Advanced Words for Competitive Exams
High-level vocabulary • 406 advanced words available
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abdicate
to give up a position of power or responsibility, especially formally and willingly
Example:
"The king decided to abdicate the throne in favor of his son."
abnegation
the act of rejecting something; self-denial
Example:
"Monastic life often involves abnegation of worldly pleasures."
abrogate
to officially end or repeal a law, agreement, or custom
Example:
"The government decided to abrogate the outdated law."
abstemious
not self-indulgent, especially in food or drink
Example:
"She lived an abstemious lifestyle, avoiding alcohol and luxury."
abstruse
difficult to understand; obscure or complex in meaning
Example:
"The professor’s lecture on quantum physics was too abstruse for most students."
accede
to agree to a request or demand; to assume an office or position
Example:
"The board finally acceded to the workers’ demands."
acerbic
sharply or bitingly critical, sarcastic, or ironic in temper, mood, or tone
Example:
"Her acerbic comments during the review stung the team."
acquiesce
to accept or agree to something reluctantly but without protest
Example:
"She acquiesced to the decision to relocate for the job."
acquittal
a judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they were charged
Example:
"The defendant was overjoyed at his acquittal."
acumen
keen insight or ability to make good judgments quickly
Example:
"Her business acumen impressed the investors."
adulation
excessive admiration or praise, often insincere
Example:
"The celebrity was used to constant adulation from her fans."
advertent
giving attention; attentive or mindful
Example:
"The report was written in an advertent manner."
aegis
the protection, support, or sponsorship of a powerful person or organization
Example:
"The project was developed under the aegis of the UN."
aggrandize
to increase the power, status, or wealth of; to praise beyond what is justified
Example:
"The leader sought to aggrandize his family through strategic appointments."
alacrity
a cheerful readiness to do something; eagerness
Example:
"She accepted the invitation with alacrity and joy."
altruistic
unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others
Example:
"Her altruistic donation helped build a new community centre."
ambivalent
having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
Example:
"She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city."
ameliorate
to make something better or less severe; improve
Example:
"The new policy helped ameliorate the housing shortage."
amelioration
the act of making something better or more tolerable
Example:
"Social reforms led to the amelioration of living conditions."
anathema
someone or something intensely disliked or loathed; a formal curse
Example:
"The idea became anathema to the conservative faction."
anodyne
not likely to provoke dissent or offense; soothing; something that relieves pain
Example:
"His anodyne comments kept the discussion peaceful."
antipathy
a strong feeling of dislike or opposition towards someone or something
Example:
"He has a deep antipathy toward dishonesty."
apocryphal
of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
Example:
"The story of his heroism turned out to be apocryphal."
approbation
official approval or praise
Example:
"The plan received the approbation of the committee."
arbiter
a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter
Example:
"The teacher acted as an arbiter to settle the argument between the two students."
arcadian
relating to an idealized rural paradise; simple and peaceful
Example:
"They lived in an arcadian setting, surrounded by fields."
arcane
known or understood by very few people; mysterious
Example:
"The book dealt with arcane legal doctrines only a few specialists understood."
articulate
able to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing
Example:
"She gave an articulate presentation on climate change."
ascendancy
a position of power or influence over others
Example:
"The party gained ascendancy after the elections."
asperity
harshness of tone or manner; severity
Example:
"She addressed him with asperity."