The GRE Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to understand complex texts and recognize relationships between words and concepts. A strong vocabulary is not just helpful—it's essential. Mastering high-frequency words is one of the fastest ways to boost your confidence and your score.

To get started, you need an efficient way to memorize these terms. Creating digital flashcards is a proven method, and a focused app can make the process seamless. Download Flashi to build your own GRE vocabulary decks in just a few taps.

15 High-Frequency GRE Words to Memorize

Here are 15 essential words that frequently appear on the GRE. Focus on understanding the definition and how the word is used in a sentence.

1. Equivocal

  • Definition: Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.
  • Example: The politician gave an equivocal answer when asked about the new policy.

2. Lucid

  • Definition: Expressed clearly; easy to understand.
  • Example: The professor’s explanation of the complex theory was surprisingly lucid.

3. Precipitate (adjective)

  • Definition: Done, made, or acting suddenly or without careful consideration.
  • Example: Making a precipitate decision to quit your job can have serious financial consequences.

4. Assuage

  • Definition: To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense.
  • Example: The letter from her friend did little to assuage her guilt.

5. Erudite

  • Definition: Having or showing great knowledge or learning.
  • Example: The erudite scholar could quote from hundreds of classical texts.

6. Opaque

  • Definition: Not able to be seen through; not transparent. Can also mean hard to understand.
  • Example: The legal jargon in the contract was opaque to everyone but the lawyers.

7. Prodigal

  • Definition: Spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
  • Example: The prodigal son quickly spent his entire inheritance on frivolous luxuries.

8. Enigma

  • Definition: A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
  • Example: Despite decades of research, the origin of the ancient artifact remains an enigma.

9. Fervid

  • Definition: Intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree.
  • Example: The candidate’s fervid supporters attended every rally.

10. Placate

  • Definition: To make (someone) less angry or hostile.
  • Example: The manager tried to placate the angry customer with a full refund.

11. Zeal

  • Definition: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.
  • Example: She brought a missionary zeal to her work in environmental protection.

12. Abstain

  • Definition: To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
  • Example: The doctor advised the patient to abstain from alcohol.

13. Audacious

  • Definition: Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.
  • Example: It was an audacious plan to scale the mountain in a single day.

14. Desiccate

  • Definition: To remove the moisture from (something); to cause to become completely dry.
  • Example: The long drought desiccated the farmer's fields.

15. Gullible

  • Definition: Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
  • Example: The gullible tourist bought a fake watch from the street vendor.

How to Memorize GRE Vocabulary with Flashcards

Reading a list is the first step, but recall is what matters on test day. The most effective way to lock these words into your memory is through active recall with flashcards.

  1. Create Your Deck: For each word, create a flashcard. Put the word on one side and its definition and a simple sentence on the other.
  2. Review Daily: Spend 10-15 minutes each day reviewing your deck. Say the definition out loud before flipping the card.
  3. Focus on Weak Words: As you review, separate the words you know well from those you struggle with. The Flashi app uses an AI-powered system to automatically show you difficult cards more often, optimizing your study time.
  4. Context is Key: Don't just memorize the definition. Think about how you would use the word yourself. Try writing a new sentence for each term.

For more official information on the GRE, visit the official ETS website.

Start Building Your GRE Vocabulary Today

Don't let a tough vocabulary section stand between you and your target score. By focusing on high-frequency words and using an efficient study tool, you can build the knowledge you need to succeed.

Ready to master these words? Download Flashi and create your first GRE flashcard deck for free: https://apps.apple.com/app/flashi-ai-flashcards/id6755940544?l