Free SAT Vocabulary Words with StudyMinder Flash Cards

The Free Trial version of StudyMinder Flash Cards comes with 1,000 SAT vocabulary words and definitions that you can print out or study on your computer with the Flash Cards program.

When you order the registered version of StudyMinder Flash Cards, you get another 4,200 words, for a total of 5,200 SAT vocabulary words. 

The SAT vocabulary words are arranged in order from most common to least common. As you go through the words they become gradually more difficult, as they are less frequently used in modern American English. The first 1,000 SAT words and definitions - the most common  - are the ones included with the Free Trial version of StudyMinder Flash Cards.

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SAT Vocabulary Words 1,001 to 2,000

SAT Words Set 21

• needy - j. demanding or needing attention, affection, or reassurance to an excessive degree
• disparate - j. fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
• dogma - n. a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
• stigma - n. a symbol of disgrace or infamy
• suggestive - j. tending to suggest something improper or indecent
• punitive - j. inflicting punishment
• reactionary - n. an extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism
• boon - n. a desirable state
• exuberance - n. joyful enthusiasm
• mausoleum - n. a large burial chamber, usually above ground
• repellent - j. serving or tending to repel
• subpoena - v. serve or summon with a subpoena
• misbehavior - n. improper or wicked or immoral behavior
• conceal - v. hold back; keep from being perceived by others
• exclusion - n. a deliberate act of omission
• corpse - n. the dead body of a human being
• amusement - n. a feeling of delight at being entertained
• superintendent - n. a person who directs and manages an organization
• microphone - n. device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
• disrupt - v. interfere in someone else's activity
• susceptible - j. (often followed by 'of' or 'to') yielding readily to or capable of
• dialect - n. the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
• ascent - n. an upward slope or grade (as in a road)
• maxim - n. a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
• recourse - n. something or someone turned to for assistance or security
• troublesome - j. difficult to deal with
• stray - v. wander from a direct course or at random
• transcend - v. be greater in scope or size than some standard
• mastery - n. power to dominate or defeat
• orthodoxy - n. a belief or orientation agreeing with conventional standards
• syndicate - v. join together into an affiliation or syndicate
• outlaw - v. declare illegal; outlaw
• fanatic - n. a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause)
• overdose - v. dose too heavily
• antidote - n. a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
• stint - n. an unbroken period of time during which you do something
• wag - n. a witty amusing person who makes jokes
• alcoholism - n. habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks
• madden - v. make mad
• obnoxious - j. causing disapproval or protest
• martyrdom - n. death that is imposed because of the person's adherence of a religious faith or cause
• parlor - n. reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
• acute - j. having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course
• evolve - v. undergo development or evolution
• ambulance - n. a vehicle that takes people to and from hospitals
• sterling - n. British money; especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK
• exhaust - v. use up the whole supply of
• presume - v. take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
• denounce - v. speak out against
• anguish - n. extreme distress of body or mind
• whereabouts - n. the general location where something is

SAT Words Set 22

• jargon - n. specialized technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject
• suppression - n. forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
• derivative - j. resulting from or employing derivation
• caption - n. brief description accompanying an illustration
• metaphysical - j. without material form or substance
• immature - j. characteristic of a lack of maturity
• malicious - j. having the nature of or resulting from malice
• rebuke - n. an act or expression of criticism and censure
• mania - n. an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
• prologue - n. an introduction to a play
• separatist - n. an advocate of secession or separation from a larger group (such as an established church or a national union)
• heinous - j. extremely wicked, deeply criminal
• highbrow - j. highly cultured or educated
• meager - j. deficient in amount or quality or extent
• duration - n. the period of time during which something continues
• ingredient - n. a component of a mixture or compound
• decorate - v. award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to
• reproduce - v. make a copy or equivalent of
• covenant - v. enter into a covenant or formal agreement
• sentiment - n. tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
• scent - n. an odor left in passing by which a person or animal can be traced
• clearance - n. permission to proceed
• mutation - n. (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
• noticeable - j. capable of being detected
• incomplete - j. not complete or total; not completed
• mantle - n. the cloak as a symbol of authority
• evade - v. escape, either physically or mentally
• inaccurate - j. not exact
• liberate - v. grant freedom to; free from confinement
• prudent - j. careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
• intellect - n. knowledge and intellectual ability
• apostle - n. (New Testament) one of the original 12 disciples chosen by Christ to preach his gospel
• barren - n. an uninhabited wilderness that is worthless for cultivation
• hideous - j. so extremely ugly as to be terrifying
• illegitimate - j. contrary to or forbidden by law
• cosmic - j. of or from or pertaining to or characteristic of the cosmos or universe
• exodus - n. a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment
• timid - j. showing fear and lack of confidence
• rash - j. ill-considered and risky
• eclipse - n. one celestial body obscures another
• mimic - v. imitate (a person or manner), especially for satirical effect
• imaginable - j. capable of being imagined
• hapless - j. deserving or inciting pity
• longevity - n. the property of being long-lived
• lurid - j. glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism
• pharmacy - n. the art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,
• severance - n. a personal or social separation
• autopsy - n. an examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause of death or the changes produced by disease
• lumber - v. move heavily or clumsily
• plagiarism - n. a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work

