GRE 

word list - C 
the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united to bring
cabal
about an overturn or usurpation especially in public affairs
cache hiding place
cacophony harsh or discordant sound:DISSONANCE
one in training for a military or naval commission; especially :a student in
cadet
a service academy
cadge BEG, SPONGE
a usually 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition attachable to a horse-
caisson
drawn limber
to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of
cajole
reluctance:COAX
An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction; a
calamity
disaster:
calcify to make inflexible or unchangeable
calibrate to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of
calligrapher one who writes a beautiful
callous a:feeling no emotion b:feeling no sympathy for others
callow lacking adult sophistication:IMMATURE
callus a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark
the amount of heat required at a pressure of one atmosphere to raise the
calorie temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius that is equal to
about 4.19 joules
calumniate to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about
camaraderie a spirit of friendly good-fellowship
a:a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer
with another contrasting layer serving as backgroundb:A brief but
cameo
dramatic appearance of a prominent actor, as in a single scene of a
motion picture.
camouflage behavior or artifice designed to deceive or hide
one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership,
candidate
or award
candor unreserved, honest, or sincere expression:FORTHRIGHTNESS
cane A stick used as an aid in walking or carried as an accessory
canon a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council
canonical appearing in a biblical canon ; of or relating to or required by canon law
canopy a cover (as of cloth) fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a
 sacred object:BALDACHIN
cantankerous difficult or irritating to deal with
canvas a piece of cloth backed or framed as a surface for a painting
canvass to seek orders or votes:SOLICIT
a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing
canyon
through it
capitulate to cease resisting:ACQUIESCE
caprice a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action
the part of a legal document that shows where, when, and by what
caption
authority it was taken, found, or executed
to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with an
captivate
irresistible appeal
carefree Free of worries and responsibilities.
careworn showing the effect of grief or anxiety
exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or
caricature
characteristics
carnal fleshly
carouse to drink liquor deeply or freely
carp to find fault or complain querulously
cartographer one that makes maps
the set of actors in a dramatic production; to assign a certain role to (an
cast
actor)
castigate to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism
castigation severe punishment
catalyze BRING ABOUT, INSPIRE supervisor:oversight,catalysis:initiate
cataract WATERFALL; especially:a large one over a precipice
a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter
catastrophe
overthrow or ruin
categorical ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED
cater to supply what is required or desired
COMPREHENSIVE, UNIVERSAL; especially :broad in sympathies, tastes, or
catholic
interests
caustic marked by incisive sarcasm
A gallant or chivalrous man, especially one serving as escort to a woman
cavalier
of high social position; a gentleman
caveat a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices
cavern CAVE; especially:one of large or indefinite extent
cavil to raise trivial and frivolous objection
cavort to walk or move in a spirited manner:PRANCE
cede to yield or grant typically by treaty
celebrity the state of being celebrated
a binding element or agency:as a substance to make objects adhere to
cement
each other
to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered
censor
objectionable
censorious marked by or given to censure
censure to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
census a count of the population
a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different
centrifuge
densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects
of or relating to the manufacture of any product (as earthenware,
ceramic porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (as clay)
by firing at a high temperature
ceremony a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
certitude the state of being or feeling certain
cessation a temporary or final ceasing (as of action):STOP
the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing
chaff
grain
disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or
chagrin
failure
any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards
chameleon with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual ability
to change the color of the skin
champion to act as militant supporter of:UPHOLD, ADVOCATE
chaotic a:a state of utter confusion b:a confused mass or mixture
a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic
charade
action
one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability:FRAUD,
charlatan
FAKER
discreetly cautious:as a:hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks
chary
b:slow to grant, accept, or expend
chasm a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (as the earth):GORGE
check to block the progress of
chef a skilled cook who manages the kitchen (as of a restaurant)
cherubic innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy
a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more chevron-shaped
chevron stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service (as in the armed
forces)
the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities, pictorial representation in
chiaroscuro
terms of light and shade without regard to color
chic smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner:STYLE
chicanery deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry:TRICKERY
to voice disapproval to:reproach in a usually mild and constructive
chide
manner:SCOLD
a small usually thin and flat piece (as of wood or stone) cut, struck, or
chip
flaked off
to check normal breathing of by compressing or obstructing the trachea or
choke
by poisoning or adulterating available air
choleric easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger:hot-tempered
chord three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously
choreography the composition and arrangement of dances especially for ballet
chorus a body of singers who perform choral compositions
always present or encountered; especially :constantly vexing, weakening,
chronic
or troubling
a usually continuous historical account of events arranged in order of time
chronicle
without analysis or interpretation
chronological of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time
churlish marked by a lack of civility or graciousness:SURLY
small piece of partly burnt coal, wood, etc that is no longer burning but
cinder
may still be hot
cineast a film or movie enthusiast
