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    SAT Vocabulary: Top 400+ Most Common SAT Words to Know!

    The Reading and Writing section for the SAT includes tricky words, and knowing their meanings helps you understand passages, answer questions correctly, and avoid confusion. If you want a high SAT score, building a strong vocabulary is one of the most important steps. This guide will help you learn the right words and prepare in a structured way.

    Top 400+ SAT Vocabulary Words

    Building a strong vocabulary is a major advantage for the SAT exam for the Reading and Writing sections. The right words help you understand complex ideas, follow arguments, and choose accurate answer options.

    Below, we have listed important SAT words that appear often in academic reading:

    Word

    Meaning

    Example Sentence

    Abate

    To become less intense

    The storm began to abate by morning.

    Aberration

    A departure from what is normal

    His angry response was an aberration.

    Abhor

    To hate deeply

    She abhorred dishonesty in any form.

    Abundant

    More than enough

    The region has abundant natural resources.

    Acknowledge

    To accept or admit

    The author acknowledged opposing views.

    Acumen

    Sharp insight or judgment

    Her business acumen impressed investors.

    Adept

    Highly skilled

    He is adept at solving complex problems.

    Adverse

    Unfavorable or harmful

    The policy had adverse effects.

    Advocate

    To support publicly

    She advocates equal access to education.

    Affluent

    Wealthy

    The school serves an affluent community.

    Alleviate

    To make less severe

    The medicine helped alleviate pain.

    Ambiguous

    Open to more than one meaning

    The statement was deliberately ambiguous.

    Amend

    To change or revise

    The law was amended last year.

    Amiable

    Friendly and pleasant

    He had an amiable personality.

    Analogous

    Comparable in certain ways

    The brain is analogous to a computer.

    Anomaly

    Something unusual

    The data showed an unexpected anomaly.

    Anticipate

    To expect

    Scientists anticipate further discoveries.

    Apparent

    Clearly visible or understood

    It was apparent she was nervous.

    Arbitrary

    Based on random choice

    The rules seemed arbitrary.

    Assert

    To state confidently

    He asserted his opinion firmly.

    Astute

    Clever and perceptive

    An astute observer noticed the change.

    Augment

    To increase

    The grant will augment research funding.

    Austere

    Plain or strict

    The room had an austere design.

    Avert

    To prevent

    Quick action averted a crisis.

    Beneficial

    Helpful or advantageous

    Exercise is beneficial to health.

    Bias

    Prejudice for or against

    Media bias can influence opinions.

    Bolster

    To support or strengthen

    Evidence bolstered the argument.

    Brevity

    Shortness

    The speech was praised for its brevity.

    Burgeon

    To grow rapidly

    The city began to burgeon.

    Benign

    Harmless

    The tumor was benign.

    Bewilder

    To confuse

    The instructions bewildered students.

    Blatant

    Very obvious

    It was a blatant violation of rules.

    Bleak

    Hopeless or gloomy

    The forecast looked bleak.

    Boast

    To take pride

    The city boasts a rich history.

    Brisk

    Quick and energetic

    She took a brisk walk.

    Brittle

    Easily broken

    The glass was brittle.

    Broad

    Wide in scope

    The study took a broad approach.

    Candid

    Honest and direct

    He gave a candid response.

    Calculated

    Planned deliberately

    It was a calculated risk.

    Cautious

    Careful to avoid danger

    Investors remain cautious.

    Coherent

    Logical and clear

    Her argument was coherent.

    Compelling

    Strongly convincing

    The essay was compelling.

    Concise

    Brief and clear

    Write concise answers.

    Concur

    To agree

    Experts concur on the findings.

    Constrain

    To limit

    Time constraints affected quality.

    Calculate

    To determine by reasoning

    She calculated the total cost carefully.

    Candid

    Honest and straightforward

    His candid remarks surprised everyone.

    Capricious

    Impulsive and unpredictable

    The weather here is capricious.

    Catalyze

    To cause change

    The speech catalyzed reform.

    Cease

    To stop

    The noise finally ceased.

    Censure

    To strongly criticize

    The committee censured the official.

    Chronic

    Long-lasting or recurring

    He suffers from chronic pain.

    Circumspect

    Careful and cautious

    She was circumspect in her decisions.

    Clandestine

    Secretive

    They held a clandestine meeting.

    Coerce

    To force someone

    He was coerced into signing.

