GRE Words for False and Misleading

These 11 GRE words all share the meaning of false and misleading. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.

Why this cluster matters

On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.

The 11 words

apocryphaladjectiveNegative tone

Of doubtful authenticity; widely circulated but probably untrue

bogusadjectiveNegative tone

Not genuine or true; fake

counterfeitadjectiveNegative tone

Made in imitation with intent to deceive; forged; fake

erroneousadjectiveNegative tone

Wrong; incorrect; based on error

ersatzadjectiveNegative tone

Made or used as an inferior substitute for something genuine

fabricatedadjectiveNegative tone

Invented or produced artificially; made up

fallaciousadjectiveNegative tone

Based on a mistaken belief or unsound argument

fictitiousadjectiveNegative tone

Not real; imaginary or fabricated

fraudulentadjectiveNegative tone

Obtained, done by, or involving deception; dishonest

speciousadjectiveNegative tone

Superficially plausible but actually wrong; misleading

spuriousadjectiveNegative tone

Not genuine; false or fake

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