cipher a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning
circuitous not being forthright or direct in language or action
circumference the perimeter of a circle
circumlocutory the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch
circumscribe
as many points as possible
circumspect careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences:PRUDENT
circumvent to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem
an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and
cistern
especially water (as rainwater)
citation an official summons to appear (as before a court)
civility COURTESY, POLITENESS
clairvoyant unusually perceptive:DISCERNING
clamp device for holding things tightly together, usu by means of a screw
clandestine marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy:SURREPTITIOUS
clarion loud and clear
clarity the quality or state of being clear:LUCIDITY
clasp a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
claustrophobia abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
a usually V-shaped indented formation:a hollow between ridges or
cleft
protuberances
clement inclined to be merciful:LENIENT
cliche a trite phrase or expression
a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially one held together
clique
by common interests, views, or purposes
clog something that shackles or impedes:ENCUMBRANCE
closed-minded not easily subdued, remedied, or removed
closet a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing
clot a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood
cloture closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
cloudburst a sudden copious rainfall
clout PULL, INFLUENCE
cloying excessively sweet or sentimental
clumsy lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
coagulant something that produces coagulation
coalesce to unite into a whole:FUSE
coarse not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination
to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort
coax
toward a desired state or activity
a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main
coda
structure
coerce to bring about by force or threat
coeval of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration
cogent appealing forcibly to the mind or reason:CONVINCING
cognizant knowledgeable of something especially through personal experience
colander a perforated utensil for washing or draining food
collapse to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely
collude CONSPIRE, PLOT
a series of columns set at regular intervals and usually supporting the
colonnade
base of a roof structure
of a bulk, extent, power, or effect approaching or suggesting the
colossal
stupendous or incredible
coma a state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison
combustible capable of combustion
comely having a pleasing appearance:not homely or plain
comity friendly social atmosphere:social harmony
1. the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas 2. an act,
commencement
instance, or time of beginning
commend to mention with approbation:PRAISE
commensurate equal in measure or extent:COEXTENSIVE
commercial an advertisement broadcast on radio or television
commingle mingle together
commitment an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date
committed OBLIGATE, BIND
commodious comfortably or conveniently spacious:ROOMY
commonsense sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment
commotion an agitated disturbance:TO-DO
compendium a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge:ABSTRACT
compensate to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect
COMPLACENCE; especially :self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness
complacency
of actual dangers or deficiencies
complaisance disposition to please or comply:AFFABILITY
compliant ready or disposed to comply:SUBMISSIVE
compliment expressing or containing a compliment
comply to conform or adapt one's actions to another's wishes, to a rule, or to
 necessity
composed free from agitation:CALM; especially :SELF-POSSESSED
compress to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing
1. to come to agreement by mutual concession 2. to cause the impairment
compromise
of
compunction anxiety arising from awareness of guilt
concatenate to link together in a series or chain
concede to grant as a right or privilege
concentrate to bring or direct toward a common center or objective:FOCUS
concerted mutually contrived or agreed on
a piece for one or more soloists and orchestra with three contrasting
concerto
movements
concession an act of yielding
APPEASE:to cause to subside:ALLAY especially :to buy off (an aggressor)
conciliate
by concessions usually at the sacrifice of principles
marked by brevity of expression or statement:free from all elaboration
concise
and superfluous detail
conciseness Expressing much in few words
concomitant that which accompanies
concord a state of agreement:HARMONY
concur to act together to a common end or single effect
to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing
condemn
evidence and without reservation
condescending showing or characterized by condescension:PATRONIZING
condign deserved, appropriate
condole to express sympathetic sorrow
to pardon or overlook voluntarily; especially :to treat as if trivial,
condone
harmless, or of no importance
conducive tending to promote or assist
to disclose one's faults; specifically :to unburden one's sins or the state of
confess
one's conscience to God or to a priest
confidant one to whom secrets are entrusted
confident characterized by assurance; especially :SELF-RELIANT
confine something that restrains
confluence a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point
conform to be similar or identical; also :to be in agreement or harmony
confront to face especially in challenge:OPPOSE
congeal to make viscid or curdled:COAGULATE
congenial OCIABLE, GENIAL congenial:bonhomie ???:?? 9????:
congruent superposable so as to be coincident throughout
conjecture inference from defective or presumptive evidence
connive to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding
EXPERT; especially :one who understands the details, technique, or
connoisseur
principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge
conquest the act or process of conquering
conscientious Thorough and assiduous
consensus group solidarity in sentiment and belief
tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or
conservative
institutions:TRADITIONAL
conservatory a school specializing in one of the fine arts
conserve to keep in a safe or sound state
considerable worth consideration:SIGNIFICANT
to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another; also :to
consign
commit especially to a final destination or fate
console to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of:COMFORT
consolidate to join together into one whole:UNITE
consonance harmony or agreement among components
conspicuous obvious to the eye or mind
conspiracy An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act.
constellation the configuration of stars.
constitute to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
constrained to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
constringe to cause to contract; constrict.