    Coincide

    To occur together

    The events coincided by chance.

    Colossal

    Extremely large

    The project was a colossal effort.

    Commence

    To begin

    The ceremony will commence soon.

    Compensate

    To make up for

    He was compensated for losses.

    Complacent

    Overly satisfied

    Success made them complacent.

    Concede

    To admit unwillingly

    He conceded defeat.

    Concise

    Brief but clear

    Her answer was concise.

    Conclusive

    Ending all debate

    The evidence was conclusive.

    Condone

    To approve

    The school does not condone cheating.

    Conform

    To follow rules

    Students must conform to guidelines.

    Consequence

    A result or effect

    Actions have consequences.

    Consolidate

    To combine or strengthen

    The company consolidated departments.

    Contemplate

    To think deeply

    She contemplated her future.

    Contradict

    To oppose

    The data contradicts the claim.

    Controversial

    Causing disagreement

    The law is controversial.

    Converge

    To come together

    The paths converge here.

    Conviction

    Strong belief

    She spoke with conviction.

    Corroborate

    To confirm

    Witnesses corroborated the story.

    Credible

    Believable

    The source is credible.

    Culminate

    To reach an end

    The event culminated in applause.

    Cumulative

    Increasing over time

    Fatigue had a cumulative effect.

    Cursory

    Quick and careless

    He gave a cursory glance.

    Daunt

    To discourage

    The challenge did not daunt her.

    Debilitate

    To weaken

    The illness debilitated him.

    Decisive

    Settling an issue

    Her vote was decisive.

    Defer

    To postpone

    The decision was deferred.

    Deficient

    Lacking something

    The diet is deficient in iron.

    Deliberate

    Done intentionally

    It was a deliberate choice.

    Demean

    To insult

    His remarks demeaned others.

    Demonstrate

    To show clearly

    The experiment demonstrates the theory.

    Denote

    To signify

    Red often denotes danger.

    Depict

    To represent

    The painting depicts history.

    Derive

    To obtain from

    The word derives from Latin.

    Deter

    To discourage

    Laws deter crime.

    Detrimental

    Harmful

    Smoking is detrimental to health.

    Elicit

    To draw out

    The question elicited a strong response.

    Elusive

    Hard to find or understand

    Success remained elusive.

    Emerge

    To come into view

    New problems emerged overnight.

    Emphasize

    To stress the importance

    The teacher emphasized clarity.

    Enable

    To make possible

    Technology enables faster learning.

    Encounter

    To meet unexpectedly

    She encountered resistance.

    Endorse

    To support publicly

    The expert endorsed the plan.

    Endure

    To last or tolerate

    The structure endured centuries.

    Enhance

    To improve

    Practice enhances performance.

    Enigmatic

    Mysterious

    He gave an enigmatic smile.

    Ensuing

    Following immediately

    The ensuing debate lasted hours.

    Entail

    To involve as a result

    The job entails travel.

    Entirety

    The whole

    Consider the issue in its entirety.

    Enumerate

    To list

    He enumerated the reasons.

    Erratic

    Unpredictable

    Her schedule was erratic.

    Escalate

    To increase

    The argument escalated quickly.

    Essential

    Necessary

    Water is essential to life.

    Establish

    To set up

    They established new rules.

    Esteem

    Respect or admire

    She is held in high esteem.

    Evasive

    Avoiding direct answers

    His replies were evasive.

    Evaluate

    To assess

    The teacher will evaluate essays.

    Evident

    Clearly seen

    His effort was evident.

    Exacerbate

    To make worse

    Stress can exacerbate illness.

    Exceed

    To go beyond

    Sales exceeded expectations.

    Exclude

    To leave out

    Certain topics were excluded.

    Exemplify

    To serve as an example

    This case exemplifies the issue.

    Exhaustive

    Thorough and complete

    They conducted an exhaustive search.

    Exert

    To apply force

    He exerted pressure to succeed.

    Exile

    Forced removal

    The leader lived in exile.

    Explicit

    Clearly stated

    The instructions were explicit.

    Exploit

    To use unfairly or fully

    Workers were exploited.

    Facilitate

    To make easier

    The guide facilitated discussion.

    Feasible

    Possible

    The plan is feasible.

    Fervent

    Passionate

    He is a fervent supporter.

    Finite

    Limited

    Resources are finite.

    Fluctuate

    To change irregularly

    Prices fluctuate daily.