SAT Words Set 23

• pontiff - n. the head of the Roman Catholic Church
• espy - v. catch sight of
• dissolve - v. pass into a solution
• continuity - n. uninterrupted connection or union
• nominal - j. insignificantly small; a matter of form only
• symmetry - n. balance or similarity among the parts of something
• simultaneous - j. occurring or operating at the same time
• abrupt - j. exceedingly sudden and unexpected
• replica - n. copy that is not the original; something that has been copied
• assassin - n. a murderer (especially one who kills a prominent political figure) who kills by a surprise attack and often is hired to do the deed
• tack - v. turn into the wind
• haze - n. atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
• prophecy - n. knowledge of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source)
• propagate - v. transmit or cause to broaden or spread
• conscientious - j. characterized by extreme care and great effort
• sublime - j. worthy of adoration or reverence
• fiasco - n. a sudden and violent collapse
• fraudulent - j. intended to deceive
• Catholicism - n. the beliefs and practices of a Catholic Church
• divinity - n. any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
• conjunction - n. something that joins or connects
• resumption - n. beginning again
• aversion - n. a feeling of intense dislike
• palpable - j. capable of being perceived; especially capable of being handled or touched or felt
• philanthropy - n. voluntary promotion of human welfare
• acquittal - n. a judgment of not guilty
• landlord - n. a landowner who leases to others
• casualty - n. someone injured or killed or captured or missing in a military engagement
• bacterium - n. single-celled or noncellular organisms lacking chlorophyll that reproduce by fission
• liaison - n. a channel for communication between groups
• retention - n. the power of retaining and recalling past experience
• trait - n. a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
• pastoral - j. relating to shepherds or herdsmen or devoted to raising sheep or cattle
• rein - n. one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
• paradigm - n. the generally accepted perspective of a particular discipline at a given time
• alleviate - v. provide physical relief, as from pain
• aerial - j. existing or living or growing or operating in the air
• outweigh - v. weigh more heavily
• ferret - v. search and discover through persistent investigation
• incompetent - j. not qualified or suited for a purpose
• intimidate - v. make timid or fearful
• topple - v. fall down, as if collapsing
• amplitude - n. (physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic wave
• eloquent - j. expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively
• prowess - n. a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation
• lofty - j. having or displaying great dignity or nobility
• legislator - n. someone who makes or enacts laws
• bilingual - n. a person who speaks two languages fluently
• trajectory - n. the path followed by an object moving through space
• panorama - n. a picture (or series of pictures) representing a continuous scene

SAT Words Set 24

• ancestry - n. inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline
• devout - j. deeply religious
• pitiful - j. deserving or inciting pity
• thrift - n. extreme care in spending money; reluctance to spend money unnecessarily
• anthology - n. a collection of selected literary passages
• altruism - n. the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
• indict - v. accuse formally of a crime
• fledgling - j. young and inexperienced
• thoroughbred - n. a pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage; used especially of horses
• hubris - n. overbearing pride or presumption
• clarify - v. make clear and (more) comprehensible
• comparative - j. estimated by comparison; not absolute or complete
• dwarf - n. a plant or animal that is atypically small
• safeguard - n. a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.
• bodily - j. of or relating to or belonging to the body
• prototype - n. a standard or typical example
• ale - n. a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the United States an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• bitterness - n. a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will
• compliment - v. say something to someone that expresses praise
• introductory - j. serving as a base or starting point
• garrison - n. the troops who maintain and guard a fortified place
• lyric - n. the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number
• aristocracy - n. a privileged class holding hereditary titles
• oust - v. remove from a position or office
• resonance - n. echoing; having the character of a loud deep sound; the quality of being resonant
• pagan - n. a person who follows a polytheistic or pre-Christian religion (not a Christian or Muslim or Jew)
• expulsion - n. squeezing out by applying pressure
• insecure - j. lacking self-confidence or assurance
• meticulous - j. marked by extreme care in treatment of details
• indulgence - n. an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires
• momentous - j. of very great significance
• anarchy - n. a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)
• sensual - j. sexually exciting or gratifying
• papacy - n. the government of the Roman Catholic Church
• rife - j. excessively abundant
• rebellious - j. resisting control or authority
• tenet - n. a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
• candid - j. openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness
• fervent - j. characterized by intense emotion
• outpost - n. a military post stationed at a distance from the main body of troops
• righteousness - n. adhering to moral principles
• patriarch - n. the male head of family or tribe
• culinary - j. of or relating to or used in cooking
• conceit - n. the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride
• brazen - j. made of or resembling brass (as in color or hardness)
• visceral - j. obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation
• variable - j. liable to or capable of change
• modification - n. the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)
• reassure - v. give or restore confidence in; cause to feel sure or certain
• accumulate - v. collect or gather

