How many words should I learn for the GRE?

Most test-takers benefit from learning around 1,000 high-frequency GRE words. Quality matters more than quantity: knowing the precise meaning and usage of each word helps more on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence than recognizing thousands vaguely.

What kind of vocabulary does the GRE test?

The GRE Verbal section favors precise, often advanced vocabulary used in academic writing. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions reward knowing exact shades of meaning, so learn words with example sentences rather than one-line glosses.

How do I memorize GRE vocabulary fast?

Use spaced repetition and study words in context. Reviewing each word at the moment you are about to forget it, paired with an example sentence, is the most efficient path to retaining a large vocabulary for the test.

Exam prep

GRE vocabulary words

GRE Verbal rewards a wide and precise vocabulary, especially on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions. These advanced words appear often on the test. Learn each one with its definition, IPA pronunciation, and example sentences, and review with spaced repetition so they stick through test day.

39 GRE words to know

How to memorize GRE vocabulary

Don't cram a list the night before. Learn each word with an example sentence so you understand it in context, then use spaced repetition to review it right before you'd forget. That's exactly how Vocaby works: swipe through words with audio and examples, and the app schedules each one for review at the perfect moment so it lasts through test day.

Frequently asked questions

How many words should I learn for the GRE?: Most test-takers benefit from learning around 1,000 high-frequency GRE words. Quality matters more than quantity: knowing the precise meaning and usage of each word helps more on Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence than recognizing thousands vaguely.
What kind of vocabulary does the GRE test?: The GRE Verbal section favors precise, often advanced vocabulary used in academic writing. Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions reward knowing exact shades of meaning, so learn words with example sentences rather than one-line glosses.
How do I memorize GRE vocabulary fast?: Use spaced repetition and study words in context. Reviewing each word at the moment you are about to forget it, paired with an example sentence, is the most efficient path to retaining a large vocabulary for the test.

Study GRE words that actually stick.

Vocaby pairs every word with audio, examples, and spaced repetition — free to start.

Download on the App Store