image1676440788

Nabokov's Favorite Words

How well can you keep up with Vladimir Nabokov’s extraordinary vocabulary?

Vladimir Nabokov is renowned as one of the most masterful prose stylists of the twentieth century. He is also known for being quite fond of using exceedingly obscure words. The second edition of Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1934), which contains many such words, is reported to have been his favorite lexicographic work. All of the words in the quiz below may be found in the most recent version of Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary.

START THE QUIZ

Next: The Exceptions Quiz

Next: How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Next: Name That Thing

Next: Guess the Color Quiz

Next: Spell It

Next: Fastest Quiz Ever: Missing Link

Next: True or False?

Next: Quiz: Spot the Anagram!

Next: Name That Flower

Which of the following words is not a synonym for drunk?

Play Now

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Play Now

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

Play Now
Play Now

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

Play Now

Steam_____Skate

Play Now

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Play Now

Which of these words is an anagram of allergy?

Play Now
Play Now

Other Popular Quizzes

Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

Play Now
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

Play Now
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

Play Now
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

Play Now
×

Forgot password?

show
Log in

Don't have a Merriam-Webster account? Sign up now!

Register
Merriam Webster

Learn a new word every day. Delivered to your inbox!

  • Help
  • About Us
  • Advertising Info
  • Contact Us
  • Diversity
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

© 2025 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated