GRE Verbal

i. b ii. b iii. a

"Blog" is just one of the many (i)_______ that have emerged as computers have become (ii)_______ fixtures of daily life. There are, of course, (iii)_______ linguists who refuse to accept these computer-related terms, even though these same linguists rely just as much on computers as the rest of the population. Blank (i) a.publications b. neologisms c. advances Blank (ii) a. inchoate b. indispensable c.temporary Blank (iii) a. obstinate b. well-educated c. experienced

a & f

After debating the terms of the merger for hours, the parties finally came to an agreement, although both added a _______ to protect their own interests should the partnership dissolve. a. proviso b. corollary c. juncture d. eulogy e. contention f. stipulation

A & C Difficulty: medium

After the sailors navigated perilous waters and experienced the wrath of the elements, their _______ on the island was a welcome relief from their weary days at sea. A. sojourn B. copse C. respite D. conspiracy E. mutiny F. fashion

i. b ii. c iii.b

Although Herman Melville's Moby Dick has now been given exalted status in the American literary canon, this (i)______ novel was first greeted by critics with nearly hysterical (ii)______. Moreover, the novel's initial critical and popular failures devastated Melville's once-robust finances, and he spent the (iii)______ of his days in abject poverty. Blank (i) soporific iconic elegiac Blank (ii) paean exhalation derision Blank (iii) summation balance superfluity

C & E

Although many of the faculty _______ the changes led by the new dean, others were more chary in their acceptance of the radical alterations. A. enjoyed B. resisted C. embraced D. eschewed E. favored F. tolerated

i. c & B

Although many onlookers would not have expended the energy to perform what they considered a (i)________ act, the (ii)_________ young man insisted on rescuing the trapped raccoon. Blank (i) gregarious charitable nugatory Blank (ii) foppish solicitous hackneyed

i. B ii. C

Although many young professionals are (i)_______ to settle in the suburbs because they believe doing so will exclude them from opportunities found in urban centers, this is not necessarily true; direct public transportation, although at (ii)_______ stage, will soon allow suburban residents to travel to the city center quickly and efficiently. Blank (i) obligated disinclined liable Blank (ii) a hopeful a transient an incipient

A &C Difficulty: medium

Although technically _______ drug, alcohol is not recommended as a sleep aid because of its negative effects on sleep patterns, particularly when consumed late in the evening. a soporific a stimulant a somniferous a hallucinogenic an intoxicant an analeptic

B & D

Although the novelist attempted a masterful expression of human emotion, his writing was in fact _______; his grandiose demeanor distracted many from a body of work lacking both depth and aesthetic appeal. A. trenchant B. prosaic C. distinct D. vapid E. unequivocal F. ardent

a &d

Aristotle _______ the popular characterization of outer space as being a void; according to his philosophy, empty space would be an impossibility. a. dismissed b. supported c. accepted d. denounced e. contrived f. abhorred

B & C

As part of their effort to control pet overpopulation, animal rights organizations should educate the public by ___________ the idea that preventative measures—such as sterilizing pets—are a must. allocating augmenting disseminating promulgating epitomizing formulating

A & B

Because the food critic for the Daily Times was one of the most celebrated _______ in the country, we tended to trust her reviews implicitly and eagerly awaited her assessment of the new establishment on Main Street. a. gourmets b. epicures c. pundits d. aficionados e. commentators f. correspondents

B.

Bela, a person with _______ tendencies, eagerly sounds the intentions of others so that he might contravene them. A. consummate B. contrarian C. maniacal D. importunate E. meritorious

B

Disagreement over the appropriate use of force has been one of the consistent issues in international relations over time; therefore, it may be presumptuous to suggest that current international disagreements over the use of force are _______. spurious unique relevant perennial irresolvable

