quell
Pronunciation: KWEL
verb
Definition of quell
To put an end to a rebellion or disturbance by force
Synonyms for quell
- suppress
- subdue
- calm
quell in a Sentence
- The principal's speech helped quell the students' fears about the upcoming changes.
Why quell Matters for GRE & SAT
"quell" is a verb that means "To put an end to a rebellion or disturbance by force" closely related to words like "suppress", "subdue", "calm". As a word starting with Q, 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 "quell" 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 "quell" 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 (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "quell" into long-term memory.
How to Remember quell
One effective way to remember "quell" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "suppress" and "subdue" and "calm". When you encounter "quell" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "To put an end to a rebellion or disturbance by force".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "quell" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with Q
- qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something
- qualitative — Relating to the quality or character of something rather than its quantity
- qualm — a feeling of apprehension or doubt
- quandary — a dilemma; a difficult decision or situation
- quantitative — Relating to or measured by the quantity of something
- quantitative — Relating to, measuring, or measured by quantity
- quarantine — place into isolation to prevent the spread of any contagious disease
- quash — void or suppress
- query — A question, especially one expressing doubt
- quibble — complain or argue in a trivial or petty manner