Veto

easyNeutral tone

VEE-toh

verb

Definition

To reject or forbid authoritatively

Memory hook

VETO: Latin for 'I FORBID' -- the president's power to say NO to a bill.

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Word roots

vetoI forbid(Latin)

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Examples

The president vetoed the controversial bill.
Parents can veto their children's choice of friends.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

The president ______ the controversial bill.
Show answer

vetoed

Synonyms

rejectprohibitforbiddisallow

Antonyms

approvesanctionauthorizeratify

Categories

View all Opposition words

GRE Tip

Veto is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "reject" or "prohibit" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "approve".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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