B & C

Confucian _______ are the extent of many Americans' understanding of Chinese philosophy; these sayings, though important, are only one aspect of a highly developed philosophical system. A. reliquaries B. adages C. aphorisms D. phylacteries E. adumbrations F. malapropisms

i. laudable ii. derogatory

Considering everything Clara had been through, her reaction was quite normal and even (i)_______; I was therefore surprised at the number of (ii)_______ comments and raised eyebrows that her response elicited. Blank (i) laudable inaudible histrionic Blank (ii) extemporaneous conciliatory derogatory

A& E

Convinced that they were on the right track, the scientists decided to pursue their research, despite the fact that the link between music and plant growth seemed _______ at best. a. tenuous b. contentious c. notorious d. discerning e. nebulous f. inveterate

B & D

Critics felt that the candidate was far too _______; he did not easily concede a point and relished the chance to be drawn into confrontation. A, temperate B. feisty C. meek D. pugnacious E. stalwart F. doughty

B & F

Defense attorneys contend that advances in DNA testing must be applied retroactively in cases where a guilty verdict was decided using non-DNA evidence; there is the possibility that when these advances are applied to the case, potentially innocent people could be ________ and their verdicts reversed. A. incriminated B. exculpated C. disciplined D. castigated E. inculpated F. exonerated

C.

Demonstrating the contradictory relationship between the demeanors of the artists and their reception by the media, the artist who was the least _______ in interviews was also the most sought after. A. curt B. specific C. cordial D. peremptory E. evasive

i. b ii.a iii. b

Despite her (i)_________ tone, the guest speaker's unique outlook on the material was an inspiration to even the most (ii)__________ students in the class. Her innovative approach to the topic even (iii)___________ the professor, who had been teaching the subject for more than 20 years. Blank (i) inquisitive insipid pragmatic Blank (ii) vacuous incoherent overzealous Blank (iii) augmented galvanized repudiated

a. &c

Despite the author's reputation for impropriety, his most recent article was almost tasteful; it was most likely reviewed by a judicious editor who _________ the language before sending it to the publisher. expurgated endorsed bowdlerized abridged augmented rationalized

C & D

Despite the dogged determination of our leader, who seemed to have every confidence that our perseverance would pay off, I was plagued with _______ about surviving this treacherous journey across the polar ice cap. A. omens B. delusions C. qualms D. disquietude E. inadequacies F. connivances

i. C ii. A iii. B * think about what causes a disappointment

Despite the fact that the racehorse's performance in recent competitions had been (i) _______, Jeremy was convinced that the oddsmakers' (ii) _______ a disappointment at the Kentucky Derby were (iii) _______. Blank (i) improving encouraging lackluster Blank (ii) predictions of defenses of misgivings about Blank (iii) avuncular premature soporific

c

Despite the gruesomeness of the crime, the reporter did not permit his revulsion to _______ the objectivity his readers had come to expect from him. a. typify b. validate c. prejudice d. convey e. evaluate

d.

Despite their strong resemblance to winsome, cuddly teddy bears, the koalas of eastern Australia are remarkably _______ in character. a. pungent b. charming c. insouciant d. irritable e. sluggish

i. B ii.B

Dr. Stewart was well-regarded in the medical community and known for his skill in moving (i)_______ during the diagnosis stage. He (ii)_______ decisiveness when determining a plan for treatment and considered the lengthy deliberation favored by some of his colleagues unnecessary. Blank (i) sedulously apace maladroitly Blank (ii) eschewed favored assessed

i. b ii. a Difficulty: medium

During the Dark Ages, Ireland (i)_______ itself as an intellectual locus; monastic scholars gathered, translated, and studied the philosophical and literary works of the classical civilizations, thereby creating a (ii)_______ of classical knowledge in the West. Blank (i) A. appropriated B. distinguished C. husbanded Blank (ii) A. bastion B. collusion C. semblance

c & f

Enveloped in the sounds of conversations and background music, many people become quite ________ to working in distracting environments; thus, when they find themselves in a hushed place—such as a library—they find it difficult to concentrate. a.opposed b. deferential c. habituated d. resistant e. apathetic f. inured

C.