    Forfeit

    To lose by wrongdoing

    He forfeited his prize.

    Formidable

    Inspiring fear or respect

    She is a formidable opponent.

    Foster

    To encourage growth

    Schools foster creativity.

    Fragile

    Easily broken

    The artifact is fragile.

    Frivolous

    Lacking seriousness

    The lawsuit was frivolous.

    Fundamental

    Basic and essential

    Trust is fundamental.

    Futile

    Pointless

    Resistance proved futile.

    Feign

    To pretend

    He feigned ignorance.

    Foresee

    To predict

    No one foresaw the crisis.

    Fortify

    To strengthen

    The city fortified its walls.

    Frugal

    Economical

    She lives a frugal life.

    Furtive

    Secretive

    He cast a furtive glance.

    Gauge

    To measure or estimate

    It’s hard to gauge public opinion.

    Generate

    To produce

    The project generated interest.

    Generic

    Lacking uniqueness

    The product looked generic.

    Genuine

    Real or sincere

    Her concern was genuine.

    Glimpse

    A brief look

    He caught a glimpse of the future.

    Govern

    To control or guide

    Logic should govern decisions.

    Gradual

    Happening slowly

    Change was gradual.

    Gratify

    To please or satisfy

    Praise gratified her efforts.

    Grave

    Serious

    The situation is grave.

    Grievance

    A complaint

    Workers voiced their grievances.

    Gross

    Obvious or extreme

    It was a gross mistake.

    Haphazard

    Lacking order

    The notes were haphazard.

    Harbinger

    A sign of something coming

    Dark clouds were a harbinger of rain.

    Hasten

    To speed up

    He hastened his departure.

    Heed

    To pay attention

    She ignored warnings she should have heeded.

    Hesitant

    Unsure or reluctant

    He was hesitant to speak.

    Hindrance

    Something that blocks progress

    Fear is a hindrance to growth.

    Hypothetical

    Based on theory

    The question was hypothetical.

    Hostile

    Unfriendly

    The crowd became hostile.

    Humane

    Kind and compassionate

    The shelter promotes humane treatment.

    Hamper

    To obstruct

    Traffic hampered progress.

    Hasty

    Rushed and careless

    It was a hasty decision.

    Heighten

    To increase

    The news heightened tension.

    Hereditary

    Passed by genes

    The disease is hereditary.

    Hierarchy

    Ranked system

    The company has a clear hierarchy.

    Homogeneous

    Made of similar parts

    The group was homogeneous.

    Hubris

    Excessive pride

    His hubris led to failure.

    Hypocrisy

    Pretending false virtue

    The speech reeked of hypocrisy.

    Habitual

    Done regularly

    He is a habitual latecomer.

    Heuristic

    Learning by experience

    Trial-and-error is a heuristic method.

    Holistic

    Considering the whole

    Education should be holistic.

    Homage

    Respect or honor

    The film paid homage to classics.

    Hostility

    Aggression or anger

    Hostility grew between rivals.

    Humanitarian

    Concerned with human welfare

    She works for humanitarian causes.

    Hinder

    To slow down

    Delays hinder progress.

    Hyperbole

    Exaggeration

    The claim was pure hyperbole.

    Hypothesis

    A testable idea

    She proposed a new hypothesis.

    Harbor

    To hold or shelter

    He harbored doubts.

    Hardy

    Strong and resilient

    The plant is hardy.

    Hegemonic

    Dominating

    The nation held hegemonic power.

    Herald

    To announce

    The event heralded change.

    Histrionic

    Overly dramatic

    His reaction was histrionic.

    Hoax

    A trick or lie

    The story was a hoax.

    Humdrum

    Boring

    Life felt humdrum.

    Hybrid

    A mix of types

    The car is a hybrid.

    Hypnotic

    Captivating

    Her voice was hypnotic.

    Iconic

    Widely recognized

    The bridge is an iconic landmark.

    Idealize

    To view as perfect

    He tends to idealize the past.

    Identify

    To recognize

    She identified the main issue.

    Ideology

    Set of beliefs

    The debate centered on ideology.

    Illogical

    Not reasonable

    His argument was illogical.

    Illustrate

    To explain with examples

    The chart illustrates the trend.

    Impair

    To damage

    Alcohol can impair judgment.

    Impartial

    Fair and unbiased

    The judge remained impartial.

    Implied

    Suggested, not stated

    Her tone implied disapproval.