SAT Words Set 25

• nucleus - n. a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction
• consolidate - v. bring together into a single whole or system
• conquer - v. overcome by conquest
• avert - v. turn away or aside
• equitable - j.  fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience
• persistence - n. the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior
• imperative - j. requiring attention or action
• embarrass - v. cause to be embarrassed; cause to feel self-conscious
• floral - j. relating to or associated with flowers
• limp - j. lacking in strength or firmness or resilience
• brook - n. a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
• wry - j. bent to one side
• conducive - j. tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
• evasion - n. a statement that is not literally false but that cleverly avoids an unpleasant truth
• sanity - n. normal or sound powers of mind
• extremist - j. (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
• caste - n. a social class separated from others by distinctions of hereditary rank or profession or wealth
• Parisian - j. of or relating to or characteristic of Paris or its inhabitants
• fallacy - n. a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
• regimen - n. (medicine) a systematic plan for therapy (often including diet)
• comical - j. arousing or provoking laughter
• intransigence - n. the trait of being intransigent; stubbornly refusing to compromise
• tawdry - j. tastelessly showy
• lieu - n. the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
• demeanor - n. (behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people
• initiate - v. bring into being
• isolate - v. place or set apart
• classify - v. declare unavailable, as for security reasons
• reservoir - n. a large or extra supply of something
• nuisance - n. (law) a broad legal concept including anything that disturbs the reasonable use of your property or endangers life and health or is offensive
• continuation - n. the act of continuing an activity without interruption
• adhere - v. follow through or carry out a plan without deviation
• trio - n. three performers or singers who perform together
• libel - v. print slanderous statements against
• polar - j. located at or near or coming from the earth's poles
• intrusion - n. entrance by force or without permission or welcome
• redeem - v. restore the honor or worth of
• trickle - v. run or flow slowly, as in drops or in an unsteady stream
• fuse - n. any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant
• protector - n. a person who cares for persons or property
• magnate - n. a very wealthy or powerful businessman
• intrigue - v. cause to be interested or curious
• apathy - n. an absence of emotion or enthusiasm
• impeccable - j. not capable of sin
• moderation - n. quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes
• tyranny - n. dominance through threat of punishment and violence
• operative - j. being in force or having or exerting force
• impotent - j. lacking power or ability
• vigilance - n. the process of paying close and continuous attention
• sordid - j. unethical or dishonest

SAT Words Set 26

• sumptuous - j. rich and superior in quality
• maverick - j. independent in behavior or thought
• exorbitant - j. greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
• frenetic - j. excessively agitated; distraught with fear or other violent emotion
• hyperbole - n. extravagant exaggeration
• indulgent - j. tolerant or lenient
• opulent - j. rich and superior in quality
• wily - j. marked by skill in deception
• whimsical - j. determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
• extortion - n. the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of violence)
• infidelity - n. the quality of being unfaithful
• balk - v. refuse to comply
• giddy - j. having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling
• narration - n. the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
• artful - j. marked by skill in achieving a desired end especially with cunning or craft
• candor - n. the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
• modify - v. make less severe or harsh or extreme
• facilitate - v. make easier
• embody - v. represent or express something abstract in tangible form
• stride - v. walk with long steps
• accelerate - v. move faster
• query - v. pose a question
• retrieve - v. go for and bring back
• exaggerate - v. to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
• discard - n. getting rid something that is regarded as useless or undesirable
• invaluable - j. having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth
• novice - n. someone new to a field or activity
• archaeology - n. the branch of anthropology that studies prehistoric people and their cultures
• relish - n. vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
• plaque - n. a memorial made of brass
• quartet - n. four people considered as a unit
• relinquish - v. release or part with
• analogous - j. similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar
• brace - n. a support that steadies or strengthens something else
• acoustic - j. of or relating to the science of acoustics
• thwart - v. hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
• unbearable - j. incapable of being put up with
• ghastly - j. shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
• treacherous - j. tending to betray
• oblivious - j. failing to keep in mind
• permissible - j. that may be permitted especially as according to rule
• foreman - n. a person who exercises control over workers
• tenor - j. of or close in range to the highest natural adult male voice
• extinct - j. no longer in existence; lost or especially having died out leaving no living representatives
• pious - j. having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
• blatant - j. without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
• ferocious - j. marked by extreme and violent energy
• euphoria - n. a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
• pleasurable - j. affording satisfaction or pleasure
• predatory - j. living by preying on other animals especially by catching living prey

