Sentence Equivalence

What Is Sentence Equivalence?

Choose two words that each complete a single sentence coherently and produce equivalent meanings. Two dictionary synonyms are insufficient if neither fits the sentence.

Detail	Study reference
Exam	GRE General Test
Response	Exactly two of six choices
Timing	Shared Verbal section timer
Primary skill	Equivalent completed meanings

How It Is Scored

You must select both correct answers from six choices; selecting only one correct choice earns no credit. Evaluate both completed sentences as a pair, then check each against the context.

Official Video

ETS introduces the skills assessed across the GRE. This is a general exam overview; use the worked examples below for this task.

Explore ETS preparation videos for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.

Technical Foundations

Two independent tests

First ask whether each word makes sense in the sentence. Then ask whether the resulting claims are equivalent. This prevents a synonym pair from distracting you from a contrast or qualification.

Semantic precision

Reserved and reticent can both describe someone who speaks little; indifferent and impartial differ because lack of interest is not the same as fairness. Store usage examples with vocabulary pairs.

Signal words

Even, despite and surprisingly point to a violated expectation. Determine what the reader expected and how the actual behavior differs before selecting a pair.

Step-by-Step Approach

Step	Action and purpose
1	Read the sentence and describe its logic in a short phrase.
2	Predict the missing meaning without looking at answer pairs.
3	Test all six choices for grammar, tone and context.
4	Select two and compare the meanings of the complete sentences.

Worked Examples

These are original teaching examples, not official ETS questions. Suggested practice timings are study targets, not extra test time.

Example 1

Despite her reputation for verbosity, the chair gave a remarkably ___ introduction. A brief; B ornate; C concise; D repetitive; E hostile; F elaborate.

Explanation / model: A and C. Verbosity predicts a long introduction; despite reverses that expectation. Ornate and elaborate resemble each other but both concern decoration rather than the required brevity.

Example 2

Far from being ___, the results were reproduced by three independent teams. A reliable; B anomalous; C ordinary; D aberrant; E consistent; F predictable.

Explanation / model: B and D. Far from rejects the idea that these findings are unusual exceptions. Reliable and consistent do not produce the contrast established by independent replication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why it fails	Correction
Selecting a synonym pair immediately	The pair may contradict the sentence.	Solve the contextual meaning first.
Selecting one answer	The task requires two.	Count the selections before moving on.
Confusing related words with equivalents	Related words can imply different claims.	Paraphrase each complete sentence.

Practice Routine

Build a vocabulary notebook with three columns: contextual meaning, possible partner, and a sentence where the pair would fail. Solve ten items and write one line explaining why the tempting alternative pair is wrong. Reattempt errors after 48 hours without looking at your previous selections.

Quick Reference

Check	Reminder
Before answering	Read the sentence and describe its logic in a short phrase.
Before submitting	Select two and compare the meanings of the complete sentences.
Review focus	Equivalent completed meanings

Sources and Format Check

Format checked on 22 October 2026 against ETS GRE guidance. Explanations, examples, routines and time allocations within tasks are teaching guidance. Follow the instructions and timer on your test screen.