GRE Sentence Equivalence Set 2 Practice Questions with Answers

Concept Explanation

GRE Sentence Equivalence questions require you to choose two words from a list of six that, when substituted into the sentence, create two coherent sentences with the same overall meaning. These questions test your ability to evaluate how a single word can influence the tone and logic of a sentence while identifying synonyms or near-synonyms that fit the specific context. Unlike simple vocabulary tests, success on the GRE Prep Verbal section depends on recognizing the "bridge" or transition words—such as although, because, or paradoxically—that dictate the relationship between ideas.

To solve these effectively, you must focus on the sentence's internal logic before looking at the options. A common pitfall is selecting two synonyms that do not fit the context, or selecting a word that fits the context but has no partner among the other choices. You are looking for "synonymous sentences," not just synonymous words. This distinction is vital because the Educational Testing Service (ETS) often includes "trap" words that are synonyms of each other but do not logically complete the sentence provided.

Solved Examples

1. Example 1: Although the CEO was known for her __________, she surprised the board by donating a significant portion of her salary to charity.
   • (A) magnanimity
   • (B) cupidity
   • (C) parsimony
   • (D) avarice
   • (E) benevolence
   • (F) brilliance
   Solution:
   1. Identify the trigger word: "Although" indicates a contrast between the blank and the act of donating money.
   2. Determine the required meaning: The blank needs a word meaning greed or stinginess.
   3. Evaluate the options: "Cupidity," "parsimony," and "avarice" all relate to money. However, "cupidity" and "avarice" mean greed, while "parsimony" means extreme stinginess.
   4. Select the pair: (B) cupidity and (D) avarice are the best fit as they both describe a strong desire for wealth, contrasting with the donation.
2. Example 2: The scientist’s theory was initially dismissed as __________; however, subsequent experiments proved its validity.
   • (A) plausible
   • (B) specious
   • (C) spurious
   • (D) credible
   • (E) innovative
   • (F) redundant
   Solution:
   1. Identify the trigger: "Initially dismissed" and "however... proved its validity" suggest the blank must mean false or seemingly true but actually wrong.
   2. Determine the required meaning: Something that looks right but is actually incorrect.
   3. Evaluate the options: "Specious" and "spurious" both refer to things that are false or deceitful.
   4. Final Pair: (B) and (C).
3. Example 3: The professor’s lectures were so __________ that even the most attentive students found it difficult to follow his train of thought.
   • (A) lucid
   • (B) convoluted
   • (C) tortuous
   • (D) enlightening
   • (E) succinct
   • (F) prolix
   Solution:
   1. Identify the clue: "Difficult to follow" suggests the lectures were complex or winding.
   2. Determine the meaning: Complex, twisted, or overly complicated.
   3. Evaluate the options: "Convoluted" and "tortuous" both mean full of twists and turns or complex. While "prolix" means wordy, it doesn't necessarily mean hard to follow in the same way.
   4. Final Pair: (B) and (C).

Practice Questions

1. The diplomat was known for his ___________ nature, always managing to resolve conflicts without offending either party.

• (A) bellicose
• (B) conciliatory
• (C) abrasive
• (D) placatory
• (E) dogmatic
• (F) truculent

2. Despite the ___________ evidence presented by the defense, the jury remained unconvinced of the defendant’s innocence.

• (A) meager
• (B) exculpatory
• (C) incriminating
• (D) absolving
• (E) scant
• (F) redundant

3. The new law was criticized for being ___________, as it seemed to contradict several existing statutes.

• (A) harmonious
• (B) incongruous
• (C) consistent
• (D) incompatible
• (E) equitable
• (F) polemical

4. Because the author’s style is so ___________, many readers find his 800-page novels exhausting to finish.

• (A) laconic
• (B) verbose
• (C) garrulous
• (D) terse
• (E) pithy
• (F) ephemeral

5. The scout reported that the enemy’s position was ___________, suggesting that a surprise attack would likely succeed.

• (A) impregnable
• (B) precarious
• (C) untenable
• (D) fortified
• (E) resilient
• (F) robust

6. The politician’s speech was filled with ___________, designed to appeal to the emotions of the crowd rather than their intellect.