    Impose

    To force upon

    Rules were imposed suddenly.

    Inadvertent

    Unintentional

    The error was inadvertent.

    Incentive

    Motivation or reward

    Bonuses provide incentive.

    Inclination

    Natural tendency

    He has an inclination to help.

    Inconsistent

    Not matching

    Her statements were inconsistent.

    Indifferent

    Uninterested

    He seemed indifferent to praise.

    Inevitable

    Certain to happen

    Change is inevitable.

    Infer

    To conclude from evidence

    We can infer intent.

    Inflated

    Exaggerated

    The prices were inflated.

    Inhibit

    To restrain

    Fear can inhibit growth.

    Initial

    First

    The initial response was positive.

    Innate

    Inborn

    She has innate talent.

    Innovate

    To introduce new ideas

    Companies must innovate.

    Insignificant

    Unimportant

    The error was insignificant.

    Instigate

    To provoke

    Rumors instigated panic.

    Intact

    Undamaged

    The structure remained intact.

    Integrate

    To combine

    Schools integrate technology.

    Intense

    Strong or extreme

    The heat was intense.

    Interpret

    To explain meaning

    Students interpreted the poem.

    Intricate

    Complex

    The design is intricate.

    Intrinsic

    Belonging naturally

    Honesty has intrinsic value.

    Ironic

    Opposite of expected

    The irony was obvious.

    Irrelevant

    Not related

    His comment was irrelevant.

    Isolate

    To separate

    The lab isolated the virus.

    Justify

    To prove reasonable

    He justified his actions.

    Juvenile

    Childish or young

    His behavior was juvenile.

    Justification

    Reason or explanation

    She offered justification.

    Juxtaposition

    Placement side-by-side

    The essay used juxtaposition.

    Judicious

    Showing good judgment

    A judicious choice saved time.

    Jaded

    Tired or bored

    He felt jaded by routine.

    Jargon

    Specialized language

    Legal jargon confused readers.

    Jeopardize

    To put at risk

    Delays may jeopardize success.

    Jettison

    To discard

    They jettisoned old plans.

    Jubilance

    Great joy

    The room filled with jubilance.

    Justifiable

    Reasonable

    The delay was justifiable.

    Jurisdiction

    Legal authority

    The case fell outside the jurisdiction.

    Jocose

    Playful or joking

    His tone was jocose.

    Jejune

    Dull or immature

    The argument was jejune.

    Judicial

    Related to courts

    Judicial review is important.

    Keen

    Sharp or eager

    She has a keen sense of detail.

    Kindle

    To ignite or inspire

    The speech kindled hope.

    Kinetic

    Related to motion

    Kinetic energy increases with speed.

    Kudos

    Praise or credit

    He received kudos for the project.

    Knowledgeable

    Well informed

    She is knowledgeable about history.

    Lackluster

    Dull or unimpressive

    The performance was lackluster.

    Latent

    Hidden or dormant

    He showed latent talent.

    Laud

    To praise highly

    Critics lauded the film.

    Lavish

    Excessive or generous

    They hosted a lavish party.

    Legacy

    Something passed down

    She left a strong legacy.

    Legitimate

    Lawful or reasonable

    His claim is legitimate.

    Lenient

    Not strict

    The judge was lenient.

    Lethargic

    Sluggish or tired

    He felt lethargic all day.

    Leverage

    Use to gain advantage

    She leveraged her skills.

    Liable

    Legally responsible

    The company is liable for damages.

    Liberal

    Open to new ideas

    The policy is liberal in scope.

    Likely

    Probable

    Rain is likely tonight.

    Limitation

    Restriction

    Time is a major limitation.

    Linear

    Straight or sequential

    The argument followed a linear path.

    Literal

    Exact, not symbolic

    He took the comment literally.

    Logical

    Reasonable

    Her explanation was logical.

    Longevity

    Long duration

    The product has longevity.

    Lucid

    Clear and understandable

    He gave a lucid explanation.

    Luminous

    Bright or glowing

    The stars were luminous.

    Lurk

    To remain hidden

    Danger may lurk nearby.

    Lament

    To express sorrow

    She lamented the loss.

    Loophole

    Legal gap

    They exploited a loophole.

    Lopsided

    Uneven or unbalanced

    The vote was lopsided.

    Lofty

    Elevated or idealistic

    He set lofty goals.

    Linger

    To stay longer

    The smell lingered.

