Exam (elaborations) GRE General

GRE General Test Comprehensive Practice
Examination 2026 Edition
Expert-Level Questions with Detailed Answers
and Rationales

1. The scientist’s explanation was so ______ that even experts
struggled to understand it.
A. lucid
B. abstruse
C. concise
D. pragmatic
Answer: B
Rationale: “Abstruse” means difficult to understand, fitting the
context.

2. “Ephemeral” most nearly means:
A. eternal
B. hidden
C. short-lived
D. painful
Answer: C
Rationale: Ephemeral refers to something lasting a very short time.

3. The author’s tone is best described as:
A. jubilant
B. indifferent

,C. skeptical
D. nostalgic
Answer: C
Rationale: Context implies doubt rather than celebration or neutrality.

4. A synonym for “mitigate”:
A. intensify
B. alleviate
C. ignore
D. provoke
Answer: B
Rationale: Mitigate means to make less severe.

5. “Loquacious” describes someone who is:
A. silent
B. angry
C. talkative
D. confused
Answer: C
Rationale: Loquacious means very talkative.

6. The policy was intended to ______ economic inequality.
A. worsen
B. ignore
C. reduce
D. conceal
Answer: C
Rationale: Policies typically aim to lessen inequality.

7. “Pragmatic” most nearly means:
A. idealistic

, B. theoretical
C. practical
D. careless
Answer: C
Rationale: Pragmatic focuses on practical results.

8. Opposite of “benevolent”:
A. kind
B. generous
C. malevolent
D. helpful
Answer: C
Rationale: Malevolent means wishing harm.

9. The argument lacks sufficient ______ to be convincing.
A. emotion
B. evidence
C. length
D. complexity
Answer: B
Rationale: Convincing arguments require evidence.

10. “Candid” most nearly means:
A. secretive
B. honest
C. angry
D. careless
Answer: B
Rationale: Candid means truthful and straightforward.