgent |
| spartan | austere | rigorously simple |
| frugal | thrifty | economical, avoiding waste |
| painstaking | meticulous | done with great care |
| thorough | meticulous, exact | complete, careful |
| exactitude | meticulousness | quality of being precise |
| deliberate | calculated | done intentionally |
| stingy | parsimonious, illiberal | unwilling to spend |
| unostentatious | modest | not showy |
| unassuming | modest, humble | not pretentious |
| humility | modesty | quality of being humble |
| no-nonsense | businesslike | serious, efficient |
| guarded with | stinting with | cautious about sharing |
| economy | brevity | sparing use |
12. Fake / Deceptive / Dishonest 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| specious | artificial, forged, fabricated, spurious | seemingly true but false |
| spurious | artificial, implausible, counterfeit | fake, not genuine |
| duplicity | dissemblance, fraud | deceitfulness |
| mendacity | hypocrisy, insincerity | dishonesty |
| guile | deviousness | sly cunning |
| sycophantic | obsequious, adulating | flattering in a servile way |
| cunning | crafty | skilled at deceit |
| shrewd | canny, artful | having sharp judgment |
| defraud | swindle | cheat out of money |
| showy | meretricious | flashy but lacking substance |
| malfeasance | fraudulence | wrongdoing by a public official |
| pilfer | appropriate | steal small amounts |
| belie | mask, contradict | disguise, give false impression |
| sleazy | sordid | morally low, dishonest |
13. Stubborn / Rigid / Unyielding 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| obdurate | intransigent, resolute | stubbornly refusing to change |
| dogmatic | doctrinaire, rigid | asserting opinions as truth |
| unyielding | implacable, inexorable | not giving way |
| pedantic | hidebound | excessively focused on rules |
| stubborn | intractable | hard to manage or change |
| refractory | recalcitrant | resistant to control |
| loath | reluctant, unwilling, disinclined | not willing to do something |
| restive | fractious, skittish | restless, hard to control |
| provincial | insular, parochial | narrow-minded |
| orientation | bias, prejudice, preconception | fixed viewpoint or tendency |
14. Obedient / Compliant / Conforming 8 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| tractable | compliant | easy to control |
| acquiescence | accession | reluctant acceptance |
| complaisant | deferential | willing to please |
| obedience | submission | following orders |
| hew to | conform to | adhere strictly to |
| square with | conform to | be consistent with |
| tolerate | brook | allow, put up with |
| undogmatic | receptive | open to new ideas |
15. Changeable / Unpredictable / Unstable 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| volatile | fickle, versatile, flighty, erratic, capricious | liable to change rapidly |
| whimsical | capricious | unpredictably changeable |
| mercurial | volatile, inconstant | subject to sudden changes |
| wayward | errant, unpredictable | difficult to control |
| vacillation | irresolution | indecision, wavering |
| protean | versatile | able to change form |
| mutable | liquid, dynamic | liable to change |
| arbitrary | capricious | based on random choice |
| waver | oscillate | go back and forth |
| fluctuate | vary, vacillate | rise and fall irregularly |
| malleable | plastic | easily shaped |
| flexibility | adaptability, suppleness, malleability | ability to adjust |
| supple | flexible | bending easily, adaptable |
| upheaval | convulsion | violent disruption |
16. Brief / Short / Temporary 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| ephemeral | transitory, short-lived | lasting a very short time |
| evanescent | momentary, fleeting | quickly fading |
| terse | laconic, curt, taciturn, succinct | using few words |
| perfunctory | cursory, casual | done without care |
| halfhearted | tepid, lukewarm | lacking enthusiasm |
| dispatch | celerity | speed, promptness |
| hasty | impulsive, rapid | done too quickly |
| synoptic | abridged | summarized, condensed |
| superficial | shallow | lacking depth |
| sketchy | rudimentary, superficial, undeveloped | rough, incomplete |
17. Wordy / Excessive / Over the Top 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| verbose | prolix, long-winded | using too many words |
| loquacious | garrulous | tending to talk too much |
| hyperbole | exaggeration, overstate | extreme exaggeration |
| profligate | extravagant, prodigal | recklessly wasteful |
| intemperate | excessive | lacking moderation |
| effusive | emotional | expressing without restraint |
| unbounded | immoderate, expansive | without limits |