SAT Words Set 27

• dissertation - n. a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
• seminal - j. containing seeds of later development
• barbaric - j. without civilizing influences
• evasive - j. deliberately vague or ambiguous
• genial - j. agreeable, conducive to comfort
• paralysis - n. loss of the ability to move a body part
• propriety - n. correct or appropriate behavior
• preamble - n. a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
• genteel - j. marked by refinement in taste and manners
• incense - n. a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned
• curt - j. brief and to the point; effectively cut short
• caustic - n. any chemical substance that burns or destroys living tissue
• appellate - j. of or relating to or taking account of appeals (usually legal appeals)
• disingenuous - j. not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
• decorum - n. propriety in manners and conduct
• impropriety - n. an indecent or improper act
• philanthropist - n. someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
• instill - v. impart gradually
• interrupt - v. interfere in someone else's activity
• cling - v. hold on tightly or tenaciously
• transmit - v. send from one person or place to another
• occurrence - n. an instance of something occurring
• characterize - v. be characteristic of
• yarn - n. a fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving
• complement - v. make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to
• prevalence - n. the quality of prevailing generally; being widespread
• sermon - n. an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
• anthropology - n. the social science that studies the origins and social relationships of human beings
• nurture - v. help develop, help grow
• incomprehensible - j. incapable of being explained or accounted for
• deplore - v. express strong disapproval of
• stationary - j. standing still
• festive - j. offering fun and gaiety
• prelude - n. music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
• havoc - n. violent and needless disturbance
• heed - v. pay close attention to; give heed to
• culprit - n. someone who perpetrates wrongdoing
• refute - v. prove to be false or incorrect
• exhaustive - j. performed comprehensively and completely
• harmonious - j. existing together in harmony
• jagged - j. having a sharply uneven surface or outline
• financier - n. a person skilled in large scale financial transactions
• Elizabethan - j. of or relating to Elizabeth I of England or to the age in which she ruled as queen
• mockery - n. humorous or satirical mimicry
• pollen - n. the fine spores that contain male gametes and that are borne by an anther in a flowering plant
• craven - j. lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
• innocuous - j. not causing disapproval
• ardent - j. characterized by strong enthusiasm
• monologue - n. a long utterance by one person (especially one that prevents others from participating in the conversation)
• placid - j. (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

SAT Words Set 28

• rehabilitate - v. help to readapt, as to a former state of health or good repute
• underworld - n. (religion) the world of the dead
• conspirator - n. a member of a conspiracy
• surrogate - n. someone who takes the place of another person; substitute
• pernicious - j. working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
• restitution - n. getting something back again
• seminary - n. a theological school for training ministers or priests or rabbis
• clarion - j. loud and clear
• alto - n. the highest adult male singing voice
• egregious - j. conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
• filibuster - n. (law) a tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches
• tenant - n. someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else
• nationality - n. the status of belonging to a particular nation by birth or naturalization
• beneficiary - n. the recipient of funds or other benefits
• ponder - v. reflect deeply on a subject
• curtail - v. terminate or abbreviate before its intended or proper end or its full extent
• exhaustion - n. extreme fatigue
• indispensable - j. absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
• endanger - v. pose a threat to; present a danger to
• intolerable - j. incapable of being put up with
• hereditary - j. inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent
• barrage - n. the heavy fire of artillery to saturate an area rather than hit a specific target
• erratic - j. liable to sudden unpredictable change
• predicament - n. a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
• unavoidable - j. impossible to avoid or evade
• misuse - n. improper or excessive use
• supernatural - j. not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material
• provocation - n. something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
• cardiac - j. of or relating to the heart
• suffrage - n. a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment
• ecstatic - j. feeling great rapture or delight
• gallant - j. unflinching in battle or action
• itinerary - n. a proposed route of travel
• legislate - v. make laws, bills, etc. or bring into effect by legislation
• malaria - n. an infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito
• collusion - n. secret agreement
• stagnant - j. not circulating or flowing
• credence - n. the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true
• incoherent - j. unable to express yourself clearly or fluently
• quell - v. suppress or crush completely
• esoteric - j. confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
• mountainous - j. like a mountain in size and impressiveness
• pedestal - n. a support or foundation
• edible - j. suitable for use as food
• archipelago - n. a group of many islands in a large body of water
• inquisition - n. a severe interrogation (often violating the rights or privacy of individuals)
• soprano - j. having or denoting a high range
• coercive - j. serving or intended to coerce
• vernacular - j. being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language
• motley - j. having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly

