nuclear

Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːkliər/

adjective

Definition of nuclear

nuclear (adjective): Relating to the nucleus of an atom; using atomic energy

Example: The debate over nuclear energy continues to divide environmentalists.

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

Synonyms for nuclear

  • atomic
  • thermonuclear
  • radiological

nuclear in a Sentence

  1. The debate over nuclear energy continues to divide environmentalists.

Why nuclear Matters for GRE & SAT

"nuclear" is a adjective that means "Relating to the nucleus of an atom; using atomic energy" closely related to words like "atomic", "thermonuclear", "radiological". As a word starting with N, 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 "nuclear" 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 "nuclear" 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 (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "nuclear" into long-term memory.

How to Remember nuclear

One effective way to remember "nuclear" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "atomic" and "thermonuclear" and "radiological". When you encounter "nuclear" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "Relating to the nucleus of an atom; using atomic energy".

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

  • Nefarious — Wicked, villainous, or criminal in nature.
  • nadir — the absolute lowest point or worst moment
  • naive — showing a lack of experience or judgment
  • narrate — To give an account of events or experiences
  • nascent — in the process of emerging, being born, or starting to develop
  • negate — To nullify; make ineffective

More Vocabulary Words Starting with N

  • Nefarious — Wicked, villainous, or criminal in nature.
  • nadir — the absolute lowest point or worst moment
  • nadir — the absolute lowest point or worst moment
  • naive — showing a lack of experience or judgment
  • naive — showing a lack of experience or judgment
  • narrate — To give an account of events or experiences
  • narrate — To give an account of events or experiences
  • nascent — in the process of emerging, being born, or starting to develop
  • nascent — in the process of emerging, being born, or starting to develop
  • negate — To nullify; make ineffective