| surfeit | glut, plethora | excess |
| diffuse | spread, disperse, wordy | spread out, lacking focus |
| brandish | boast | display ostentatiously |
18. Hostile / Harmful / Dangerous 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| antagonistic | adversarial, inimical | showing active opposition |
| deleterious | counterproductive, detrimental, devastating, pernicious | causing harm |
| perilous | dangerous, precarious | full of danger |
| callous | heartless | emotionally insensitive |
| noisome | malodorous | extremely unpleasant, harmful |
| ominous | inauspicious | suggesting bad things to come |
| adverse | unfavorable | harmful, preventing success |
| calamity | disaster | event causing great damage |
| debacle | fiasco | sudden complete failure |
| flagrant | egregious | conspicuously bad |
| scary | intimidating | causing fear |
| unsettle | alarm, disconcert | make anxious |
| misuse | abuse | use wrongly or harmfully |
| violate | contravene | break a rule or law |
19. Kind / Generous / Peaceful 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| benevolent | altruistic, magnanimous | well-meaning, generous |
| beneficence | altruism | doing good, charity |
| affable | easygoing, cordial, genteel | friendly, good-natured |
| genial | friendly | warm and cheerful |
| innocuous | harmless, benign, inoffensive | not harmful |
| conciliatory | placatory | intended to make peace |
| sociable | gregarious | enjoys company |
| comity | civility | courtesy, politeness |
| solidarity | camaraderie | unity based on shared goals |
| deferential | respectful | showing polite respect |
| pacific | dovish | peaceful, non-aggressive |
| reconciliation | rapprochement | restoring friendly relations |
| sympathetic | well-disposed | showing understanding |
| palatable | appetizing | pleasant, acceptable |
20. Boring / Dull / Inactive / Lazy 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| tedious | dreary, boring | too long, slow, or dull |
| humdrum | dull | lacking excitement |
| insipid | bland | lacking flavor or interest |
| unremarkable | commonplace | not worthy of attention |
| nondescript | unexceptional | lacking distinctive qualities |
| quiescent | abeyant, calm | inactive, quiet |
| inert | passive, dormant | lacking power to move |
| somnolent | lethargic, slumberous | drowsy, sleepy |
| sluggish | dilatory, listless, remiss | slow-moving, lacking energy |
| quotidian | workday | ordinary, everyday |
| indolence | sloth | laziness |
| pointless | futile | having no purpose |
| jejune | vapid | dull, lacking substance |
| invariable | static | never changing |
21. Smart / Skilled / Knowledgeable 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| learned | erudite | having great knowledge |
| polymath | encyclopedic | person of wide knowledge |
| exhaustive | encyclopedic, comprehensive, sweeping | thorough, complete |
| proficient | adept | highly skilled |
| nimble | adroit, dexterous, skillful | quick and clever |
| deft | canny | skillful, clever |
| perspicacious | discernible | having keen insight |
| acute | incisive, severe | sharp, perceptive |
| acumen | shrewdness | ability to make good judgments |
| discern | detect, discover | perceive, recognize |
| authoritative | definitive, cogent | commanding, reliable |
| industrious | diligent | hardworking |
| utilitarian | functional | practical, useful |
| eloquent | rhetoric | fluent, persuasive speech |
22. Foolish / Naive / Careless 8 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| witless | dense | stupid, lacking sense |
| credulous | trusting | too willing to believe |
| simpleminded | unsophisticated | lacking complexity in thought |
| quixotic | idealistic | unrealistically optimistic |
| impolitic | tactless | unwise, lacking judgment |
| artless | simplistic | without guile, naive |
| erroneous | inaccurate | containing errors |
| craven | cowardly | lacking courage |
23. Rare / Unusual / Exceptional 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| anomaly | aberration, irregularity | deviation from normal |
| preternatural | exceptional, rare | beyond what is normal |
| singular | unique | remarkably unusual |
| distinct | idiosyncratic | uniquely characteristic |
| peculiar | idiosyncratic | strange, unusual |
| sporadic | occasional, fitful | occurring at irregular intervals |
| scarce | deficient | insufficient in supply |
| eminent | famous, particular | standing above others |
| nonconformist | maverick | person who refuses to follow rules |
| apogee | pinnacle | highest point |
24. Common / Widespread / Universal 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| ubiquitous | omnipresent, universal | present everywhere |
