GRE Vocabulary: Praise, Criticism, Reduction, and Growth

Vocabulary flashcards covering high-frequency words, equivalents, and meanings organized into categories: Praise/Support, Criticism/Disapproval/Attack, Reduce/Weaken/Lessen, and Increase/Strengthen/Grow.

hail

To praise enthusiastically. Equivalent(s): acclaim.

approbation

Approval, praise. Equivalent(s): adulation, commendation.

extol

To praise highly. Equivalent(s): applaud, lionize.

valorize

To give value or praise to. Equivalent(s): exalt.

venerate

To regard with deep respect. Equivalent(s): honor, respect.

espouse

To support or adopt a cause. Equivalent(s): champion, advocate, defend.

buttress

To support, reinforce. Equivalent(s): bolster, prop up.

sanction

To officially approve. Equivalent(s): endorse, countenance.

chastise

To criticize severely. Equivalent(s): castigate.

lambaste

To criticize harshly. Equivalent(s): denounce.

decry

To publicly criticize. Equivalent(s): condemn, reprehend.

disapprobation

Strong disapproval. Equivalent(s): censure.

derision

Contemptuous laughter. Equivalent(s): mockery, ridicule.

opprobrium

Harsh criticism, disgrace. Equivalent(s): disdain.

slight

To belittle. Equivalent(s): disparage, discount.

calumny

False accusation, slander. Equivalent(s): defamation, aspersion.

mitigate

To make less severe. Equivalent(s): abate, curtail, temper, ameliorate.

attenuate

To weaken, reduce in force. Equivalent(s): dissipate, mute.

palliate

To relieve without curing. Equivalent(s): damp.

dwindle

To gradually decrease. Equivalent(s): contract.

undermine

To weaken from beneath. Equivalent(s): impair, subvert, undercut.

impede

To obstruct, slow down. Equivalent(s): hamper, hinder.

stymie

To block, prevent progress. Equivalent(s): hinder, inhibit.

deter

To prevent, discourage. Equivalent(s): constrain.

proliferate

To increase rapidly. Equivalent(s): abound.

burgeon

To grow quickly. Equivalent(s): expand, flourish.

augment

To make greater. Equivalent(s): extend, expand, enhance.

exacerbate

To make worse. Equivalent(s): aggravate.

galvanize

To shock into action. Equivalent(s): animate, rouse, inspire.

hone

To sharpen, improve. Equivalent(s): enhance.