SAT Words Set 29

• euphemism - n. an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
• impunity - n. exemption from punishment or loss
• glut - n. the quality of being so overabundant that prices fall
• innuendo - n. an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
• bravado - n. a swaggering show of courage
• promiscuous - j. not selective; indiscriminate
• errant - j. straying from the right course or from accepted standards
• pathos - n. a quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)
• slander - v. charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone
• acknowledgment - n. the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged
• concord - n. agreement of opinions
• ante - n. (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
• criterion - n. a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
• allocate - v. distribute according to a plan or set apart for a special purpose
• directory - n. an alphabetical list of names and addresses
• sanction - v. give authority or permission to
• forehead - n. the part of the face above the eyes
• protocol - n. code of correct conduct
• terminate - v. bring to an end or halt
• soar - v. fly upwards or high in the sky
• residue - n. matter that remains after something has been removed
• affinity - n. a natural attraction or feeling of kinship
• forge - n. a workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering
• reformer - n. a person who advocates reform
• abnormal - j. not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm
• flora - n. all the plant life in a particular region or period
• rotate - v. cause to turn on an axis or center
• differential - j. relating to or showing a difference
• eradicate - v. destroy completely, as if down to the roots
• commuter - n. someone who travels regularly from home in a suburb to work in a city
• truce - n. a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
• degradation - n. a low or downcast state
• catalyst - n. something that causes an important event to happen
• undue - j. not appropriate or proper (or even legal) in the circumstances
• discredit - v. cause to be distrusted or disbelieved
• anecdote - n. short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
• parity - n. equality, as in amount, status, or value
• obituary - n. a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
• parable - n. (New Testament) any of the stories told by Jesus to convey his religious message
• hesitant - j. lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
• pompous - j. characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display
• pinnacle - n. a lofty peak
• receptive - j. open to arguments, ideas, or change
• waive - v. do without or cease to hold or adhere to
• affront - n. a deliberately offensive act or something producing the effect of deliberate disrespect
• subterranean - j. being or operating under the surface of the earth
• gratification - n. state of being gratified or satisfied
• brash - j. offensively bold
• complicity - n. guilt as an accomplice in a crime or offense
• prudential - j. arising from or characterized by careful judgment especially in business matters

SAT Words Set 30

• ascending - n. the act of changing location in an upward direction
• annals - n. a chronological account of events in successive years
• defamation - n. a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
• deluge - v. fill or cover completely, usually with water
• deride - v. treat or speak of with contempt
• convoluted - j. highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious
• fledged - j. (of birds) having developed feathers or plumage; often used in combination
• aqueduct - n. a conduit that resembles a bridge but carries water over a valley
• jurisprudence - n. the branch of philosophy concerned with the law and the principles that lead courts to make the decisions they do
• zeitgeist - n. the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation
• kilometer - n. a metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters (or 0.621371 miles)
• lackluster - j. lacking brilliance or vitality
• comprise - v. be composed of
• shrug - v. raise one's shoulders to indicate indifference or resignation
• penetrate - v. pass into or through, often by overcoming resistance
• revise - v. change or reorganize, especially for the purpose of updating and improving
• foreigner - n. a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
• wee - j. very early
• repetition - n. an action or event that repeats
• breadth - n. the extent of something from side to side
• ecstasy - n. a state of elated bliss
• compression - n. applying pressure
• creed - n. any system of principles or beliefs
• enlist - v. join the military
• insignificant - j. of little importance or influence or power; of minor status
• upheaval - n. a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally)
• discrete - j. constituting a separate entity or part
• precarious - j. not secure; beset with difficulties
• impede - v. be a hindrance or obstacle to
• ingenuity - n. the property of being ingenious
• propel - v. cause to move forward with force
• salvage - v. save from ruin, destruction, or harm
• endurance - n. the power to withstand hardship or stress
• flimsy - j. lacking solidity or strength
• mitigate - v. make less severe or harsh
• lunatic - n. an insane person
• protracted - j. relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
• arid - j. lacking sufficient water or rainfall
• remembrance - n. something to honor the memory of a person or event
• whine - v. complain whiningly; talk in a tearful manner
• intolerance - n. unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs
• vie - v. compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
• astute - j. marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
• superfluous - j. serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
• aloof - j. remote in manner
• tiresome - j. so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
• veritable - j. not counterfeit or copied
• palate - n. the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities
• populace - n. people in general considered as a whole
• avalanche - n. a slide of large masses of snow and ice and mud down a mountain