Even rigidly traditional instructors are finding the new method difficult to _______; its implementation reinforces basics while preparing trainees for more difficult tasks with considerable efficiency. A. endorse B. hinder C. fault D. engender E. propose

D&E missed this by mistake~check work

First-year college students may feel apprehensive about their prospects for success in a rigorous academic program; however, most new students achieve a sense of _______ by the end of their first semester. complacency conflation consternation confidence poise calumny

a

Folklore is rarely _______ the time of its origination, as each generation alters the stories, making them more pertinent to the present. a. indicative of b. reminiscent of c. complementary with d. critical to e. judgmental of

C & E

For some, creative expression is an organized development, building steadily toward a goal, but creativity comes to other people more _______, and they may face long periods without inspiration interspersed with unexpected bursts of progress. A. fleetly B. incessantly C. fitfully D. substantially E. intermittently F. ceaselessly

E &F

Hannah and Louise appear to refute the hypothesis that the shared genetic code of identical twins creates duplicate personalities. Hannah has never been inclined to stray far from her small farming town in Nebraska, while Louise has a _______ for travel and often derides her sister's provincialism. A. premonition B. penance C. precedent D. prerogative E. penchant F. proclivity

e.

In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," the vengeful Montresor _______ his friend Fortunato by sealing him up inside a wall. a. quaffs b. preserves c. taunts d. condones e. immures

B. Difficulty: medium

In contrast to foods in which size is commensurate with maturity and thus potency of flavor, smaller peppers tend to be far more _______ than larger peppers. banal piquant aromatic caustic diverse

i. A ii. B Difficulty: High

In his earlier battles, the general used (i)_____ tactics to defeat his enemies through shock and surprise; however, as the war progressed, he came to depend more on (ii)______ and impeccable logistics to gain his victories. Blank (i) audacious obsolete obstreperous Blank (ii) zeal artillery cogitation

b b a

In their fight to (i) _______ their illegitimately elected leadership, the insurgents chose a battle-tested and (ii) _______ soldier to lead the dangerous rebellion. Despite his fervor to inspire his fellow citizens, the normally (iii) _______ man struggled to compose a speech that would give voice to his people's demands and rally others to the cause. Blank (i) isolate depose exacerbate Blank (ii) pusillanimous intrepid portentous Blank (iii) eloquent ambivalent intricate

A &E

Sentence Equivalence Having been chastised once for impropriety, the professor — now more cognizant of the sensibilities of her students — tried to refrain from mentioning topics that might be upsetting and used _______ language when those topics could not be avoided. delicate callous prolix verbose euphemistic elucidatory

c c

Jane's (i)__________ disposition seemed irresistibly to infect those around her, taking wavering hope and turning it into robust optimism. It was as if in her presence, the silver lining of every cloud became (ii)__________. a. sanguinary b. ruddy c. sanguine blank(ii) a lacklustrer b tangible c coruscant

A &C Difficulty: medium

Many conditions that affect the liver are signaled by _______ skin, which turns a sickly yellow due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. a. sallow b. rubicund c. jaundiced d. flushed e. ruddy f. bronzed

C Difficulty: medium * validation isn't positive enough

Michalewski's text indubitably serves as the _______ of his discipline; surpassing all previous models of excellence, it has replaced them with the rigor of heretofore unmatched academic standards. A.validation B. vainglory C. apotheosis D. munificence E. beneficence

a

Most people feel that they can determine the safety of a neighborhood from its appearance; in accordance, they conclude that the pristine streets of this area signify little _______ to its occupants. a. peril b. security c. affluence d. consolation e. refuge

A & D

Neither Mason nor Lorraine was on time for the party that night, and when the two did arrive, they made an obvious attempt to avoid each other, as if to divert suspicion away from their all-too-obvious _______. A. complicity B. contingency C. complacency D. collusion E. compliance F. corroboration