    Laudable

    Worthy of praise

    Her efforts were laudable.

    Liberalize

    To make less strict

    Laws were liberalized.

    Livid

    Extremely angry

    He was livid at the news.

    Loathe

    To hate deeply

    She loathes dishonesty.

    Logical fallacy

    Error in reasoning

    The claim relied on a fallacy.

    Longstanding

    Existing for long time

    A longstanding tradition continues.

    Lull

    Temporary calm

    The storm entered a lull.

    Lukewarm

    Unenthusiastic

    The response was lukewarm.

    Lump sum

    Total amount

    He paid a lump sum.

    Lucidity

    Clarity of thought

    Fatigue reduced lucidity.

    Liability

    Legal obligation

    Debt is a liability.

    Literary

    Related to literature

    The novel has literary value.

    Localized

    Limited to area

    Damage was localized.

    Loquacious

    Talkative

    The loquacious guest dominated.

    Lamentable

    Regrettable

    The delay was lamentable.

    Legitimize

    To make lawful

    Laws legitimized the practice.

    Lineage

    Family descent

    She traced her lineage.

    Lax

    Not strict

    Enforcement was lax.

    Magnanimous

    Very generous

    She was magnanimous in victory.

    Malign

    To speak badly about

    He maligned his opponent unfairly.

    Mandate

    Official order

    The law mandates safety checks.

    Marginal

    Of little importance

    The change had marginal impact.

    Material

    Relevant or significant

    The facts are material to the case.

    Meager

    Very small or insufficient

    He survived on a meager income.

    Mediate

    To help settle a dispute

    A lawyer mediated the conflict.

    Meticulous

    Extremely careful

    She is meticulous with data.

    Militant

    Aggressive or combative

    Militant protests broke out.

    Minuscule

    Extremely small

    The error was minuscule.

    Mitigate

    To make less severe

    Steps were taken to mitigate risk.

    Moderate

    Average or controlled

    Exercise should be moderate.

    Monotonous

    Dull and repetitive

    His voice was monotonous.

    Mundane

    Ordinary or boring

    Daily chores feel mundane.

    Mutual

    Shared by both sides

    Mutual respect is essential.

    Malleable

    Easily shaped or influenced

    Young minds are malleable.

    Malicious

    Intending harm

    The act was malicious.

    Manipulate

    To control unfairly

    Data was manipulated.

    Metaphorical

    Symbolic, not literal

    The phrase was metaphorical.

    Methodical

    Systematic

    She followed a methodical plan.

    Momentous

    Very important

    It was a momentous decision.

    Naïve

    Lacking experience

    He was naïve about politics.

    Negate

    To cancel out

    The loss negated profits.

    Neutral

    Not taking sides

    He remained neutral.

    Notorious

    Famous for something bad

    The area is notorious for crime.

    Nurture

    To care for

    Teachers nurture talent.

    Nominal

    In name only or very small

    He paid a nominal fee.

    Nonchalant

    Calm, unconcerned

    She seemed nonchalant about the results.

    Nuance

    Subtle difference

    Tone adds nuance to meaning.

    Novel

    New or original

    The idea was novel.

    Negligible

    So small it doesn’t matter

    The cost was negligible.

    Necessitate

    To make necessary

    Delays necessitate changes.

    Nurturing

    Supportive

    A nurturing environment helps.

    Noteworthy

    Worth attention

    She made a noteworthy claim.

    Nurtured

    Developed carefully

    Skills were nurtured early.

    Narrow

    Limited in scope

    The focus was narrow.

    Notional

    Theoretical

    The plan was notional.

    Naivety

    Innocence

    His naivety was obvious.

    Nullify

    To make ineffective

    The ruling nullified the law.

    Noncompliance

    Failure to follow rules

    Noncompliance led to fines.

    Normative

    Based on norms

    Normative beliefs vary.

    Novelty

    Newness

    The novelty wore off.

    Nondescript

    Lacking distinctive features

    The building was nondescript.

    Neutralize

    To counteract

    Antibodies neutralize toxins.

    Nuanced

    Showing subtle understanding

    A nuanced answer impressed judges.

    Nominate

    To propose formally

    She was nominated for office.

    Noxious

    Harmful

    Noxious fumes spread quickly.

    Notable

    Worth noticing

    A notable improvement occurred.

    Objective

    Not influenced by feelings

    The judge remained objective.

