GRE Sentence Equivalence Advanced Questions 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The professor's lectures were so __________ that students often left the hall more confused than when they had entered. Select TWO answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning. (A) perspicuous (B) abstruse (C) convoluted (D) lucid (E) pellucid (F) trenchant

perspicuous
abstruse (Correct answer)
convoluted
lucid
pellucid
trenchant

Correct answer: abstruse

Abstruse (B) and convoluted (C) both mean difficult to understand — lectures so difficult they confuse students. The two words create equivalent sentences.

Abstruse means difficult to understand; obscure. Convoluted means extremely complex and difficult to follow. Both create the same meaning: confusingly difficult lectures. Perspicuous, lucid, and pellucid all mean clearly expressed (opposites). Trenchant means vigorous and incisive, but doesn't specifically mean confusing.

Question 2: Critics noted that the author's later style had become increasingly __________, relying on unnecessary complexity to disguise a poverty of ideas. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) turgid (B) lapidary (C) pellucid (D) prolix (E) laconic (F) succinct

turgid (Correct answer)
lapidary
pellucid
prolix
laconic
succinct

Correct answer: turgid

Turgid (A) and prolix (D) both describe style that is unnecessarily wordy or inflated. Both fit the idea of using complexity to hide shallow thinking.

Turgid means excessively embellished, inflated, or pompous in style. Prolix means using too many words; wordy. Both describe styles characterized by excess. Lapidary and pellucid mean concise and clear (opposites). Laconic and succinct mean brief (opposites). Turgid and prolix both signal verbose, inflated writing.

Question 3: Despite appearances, the negotiation was entirely __________ — each concession calculated, each show of emotion performed for strategic effect. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) spontaneous (B) guileless (C) premeditated (D) scripted (E) genuine (F) candid

spontaneous
guileless
premeditated (Correct answer)
scripted
genuine
candid

Correct answer: premeditated

Premeditated (C) and scripted (D) both mean planned in advance — 'each concession calculated, each emotion performed' confirms every action was pre-planned.

Premeditated means thought out or planned beforehand. Scripted means following a predetermined plan, as if reading from a script. Both create equivalent sentences: the negotiation was planned, not genuine. Spontaneous, guileless, genuine, and candid all suggest unplanned or honest behavior (opposites).

Question 4: The once-________ ecosystem of the wetlands had been reduced, through decades of drainage and pollution, to a shadow of its former biodiversity. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) barren (B) fecund (C) desolate (D) arid (E) verdant (F) teeming

barren
fecund (Correct answer)
desolate
arid
verdant
teeming

Correct answer: fecund

Fecund (B) and teeming (F) both describe a formerly rich, productive, and abundant ecosystem — now reduced by pollution.

Fecund means producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth. Teeming means swarming or full of life. Both describe an ecosystem rich in life. Barren, desolate, and arid all mean lacking life or productivity (opposite of the original thriving state). Verdant means green and lush — possible but doesn't capture biodiversity as well as fecund or teeming.

Question 5: The committee's decision to postpone the vote indefinitely was seen as __________ — effectively killing the bill without requiring anyone to vote against it. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) transparent (B) pusillanimous (C) disingenuous (D) craven (E) forthright (F) principled

transparent
pusillanimous (Correct answer)
disingenuous
craven
forthright
principled

Correct answer: pusillanimous

Pusillanimous (B) and craven (D) both mean cowardly — killing a bill without voting against it is a cowardly maneuver that avoids responsibility.

Pusillanimous means showing a lack of courage; timid. Craven means contemptibly lacking in courage. Both capture the cowardly avoidance of responsibility. Transparent and forthright mean open and honest (opposite). Principled means acting on strong moral principles. Disingenuous means not candid or sincere — close but not exactly the same as cowardly.

Question 6: Although her scientific papers were rigorous and impeccably argued, her public lectures had a __________ quality that alienated non-specialist audiences. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) accessible (B) pedantic (C) didactic (D) engaging (E) esoteric (F) recondite

accessible
pedantic
didactic
engaging
esoteric (Correct answer)
recondite

Correct answer: esoteric

Esoteric (E) and recondite (F) both mean intended for or understood by only a small, specialized audience — which would alienate non-specialists.

