GRE Sentence Equivalence Sample Questions with Solutions

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GRE Sentence Equivalence–the Verbal Reasoning part of the GRE exam that tests your vocabulary prowess and the ability to interpret context. 

Don’t let the seemingly simple format fool you, these questions can be trickier than they seem. They require a deep understanding of the nuances of the English language and the ability to read between the lines. Fear not, for in this blog, we will provide you with 20 Sentence Equivalence sample questions with solutions to level up your GRE prep. 

In this blog:

1. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 1
2. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 2
3. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 3
4. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 4
5. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 5
6. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 6
7. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 7
8. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 8
9. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 9
10. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 10
11. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 11
12. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 12
13. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 13
14. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 14
15. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 15
16. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 16
17. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 17
18. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 18
19. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 19
20. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 20
21. GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 21

The Verbal Reasoning measure contains three types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence. Sentence Equivalence questions are unique in their own way, as they require you to identify two out of six answer choices that are equivalent in meaning, filling in the blanks of a sentence. So, sharpen your pencils, flex your vocabulary muscles, and let’s dive into solving some GRE Sentence Equivalence questions.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 1:

The author’s writing style is often described as _____, with intricate and complex sentence structures that challenge readers.

1. convoluted
2. lucid
3. succinct
4. straightforward
5. cryptic
6. verbose

Solution: The sentence suggests that the author’s writing style is intricate and challenging. The words that best fit this context are “convoluted,” meaning intricate or complex, and “cryptic,” meaning difficult to understand. Therefore, the correct answers are A and E.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 2:

The politician’s statements were _____, as he frequently contradicted himself and changed his position on issues.

1. consistent
2. equivocal
3. resolute
4. decisive
5. decisive
6. decisive

Solution: The sentence suggests that the politician’s statements were inconsistent and contradictory. The words that best fit this context are “equivocal,” meaning open to multiple interpretations or unclear, and “inconsistent,” meaning not always following the same principles or standards. Therefore, the correct answers are B and E.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 3:

The artist’s work is often described as _____, with bold and vibrant colors that evoke strong emotions in viewers.

1. bland
2. understated
3. colorful
4. muted
5. subdued
6. vivid

Solution: The sentence suggests that the artist’s work is bold and evocative. The words that best fit this context are “vivid,” meaning strong and lively, and “colorful,” meaning bright and vivid. Therefore, the correct answers are C and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 4:

The detective’s investigation was _____, as he left no stone unturned in his search for clues.

1. thorough
2. careless
3. cursory
4. perfunctory
5. hasty
6. superficial

Solution: The sentence suggests that the detective’s investigation was comprehensive and meticulous. The words that best fit this context are “thorough,” meaning complete and detailed, and “meticulous,” meaning extremely careful and precise. Therefore, the correct answers are A and D.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 5:

The athlete’s training regimen was _____, with a strict diet and exercise routine that required immense discipline and dedication.

1. lenient
2. relaxed
3. arduous
4. moderate
5. indulgent
6. gentle

Solution: The sentence suggests that the athlete’s training regimen was rigorous and demanding. The words that best fit this context are “arduous,” meaning requiring great effort or endurance, and “rigorous,” meaning extremely thorough or demanding. Therefore, the correct answers are C and E.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 6:

The speaker’s voice was _____, with a soothing and calming effect on the audience.

1. harsh
2. mellifluous
3. cacophonous
4. grating
5. raspy
6. discordant

Solution: The sentence suggests that the speaker’s voice had a calming effect on the audience. The words that best fit this context are “soothing,” meaning calming or comforting, and “mellifluous,” meaning pleasing to the ear. Therefore, the correct answers are B and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 7:

The historian’s account of the event was _____, presenting a biased and one-sided perspective.

1. impartial
2. objective
3. subjective
4. fair
5. balanced
6. neutral

Solution: The sentence suggests that the historian’s account was biased and one-sided. The words that best fit this context are “subjective,” meaning based on personal opinions or feelings, and “biased,” meaning unfairly prejudiced for or against someone. Therefore, the correct answers are C and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 8:

The chef’s cuisine was _____, with a fusion of flavors and ingredients from different cultures.

1. monotonous
2. varied
3. bland
4. unchanging
5. unvaried
6. diverse

Solution: The sentence suggests that the chef’s cuisine was diverse and multicultural. The words that best fit this context are “diverse,” meaning showing a great deal of variety, and “varied,” meaning including many different types or elements. Therefore, the correct answers are B and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 9:

The athlete’s performance was _____, as he shattered the previous record and set a new world record.

1. mediocre
2. excellent
3. ordinary
4. inferior
5. unimpressive
6. subpar

Solution: The sentence suggests that the athlete’s performance was exceptional and outstanding. The words that best fit this context are “excellent,” meaning extremely good or outstanding, and “outstanding,” meaning remarkably impressive or notable. Therefore, the correct answers are B and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 10:

The student’s essay was _____, with well-reasoned arguments and supporting evidence.

1. incoherent
2. disorganized
3. coherent
4. unstructured
5. illogical
6. incomprehensible

Solution: The sentence suggests that the student’s essay was well-structured and logical. The words that best fit this context are “coherent,” meaning logical and consistent, and “well-reasoned,” meaning based on sound and logical arguments. Therefore, the correct answers are C and F.

Let’s take it up a notch and roll in 10 more GRE Sentence Equivalence questions, with an increased difficulty level. So, put on your thinking hat back and dive in!

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 11:

The novelist’s writing was _____, with a focus on the inner workings of the human mind and emotions.

