GRE VERBAL SECTION REVIEW

A false/misleading charge intended to harm someone's reputation.


It is difficult to accept aspersion from somebody you admire.

To harm one's reputation by uttering false charges/misrepresentations

There were many calumnies against him that are difficult to recover from.

To subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism.

He was castigated for his selfish actions on the island.

To express strong disapproval.


She decried the prominence of sex and violence on television.

To laugh at contemptuously; to subject to bitter, contemptuous ridicule.

The children's derisive laughter kept haunting him on his walk home.

A bitter and abusive speech or piece of writing. A satirical or ironic criticism.


This movie is a diatribe against secular religion.

To lower in rank/reputation.

It is always unsavory to see political advertisements showing politicians disparaging each other.

To censure scathingly.

He was excoriated as a racist.

To declare to be untrue or invalid. To oppose/contradict.

The students continued to gainsay the main point the speaker was trying to explain, even though all his statements were backed with scientific facts.

A ranting speech or writing.

He would always go into a long harangue about politics at the dinner table.

To assail with words or arguments. To oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity.

This politician would always try to impugn his opponents.

To protest or complain bitterly or vehemently.


People are always inveighing about the high property taxes.

• To assault violently.
• To attack verbally.

The coach lambasted the team for its poor performance.

Harsh rebuke.

The senator was objurgated for his wishy-washy approach to foreign policy.

a strongly condemnatory utterance; bad repute; abusive language.

Unable to mount a rational defense of her position, she unleashed a torrent of obloquy on her opponent.

Something that brings disgrace.

They're going ahead with the plan despite the public opprobrium.

A means of exposing one to public ridicule/scorn.

To present and urge reasons for opposition.

He was not please when I politely remonstrated with him about littering.

To voice disapproval of.

Anna was reprehended for her disregard for public property.

To scold or correct usually gently or with kind intent.

The teacher reproved the child for being late.

To subject to verbal abuse.


Many people reviled him for his callous behavior.

To abuse or censure severely or abusively; to use harsh condemnatory language.


Every week the minister would stand behind the pulpit and vituperate the parishioners for their vices.