Esoteric means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge. Recondite means not known by many people; abstruse. Both indicate material too specialized for general audiences. Accessible and engaging are positives (opposite). Pedantic and didactic relate to teaching style but don't specifically mean too specialized.

Question 7: The administration's response to the outbreak was __________, with different agencies issuing contradictory guidance and resources going uncoordinated. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) coherent (B) chaotic (C) systematic (D) haphazard (E) methodical (F) deliberate

coherent
chaotic (Correct answer)
systematic
haphazard
methodical
deliberate

Correct answer: chaotic

Chaotic (B) and haphazard (D) both describe disorganized, uncoordinated action — contradictory guidance and uncoordinated resources are signs of chaos and haphazardness.

Chaotic means in a state of complete disorder. Haphazard means lacking any obvious principle of organization. Both describe the disorganized response. Coherent, systematic, methodical, and deliberate all mean planned and organized (opposites). The description 'contradictory guidance' and 'uncoordinated resources' directly signals chaotic or haphazard.

Question 8: Though privately skeptical, the board members gave __________ approval to the new strategy, nodding along without raising concerns. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) enthusiastic (B) tacit (C) fervent (D) grudging (E) perfunctory (F) fulsome

enthusiastic
tacit (Correct answer)
fervent
grudging
perfunctory
fulsome

Correct answer: tacit

Tacit (B) and perfunctory (D) — while not perfect synonyms — both describe approval given without real engagement: tacit (implied, not spoken) and perfunctory (done as routine, without care). In context, both mean going through the motions of approval.

Tacit means understood or implied without being stated. Perfunctory means carried out with minimal effort; not thorough. In context both describe approval given without genuine commitment — nodding along while privately skeptical. Grudging is tempting but implies resistance was shown, which contradicts 'nodding along without raising concerns.' Enthusiastic, fervent, and fulsome all imply genuine positivity.

Question 9: The __________ of the evidence against the defendant — hearsay, circumstantial details, and a single disputed eyewitness — struck legal observers as insufficient for conviction. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) preponderance (B) inadequacy (C) superfluity (D) paucity (E) surfeit (F) redundancy

preponderance
inadequacy (Correct answer)
paucity
superfluity
surfeit
redundancy

Correct answer: inadequacy

Inadequacy (B) and paucity (D) both convey insufficient or scarce evidence — hearsay and a single disputed witness is not enough for conviction.

Inadequacy means the state of being not enough or not good enough. Paucity means the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities. Both describe insufficient evidence. Preponderance means majority or superiority in weight (opposite in legal context). Superfluity, surfeit, and redundancy mean too much (opposite problem).

Question 10: The marathon runner's __________ pace — consistent mile after mile regardless of terrain or competition — was more characteristic of a machine than a human athlete. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) erratic (B) relentless (C) flagging (D) inexorable (E) sporadic (F) variable

erratic
relentless (Correct answer)
flagging
inexorable
sporadic
variable

Correct answer: relentless

Relentless (B) and inexorable (D) both mean unstoppable and unyielding — a pace that never changes regardless of conditions is relentless and inexorable.

Relentless means oppressively constant; not yielding. Inexorable means impossible to stop or prevent; unrelenting. Both describe a pace that continues without variation. Erratic, sporadic, and variable all mean inconsistent (opposite). Flagging means becoming tired or less enthusiastic (opposite — the runner maintains pace).

Question 11: The journal's new editor-in-chief quickly developed a reputation for being __________, returning manuscripts with extensive comments within 48 hours of submission. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) dilatory (B) meticulous (C) perfunctory (D) assiduous (E) remiss (F) indolent

dilatory
meticulous (Correct answer)
perfunctory
assiduous
remiss
indolent

Correct answer: meticulous

Meticulous (B) and assiduous (D) both describe a careful, thorough, and hardworking approach — extensive comments returned quickly describes both qualities.

Meticulous means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. Assiduous means showing great care and perseverance; diligent. Both describe an editor who takes the job seriously and works thoroughly. Dilatory means slow to act (opposite). Perfunctory means minimal effort (opposite). Remiss means negligent (opposite). Indolent means lazy (opposite).

