Advanced English learners often struggle to sound truly fluent, even when their grammar is accurate.
One powerful way to reach C2 level proficiency is by mastering high-level verbs that native speakers use in academic, professional, and formal contexts.
In this post, you’ll learn 30 C2-level English verbs with clear meanings and natural example sentences.
These verbs will help you express ideas precisely, sound more confident, and perform better in IELTS, TOEFL, C1–C2 exams, interviews, and professional writing.
Abrogate
Meaning: To repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement).
Example: The government decided to abrogate the outdated law that restricted freedom of speech.
Acquiesce
Meaning: To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
Example: She acquiesced to his demands, even though she disagreed with them.
Admonish
Meaning: To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
Example: The teacher admonished the students for not completing their assignments on time.
Alleviate
Meaning: To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
Example: The new medication helped to alleviate her chronic pain.
Assuage
Meaning: To make an unpleasant feeling less intense.
Example: He tried to assuage his guilt by apologizing to everyone he had wronged.
Augment
Meaning: To make something greater by adding to it; increase.
Example: They plan to augment their income by taking on additional freelance work.
Belie
Meaning: To contradict or show something to be false.
Example: His calm demeanor belied the chaos that was unfolding around him.
Capitulate
Meaning: To cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.
Example: The army had no choice but to capitulate after months of fierce fighting.
Cajole
Meaning: To persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.
Example: She managed to cajole him into going to the party with her.
Coalesce
Meaning: To come together to form one mass or whole.
Example: The different factions of the party coalesced into a single unified group.
Conflate
Meaning: To combine two or more texts, ideas, or concepts into one.
Example: It’s a mistake to conflate the two theories, as they have distinct foundations.
Defenestrate
Meaning: To throw someone or something out of a window.
Example: In the movie, the villain defenestrated his rival during a heated argument.
Delineate
Meaning: To describe or portray something precisely.
Example: The contract delineates the responsibilities of both parties involved.
Denigrate
Meaning: To criticize unfairly; disparage.
Example: The journalist was accused of trying to denigrate the politician’s reputation.
Disseminate
Meaning: To spread or disperse something, especially information.
Example: The organization aims to disseminate information about health and nutrition.
Emulate
Meaning: To match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation.
Example: Young athletes often seek to emulate the success of their idols.
Exacerbate
Meaning: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Example: His careless remarks only served to exacerbate the tension in the room.
Extrapolate
Meaning: To extend the application of a method or conclusion to an unknown situation by assuming existing trends will continue.
Example: The scientist was able to extrapolate the results of the experiment to a broader context.
Facilitate
Meaning: To make (an action or process) easy or easier.
Example: The new software is designed to facilitate project management and collaboration.
Foment
Meaning: To instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action).
Example: The activist’s speech was intended to foment anger against the corrupt government.
Impart
Meaning: To make (information) known; communicate.
Example: The teacher’s goal was to impart knowledge and wisdom to her students.
Ingratiate
Meaning: To bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.
Example: He tried to ingratiate himself with the manager to secure a promotion.
Intrepid
Meaning: To be fearless or adventurous.
Example: The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted jungle, determined to discover new species.
Mitigate
Meaning: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Example: Measures were taken to mitigate the environmental impact of the project.
Perpetuate
Meaning: To make something continue indefinitely.
Example: The film aimed to perpetuate the myths surrounding the legendary hero.
Procrastinate
Meaning: To delay or postpone action; put off doing something.
Example: Many students procrastinate until the last minute before exams.
Quintessential
Meaning: Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: Her performance was the quintessential example of dedication and skill.
Recapitulate
Meaning: To summarize and restate the main points.
Example: At the end of the meeting, the manager recapitulated the key decisions made.
Repudiate
Meaning: To refuse to accept or be associated with.
Example: The scientist repudiated the claims made by the controversial study.
Transcend
Meaning: To go beyond the range or limits of something.
Example: The artist’s work transcends traditional boundaries and challenges viewers’ perceptions.
Conclusion:
Reaching C2-level proficiency in English is not just about knowing complex grammar—it’s about using precise, powerful verbs that convey meaning clearly and confidently.
The 30 C2-level verbs in this list will help you express nuanced ideas, strengthen academic and professional writing, and speak with greater authority and fluency.
To truly master these verbs, don’t just memorize them. Read them in context, use them in your own sentences, and revisit them regularly in speaking and writing practice.
With consistent exposure and active usage, these advanced verbs will naturally become part of your everyday English.
Keep learning, keep practicing, and remember: advanced vocabulary is the bridge between good English and exceptional English.
More vocabulary:
- 30 Essential A1-A2 Verbs for Beginners
- English Vocabulary: 10 Ways to Improve It
- Vocabulary for Household Chores and Cleaning
- Wildlife Conservation Vocabulary in English