SAT Words Set 31

• juxtaposition - n. the act of positioning close together (or side by side)
• impulsive - j. without forethought
• deplorable - j. of very poor quality or condition
• replete - v. fill to satisfaction
• crass - j. (of persons) so unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility
• glib - j. marked by lack of intellectual depth
• trite - j. repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
• gratuitous - j. without cause
• needlework - n. work (such as sewing or embroidery) that is done with a needle
• tepid - j. moderately warm
• ire - n. belligerence aroused by a real or supposed wrong (personified as one of the deadly sins)
• maroon - j. of dark brownish to purplish red
• genealogy - n. the study or investigation of ancestry and family history
• patrician - j. befitting a person of noble origin
• legalize - v. make legal
• duplex - j. allowing communication in opposite directions simultaneously
• allege - v. report or maintain
• manor - n. the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
• empirical - j. derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
• referee - n. (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or American football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• aspiration - n. a cherished desire
• projection - n. a prediction based on past observations
• subordinate - n. an assistant subject to the authority or control of another
• progression - n. the act of moving forward (as toward a goal)
• impetus - n. a force that moves something along
• preferable - j. more desirable than another
• shuffle - v. walk by dragging one's feet
• numerical - j. measured or expressed in numbers
• conjure - v. summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
• sponge - n. a porous mass of interlacing fibers usable to absorb water
• unaffected - j. undergoing no change when acted upon
• liner - n. a large commercial ship (especially one that carries passengers on a regular schedule)
• creamy - j. thick like cream
• alienation - n. separation resulting from hostility
• ballad - n. a narrative poem of popular origin
• repository - n. a facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping
• precursor - n. a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)
• entice - v. provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
• complacent - j. contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
• impartial - j. free from undue bias or preconceived opinions
• dormant - j. inactive but capable of becoming active
• midsummer - n. June 21, when the sun is at its northernmost point
• secretive - j. inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information
• delusion - n. a mistaken or unfounded opinion or idea
• covert - j. secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
• indignant - j. angered at something unjust or wrong
• assassinate - v. murder; especially of socially prominent persons
• brotherhood - n. the feeling that men should treat one another like brothers
• berth - n. a bed on a ship or train; usually in tiers
• choral - j. related to or written for or performed by a chorus or choir

SAT Words Set 32

• lunar - j. of or relating to or associated with the moon
• unscathed - j. not injured
• coy - j. showing marked and often playful or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement
• debatable - j. open to argument or debate
• navigate - v. act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance
• deceit - n. a misleading falsehood
• lucid - j. having a clear mind
• reorganize - v. organize anew
• jeopardize - v. pose a threat to; present a danger to
• awry - a. away from the correct or expected course
• scrupulous - j. having scruples; arising from a sense of right and wrong; principled
• gamut - n. a complete extent or range
• counterfeit - j. not genuine; imitating something superior
• outreach - n. the act of reaching out
• stellar - j. being or relating to or resembling or emanating from stars
• extradite - v. hand over to the authorities of another country
• felon - n. someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
• salacious - j. characterized by lust
• isle - n. a small island
• matrix - n. (mathematics) a rectangular array of quantities or expressions set out by rows and columns
• inhibit - v. limit the range or extent of
• deteriorate - v. become worse or disintegrate
• convoy - v. escort in transit
• migrant - j. habitually moving from place to place especially in search of seasonal work
• hinder - v. put at a disadvantage
• loneliness - n. sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned
• incompatible - j. not suitable to your tastes or needs
• intuition - n. an impression that something might be the case
• comprehension - n. an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)
• termination - n. the act of ending something
• pedal - j. of or relating to the feet
• potency - n. capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects
• harass - v. annoy continually or chronically
• complicate - v. make more complex, intricate, or richer
• livelihood - n. the financial means whereby one lives
• benevolent - j. showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
• pedigree - n. line of descent of a purebred animal
• fresco - n. a durable method of painting on a wall by using watercolors on wet plaster
• turbulence - n. unstable flow of a liquid or gas
• onslaught - n. a sudden and severe onset of trouble
• innumerable - j. too numerous to be counted
• recapture - v. capture again
• respite - n. a (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
• opaque - j. not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight
• audible - j. heard or perceptible by the ear
• ambush - n. the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
• endemic - j. native to or confined to a certain region
• fragrant - j. pleasant-smelling
• bale - n. a large bundle bound for storage or transport
• corollary - n. a practical consequence that follows naturally

