Improving Retention for Nuanced Vocabulary

I’ve been reflecting on how I study specific terms like 月額 or complex nouns like 事例. Even at an advanced level, I find that while I recognize them in news reports, they don't always stick in my active memory. I'm wondering how you all move beyond simple flashcards. Do you find it more effective to write out full paragraphs, or perhaps focus on comparing similar grammar patterns alongside the new words?