How is "clause" used on the GRE?

"clause" is a commonly tested GRE vocabulary word. It appears in Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence, and Reading Comprehension sections. Understanding its definition, synonyms, and usage in context is essential for GRE Verbal Reasoning.

What are synonyms for "clause"?

Synonyms for "clause" include: provision, section, article.

clause

Pronunciation: /klɔːz/

noun

Definition of clause

clause (noun): A particular section of a legal document or contract

Example: The clause in the contract specifies the terms of payment.

Best for: learners who already know "provision" or "section"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Synonyms for clause

provision
section
article

clause in a Sentence

The clause in the contract specifies the terms of payment.

Why clause Matters for GRE & SAT

"clause" is a noun that means "A particular section of a legal document or contract" closely related to words like "provision", "section", "article". As a word starting with C, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "clause" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "clause" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (noun). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "clause" into long-term memory.

How to Remember clause

One effective way to remember "clause" (noun) is to group it with similar words you already know: "provision" and "section" and "article". When you encounter "clause" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "A particular section of a legal document or contract".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "clause" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
callow — young and inexperienced; immature
calumny — slander and defamation

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
callow — young and inexperienced; immature
callow — young and inexperienced; immature
calumny — slander and defamation
calumny — slander and defamation