The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is renowned for its rigorous verbal section, and a strong vocabulary is a key ingredient for success. Whether you’re a native English speaker looking to enhance your lexicon or an international applicant aiming to excel in verbal reasoning, we have you covered. Get ready to expand your word power and boost your confidence as we delve into the fascinating world of GMAT vocabulary. 

Accede (Verb) 

Definition: To agree or give in to a demand, request, or proposal. 

Example: After much negotiation, the board finally acceded to the shareholders’ demands for higher dividends. 

Bellicose (Adjective) 

Definition: Inclined to start quarrels or engage in warfare; aggressively hostile. 

Example: The bellicose remarks of the politician fueled tensions between the two countries. 

Cajole (Verb) 

Definition: To persuade someone by flattery or coaxing. 

Example: She tried to cajole her friend into joining her for the concert by praising the band’s performance skills. 

Diatribe (Noun) 

Definition: A forceful and bitter verbal attack or criticism. 

Example: The politician’s speech turned into a diatribe against his opponents, filled with accusations and insults. 

Egalitarian (Adjective) 

Definition: Believing in or advocating for the principle of equality for all people. 

Example: The professor’s egalitarian views guided her efforts to create a fair and inclusive classroom environment. 

Fervor (Noun) 

Definition: Intense and passionate feeling or enthusiasm. 

Example: The team’s supporters cheered with fervor as their favorite player scored the winning goal. 

Goad (Verb) 

Definition: To provoke or stimulate someone to take action, often by irritating or teasing. 

Example: The coach’s words goaded the players into giving their best performance on the field. 

Haughty (Adjective) 

Definition: Arrogantly superior and disdainful towards others. 

Example: The haughty fashion designer looked down on anyone she deemed unfashionable. 

Ignominy (Noun) 

Definition: Public shame, disgrace, or humiliation. 

Example: The once-respected journalist resigned in ignominy after evidence of plagiarism emerged. 

Juxtapose (Noun) 

Definition: To place two things together for the purpose of comparison or contrast. 

Example: The artist’s latest exhibit juxtaposed classical sculptures with modern digital installations.  

Lithe (Adjective) 

Definition: Supple, flexible, and graceful in movement or form. 

Example: The gymnast demonstrated her lithe body as she effortlessly executed a series of acrobatic maneuvers. 

Kinetic (Adjective) 

Definition: Relating to or resulting from motion. 

Example: The kinetic energy generated by the moving car was converted into electrical energy by the regenerative braking system.  

Magnanimous (Adjective) 

Definition: Generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful. 

Example: Despite their fierce competition, the magnanimous athlete congratulated her opponent on the victory. 

Nebulous (Adjective) 

Definition: Unclear, vague, or hazy in form or meaning. 

Example: The politician’s promises were nebulous, lacking specific details on how they would be implemented. 

Obtuse (Adjective) 

Definition: Slow to understand, lacking intelligence or sharpness. 

Example: The obtuse student struggled to grasp the concept, even after repeated explanations. 

Paradigm (Noun) 

Definition: A typical example or model that serves as a pattern or framework for something. 

Example: The discovery of DNA’s double helix structure revolutionized the field of genetics, shifting the scientific paradigm. 

Quandary (Noun) 

Definition: A state of uncertainty or perplexity, especially when facing a difficult choice or problem. 

Example: She found herself in a quandary, torn between pursuing her dream job abroad and staying close to her family. 

Rectitude (Noun) 

Definition: Moral integrity and righteousness; the quality of being correct in judgment or behavior. 

Example: The judge was known for her unwavering rectitude, always making fair and just decisions. 

Serendipity (Noun) 

Definition: The occurrence of fortunate events by chance or luck. 

Example: Meeting her future business partner at a random café was a serendipitous moment that led to their successful venture. 

Terse (Adjective) 

Definition: Brief and concise in wording; using few words. 

Example: The boss’s terse email reminded the employees of the upcoming deadline. 

Unassailable (Adjective) 

Definition: Impossible to dispute, challenge, or attack. 

Example: The overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecutor made the defendant’s alibi unassailable. 

Venerate (Verb) 

Definition: To regard with deep respect or reverence. 

Example: In many cultures, people venerate their ancestors by offering prayers and rituals at their graves. 

Wry (Adjective) 

Definition: Using or expressing dry, mocking humor. 

Example: The comedian’s wry observations about everyday life had the audience laughing uncontrollably. 

Yield (Verb) 

Definition: To produce or provide; to surrender or give in to pressure. 

Example: The orchard yielded a bountiful harvest of apples this year. 

Zenith (Noun) 

Definition: The highest point or culmination of something; the peak or apex. 

Example: The team reached the zenith of their success when they won the championship for the third consecutive year.