D&F

No matter how justified the outburst of the usually temperate Ms. Branson given the committee's incompetence, her _______ remarks rightfully subjected her to censure. A. bemused B. discerning C. portentous D. vitriolic E. discriminating F. rancorous

c c b

No one can argue that the Roman arch did not solve the architectural problems that (i) _______ traditional post and beam construction. However, what can be debated is whether this architectural (ii) _______ was Roman in origin; archaeological findings show that it dated back to the Greeks and possibly to even more (iii) _______ cultures. Blank (i) galvanized succored beleaguered Blank (ii) sepulcher ossuary innovation Blank (iii) superannuated ancient obsolete

A & C

One member of the advertising partnership quit and demanded an (i)______ monetary settlement, even though his contributions to the firm were minimal. Therefore, the other partners hired an impartial mediator to (ii)______ a fairer settlement. Blank (i) inordinate audible equitable Blank (ii) calculate impose arbitrate

i. B ii. C iii. B context clues iii. "embraced by a number of well-known artists"

Pataphysics, the science of imaginary solutions, was developed by the playwright Alfred Jarry and incorporated into his plays. Although the idea is (i) _______ one, a clearer description can supposedly be found through (iI) _______ of Jarry's works. Pataphysics, embraced by a number of well-known artists, may have reached the height of its (iii) _______ when it was mentioned in the Beatles' song "Maxwell's Silver Hammer." Blank (i) a hazardous an ambiguous a lucid Blank (ii) an adumbration an obscuration an investigation Blank (iii) infamy prominence obscurity

C&D

Sentence Equivalence Maria had successfully navigated complex literary tomes that would have intimidated some scholars, yet she had difficulty following the incoherent plot of this particular book, as, in her opinion, it was far too _______ to be readable. monotonous fallacious chaotic disjointed erroneous complicated

B & E Difficulty Medium

Regrettably, my escort to the banquet proved to be an embarrassment to the host, as his _______ appearance was inappropriate, given the formality of the occasion. genteel slipshod atypical urbane slovenly anomalous

A & E Difficulty Medium

Sentence Equivalence Even the wisest of leaders will come to need counsel, so it is important to ensure that one is surrounded by honest and candid advisers rather than by mere _______ seeking to please and flatter for their own advancement. toadies compatriots supporters heralds sycophants associates

C & D

Sentence Equivalence Sasha was perturbed when her classmates began emulating her clothing style; her ______ was part and parcel of her identity. immutability incorruptibility singularity heterodoxy homogeneity fashion

D&E

Sentence Equivalence The inspection was _______ at best; the person they hired to do the job breezed through the house in less than an hour and failed to detect structural damage that later caused problems for the homeowners. formulaic ludicrous inclement cursory perfunctory compliant

c b a

The aftermath of the explosion aboard the submarine produced mutual (i) _______; the navy blamed the (ii) _______ of the crew, while the sailors' families alleged that the vessel had been inadequately (iii) _______. Blank (i) accolades reparations recriminations Blank (ii) diligence incompetence acrimony Blank (iii) equipped exonerated emended

i. B ii. A

The audience member claimed not to have been (i)_______ by the comedian's inappropriate remarks, but her ramrod posture and (ii)_______ eyes, captured on multiple cameras, hinted at her barely suppressed displeasure. Blank (i) charmed affronted castigated Blank (ii) glowering demure sentimental

c, b, c

The 25-year (i)_______ to discover a ninth planet began as the brainchild of Perceval Lowell, who was the first to identify the possibility of such a (ii)_______ body's existence. Lowell began the hunt in 1905 at an observatory in Arizona. He had computers to assist him, but they were not of the electronic variety. To make his complex (iii)_______ calculations, Lowell depended on a team of women known as "computers." Blank (i) liaison sabbatical quest Blank (ii) turgid celestial multanimous Blank (iii) autonomic terrestrial astronomical

B & E

The Synoptic (taken from the Greek syn-, "together," and -optic, "seeing") Gospels derive their categorical name from the _______ of similarities in content and composition. a. scarcity b. array c. paucity d. dearth e. spate f. population

B

The captain inspired his soldiers with his _______ on the battlefield, taking the lead on even the most harrowing missions and thereby embodying the proverb he often cited to his unit: "Fortune favors the bold." A. vigilance B. intrepidity C. sagacity D. decorum E. prudence

