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Looking for a TOEFL vocabulary PDF to boost your test prep? You’re in the right place. While the TOEFL doesn’t have a dedicated vocabulary section, strong word knowledge affects every part of the exam—from understanding reading passages to expressing yourself clearly in speaking and writing.
That’s why we created a free downloadable PDF with over 200 of the most important TOEFL vocabulary words, complete with definitions, example sentences, and difficulty levels. In this post, we’ll show you what’s inside, share a preview of the words you’ll learn, and give you proven strategies for studying vocabulary effectively.
Download the Free TOEFL Vocabulary PDF
Why Vocabulary Matters for TOEFL Success
Here’s something that surprises many test-takers: there’s no vocabulary section on the TOEFL. So why does vocabulary matter so much?
Because it affects everything.
Reading: TOEFL passages come from academic sources—textbooks, journals, and lectures. Without a solid vocabulary foundation, you’ll struggle to understand the main ideas, let alone answer inference questions.
Listening: Lectures and conversations use academic language. If you’re mentally translating every other word, you’ll miss crucial details.
Speaking: When you know the right word, you can express ideas quickly and precisely. Fumbling for vocabulary eats into your limited response time.
Writing: Strong vocabulary helps you write more sophisticated responses. Instead of “very important,” you might write “fundamental” or “essential”—the kind of precise language that impresses scorers.
The bottom line? Building your TOEFL vocabulary isn’t optional. It’s the foundation everything else rests on.
What’s Inside the Magoosh TOEFL Vocabulary PDF
Our TOEFL Vocabulary PDF was created by Lucas, one of our TOEFL experts, specifically for students preparing for the exam. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
- 200+ carefully selected words that appear frequently in academic English
- Clear, simple definitions written for non-native speakers
- Difficulty levels so you can prioritize based on your current level
- Parts of speech to help you use words correctly
- Example sentences showing each word in context
- Supplementary resources for continued learning
This PDF works for students at any stage of preparation. Just starting out? Focus on the beginner words first. Already scoring well but want to push higher? The advanced vocabulary will challenge you. Not even taking the TOEFL? The words are useful for anyone looking to improve their academic English.
Pro tip: Don’t try to memorize all 200+ words at once. Pick 10-15 words per week and focus on truly learning them—definition, pronunciation, and usage.
Download the TOEFL Vocabulary PDF
Sample TOEFL Vocabulary Words
Want to see what you’re getting? Here’s a preview of words from the PDF:
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| advocate | to publicly support or recommend | Environmental groups advocate for stricter pollution controls. |
| comprehensive | including all or nearly all elements; thorough | The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the data. |
| controversy | disagreement, typically public and prolonged | The new policy sparked considerable controversy among experts. |
| derive | obtain something from a specified source | Many English words derive from Latin and Greek roots. |
| enhance | intensify, increase, or improve | Regular practice enhances your speaking fluency. |
| fundamental | forming a necessary base; essential | Understanding grammar is fundamental to language learning. |
| hypothesis | a proposed explanation made as a starting point | The researcher tested her hypothesis through experiments. |
| implement | put a decision or plan into effect | The university will implement the new policy next semester. |
| inevitable | certain to happen; unavoidable | Some mistakes are inevitable when learning a new language. |
| substantial | of considerable importance, size, or worth | She made substantial progress in just two months. |
| utilize | make practical and effective use of | You should utilize every available study resource. |
| widespread | found or distributed over a large area | The practice became widespread in the 20th century. |
Notice how each word comes with a clear definition and a sentence showing how it’s actually used. That context is crucial—it’s one thing to know what a word means, but another to use it correctly.
Pro tip: When you learn a new word, don’t just read the example sentence. Create your own. If you can use a word in an original sentence, you truly know it.
How to Study TOEFL Vocabulary Effectively
Having the PDF is step one. Using it effectively is step two. Here’s how to make the most of your vocabulary study time.
Start with a Vocabulary Assessment
Before diving in, get a sense of where you stand. Skim through the PDF and mark words you already know confidently, words you’ve seen but aren’t sure about, and words that are completely new.
Focus your energy on the second and third categories. Don’t waste time reviewing words you already know well.
Use Spaced Repetition
This is the single most effective technique for long-term vocabulary retention. Instead of cramming, review words at increasing intervals:
- Day 1: Learn new words
- Day 2: Review
- Day 4: Review again
- Day 7: Review again
- Day 14: Final review
Each successful review strengthens the memory trace. Flashcard apps can automate this schedule for you. Our free Magoosh TOEFL Vocabulary Flashcards are available on the web, iOS, and Android—so you can study anywhere.
Learn Words in Context
Memorizing definitions in isolation doesn’t work. Your brain needs context to store and retrieve vocabulary effectively.
When you learn a new word:
- Read the example sentence multiple times
- Look for the word in TOEFL reading passages
- Listen for it in TOEFL listening practice
- Use it in your own speaking and writing practice
The more ways you encounter a word, the stronger it sticks.
Practice Active Recall
Passive review (reading definitions over and over) feels productive but isn’t very effective. Active recall—forcing yourself to retrieve information—builds stronger memories.
Try these techniques:
- Cover the definition and try to remember it
- Write sentences using each word without looking at examples
- Explain the word’s meaning out loud, as if teaching someone
- Use new vocabulary in your TOEFL speaking practice
Pro tip: Keep a vocabulary journal. Each day, write three sentences using words you’re learning. This simple habit dramatically accelerates retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vocabulary words do I need for TOEFL?
There’s no magic number, and ETS doesn’t publish a required word count. That said, knowing 200-400 high-frequency academic words gives you a strong foundation. Focus on quality over quantity—it’s better to truly know 200 words than to vaguely recognize 500.
Is there an official TOEFL vocabulary list from ETS?
No. Unlike some standardized tests, ETS doesn’t publish an official vocabulary list for the TOEFL. The test measures your overall academic English proficiency, not memorization of specific words. That’s why resources like our PDF focus on high-frequency academic vocabulary rather than obscure terms. For more on what the TOEFL actually tests, check ETS’s official TOEFL resources.
How long does it take to learn TOEFL vocabulary?
This depends on your starting level and study intensity. Most students can comfortably learn 10-20 new words per week while retaining them long-term. At that pace, you’d master the 200+ words in our PDF within 2-3 months.
Trying to go faster often backfires—you might recognize more words short-term, but they won’t stick for test day.
Want to see how your vocabulary is working in context? Magoosh’s free TOEFL practice test—built entirely from official ETS questions—lets you apply your vocabulary knowledge in realistic test conditions.
Can I use this PDF for other English tests?
Absolutely. Academic vocabulary overlaps significantly across tests like IELTS, GRE, and TOEIC. If you’re preparing for any academic English exam—or just want to improve your English overall—the words in this PDF will serve you well.
Start Building Your TOEFL Vocabulary Today
Strong vocabulary won’t magically appear on test day. It’s built word by word, day by day, through consistent practice. The good news? You don’t have to figure out which words to study. Our TOEFL Vocabulary PDF gives you a curated list of 200+ essential words, complete with everything you need to learn them effectively.
Download it, pick your first 10 words, and start today. Your future TOEFL score will thank you.
Download the Free TOEFL Vocabulary PDF
Ready for comprehensive TOEFL prep? Magoosh TOEFL Prep features 100% official ETS questions, expert video lessons, and instant feedback on speaking and writing.
