15 GRE Sentence Equivalence Sample Questions with Solutions

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section has a variety of questions. Among these questions, sentence equivalence can be both deceptively simple and frustratingly tricky. However, don’t be fooled by the format because these questions demand a strong vocabulary foundation and the ability to grasp meaning beyond the surface.

This blog is your one-stop shop for practising sentence equivalence. We’ll share with you 20 sample questions, complete with solutions, to refine your GRE prep. By combining sample questions, expert strategies, and focused practice, you’ll be well on your way to acing sentence equivalence on the GRE.

What is the GRE Sentence Equivalence?

The GRE sentence equivalence is a question type you’ll come across in the GRE Verbal Reasoning section. It’s designed to test your vocabulary in context and your ability to understand the subtle nuances of language.

Unlike other GRE verbal questions where you might simply need to know synonyms, sentence equivalence asks you to find two words that fit grammatically into a single blank in a sentence. However, these words can’t just be synonyms; they also need to create sentences that have the same overall meaning and tone.

For example, “The scientist’s meticulous research finally yielded a _______ breakthrough.” Here, you’re not just looking for a fancy word for “discovery.” You need a word that captures the idea of a significant achievement that came about through careful and methodical work. Both “groundbreaking” and “momentous” could fit the blank, but they convey slightly different shades of meaning. “Groundbreaking” emphasises the novel and paradigm-shifting nature of the discovery, while “momentous” highlights its importance and lasting impact.

Sentence equivalence requires you to think critically about the context of the sentence and choose words that fit not just the definition but also the overall feeling you want to convey.

15 GRE Sentence Equivalence Sample Questions with Solutions

1. The critic’s review was both _______ and _______, leaving the author feeling utterly demoralised.

1. insightful/constructive

2. scathing/vague

3. detailed/objective

4. complimentary/lengthy

5. unbiased/unhelpful

Solution: The blank needs words that describe the review’s tone. Insightful and constructive both imply helpful criticism, making them the best fit. So (a) is the correct answer.

2. The company's new marketing campaign was designed to be both _______ and _______, appealing to a broader range of consumers.

1. innovative/expensive

2. targeted/exclusive

3. traditional/forgettable

4. memorable/sophisticated

5. informative/controversial

Solution: The campaign aims to be both catchy and inclusive. Memorable and sophisticated both suggest a lasting and positive impression, making them the best fit. So (d) is the correct answer.

3. The historian meticulously examined the _______ documents, searching for _______ evidence to support his theory.

1. relevant/irrefutable

2. outdated/inconclusive

3. numerous/tangential

4. fabricated/plausible

5. primary/supportive

Solution: The historian needs documents that are important and provide strong backing for his ideas. Primary and supportive both indicate the documents are directly related to the theory and offer confirmation. So (e) is the correct answer.

4. The politician’s speech was full of _______ promises and _______ rhetoric, failing to address the real issues.

1. specific/meaningful

2. empty/inflammatory

3. ambitious/concise

4. logical/persuasive

5. factual/objective

Solution: The speech contains unrealistic claims and uses language to stir emotions rather than present solutions. Empty and inflammatory both suggest a lack of substance and an appeal to strong feelings. So (b) is the correct answer.

5. The detective’s investigation uncovered a web of _______ lies, revealing a much more _______ motive than originally suspected.

1. elaborate/straightforward

2. trivial/significant

3. honest/understandable

4. factual/confusing

5. minor/tangential

Solution: The investigation found complex deceptions and a more important reason for the crime. Elaborate and significant both suggest a deeper meaning behind the lies. So (a) is the correct answer.

6. The teacher’s _______ approach to the lesson, combining _______ activities, kept the students engaged and motivated.

1. traditional/repetitive

2. dynamic/interactive

3. monotonous/unimaginative

4. structured/clear

5. factual/comprehensive

Solution: The teaching style was lively and used a variety of methods to keep students interested. Dynamic and interactive both suggest an engaging and active learning environment. So (b) is the correct answer.

7. The museum’s new exhibit explores the _______ of ancient civilizations, showcasing their _______ achievements in art, science, and engineering.

1. obscurity/minor

2. complexity/remarkable

3. simplicity/ordinary

4. influence/limited

5. downfalls/disappointing

Solution: The exhibit focused on the intricate aspects of these societies and their impressive accomplishments. Complexity and remarkable highlights the sophistication of the civilizations. So (b) is the correct answer.

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8. The athlete’s performance was marked by both _______ agility and _______ strength, allowing her to dominate the competition.

1. remarkable/unwavering

2. limited/questionable

3. average/adequate

4. surprising/unexpected

5. commendable/admirable

Solution: We need words that describe exceptional physical abilities. Remarkable and unwavering both suggest outstanding qualities that contributed to her success. So (a) is the correct answer.

