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GRE vocabulary

GRE words starting with N

40 GRE-level words that begin with N, each with its part of speech, a plain-English definition, and an example sentence. Tap any word for synonyms, antonyms, and more.

nadirnoun

the lowest or most unsuccessful point of something

naiveadjective

lacking experience, sophistication, or critical judgment

narcissismnoun

excessive self-admiration and preoccupation with oneself

narcosisnoun

a condition of stupor, drowsiness, or unconsciousness brought on by drugs or other agents

narcoticnoun

a drug that dulls the senses, relieves pain, and can cause addiction

narcotizeverb

to dull the senses or lull into a stupor as though by a drug

nascentadjective

just beginning to develop or come into existence

nauseanoun

a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit

nebulousadjective

vague, unclear, or lacking definite form

necroticadjective

relating to or affected by the death and decay of living tissue

nefariousadjective

extremely wicked or villainous

negateverb

to nullify, deny, or make ineffective

neglectverb

to fail to care for or give proper attention to someone or something

negligentadjective

failing to take proper care over something

negligibleadjective

so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering

neologismnoun

a newly coined word or expression

neophytenoun

a beginner or person new to an activity or belief

nettleverb

to irritate or annoy

neuralgianoun

intense pain along the course of a nerve, especially in the head or face

nexusnoun

a connection or central link between things

niggardlyadjective

ungenerous and stingy with money or resources

nihilismnoun

the rejection of all established beliefs, morals, or meaning

nocturnaladjective

active at night or relating to the night

noisomeadjective

having an extremely offensive smell; harmful or disgusting

nominaladjective

existing in name only, or very small in amount

nonchalantadjective

casually calm and unconcerned

nondescriptadjective

lacking distinctive or interesting features

nonentitynoun

a person or thing of no importance or significance

nonplusverb

to bewilder or leave someone unsure how to respond

normativeadjective

relating to a standard or norm, especially one regarded as correct or authoritative

nostalgianoun

a sentimental longing for the past

notorietynoun

the state of being famous for something bad or disreputable

notoriousadjective

famous or well known for something bad

noveladjective

new, original, and not previously encountered

novicenoun

a person new to and inexperienced in an activity

noxiousadjective

harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant

nuancenoun

a subtle difference in meaning, expression, or shade

nugatoryadjective

of little or no value; trifling or ineffective

nullifyverb

to make legally void or cancel out the effect of

nurtureverb

to care for, encourage, and help to develop

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