Question 12: His argument, though initially persuasive, was ultimately __________ upon closer examination — its central premise rested on a logical fallacy. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) cogent (B) specious (C) sound (D) fallacious (E) irrefutable (F) compelling

cogent
specious (Correct answer)
sound
fallacious
irrefutable
compelling

Correct answer: specious

Specious (B) and fallacious (D) both describe arguments that appear valid but are actually flawed — 'initially persuasive' but resting on a logical fallacy.

Specious means superficially plausible but actually wrong. Fallacious means based on a mistaken belief or flawed reasoning. Both describe arguments that appear sound but are not. Cogent, sound, irrefutable, and compelling all mean the argument is actually valid (opposites). 'Ultimately resting on a logical fallacy' confirms specious or fallacious.

Question 13: The mountain village had remained __________ for centuries — cut off by terrain and indifference from the political upheavals that reshaped surrounding regions. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) cosmopolitan (B) insular (C) cosmopolitan (D) parochial (E) vibrant (F) progressive

cosmopolitan
insular (Correct answer)
isolated
parochial
vibrant
progressive

Correct answer: insular

Insular (B) and parochial (D) both describe a community cut off from outside influences — 'isolated by terrain and indifference from surrounding upheavals' is insular and parochial.

Insular means ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience. Parochial means having a limited or narrow outlook; only interested in local concerns. Both describe communities cut off from broader influences. Cosmopolitan means having experience of many countries (opposite). Vibrant and progressive mean dynamic and forward-thinking (opposites).

Question 14: The historian's __________ approach — examining the same events through economic, cultural, military, and political lenses — produced a richer understanding than single-cause analyses. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) reductive (B) multifaceted (C) synthetic (D) unilateral (E) holistic (F) dogmatic

reductive
multifaceted (Correct answer)
synthetic
unilateral
holistic
dogmatic

Correct answer: multifaceted

Multifaceted (B) and holistic (E) both describe an approach that considers multiple aspects or the whole — examining events through economic, cultural, military, and political lenses is multifaceted and holistic.

Multifaceted means having many facets or aspects. Holistic means characterized by the belief that the parts cannot be understood independently of the whole. Both describe comprehensive, multi-angle analysis. Reductive means over-simplified (opposite of the rich analysis described). Unilateral means one-sided (opposite). Dogmatic means following doctrine rigidly (opposite of flexible multi-lens analysis).

Question 15: The philanthropist was known for her __________ donations — giving anonymously, refusing public recognition, and declining to have buildings named in her honor. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) ostentatious (B) munificent (C) self-aggrandizing (D) unassuming (E) modest (F) brazen

ostentatious
munificent
self-aggrandizing
unassuming (Correct answer)
modest
brazen

Correct answer: unassuming

Unassuming (D) and modest (E) both describe someone who avoids drawing attention to themselves — giving anonymously, refusing recognition, and declining honors is unassuming and modest.

Unassuming means not pretentious or arrogant; modest. Modest means unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities. Both describe the philanthropist's self-effacing style. Ostentatious and self-aggrandizing mean showy and self-promoting (opposite). Munificent means very generous but doesn't address the style of giving. Brazen means bold and shameless (opposite).

Question 16: The arbitrator's ruling was seen as __________ — splitting the disputed assets almost perfectly evenly and giving neither party a clear victory. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) lopsided (B) equitable (C) impartial (D) punitive (E) biased (F) capricious

lopsided
equitable (Correct answer)
impartial
punitive
biased
capricious

Correct answer: equitable

Equitable (B) and impartial (C) both describe a fair, balanced ruling — splitting assets evenly and giving neither party a clear win is equitable and impartial.

Equitable means fair and impartial; dealing fairly with all concerned. Impartial means treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair. Both describe the balanced ruling. Lopsided means heavily unequal (opposite). Punitive means inflicting punishment. Biased means unfairly prejudiced (opposite). Capricious means given to sudden changes of mood (describes behavior, not a ruling's fairness).

Question 17: The playwright's use of silence in the final scene was __________ — a void that spoke louder than any dialogue could have. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) superfluous (B) eloquent (C) gratuitous (D) expressive (E) redundant (F) banal

superfluous
eloquent (Correct answer)
gratuitous
expressive
redundant
banal

Correct answer: eloquent

Eloquent (B) and expressive (D) both describe silence that communicates powerfully — 'spoke louder than any dialogue' means the silence was communicative and eloquent.