9. The author’s writing style is characterised by _______ imagery and _______ prose, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.

1. predictable/uninspired

2. subtle/complex

3. vivid/elegant

4. technical/dry

5. abstract/ambiguous

Solution: The writing uses rich descriptions and a smooth, flowing style. Vivid and elegant both suggest a clear and engaging way of presenting the story. So (c) is the correct answer.

10. The scientist’s research focused on finding _______ solutions to environmental problems and employing _______ technologies to achieve sustainability.

1. temporary/conventional

2. innovative/cutting-edge

3. short-term/outdated

4. expensive/ineffective

5. complex/impractical

Solution: The research aims to develop new and advanced solutions. Innovative and cutting-edge both suggest advancements in technology for environmental protection. So (b) is the correct answer.

11. The documentary presented a _______ portrayal of the historical event, sparking public _______ about its causes and consequences.

1. biassed/apathy

2. balanced/discourse

3. fictional/confusion

4. sensationalised/outrage

5. exaggerated/indifference

Solution: The documentary aimed to be objective and led to discussions about the event’s significance. Balanced and discourse both suggest a neutral presentation that encourages public debate. So (b) is the correct answer.

12. The critic offered a _______ analysis of the film, highlighting both its _______ strengths and its glaring weaknesses.

1. superficial/minor

2. nuanced/undeniable

3. sentimental/redeeming

4. enthusiastic/overlooked

5. scathing/unforgivable

Solution: We need words suggesting a detailed examination with both positive and negative aspects. Nuanced implies a subtle and insightful analysis, while undeniable highlights the film’s clear strengths. So (b) is the correct answer.

13. The company’s marketing campaign proved to be both _______ and _______, failing to connect with its target audience.

1. innovative/memorable

2. targeted/effective

3. confusing/unfocused

4. expensive/time-consuming

5. ambitious/well-funded

Solution: The campaign missed the mark on both originality and effectiveness. Confusing and unfocused suggest a lack of clarity and connection with the intended audience. So (c) is the correct answer.

14. The course offered a _______ curriculum that balanced theoretical knowledge with practical _______ applications.

1. comprehensive/fictional

2. challenging/mundane

3. in-depth/skills-based

4. introductory/historical

5. outdated/theoretical

Solution: The course content was thorough and focused on real-world applications. In-depth and skills-based highlight the detailed learning and the focus on the practical use of knowledge. So (c) is the correct answer.

15. The peace treaty brought a much-needed _______ to the region, but underlying _______ tensions remained a threat to lasting stability.

1. tranquillity/economic

2. prosperity/social

3. resurgence/political

4. alliance/military

5. celebration/ethnic

Solution: The treaty brought peace, but unresolved political issues could reignite conflict. Tranquillity and economics both capture the idea of calmness on the surface with potential underlying issues. So (a) is the correct answer.

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5 Tips to Ace the GRE Sentence Equivalence

1. Befriend synonyms and antonyms

This might seem obvious, but a strong vocabulary is your best tool for sentence equivalence. Focus on building a foundation of synonyms and antonyms for commonly tested GRE vocabulary words. Don’t just memorise definitions in isolation; practice using them in sentences to understand the subtle differences in meaning and connotation.

2. Think in pairs

Remember that you’re looking for two answer choices that work together. Don’t jump straight to filling in the blank. Read the entire sentence and try to predict the kind of word that goes there. Then, scan the answer choices for pairs of synonyms (or sometimes antonyms, depending on the context) that fit the blank and maintain the overall meaning of the sentence.

3. Context is king

Don’t get lost in big vocabulary choices. The surrounding words in the sentence will give you vital clues about the meaning you need to fill in the blank. Pay attention to adverbs, conjunctions, and even the overall tone of the sentence to guide your selection.

4. Grammar matters

This might seem secondary but don’t underestimate the importance of grammar. Make sure the words you choose fit the grammatical structure of the sentence. Pay attention to verb tense, noun forms, and parts of speech to eliminate answer choices that might be semantically close but grammatically incorrect.

5. Practice makes perfect

There’s no substitute for targeted practice. Take advantage of GRE prep resources that offer dedicated sentence equivalence practice questions. As you come across more and more questions, you’ll develop a stronger intuition for identifying the right answer choices.

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From the Desk of Yocket

GRE sentence equivalence assesses your vocabulary and understanding of context through GRE practice tests. By requiring two answer choices that create synonymous sentences, it goes beyond simple memorization of synonyms and makes you grasp the subtle nuances of words. This can be particularly beneficial for identifying words that may appear similar but have slightly different applications.

However, during GRE prep+, the challenge lies in the potential for answer choices to be close synonyms that don’t perfectly capture the intended meaning within the sentence. This can be frustrating for you, as it requires a deep understanding of how those synonyms function in the context of the passage.