SAT Words Set 33

• muddle - v. mix up or confuse
• clientele - n. customers collectively
• placate - v. cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
• adversity - n. a state of misfortune or affliction
• overrun - v. invade in great numbers
• juncture - n. a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made
• ode - n. a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• annuity - n. income from capital investment paid in a series of regular payments
• chateau - n. an impressive country house (or castle) in France
• hypocrite - n. a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives
• indelible - j. cannot be removed or erased
• precocious - j. characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
• raucous - j. disturbing the public peace; loud and rough
• thoroughfare - n. a public road from one place to another
• unbiased - j. characterized by a lack of partiality
• posse - n. a temporary police force
• offhand - j. with little or no preparation or forethought
• mirage - n. an optical illusion in which atmospheric refraction by a layer of hot air distorts or inverts reflections of distant objects
• coda - n. the closing section of a musical composition
• obelisk - n. a stone pillar having a rectangular cross section tapering towards a pyramidal top
• reclusive - j. providing privacy or seclusion
• amphitheater - n. a sloping gallery with seats for spectators (as in an operating room or theater)
• borough - n. one of the administrative divisions of a large city
• confer - v. have a conference in order to talk something over
• linear - j. of or in or along or relating to a line; involving a single dimension
• disciplinary - j. designed to promote discipline
• omission - n. something that has been left out
• hospitality - n. kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
• preoccupation - n. the mental state of being preoccupied by something
• suffice - v. be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
• pamphlet - n. a brief treatise on a subject of interest; published in the form of a booklet
• discreet - j. marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
• stifle - v. smother or suppress
• guinea - n. a west African bird having dark plumage mottled with white; native to Africa but raised for food in many parts of the world
• migrate - v. move periodically or seasonally
• penetration - n. the act of entering into or through something
• alienate - v. make withdrawn or isolated or emotionally dissociated
• aspire - v. have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
• unnatural - j. not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature
• versatile - j. competent in many areas and able to turn with ease from one thing to another
• pollute - v. make impure
• defiant - j. boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
• insistent - j. repetitive and persistent
• seduce - v. lure or entice away from duty, principles, or proper conduct
• exposition - n. an account that sets forth the meaning or intent of a writing or discourse
• tapestry - n. a wall hanging of heavy hand-woven fabric with pictorial designs
• clement - j. (of weather or climate) physically mild
• indistinguishable - j. not capable of being distinguished or differentiated
• deference - n. courteous regard for people's feelings
• exemplary - j. worthy of imitation

SAT Words Set 34

• illicit - j. contrary to or forbidden by law
• obligatory - j. morally or legally constraining or binding
• fret - n. agitation resulting from active worry
• carcass - n. the dead body of an animal especially one slaughtered and dressed for food
• bustle - v. move or cause to move energetically or busily
• nasal - j. of or in or relating to the nose
• disarm - v. take away the weapons from; render harmless
• salient - j. strikingly conspicuous; prominent
• abduction - n. kidnap; hostage taking
• breaker - n. a device that trips like a switch and opens the circuit when overloaded
• inexorable - j. not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
• foggy - j. obscured by fog
• satirical - j. exposing human folly to ridicule
• pendulum - n. an apparatus consisting of an object mounted so that it swings freely under the influence of gravity
• conjecture - n. a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
• evangelist - n. a preacher of the Christian gospel
• animosity - n. a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility
• fluke - n. a stroke of luck
• repulsive - j. so extremely ugly as to be terrifying
• populous - j. densely populated
• wistful - j. showing pensive sadness
• promontory - n. a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)
• innovate - v. bring something new to an environment
• recast - v. cast or model anew
• garner - v. acquire or deserve by one's efforts or actions
• equestrian - j. of or relating to or featuring horseback riding
• turquoise - n. a blue to gray green mineral consisting of copper aluminum phosphate
• philanthropic - j. of or relating to or characterized by philanthropy
• Martian - j. of or relating to the planet Mars (or its fictional inhabitants)
• lawmaker - n. a maker of laws; someone who gives a code of laws
• muffler - n. a scarf worn around the neck
• confederacy - n. a union of political organizations
• qualification - n. an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something
• limitation - n. the quality of being limited or restricted
• coincide - v. happen simultaneously
• embark - v. proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
• entail - v. impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result
• enzyme - n. any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions
• variant - n. something a little different from others of the same type
• velocity - n. distance traveled per unit time
• unlawful - j. contrary to or prohibited by or defiant of law
• mediate - v. act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
• deceive - v. cause someone to believe an untruth
• reconstruct - v. build again
• invalid - j. having no cogency or legal force
• negligible - j. so small as to be meaningless; insignificant
• quay - n. wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline
• presumption - n. acceptance or belief based on reasonable evidence
• deity - n. any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
• palette - n. board that provides a flat surface on which artists mix paints and the range of colors used