Eloquent means fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; expressing something powerfully. Expressive means effectively conveying thought or feeling. Both capture the communicative power of the silence. Superfluous, gratuitous, and redundant mean unnecessary (opposite — the silence is essential). Banal means unoriginal and trite (opposite of the powerful silence described).

Question 18: Despite her outwardly __________ nature — always agreeable, never confrontational — she had managed to implement sweeping changes that many found threatening. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) combative (B) intransigent (C) placid (D) tempestuous (E) emollient (F) conciliatory

combative
intransigent
placid (Correct answer)
tempestuous
emollient
conciliatory

Correct answer: placid

Placid (C) and conciliatory (F) both describe a calm, agreeable, non-confrontational outward manner — 'always agreeable, never confrontational' is placid and conciliatory.

Placid means not easily upset or excited; calm. Conciliatory means intended or likely to placate or pacify. Both describe the agreeable, non-confrontational manner. Combative and intransigent mean argumentative and uncompromising (opposite). Tempestuous means very stormy or turbulent (opposite). Emollient means having a softening or soothing effect — close but more about tone than temperament.

Question 19: The court found that the contract's fine-print clauses were __________ — designed to confuse rather than inform the consumer who signed them. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) perspicuous (B) pellucid (C) obfuscatory (D) transparent (E) tortuous (F) categorical

perspicuous
pellucid
obfuscatory (Correct answer)
transparent
tortuous
categorical

Correct answer: obfuscatory

Obfuscatory (C) and tortuous (E) both describe language designed to confuse — clauses that 'confuse rather than inform' are obfuscatory (intentionally obscuring) and tortuous (unnecessarily complex).

Obfuscatory means tending to obscure or confuse; deliberately unclear. Tortuous means excessively lengthy, complex, and difficult to follow. Both describe language that confuses rather than clarifies. Perspicuous, pellucid, and transparent mean clearly expressed (opposites). Categorical means unambiguous (opposite).

Question 20: The politician's __________ had grown over two decades: once a minor city councillor, he was now one of the most powerful figures in the nation. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) stature (B) obscurity (C) prominence (D) anonymity (E) modesty (F) reticence

stature (Correct answer)
obscurity
prominence
anonymity
modesty
reticence

Correct answer: stature

Stature (A) and prominence (C) both mean high standing or importance — rising from minor city councillor to one of the nation's most powerful figures is a growth in stature and prominence.

Stature means respect and importance based on achievements. Prominence means the state of being important or well-known. Both describe the politician's rise. Obscurity and anonymity mean being unknown (opposite). Modesty means humility. Reticence means reluctance to speak. The contrast 'once minor, now most powerful' signals growth in stature or prominence.

Question 21: The critics were divided: some found the young composer's symphony __________, full of untapped potential; others dismissed it as amateurish. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) derivative (B) inchoate (C) mediocre (D) nascent (E) polished (F) derivative

derivative
inchoate (Correct answer)
mediocre
nascent
polished
formulaic

Correct answer: inchoate

Inchoate (B) and nascent (D) both mean just beginning to develop — 'untapped potential' describes a work that is early-stage and not fully formed.

Inchoate means not fully developed; just begun. Nascent means just coming into existence and beginning to develop. Both describe something with unrealized potential. Derivative means imitative of another's work (negative). Mediocre means of average quality (neutral negative). Polished means highly finished and refined (opposite).

Question 22: The negotiated peace was widely described as __________ — both sides walked away dissatisfied, but at least the fighting had stopped. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) triumphant (B) pyrrhic (C) definitive (D) expedient (E) inglorious (F) decisive

triumphant
pyrrhic (Correct answer)
definitive
expedient
inglorious
decisive

Correct answer: pyrrhic

Pyrrhic (B) and inglorious (E) both describe a 'victory' that comes at too high a cost or with insufficient gains — both sides dissatisfied fits this characterization.

Pyrrhic means won at too great a cost to be of use; a victory that is practically a defeat. Inglorious means not bringing glory; shameful or ignominious. Both capture the unsatisfying, hollow nature of the peace. Triumphant and decisive describe clear wins (opposite). Definitive means clearly established (doesn't match the ambiguity). Expedient means convenient but possibly unprincipled — possible but less strong.

