glib

/ɡlɪb/

Group 23Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow
GRE

Example in Context

The politician's glib assurances about economic recovery failed to convince voters who could see the evidence of decline in their own communities.

Synonyms

smoothslicksuperficial

Etymology

Smooth and fluent, but lacking depth.

  • glib- (German) — smooth

Memory Aid

🧊Sounds like “glib

A GLIB salesperson selling ice to penguins, but they just slide away unimpressed!

Visual Association

🎤A slick talker on stage, dazzling the audience with smooth words but hiding a giant 'LIAR' sign behind their back.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “glib” mean on the GRE?

glib (adjective) means “Fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow”. The politician's glib assurances about economic recovery failed to convince voters who could see the evidence of decline in their own communities.

How to remember “glib” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “glib” sounds like “glib”. A GLIB salesperson selling ice to penguins, but they just slide away unimpressed!

What are synonyms for “glib”?

Common synonyms: smooth, slick, superficial.