1. didactic
2. allegorical
3. introspective
4. empirical
5. categorical
6. speculative

Solution: The sentence suggests that the novelist’s writing was focused on the human mind and emotions. The word that best fits this context is “introspective,” meaning characterized by or given to introspection. The other word that could also fit is “psychological,” meaning relating to the study of mental processes and behavior. Therefore, the correct answers are C and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 12:

The professor’s lecture was _____, with an emphasis on the philosophical underpinnings of the subject.

1. empirical
2. practical
3. theoretical
4. realistic
5. pragmatic
6. dogmatic

Solution: The sentence suggests that the professor’s lecture was focused on the theoretical aspects of the subject. The word that best fits this context is “theoretical,” meaning concerned with or involving the theory of a subject or area of study. The other word that could also fit is “philosophical,” meaning relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Therefore, the correct answers are C and E.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 13:

The building’s architecture was _____, with intricate patterns and details that were breathtaking.

1. utilitarian
2. Spartan
3. austere
4. ornate
5. minimal
6. simple

Solution: The sentence suggests that the building’s architecture was highly decorative and detailed. The word that best fits this context is “ornate,” meaning highly decorated or embellished. The other word that could also fit is “elaborate,” meaning involving many details or complex arrangements. Therefore, the correct answers are D and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 14:

The author’s argument was _____, with a complex web of evidence and reasoning that required careful analysis.

1. superficial
2. specious
3. cogent
4. fallacious
5. implausible
6. preposterous

Solution: The sentence suggests that the author’s argument was complex and required careful analysis. The word that best fits this context is “cogent,” meaning clear, logical, and convincing. The other word that could also fit is “convoluted,” meaning intricate or twisted. Therefore, the correct answers are B and C.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 15:

The scientist’s hypothesis was _____, with far-reaching implications for the field of quantum mechanics.

1. mundane
2. trite
3. groundbreaking
4. derivative
5. hackneyed
6. banal

Solution: The sentence suggests that the scientist’s hypothesis was groundbreaking and had far-reaching implications. The word that best fits this context is “groundbreaking,” meaning innovative or pioneering. The other word that could also fit is “revolutionary,” meaning involving or causing a complete or dramatic change. Therefore, the correct answers are C and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 16:

The musician’s performance was _____, with a virtuosity that left the audience stunned.

1. mediocre
2. pedestrian
3. amateurish
4. unskilled
5. masterful
6. unpolished

Solution: The sentence suggests that the musician’s performance was exceptional and left the audience stunned. The word that best fits this context is “masterful,” meaning showing exceptional skill or proficiency. The other word that could also fit is “virtuosic,” meaning demonstrating a high level of skill in music or another artistic pursuit. Therefore, the correct answers are E and F.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 17:

The professor’s lectures are so ________ that even the most avid note-takers struggle to keep up.

1. perspicuous
2. rambling
3. didactic
4. succinct
5. cogent
6. verbose

Solution: B and F are both correct. Perspicuous and cogent both mean clear and easy to understand, which does not fit the sentence’s context. Didactic means intended to teach, which does not necessarily relate to the pace of the lecture. Succinct means brief and to the point, which also does not fit the context. Rambling means lengthy and disorganized, while verbose means using more words than necessary, both of which are appropriate adjectives to describe a lecture that is hard to follow.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 18:

The __________ beauty of the sunset was marred by the industrial smokestacks that blotted out the sky.

1. bucolic
2. effulgent
3. pastoral
4. resplendent
5. sublime
6. squalid

Solution: A and F are both correct. B, D, and E all describe beauty, but in a positive way, which does not match the sentence’s negative connotation. C describes a natural, idyllic beauty, which is not in keeping with the industrial setting of the sentence.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 19:

The defendant’s testimony was so __________ that the jury was left with no choice but to acquit.

1. candid
2. equivocal
3. perjurious
4. veracious
5. mendacious
6. obfuscating

Solution: A and D are both correct. Candid and veracious both mean truthful and straightforward, which would lead to an acquittal. Equivocal and obfuscating both mean unclear or ambiguous, which would not lead to a clear decision. Perjurious and mendacious both mean lying, which would not lead to an acquittal.

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 20:

The author’s latest work was a __________ blend of fact and fiction, leaving readers unsure of what was real and what was imagined.

1. seamless
2. lucid
3. disingenuous
4. ersatz
5. spurious
6. nebulous

Solution: A and F are both correct. Seamless means perfectly integrated, while nebulous means vague or unclear, both of which are appropriate adjectives for a work that mixes fact and fiction in a way that makes it difficult to distinguish between the two. Lucid means clear and easy to understand, which does not fit the sentence’s context. Disingenuous, ersatz, and spurious all mean false or fake, which also do not fit the sentence’s context.

Oh wait…here’s a bonus question. Give it a try!

GRE Sentence Equivalence Question 21:

The athlete’s __________ training regimen left him in peak physical condition for the competition.

1. desultory
2. onerous
3. perfunctory
4. strenuous
5. cursory
6. lackadaisical

Solution: B and D are both correct. Onerous means burdensome or demanding, while strenuous means requiring a lot of effort or energy, both of which would result in the athlete being in peak physical condition. Desultory and lackadaisical both mean careless or half-hearted, which would not lead to peak physical condition. Perfunctory and cursory both mean done with minimal effort, which would not lead to peak physical condition.

No need to feel discouraged if you’re unable to solve these challenging questions! It doesn’t matter what your current proficiency level is or what learning style you prefer, but dedicated and consistent practice can help you improve your skills for the GRE verbal section. Find out how GRE-ready you are with a free GRE Sample Test.

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