Question 23: The scientist's proposal was met with __________ from colleagues who believed the methodology was fundamentally flawed. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) approbation (B) derision (C) acclaim (D) opprobrium (E) adulation (F) laurels

approbation
derision (Correct answer)
acclaim
opprobrium
adulation
laurels

Correct answer: derision

Derision (B) and opprobrium (D) both describe scornful disapproval — colleagues who believe methodology is 'fundamentally flawed' would respond with scorn and disapproval.

Derision means contemptuous ridicule or mockery. Opprobrium means harsh criticism or censure; disgrace. Both describe strongly negative reactions. Approbation, acclaim, and adulation all mean praise (opposites). Laurels means honors won. Colleagues who find methodology 'fundamentally flawed' would express derision or opprobrium.

Question 24: The memoir's tone was surprisingly __________, with the author treating even personal tragedies with a kind of amused detachment. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) lachrymose (B) mordant (C) elegiac (D) wry (E) maudlin (F) dolorous

lachrymose
mordant (Correct answer)
elegiac
wry
maudlin
dolorous

Correct answer: mordant

Mordant (B) and wry (D) both describe a dry, ironic, or darkly humorous tone — treating personal tragedies with 'amused detachment' is mordant and wry.

Mordant means sharply critical and darkly humorous. Wry means dryly humorous or ironic; a twisted form of humor. Both capture the amused detachment applied even to tragedy. Lachrymose, elegiac, maudlin, and dolorous all describe sadness or mourning (opposite of amused detachment).

Question 25: The new law's __________ enforcement — applied rigorously in wealthy neighborhoods but rarely in poorer districts — drew charges of institutional bias. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) consistent (B) selective (C) impartial (D) discriminatory (E) universal (F) uniform

consistent
selective (Correct answer)
impartial
discriminatory
universal
uniform

Correct answer: selective

Selective (B) and discriminatory (D) both describe enforcement that is applied unequally based on location or social status — rigorous in wealthy areas, rare in poor areas.

Selective means carefully choosing from a large number; making choices. Discriminatory means making or showing an unjust distinction; biased. Both describe unequal enforcement. Consistent, impartial, universal, and uniform all describe equal enforcement (opposite). The contrast 'rigorously in wealthy neighborhoods, rarely in poorer districts' directly signals selective or discriminatory enforcement.

Question 26: After years of heated debate, the committee adopted a __________ position — supporting neither the radical overhaul nor the status quo, but proposing modest incremental reforms. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) partisan (B) centrist (C) moderate (D) radical (E) reactionary (F) extremist

partisan
centrist (Correct answer)
moderate
radical
reactionary
extremist

Correct answer: centrist

Centrist (B) and moderate (C) both describe a middle position that avoids extremes — supporting neither radical overhaul nor the status quo but proposing modest reforms.

Centrist means holding moderate political views, not extreme left or right. Moderate means avoiding extremes of behavior or expression; restrained. Both describe the middle-ground position. Partisan means biased toward a party (not necessarily moderate). Radical, reactionary, and extremist all describe extreme positions (opposite).

Question 27: The company's financial disclosures were criticized as __________ — technically accurate but structured in a way that made the true extent of the losses nearly impossible to determine. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) transparent (B) misleading (C) unambiguous (D) obfuscatory (E) lucid (F) forthcoming

transparent
misleading (Correct answer)
unambiguous
obfuscatory
lucid
forthcoming

Correct answer: misleading

Misleading (B) and obfuscatory (D) both describe disclosures that obscure the truth — 'technically accurate but structured to hide the true extent' is misleading and obfuscatory.

Misleading means giving the wrong idea or impression. Obfuscatory means tending to obscure or confuse. Both describe disclosures designed to prevent understanding. Transparent, unambiguous, lucid, and forthcoming all mean open and clear (opposites). 'Technically accurate but... nearly impossible to determine' is the classic definition of misleading or obfuscatory communication.

