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:
- A) careless
- B) optimistic
- C) indifferent
- 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?
- A) dismissed
- B) postponed
- C) criticized
- D) reviewed
Precision and Nuance Questions
Example: The CEO’s apology sounded rehearsed rather than genuinely ______.
Question:
Which choice best completes the sentence?
- A) contrite
- B) verbose
- C) cordial
- 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:
- A) complex
- B) innovative
- C) overused
- 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?
- A) trivial
- B) onerous
- C) fortunate
- 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.