| pervasive | rife, widespread | spreading through everything |
| prevalent | widespread, extensive | commonly occurring |
| commonplace | pervasive | not unusual |
| perennial | long-standing, constant | lasting indefinitely |
| democratic | egalitarian | favoring equality |
| homogeneity | resemblance, uniform | sameness throughout |
| parity | equality | state of being equal |
| regular | abundant | frequently occurring |
| endemic | native, domestic, indigenous | found in a particular area |
25. Secret / Hidden / Covert 8 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| covert | clandestine, surreptitious | secret, hidden |
| inconspicuous | discreet | not attracting attention |
| isolated | discrete | separate, set apart |
| peripheral | marginal, subsidiary, fringe | on the edge, not central |
| extraneous | irrelevant | not pertinent, unrelated |
| immaterial | inconsequential | unimportant |
| trivial | inconsequential, immaterial, trifling | of little importance |
| negligible | insignificant, trifling | too small to be meaningful |
26. Abandon / Destroy / Remove 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| abandon | desert, relinquish | give up completely |
| forsake | neglect | leave behind, abandon |
| oust | expel, banish | force out, remove |
| supplant | supersede | replace, take position of |
| displace | obviate | take the place of |
| annihilate | destroy | completely destroy |
| extinguish | douse | put out, end |
| extirpate | eliminate, put to rest | root out, destroy completely |
| untether | divorce | disconnect, separate |
| estrange | unlinked, disaffect, alienate | cause to feel distant |
| disintegrate | crumble | fall apart |
| schism | factiousness | division, split |
| disgruntle | crestfallen | make unhappy |
| disgorge | dump | discharge, pour out |
27. Fair / Objective / Balanced 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| impartial | evenhanded, disinterested, fair, detachment | treating all equally |
| objective | fair | not influenced by feelings |
| neutrality | impartiality | not taking sides |
| analytical | dispassionate | logically objective |
| temperate | dispassionate | moderate, even-tempered |
| pragmatic | realistic | practical, grounded |
| judicious | sensible | having good judgment |
| levelheaded | sober | calm and sensible |
| fairness | objectivity | quality of being just |
| stability | order | state of being steady |
28. Complex / Diverse / Mixed 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| heterogeneous | disparate, dissimilar, diverse, variant | made up of different things |
| intricate | convoluted | very complex |
| patchwork | hodgepodge, welter, pastiche | mixture of different things |
| diversity | heterogeneity | variety |
| nuance | subtlety | slight difference |
| stratified | hierarchical | arranged in layers |
| contingent | circumstantial | depending on conditions |
| interrelated | interdependent | mutually connected |
| mixed | inconsistent, erratic | containing contradictions |
| haphazard | random, helter-skelter | without order or planning |
29. Simple / Basic / Fundamental 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| rudimentary | primitive, sketchy, embryonic, elemental | basic, not fully developed |
| simplicity | artlessness | quality of being plain |
| indispensable | essential, crucial, foundational | absolutely necessary |
| requisite | essential | required, necessary |
| bedrock | foundation | fundamental basis |
| inception | foundation | beginning, establishment |
| intrinsic | inherent | belonging naturally |
| innate | inborn | natural, present from birth |
| general | abstract | broad, not specific |
| inclusive | generic, all-encompassing | covering everything |
30. Wealthy / Impressive / Beautiful 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| opulent | affluent | wealthy, luxurious |
| remunerative | lucrative | profitable |
| pecuniary | economic | relating to money |
| splendor | brilliance | great beauty, magnificence |
| enviable | coveted | arousing desire in others |
| wondrous | amazing | inspiring wonder |
| spectacular | dramatic | strikingly impressive |
| chic | elegant | stylish, fashionable |
| engaging | winning | charming, attractive |
| allure | charm | attractiveness, appeal |
31. Poor / Lacking / Flawed 12 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| indigent | impecunious | extremely poor |
| indigence | penury | extreme poverty |
| paucity | dearth, modicum | scarcity, lack of |
| meager | insufficient, paltry | lacking in quantity |
| wanting | flawed | lacking, deficient |
| blemish | defect | flaw, imperfection |
| shortcoming | fault | failure to meet standard |