Question 28: His __________ commentary throughout the negotiations made adversaries unsure whether he was joking or serious, which gave him a strategic advantage. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) earnest (B) enigmatic (C) pellucid (D) inscrutable (E) transparent (F) guileless

earnest
enigmatic (Correct answer)
pellucid
inscrutable
transparent
guileless

Correct answer: enigmatic

Enigmatic (B) and inscrutable (D) both mean difficult to interpret or understand — commentary that leaves adversaries unsure 'whether joking or serious' is enigmatic and inscrutable.

Enigmatic means difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious. Inscrutable means impossible to understand or interpret. Both describe the impenetrable quality of his commentary. Earnest, pellucid, transparent, and guileless all mean open, sincere, and clear (opposites). The strategic advantage of being unreadable requires enigmatic or inscrutable behavior.

Question 29: The artist's work was dismissed by critics as __________ — technically skilled but utterly devoid of originality or emotional resonance. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) derivative (B) pioneering (C) formulaic (D) innovative (E) transcendent (F) groundbreaking

derivative (Correct answer)
pioneering
formulaic
innovative
transcendent
groundbreaking

Correct answer: derivative

Derivative (A) and formulaic (C) both mean unoriginal and following established patterns — 'technically skilled but devoid of originality' is derivative and formulaic.

Derivative means imitative of the work of another person. Formulaic means produced in accordance with a mechanical or rigid formula; lacking originality. Both describe work that is technically competent but not original. Pioneering, innovative, transcendent, and groundbreaking all describe original, creative work (opposites). 'Devoid of originality' directly points to derivative or formulaic.

Question 30: Although the candidate had deep policy expertise, her campaign struggled because she seemed __________ on the stump — wooden, rehearsed, and unable to connect with voters. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) charismatic (B) stilted (C) magnetic (D) wooden (E) galvanizing (F) electrifying

charismatic
stilted (Correct answer)
magnetic
wooden
galvanizing
electrifying

Correct answer: stilted

Stilted (B) and wooden (D) both describe an unnatural, stiff performance — 'wooden, rehearsed, unable to connect' describes someone who comes across as stilted and wooden.

Stilted means stiff and self-conscious in manner; not natural. Wooden means stiff and showing no emotion or expression. Both describe the inability to come across as genuine on the campaign trail. Charismatic, magnetic, galvanizing, and electrifying all describe dynamic, compelling presence (opposites). 'Wooden, rehearsed' in the sentence directly defines stilted.

Question 31: The documentary presented historical events with admirable __________ — allowing footage and testimony to speak for themselves rather than imposing editorial judgments. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) restraint (B) sensationalism (C) neutrality (D) polemicism (E) hyperbole (F) didacticism

restraint (Correct answer)
sensationalism
neutrality
polemicism
hyperbole
didacticism

Correct answer: restraint

Restraint (A) and neutrality (C) both describe a non-interventionist approach — letting footage speak without editorial judgment is restrained and neutral.

Restraint means the quality of being measured and controlled; holding back from overreach. Neutrality means the state of not supporting or helping either side; impartiality. Both describe the documentary's non-judgmental approach. Sensationalism and hyperbole mean exaggerating for effect (opposite). Polemicism and didacticism mean pushing an argument or lesson (opposite of letting footage speak).

Question 32: The foundation's __________ grant guidelines frustrated applicants — vague about eligibility, contradictory about timelines, and silent about how decisions were made. Select TWO answer choices that produce completed sentences alike in meaning. (A) lucid (B) opaque (C) pellucid (D) murky (E) transparent (F) crystalline

lucid
opaque (Correct answer)
pellucid
murky
transparent
crystalline

Correct answer: opaque

Opaque (B) and murky (D) both mean unclear and difficult to understand — vague, contradictory, and silent guidelines are opaque and murky.

Opaque means not transparent; not allowing light through; figuratively, not clearly understood. Murky means dark and dirty or lacking in clarity. Both describe confusing, unclear guidelines. Lucid, pellucid, transparent, and crystalline all mean clear (opposites). 'Vague about eligibility, contradictory about timelines' directly describes opaque or murky guidelines.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Advanced Questions 1

The professor's lectures were so __________ that students often left the hall more confused than when they had entered.
Select TWO answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.
(A) perspicuous (B) abstruse (C) convoluted (D) lucid (E) pellucid (F) trenchant

🃏 GRE Flashcards — Study This Quiz as Flip Cards →

📚 Want to go deeper? Read the Full GRE Study Guide →