    Obsolete

    No longer in use

    The technology is obsolete.

    Obvious

    Easy to see or understand

    The answer was obvious.

    Occur

    To happen

    The event will occur tomorrow.

    Omission

    Leaving something out

    The error was due to omission.

    Opaque

    Not transparent or unclear

    The explanation was opaque.

    Optimize

    To make best use of

    We must optimize resources.

    Orator

    Skilled public speaker

    The orator inspired the crowd.

    Organic

    Natural or developed gradually

    Growth was organic.

    Ostentatious

    Showy or flashy

    His watch was ostentatious.

    Outdated

    Old-fashioned

    The policy is outdated.

    Overlook

    To fail to notice

    He overlooked the detail.

    Overstate

    To exaggerate

    She overstated the risks.

    Overwhelming

    Very strong or powerful

    Support was overwhelming.

    Pragmatic

    Practical

    A pragmatic solution worked.

    Precedent

    Earlier example

    The ruling set a precedent.

    Precise

    Exact

    She gave a precise answer.

    Predominant

    Most common

    One issue was predominant.

    Preliminary

    Introductory

    Preliminary results look good.

    Presume

    To assume

    I presume you agree.

    Prevail

    To succeed

    Justice will prevail.

    Principle

    Fundamental rule

    Honesty is a principle.

    Proactive

    Acting in advance

    Be proactive about planning.

    Probability

    Likelihood

    The probability is high.

    Prohibit

    To forbid

    Smoking is prohibited.

    Prolific

    Highly productive

    A prolific writer published often.

    Prolong

    To extend

    They prolonged the negotiations.

    Promote

    To support or advance

    The law promotes equality.

    Proportion

    Part compared to whole

    A large proportion agreed.

    Provisional

    Temporary

    A provisional plan was made.

    Plausible

    Believable

    His story sounded plausible.

    Polarize

    To divide into groups

    The issue polarized voters.

    Potential

    Possible

    She has great potential.

    Preclude

    To prevent

    Rules preclude entry.

    Predicament

    Difficult situation

    He faced a predicament.

    Pensive

    Deep in thought

    She looked pensive.

    Perpetuate

    To make continue

    Myths perpetuate fear.

    Persuasive

    Convincing

    Her speech was persuasive.

    Pertinent

    Relevant

    The evidence was pertinent.

    Pervasive

    Spread everywhere

    A pervasive smell lingered.

    Plaudits

    Praise

    The actor earned plaudits.

    Postulate

    To assume as basis

    The theory postulates change.

    Prevalent

    Widespread

    The habit is prevalent.

    Prudent

    Wise and careful

    A prudent choice saved money.

    Paramount

    Most important

    Safety is paramount.

    Paradox

    Seeming contradiction

    The paradox puzzled students.

    Pragmatism

    Practical approach

    Pragmatism guided policy.

    Prototype

    First model

    They tested a prototype.

    Qualitative

    Related to quality, not numbers

    The study used qualitative data.

    Quantify

    To measure or express in numbers

    It is hard to quantify success.

    Quell

    To put an end to

    Police quelled the protest.

    Query

    A question

    She raised a valid query.

    Quintessential

    Most typical example

    He is the quintessential leader.

    Quota

    Fixed share or amount

    The company met its quota.

    Rationale

    Logical explanation

    She explained her rationale clearly.

    Reassess

    To evaluate again

    We must reassess the plan.

    Rebut

    To argue against

    He rebutted the claim.

    Reconcile

    To restore harmony

    They reconciled after the dispute.

    Redundant

    Unnecessary repetition

    The paragraph felt redundant.

    Refine

    To improve

    She refined her argument.

    Reform

    To improve a system

    The law aims to reform education.

    Regulate

    To control by rules

    The agency regulates trade.

    Reinforce

    To strengthen

    Evidence reinforced the theory.

    Reluctant

    Unwilling

    He was reluctant to speak.

    Remedy

    A solution

    The court ordered a remedy.

    Renounce

    To give up formally

    He renounced his claim.

    Repercussion

    Result of an action

    Actions have repercussions.

    Reprisal

    Retaliation

    The attack prompted reprisals.

    Resilient

    Able to recover quickly

    Children are often resilient.

    Resolution

    Firm decision or solution

    The issue reached a resolution.

    Restrain

    To hold back

    Rules restrain behavior.

    Retain

    To keep

    The firm retained clients.

    Retract

    To take back

    The paper retracted the story.

