| Term | Definition |
| redolent | fragrant; odorous; suggestive of an odour |
| redoubtable | formidable; causing fear |
| redress | remedy; compensation |
| reek | emit (odour) |
| refectory | dining hall |
| refractory | stubborn; unmanageable |
| refrain | (v) abstain from; resist *(n->) chorus * |
| refulgent | brightly shining; gleaming |
| regale | entertain |
| regatta | boat or yacht race |
| regeneration | spiritual rebirth |
| regicide | murder of a king or queen |
| regime | method or system of government |
| regimen | a regulated system of diet, exercise, etc. for therapy or the maintenance or improvement of |
| rehabilitate | restore to proper condition |
| rejoinder | retort; comeback; reply |
| relent | give in; yield |
| relic | surviving remnant; memento |
| relinquish | give up something with reluctance yield |
| relish | savor; enjoy |
| remiss | negligent |
| remission | temporary moderation of disease symptoms; cancellation of a debt; forgiveness or pardon |
| remonstrance | protest; objection |
| remunerative | compensating; rewarding |
| rend | split tear apart |
| render | deliver; provide; represent |
| rendition | translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc. |
| renegade | deserter of party or principles; traitor |
| renege | deny; go back on |
| renown | fame |
| rent | rip; split |
| reparation | amends; compensation |
| repartee | clever reply |
| repast | meal; feast; banquet |
| repeal | revoke; annul; cancel |
| repellent | driving away; unattractive |
| repent | feel sorrow or regret for what one has done or left undone; think with regret or contrition of |
| repercussion | rebound; reverberation; reaction |
| repertoire | list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present |
| repine | fret; complain |
| replete | filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied |
| reprehensible | deserving blame |
| reprieve | temporary stay |
| reprimand | official rebuke; reprove |
| reprisal | retaliation |
| reprise | musical repetition; repeat performance; recurrent action |
| repugnance | loathing |
| reputed | supposed |
| Requiem | mass for the dead; dirge |
| requisite | necessary requirement |
| requite | to make return or repayment for (a benefit, service, etc., or an injury, wrong, etc.); revenge |