Top Vocabulary for the GRE/GMAT: Words That Repeatedly Appear
When preparing for the GRE or GMAT, one of the most challenging sections for many test-takers is the verbal reasoning or verbal section. Whether it’s sentence equivalence, reading comprehension, or critical reasoning, a strong vocabulary is essential. While there’s no definitive list of words that will appear on the test, years of analysis have shown that certain high-frequency words tend to repeat across official prep material and real exams.
In this blog, we’ll cover some of the top GRE and GMAT vocabulary words that have a habit of showing up time and again. Memorizing these words—along with understanding how they function in context—can give you a real edge.
This post is brought to you by Dar Aluloom International, one of the top educational consultants in Dubai, helping students across the UAE and beyond excel in standardised test preparation and gain admission to top global universities.
Why Vocabulary Matters in GRE and GMAT
The GRE and GMAT don’t just test your ability to memorize definitions—they test your ability to understand, analyze, and apply words in a variety of complex contexts. Having a robust vocabulary is crucial for:
- Understanding dense academic texts
- Answering sentence completion or equivalence questions
- Eliminating incorrect answer choices quickly
- Interpreting nuances in argument-based passages
As a college admissions consultant in UAE, we at Dar Aluloom International emphasize targeted vocabulary building as part of every student’s test prep strategy.
Top GRE/GMAT Vocabulary Words That Reappear
Below is a carefully curated list of words that appear frequently in GRE and GMAT exams. These are not just “big” words—they’re also rich in meaning and commonly used in academic and analytical writing.
1. Ambivalent
Definition: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
Importance: Often appears in critical reasoning passages to describe a character’s emotional state or argument stance.
2. Esoteric
Definition: Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge
Importance: Commonly used in passages to describe technical or obscure concepts.
3. Precarious
Definition: Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse
Importance: Shows up in arguments related to economics, politics, or risk.
4. Pragmatic
Definition: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a practical way
Importance: Used to contrast idealism vs realism in author perspectives.
5. Ubiquitous
Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere
Importance: Often seen in reading passages discussing trends or technology.
6. Obfuscate
Definition: Render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible
Importance: Used in both reading comprehension and argument questions.
7. Austere
Definition: Severe or strict in manner; having no comforts or luxuries
Importance: Often used to describe policies, environments, or personalities.
8. Equivocate
Definition: Use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
Importance: Can describe faulty logic or evasive political arguments.
9. Capricious
Definition: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Common usage: Describes market behavior, political decisions, or unpredictable characters.
10. Alacrity
Definition: Brisk and cheerful readiness
Importance: A favorite for text completion questions.
11. Belie
Definition: To give a false impression of; to contradict
Importance: Can appear in complex sentence equivalence questions.
12. Mundane
Definition: Lacking interest or excitement; dull
Importance: May describe everyday activities or repetitive routines in reading passages.
13. Vacillate
Definition: To waver between different opinions or actions
Importance: Describes uncertainty or indecision in argumentative questions.
14. Taciturn
Definition: Reserved or uncommunicative in speech
Importance: Often used to describe people or cultural behaviors.
15. Dogmatic
Definition: Inclined to lay down principles as undeniably true
Importance: Useful in analyzing the tone and intent in complex passages.
How to Master These Words
At Dar Aluloom International, we guide students through an efficient vocabulary-building system. Here are some strategies we recommend:
- Use Flashcards: Many tools allow for spaced repetition and easy access.
- Create Contextual Sentences: Don’t just memorize definitions—practice using each word in a sentence.
- Read Widely: Engage with GRE/GMAT-level texts (The Economist, Scientific American, New Yorker).
- Weekly Practice Quizzes: Apply vocabulary knowledge through practice exams and quizzes.
- Study Word Roots: Learn Latin and Greek roots to decode unfamiliar vocabulary.
Our team, considered among the best educational consultants in Dubai, offers personalized verbal reasoning modules as part of our GRE and GMAT prep programs.
Small Words, Big Scores
Cracking the GRE or GMAT is not about memorizing a dictionary—it’s about smart preparation. Focusing on high-frequency vocabulary and understanding how those words are used in real test scenarios can make a significant difference in your score.
At Dar Aluloom International, our expert team of test prep tutors and college admissions consultants in UAE are committed to helping you succeed—not just in your tests, but in your academic journey.
Whether you’re targeting top business schools or graduate programs around the world, start your success story with the right vocabulary foundation and expert guidance.
Want to ace your GRE or GMAT?
Connect with Dar Aluloom International—the best educational consultants in Dubai—and receive expert coaching, personalized plans, and the vocabulary strategies that top scorers use.