    Rigorous

    Very strict or thorough

    The course is rigorous.

    Robust

    Strong and effective

    The system is robust.

    Rudimentary

    Basic or undeveloped

    He has rudimentary skills.

    Scrutinize

    To examine closely

    Inspectors scrutinized records.

    Selective

    Highly choosy

    She is selective about friends.

    Significant

    Important

    The findings were significant.

    Simultaneous

    Happening at the same time

    Events occurred simultaneously.

    Skeptical

    Doubtful

    He was skeptical of claims.

    Solidify

    To make firm

    Support began to solidify.

    Speculate

    To guess

    Analysts speculate about outcomes.

    Substantial

    Large or important

    A substantial increase followed.

    Subtle

    Not obvious

    There was a subtle change.

    Sufficient

    Enough

    The explanation was sufficient.

    Synthesize

    To combine ideas

    Students synthesize sources.

    Systematic

    Methodical

    The approach was systematic.

    Tangible

    Real and measurable

    Results were tangible.

    Tentative

    Uncertain

    A tentative schedule was set.

    Threshold

    Starting point

    Costs crossed the threshold.

    Transparent

    Easy to understand

    The process was transparent.

    Transform

    To change completely

    Technology can transform lives.

    Unanimous

    Fully agreed

    The vote was unanimous.

    Undermine

    To weaken

    Rumors undermine trust.

    Validate

    To confirm

    Data validated the claim.

    Viable

    Able to work

    It is a viable option.

    Salient

    Most noticeable or important

    She highlighted the salient points.

    Sanction

    Official approval or penalty

    The act received government sanction.

    Scrupulous

    Very careful and ethical

    He was scrupulous with details.

    Secular

    Not religious

    The country follows secular laws.

    Sparse

    Thinly spread

    Vegetation was sparse.

    Specify

    To state clearly

    Please specify requirements.

    Stabilize

    To make steady

    Efforts stabilized the economy.

    Stimulate

    To encourage growth

    The policy stimulated demand.

    Subordinate

    Lower in rank

    He holds a subordinate role.

    Succinct

    Brief and clear

    Her answer was succinct.

    Superfluous

    More than needed

    The explanation was superfluous.

    Sustain

    To maintain

    Aid helped sustain communities.

    Symbolic

    Representing something else

    The gesture was symbolic.

    Tactic

    Planned action

    They changed tactics mid-game.

    Tenacious

    Persistent

    She is tenacious in debate.

    Tentative

    Not final

    A tentative agreement was formed.

    Terse

    Very brief

    His reply was terse.

    Thrive

    To grow successfully

    Businesses thrive here.

    Tolerate

    To accept

    Society must tolerate differences.

    Transient

    Temporary

    The joy was transient.

    Uniform

    Consistent

    The policy was applied uniformly.

    Unprecedented

    Never done before

    The decision was unprecedented.

    Versatile

    Adaptable

    She is a versatile performer.

    Violate

    To break rules

    He violated policy.

    Volatile

    Unstable

    Markets are volatile.

    Warrant

    To justify

    The facts warrant concern.

    Withdraw

    To remove

    Troops withdrew slowly.

    Withstand

    To resist

    The bridge can withstand storms.

    Yield

    To produce or give way

    The land yields crops.

    Zealous

    Extremely enthusiastic

    He is zealous about reform.

    Zenith

    Highest point

    Her career reached its zenith.

    Zephyr

    Gentle wind

    A cool zephyr blew.

    Zany

    Odd or playful

    The show was zany.

    Zeitgeist

    Spirit of the time

    The film captured the zeitgeist.

    Zero-sum

    One gains, another loses

    It’s a zero-sum game.

    Zenithal

    Relating to the highest point

    Zenithal light filled the room.

    Zeal

    Great enthusiasm

    She worked with zeal.

    Zigzag

    Move sharply back and forth

    The path zigzagged uphill.

    Zonal

    Divided into areas

    The map uses zonal divisions.

    Zealotry

    Fanatical devotion

    Zealotry limits dialogue.

    Zest

    Enthusiasm

    He tackled tasks with zest.

    Zippy

    Fast and lively

    The car feels zippy.

    Zephyrus

    West wind

    Zephyrus cooled the coast.

    Zenithward

    Toward the top

    Birds flew zenithward.

    Zoomorphic

    Animal-like form

    The sculpture looked zoomorphic.