• (A) rhetoric
• (B) logic
• (C) bombast
• (D) clarity
• (E) substance
• (F) brevity

7. The desert landscape appeared ___________, with no signs of water or vegetation for miles in any direction.

• (A) lush
• (B) arid
• (C) barren
• (D) fecund
• (E) teeming
• (F) verdant

8. Even though the two sisters look alike, their temperaments are ___________; one is shy and retiring, while the other is bold and outgoing.

• (A) disparate
• (B) homogeneous
• (C) divergent
• (D) equivalent
• (E) uniform
• (F) analogous

Answers & Explanations

1. (B) conciliatory and (D) placatory. The sentence describes someone who resolves conflict and avoids offense. Both "conciliatory" and "placatory" mean intended to pacify or make less angry. "Bellicose" and "truculent" are the opposite (aggressive).

2. (B) exculpatory and (D) absolving. The word "Despite" introduces a contrast. The jury was unconvinced of innocence, so the evidence must have supported innocence. Both "exculpatory" and "absolving" mean clearing from guilt. "Meager" and "scant" are synonyms but don't fit the logic of the contrast.

3. (B) incongruous and (D) incompatible. The clue is "contradict several existing statutes." The blank must mean out of place or not in agreement. "Incongruous" and "incompatible" fit perfectly. You can practice more logic-based verbal reasoning using the AI Question Generator.

4. (B) verbose and (C) garrulous. The clue "800-page novels exhausting to finish" implies the author uses too many words. "Verbose" and "garrulous" both mean wordy or talkative. "Laconic," "terse," and "pithy" are opposites (brief).

5. (B) precarious and (C) untenable. If a surprise attack is likely to succeed, the enemy position must be weak or unstable. "Precarious" and "untenable" both describe a position that is difficult to maintain or defend.

6. (A) rhetoric and (C) bombast. The sentence contrasts emotion with intellect. "Rhetoric" and "bombast" both refer to high-sounding language with little substance, often used to influence people emotionally.

7. (B) arid and (C) barren. The clue "no signs of water or vegetation" points to a dry, lifeless environment. "Arid" (dry) and "barren" (lifeless) create the same meaning. This is similar to concepts found in GRE Data Analysis Set 2 where you must interpret specific environmental variables.

8. (A) disparate and (C) divergent. The contrast is between looking alike and having different temperaments. "Disparate" and "divergent" both mean different or developing in different directions. "Homogeneous" and "uniform" are opposites.

1. Which pair of words describes a person who is extremely stingy with money?

• AMagnanimous and Benevolent
• BParsimonious and Penurious
• CAvaricious and Greedy
• DProfligate and Extravagant

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence?

Text Completion involves filling in one, two, or three blanks to complete a passage, whereas Sentence Equivalence requires picking two words for a single blank that create two sentences with identical meanings. While both test vocabulary, Equivalence focuses more on synonymity and sentence-level logic.

Do I get partial credit for picking one correct word?

No, the GRE does not award partial credit for Sentence Equivalence questions. You must select both correct words to receive points for the question.

Should I focus on synonyms first or the sentence context?

You should always analyze the sentence context and identify the "clue" and "trigger" words first. Once you have a predicted word in mind, look for the two options that best match your prediction and each other.

How do I handle a blank where three words seem to work?

Look for the "synonym pair" among those three words. Usually, one word will be an "outlier" that fits the meaning but doesn't have a corresponding partner, while the other two will be near-synonyms that produce the same sentence meaning.

Are the words in the correct pair always exact synonyms?

Not necessarily; they must be "synonyms in context." They need to result in sentences that convey the same message, even if the words themselves have slightly different nuances in other settings.