| unremunerative | unprofitable | not producing profit |
| vacuous | paucity | empty, lacking substance |
| minuscule | diminutive | extremely small |
| untenable | baseless, unfounded | cannot be defended |
| unseemly | indecorous | not proper or appropriate |
32. Emotional / Passionate / Sad 14 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| euphoria | ecstasy | intense happiness |
| plaintive | elegiac | expressing sorrow |
| elegy | requiem | poem or song of mourning |
| lugubrious | gloomy, cheerless | looking or sounding sad |
| surly | sullen, grumpy | bad-tempered, unfriendly |
| somber | solemn | dark, serious |
| chagrin | vexation | annoyance, disappointment |
| trepidation | misgiving, apprehension, qualm | fear, anxiety |
| irascible | exasperation | easily angered |
| captivate | enamor, enthrall | attract and hold attention |
| relish | delight in | enjoy greatly |
| obsessed | fixated | preoccupied to an extreme |
| keen | eager, impatient | intensely interested |
| interested in | drawn to | attracted toward |
33. Calm / Indifferent / Detached 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| indifferent | apathy, passivity | lack of interest or concern |
| nonchalant | insouciant | casually calm, unconcerned |
| composed | unperturbed, collected, coolheaded | calm, in control |
| placidity | complacency | calm satisfaction |
| respite | lull, relief, break | brief period of rest |
| staid | sober, sobering | sedate, respectable |
| timid | diffident | shy, lacking confidence |
| skepticism | doubt | questioning attitude |
| tonic | restorative | something that restores |
| reflexive | automatic | done without thinking |
34. Agree / Match / Relate / Similar 16 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| analogous | comparable | similar in certain respects |
| kindred | affiliated | similar in kind |
| tantamount | synonymous | equivalent in effect |
| commensurate | proportionate | corresponding in size |
| equivalent | commensurate | equal in value |
| consensus | accord | general agreement |
| fitting | apposite, germane | appropriate, relevant |
| condign | meet | appropriate, deserved |
| counterpart | parallel, correlative | equivalent in another context |
| interchangeable | fungible | able to be exchanged |
| coherent | orderly | logical, consistent |
| unalloyed | unadulterated, unqualified | pure, complete |
| unblemished | pristine | perfect, unmarked |
| inevitable | unavoidable, preordained, ineluctable | certain to happen |
| sole | exclusive | one and only |
| pastoral | bucolic | relating to rural life |
35. Disagree / Contradict / Conflict 10 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| dichotomous | contradictory | divided into two opposing parts |
| paradoxical | ironic | seemingly contradictory |
| discordance | contention | disagreement, conflict |
| controversial | contentious | causing disagreement |
| incongruity | discrepancy | mismatch, inconsistency |
| competing | contending | in rivalry |
| counterintuitive | unexpected, unanticipated | contrary to what you'd expect |
| asymmetrical | uneven | not balanced |
| slanted | tendentious | biased toward a particular view |
| dubious | suspect, questionable | doubtful, uncertain |
36. Time / Prediction / Sequence 16 pairs
| Word | Equivalent(s) | Meaning |
|---|
| predate | antedate, precede | exist before |
| precursor | forerunner | something that comes before |
| presage | portend, predict | be a sign of what's to come |
| prophetic | prescient | accurately predicting the future |
| foresee | anticipate, prefigure | predict, see coming |
| proclivity | predilection, affinity, preference | tendency toward |
| successive | sequential | following one after another |
| timely | opportune | happening at the right time |
| durability | persistence | ability to last |
| tenacity | resolve, endurance, determination | persistent effort |
| unremitting | unceasing, unflagging | never stopping |
| peripatetic | itinerant | traveling from place to place |
| expedite | facilitate, further | speed up, make easier |
| precocious | mature | developing earlier than usual |
| recrudescent | resurgent | breaking out again |
| attributed to | explained by | caused by, credited to |
How I used this list
I didn't try to memorize every word at once. I went through the full list quickly, marking the pairs I already knew vs. the ones I didn't. Then I focused my daily vocab sessions on the ones I didn't know. By exam day I'd been through the whole thing 10+ times and could spot the pairs almost instantly in real questions. Speed and repetition. That's the whole game.
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