    Zestful

    Full of energy

    A zestful performance followed.

    Zealousness

    Intense passion

    His zealousness was evident.

    Zonalism

    Regional division

    Politics showed zonalism.

    Types of SAT Vocabulary Questions

    SAT vocabulary questions test your ability to understand word meaning from context, choose the most precise word, and interpret how vocabulary affects tone and logic.

    Here are a few questions based on vocabulary, but in different situations:

    Context-Based Meaning Questions

    Example: Despite early criticism, the author remained sanguine about the book’s success, believing that readers would eventually appreciate its depth.

    Question: As used in the sentence, “sanguine” most nearly means:

    1. A) careless
    2. B) optimistic
    3. C) indifferent
    4. D) uncertain

    Best Word Replacement Questions

    Example: The committee rejected the proposal due to insufficient evidence.

    Question: Which choice most closely matches the meaning of “rejected” in this context?

    1. A) dismissed
    2. B) postponed
    3. C) criticized
    4. D) reviewed

    Precision and Nuance Questions

    Example: The CEO’s apology sounded rehearsed rather than genuinely ______.

    Question:

    Which choice best completes the sentence?

    1. A) contrite
    2. B) verbose
    3. C) cordial
    4. D) indifferent

    Tone and Attitude Vocabulary Questions

    Example: The reviewer described the film as visually stunning but narratively trite, offering nothing new to the genre.

    Question:

    The word “trite” suggests that the reviewer finds the film’s story:

    1. A) complex
    2. B) innovative
    3. C) overused
    4. D) ambiguous

    Logical Fit in a Passage

    Example: Although the task initially seemed simple, it quickly became ______ due to unexpected technical challenges.

    Question:

    Which choice best completes the sentence?

    1. A) trivial
    2. B) onerous
    3. C) fortunate
    4. D) optional

    How to Improve SAT Vocabulary?

    Building a strong SAT vocabulary takes regular practice and smart habits. The goal is not just to memorise words, but to understand how they are used in real situations. 

    Here are the important tips to improve SAT vocabulary:

    • Read widely: Read newspapers like The Guardian and BBC, blogs, and simple academic articles to see new words in context.
    • Listen to English content: TED Talks, BBC News, and English learning podcasts help you hear correct word usage.
    • Learn words through context: Pay attention to how words appear in sentences. For example, use natural phrases like “reduce stress” or “increase focus.”
    • Practice daily: Write short essays, use new words in sentences, and speak in English every day.
    • Solve SAT sample papers: Attempt practice tests and review how vocabulary is used in reading passages and answer choices.
    • Stay consistent: Try to learn and use at least 10 to 15 new words each day.

    Top Preparation Books for SAT Vocabulary

    The Barron's SAT vocabulary flash cards are quite popular among students for rote memorisation of high-frequency words.

    Below is a list of trusted and updated books that can help you build the vocabulary and skills needed for the SAT:

    Book Title

    Approx. Price 

    Barron’s SAT Express

    INR 3,361

    The College Panda’s SAT Writing

    INR 3,174

    Reading & Writing Prep for the SAT & ACT (2nd Ed.)

    INR 1,345

    SAT Reading Comprehension, Writing & Language Prep

    INR 1,545

    Digital SAT Reading & Writing Practice Questions

    INR 639

    From the Desk of Yocket

    Preparing for the SAT can feel confusing, but with Yocket Prep, you get expert-made study material, practice tests, and the right guidance to improve your vocabulary and score well in the Reading and Writing sections. A strong SAT vocabulary helps you understand passages faster, answer questions correctly, and boost your overall score.

    At Yocket Prep, our goal is to help you prepare smarter and achieve the SAT score you need for your study abroad plans.

    Frequently Asked Questions on SAT Vocabulary

    What is the best SAT vocabulary book?

    expand-collapse-icon
    Barron’s SAT Vocabulary and The Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep are popular choices for focused word practice.

    How can I improve my SAT vocabulary?

    expand-collapse-icon
    Read daily, use flashcards, learn words through context, and solve SAT Reading and Writing practice questions.

    How many words should I learn for the SAT?

    expand-collapse-icon
    Learning 1,000 to 1,500 high-use SAT words is enough when combined with regular reading practice.

    What are the most important topic-wise vocabulary words for the SAT?

    expand-collapse-icon
    Words related to science, history, literature, argument analysis, and academic writing appear often in passages.
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