A & C

The commitment of the United States to democracy encourages many of the country's leaders to _______ despotic regimes in public pronouncements; however, some of these same regimes have privately received aid from the American government in the interest of national security. A. disparage B. castigate C. obviate D. eulogize E. espouse F. ameliorate

a c

The complexities of the Internet introduce (i)______ complexity into international law; because it is a host to the Internet's universally used central servers, the United States must consider that cessation of service due to manipulation of servers within American borders would amount to a potential (ii)______ of other nations' rights. Blank (i) a commensurate an erroneous an equivocal Blank (ii) dissolution augmentation abrogation

i. A ii. B

The early universe was (i)_______ mass of subatomic particles with energies so high they cannot be replicated using current methods; as the mass began to cool, the particles (ii)_______ into distinct objects and eventually condensed into our current system of nebulae. Blank (i) an inchoate a desiccated a noisome Blank (ii) rarefied coalesced precipitated

a & b

The executive claimed to surround himself with only the most candid advisers, yet his newest consultants proved themselves to be no more than sycophants; they refused to disagree with their employer and instead offered him constant, yet feckless _______. a. blandishments b. cajolery c. flattery d. obloquies e. guidance f. prolixity

C Difficulty: medium

The fans did not understand why the opponents embraced after the final whistle; they had hoped that the players would show the same _______ off the field as during the game. A.strength B. sincerity C. vitriol D. mendacity E. agape

i. a ii. a

The increasing acceptance of the notion that the news media is not a (i)_______ commentator on events, but rather a mouthpiece for the vested interests of its powerful owners, demonstrates the public's growing (ii)_______ large corporations. Blank (i) disinterested meddlesome manipulative Blank (ii) mistrust of satisfaction with affection for

i. A ii. B

The intolerable heat of the fierce tropical sun, seeping through the heavy, damp air, rapidly reduced even the most industrious and diligent of the work crews to a state of stupefied (i)_______ and rendered the project manager's (ii)_______ futile, despite the imminent deadline. Blank (i) somnolence invective alacrity Blank (ii) verbosity admonitions puerility

c & c *pay attention to nouns

The jocular medical assistant sought to (i)_______ the patient's trepidation by telling a rather bawdy anecdote. Subsequently, it was difficult to ascertain whether the doctor's (ii)_______ manner reflected his aggravation with the medical assistant's informality or his concern about the patient's health. Blank (i) cajole harangue assuage Blank (ii) jocund mellifluous austere

B & E

The journal's reviews expose the critics' incompetence more than that of the author, as most of the reviews provide no constructive criticism and amount to nothing more than tiresome and insulting _______ aimed at deflating the author's ego. A. articulations B. invectives C. elocutions D. surmises E. diatribes F. speculations

i. c ii.b iii. b

The new winery prides itself on its sulfite- and chemical-free winemaking method, claiming that an (i)________ wine is superior to less pure alternatives. The wine itself is made from (ii)______ ingredients, yet its taste is reminiscent of familiar flavors, with a unique (iii)________ that carries a faint whiff of honeysuckle. Blank (i) immature orthodox unadulterated Blank (ii) brazen exotic acrid Blank (iii) aesthetic aroma concord

C & B

The newly discovered genus of arachnids is distinguished from its close relatives by its (i)______ silk, which produces webs so fine they are all but invisible to the naked eye. However, the webs have surprising (ii)______ strength and are capable of standing up to the thrashing of larger prey such as dragonflies. Blank (i) adamantine frangible gossamer Blank (ii) architectural tensile attenuated

i. A ii. A Difficulty level: medium

The offspring of a clement and empathetic monarch, the king's eldest daughter nevertheless proved to be (i)_______ ruler. Upon assuming the throne, she immediately sought (ii)______ for any perceived wrongs against her. Blank (i) an implacable a beneficent a filial Blank (ii) reprisal approbation decorum