COUNCIL, CONFERENCE; specifically :a deliberation between physicians on
consult
a case or its treatment
Complete in every detail; of the highest degree; extremely skilled and
consummate
accomplished.
contagious communicable by contact:CATCHING
contaminate to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association
contemplate to view or consider with continued attention:meditate on consider
contempt the act of despising:the state of mind of one who despises:DISDAIN
feeling or manifesting satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or
content
situation
exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and
contentious
disputes
contingent likely but not certain to happen:POSSIBLE
contort to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression
contortion contortingor being contorted (esp of the face or body)
contradictory involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction
contravene to oppose in argument:CONTRADICT
contrite grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming
contrived ARTIFICIAL, LABORED
an individual or group used as a standard of comparison in a control
control
experiment
contumacious stubbornly disobedient:REBELLIOUS
a:a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b:an intricate
conundrum
and difficult problem
convalesce to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness
something (as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or
convenience
ease
convention usage or custom especially in social matters
conventional lacking originality or individuality:TRITE
tending to move toward one point or to approach each
convergent
other:CONVERGING
conversant having frequent or familiar association
convert to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another
convex curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere
convey to transfer or deliver to another
1. a strong persuasion or belief 2. the act or process of convicting of a
conviction
crime especially in a court of law
convivial relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company
convoke to call together to a meeting
convoluted INVOLVED, INTRICATE
convulsion an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions
 of the muscles
coop a cage or small enclosure (as for poultry)
copious present in large quantity:taking place on a large scale
a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention
coquette
and admiration of men
cord a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 x 4 x 8 feet or 128 cubic feet
cordon a line of persons or objects around a person or place
cornucopia an inexhaustible store:ABUNDANCE
coronation the act or occasion of crowning; also :accession to the highest office
having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body:as a:not
corporeal
spiritual b:not immaterial or intangible:SUBSTANTIAL
corral a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock
corroborate to support with evidence or authority:make more certain
corrosive tending or having the power to corrode
cosmopolitan having worldwide rather than limited or provincial scope or bearing
cosset to treat as a pet:PAMPER
an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying common
coterie
interest or purpose
countenance to extend approval or toleration to:SANCTION
counterfeit made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive:FORGED
counterpart one of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument:DUPLICATE
to seek the affections of; especially :to seek to win a pledge of marriage
court
from
courtesy a courteous act or expression
coven an assembly or band of usually 13 witches
marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's
covetous
possessions
cow to destroy the resolve or courage of
cowardice lack of courage or resolution
to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that
cower
menaces, domineers, or dismays
cozen cheat; hoodwink; swindle
craft skill in planning, making, or executing:DEXTERITY
cramp restricted; narrowed
crass having or indicating such grossness of mind as precludes delicacy and
 discrimination
craven lacking the least bit of courage:contemptibly fainthearted
craving an intense, urgent, or abnormal desire or longing
credence acceptance as true or valid; belief
credulous ready to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence
a natural stream of water normally smaller than and often tributary to a
creek
river
creep to move slowly,quietly and carefully, esp so as not to attract attention
a gradual increase; specifically :a gradual increase in volume of a musical
crescendo
passage
crest the top of a wave
crestfallen feeling shame or humiliation:DEJECTED
criterion a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based
crockery EARTHENWARE
partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of political
cronyism
hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications
to sing or speak in a gentle murmuring manner; especially :to sing in a
croon
soft intimate manner adapted to amplifying systems
crouch to bend or bow servilely:CRINGE
to place a crown or wreath on the head of; specifically :to invest with
crown
regal dignity and power
crucial important or essential as resolving acrisis:DECISIVE
marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity
crude
or vulgarity
a support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in
crutch
walking
crux an essential point requiring resolution or resolving an outcome
cryptic having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning:MYSTERIOUS
cuisine manner of preparing food:style of cooking; also:the food prepared
culpable meriting condemnation or blame especially as wrong or harmful
cultivated REFINED, EDUCATED
cumbersome unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk
cunning characterized by wiliness and trickery
one that has the care and superintendence of something; especially:one in
curator
charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit
curmudgeon a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man
curriculum A group of related courses, often in a special field of study:
cursory rapidly and often superficially performed or produced:HASTY
curt sparing of words:TERSE
curtail to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part
a storm or system of winds that rotates about a center of low atmospheric
cyclone
pressure, and often brings heavy rain
having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic; especially
cynical
:contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives