Viscous
mediumNeutral toneVIS-kus
adjective
Definition
having a thick, sticky consistency; resistant to flow
Memory hook
VISCOUS sounds like VISCOSE/sticky goo: picture honey so thick it crawls like a slow snail.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The viscous tar oozed slowly across the cracked pavement.”
“As the syrup cooled, it grew so viscous it barely poured.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ tar oozed slowly across the cracked pavement.”
Show answer
viscous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Viscous is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "thick" or "gluey" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "runny".
Related GRE Words
analogous
Comparable in certain respects; similar
anomaly
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected
empirical
based on observation or experiment rather than theory
inert
lacking the power to move or act; sluggish or chemically inactive
saturate
to soak or fill thoroughly
secrete
to produce and discharge a substance; also, to hide or conceal
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