C &F

The prisoner was noticeably agitated on the morning of his escape, and, in retrospect, his fidgety movements and _______ glances should have alerted the guards to the impending foul play. A.accusatory B.dubious C. surreptitious D. objectionable E. unsavory F. furtive

a b

The proliferation of Web sites on every conceivable topic complicates the job of researchers verifying data; (i)_______ a single claim may require hours of online (ii)_______, time that otherwise might have been spent on other projects. Blank (i) corroborating anathematizing illustrating Blank (ii) extricating sleuthing flustering

c b

The social reformer proposed locating juvenile detention facilities close to parks, playing fields, and greenbelts, theorizing that (i)_______ such sites could have a favorable effect on the troubled youths, as opposed to the (ii)_______ influence associated with locations in the heart of high-crime slums. Blank (i) ubiquity of diversity of propinquity to Blank (ii) timorous malevolent propitious

b a b

The unanimous (i)__________ of the original theory by reviews forced the group of scientists to (ii)__________ reconsider their methods, and they ultimately (iii)__________ their former conclusions and began a new course of investigation. Blank (i) acknowledgement dismissal omission Blank (ii) radically inadvertently gingerly Blank (iii) validated rescinded combined

d

The value of the shares in the shipping company continued to plummet, yet the major stockholder believed that in the long term the shares' value would not _________. a. increase b. accrue c. impute d. abate e. compute

i. B ii. C iii. A platform~ relates to politics

Though the candidate insisted that his comments were (i) _______, many of his supporters were offended by his attitude, which they considered not only demeaning but also (ii) _______ to their party's political (iii) _______, and called for him to step down as the party's nominee. Blank (i) newsworthy innocuous pernicious Blank (ii) complementary immaterial deleterious Blank (iii) platform stereotype label

C & F

Though unemployment was at an all-time high, the senator's position as a small-business owner allowed her to create several new jobs, _______ her image as a politician willing to help the average citizen. A. castigating B. ameliorating C. augmenting D. mitigating E. commingling F. aggrandizing

d & f

While most experience visceral reactions when exposed to heights, the performers walking the tightrope just below the top of the circus tent were completely unaffected by the _______ distance from the ground necessitated by their occupation. a. inconsiderable b. wearying c. soporific d. giddy e. anodyne f. vertiginous

A & F

Unaccustomed to the _______ conditions near the top of the peak, John felt unwell and was forced to take a break. A. vertiginous B. soporific C. exacting D. placid E. excruciating F. nauseating

a, c, b *there would need to be sever context for their to be a sever word.

Wanting to rely entirely on (i) _______ evidence to ensure accurate results, the scientists drafted strict guidelines for observing the progress of the experiment. Any (ii) _______ practices in data collection could (iii) _______ the precision of the outcome, rendering the experiment useless. Blank (i) empirical historic dilatory Blank (ii) stringent outlandish anomalous Blank (iii) adversely promote seriously jeopardize positively impact

i. C ii. B

While acknowledging that the celebrity was (i)_______ in her endeavors to raise funds for a number of causes, detractors accused her of secretly treating her employees callously. However, her manager (ii)_______ rumors of her misanthropy when, years after her death, he revealed that she had privately bequeathed much of her fortune to her loyal staff. Blank (i) cursory niggardly indefatigable Blank (ii) substantiated repudiated construed

i.a ii. b

When many of Dr. Snyder's peers were quick to point out a rather (i)_______ error in her calculations, she retreated into the solitude of the lab to (ii)_______ amending her theory. Blank (i) salient nugatory equivocal Blank (ii) eschew ruminate over defer

C &F Difficulty: medium

When the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas premiered its fall exhibition of Impressionistic Masterpieces from the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, the curator of the Blanton was euphoric at the exhibit's reception; the long lines of patrons that subsequently strolled through the halls appeared similarly _________ as they contemplated the exhibit of 50 paintings. judicious decorous rapturous punctilious exquisite exultant

C.

When the Second World War ended, the American economy did not return to the _______ of the 1930s but rather sped up as if driven by an ever-accelerating. metronome. A. proficiency B. inflation C. malaise D. surfeit E. cynicism