SAT Words Set 35

• discernible - j. capable of being perceived clearly
• confinement - n. the act of restraining of a person's liberty by confining them
• mischievous - j. deliberately causing harm or damage
• inseparable - j. not capable of being separated
• distraught - j. deeply agitated especially from emotion
• subvert - v. cause the downfall of; of rulers
• attest - v. authenticate, affirm to be true, genuine, or correct, as in an official capacity
• proclamation - n. a formal public statement
• luminous - j. softly bright or radiant
• forthright - a. directly and without evasion; not roundabout
• illogical - j. lacking in correct logical relation
• insidious - j. working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
• mistrust - v. regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in
• sanctity - n. the quality of being holy
• incongruous - j. lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
• affiliate - n. a subordinate or subsidiary associate
• sociable - j. inclined to or conducive to companionship with others
• indiscriminate - j. not marked by fine distinctions
• hoax - v. subject to a playful hoax or joke
• onerous - j. not easily borne; wearing
• reimburse - v. pay back for some expense incurred
• insurrection - n. organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
• psychiatry - n. the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders
• virtuoso - n. a musician who is a consummate master of technique and artistry
• conduit - n. a passage (a pipe or tunnel) through which water or electric wires can pass
• cosmology - n. the branch of astrophysics that studies the origin and evolution and structure of the universe
• allegory - n. an expressive style that uses fictional characters and events to describe some subject by suggestive resemblances; an extended metaphor
• bray - n. the cry of an ass
• moderator - n. someone who presides over a forum or debate
• forgo - v. do without or cease to hold or adhere to
• abject - j. showing humiliation or submissiveness
• reticence - n. the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
• unwieldy - j. difficult to use or handle or manage because of size or weight or shape
• nascent - j.  being born or beginning
• staid - j. characterized by dignity and propriety
• sedate - j. dignified and somber in manner or character
• vindictive - j. disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
• chagrin - n. strong feelings of embarrassment
• unspeakable - j. exceptionally bad or displeasing
• nemesis - n. a formidable rival or opponent
• surcharge - n. an additional charge (as for items previously omitted or as a penalty for failure to exercise common caution or common skill)
• calculus - n. the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functions
• fatuous - j. devoid of intelligence
• scholastic - j. of or relating to schools
• biennial - j. occurring every second year
• quintet - n. five performers or singers who perform together
• transcendent - j. beyond and outside the ordinary range of human experience or understanding
• normalcy - n. being within certain limits that define the range of normal functioning
• anemic - j. lacking vigor or energy
• specimen - n. an example regarded as typical of its class

SAT Words Set 36

• packet - n. a small package or bundle
• redundant - j. repetition of same sense in different words
• differentiate - v. become different during development
• controller - n. a person who directs and restrains
• complication - n. a development that complicates a situation
• aggregate - j. formed of separate units gathered into a mass or whole
• absorption - n. a process in which one thing or substance is taken in by another
• illuminate - v. add embellishments and paintings to (medieval manuscripts)
• onset - n. the beginning or early stages
• latent - j. potentially existing but not presently evident or realized
• dilute - j. reduced in strength or concentration or quality or purity
• succumb - v. yield to another's wish or opinion; consent reluctantly
• cartridge - n. ammunition consisting of a cylindrical casing containing an explosive charge and a bullet; fired from a rifle or handgun
• brittle - j. having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
• immaculate - j. completely neat and clean
• efficacy - n. capacity or power to produce a desired effect
• neural - j. of or relating to the nervous system
• doubly - a. in a twofold manner
• fluent - j. smooth and unconstrained in movement
• adversary - n. someone who offers opposition such as an enemy or opponent
• transfusion - n. the introduction of blood or blood plasma into a vein or artery
• blockade - n. a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy
• temperate - j. not extreme in behavior
• modernity - n. the quality of being current or of the present
• habitual - j. commonly used or practiced; usual
• accomplice - n. a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)
• atrocity - n. the quality of being shockingly cruel and inhumane
• malice - n. feeling a need to see others suffer
• inefficiency - n. without skillfulness or effectiveness
• annex - n. an addition that extends a main building
• hegemony - n. the dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others
• retaliate - v. make a counterattack and return like for like, especially evil for evil
• morbid - j. suggesting the horror of death and decay
• pretext - n. something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
• prodigious - j. so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
• recalcitrant - j. marked by stubborn resistance to authority
• nocturnal - j. belonging to or active during the night
• overture - n. a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others
• stagnation - n. a state of inactivity (in business or art etc)
• transatlantic - j. crossing the Atlantic Ocean
• concur - v. happen simultaneously
• erroneous - j. containing or characterized by error
• mutiny - n. open rebellion against constituted authority (especially by seamen or soldiers against their officers)
• pry - v. be nosey
• chivalry - n. courtesy towards women
• sardonic - j. disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
• paraphernalia - n. equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.
• fickle - j. liable to sudden unpredictable change
• irreverent - j. showing lack of due respect or veneration
• consummate - j. perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualities

SAT Words Set 37

• despicable - j. morally reprehensible
• enmity - n. a state of deep-seated ill-will
• frugal - j. avoiding waste
• grisly - j. shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
• lunacy - n. obsolete terms for legal insanity
• ostentatious - j. intended to attract notice and impress others
• rendition - n. the act of interpreting something as expressed in an artistic performance
• decadence - n. the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
• rabid - j. of or infected by rabies
• profane - j. grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred
• resonate - v. sounding richly and clearly
• verdant - j. characterized by abundance of green vegetation
• artifice - n. a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
• indivisible - j. impossible of undergoing division
• inane - j. devoid of intelligence
• prodigy - n. an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
• clemency - n. leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
• kimono - n. a loose robe; imitated from robes originally worn by Japanese
• misogyny - n. hatred of women
• racy - j. full of zest or vigor
• monogamy - n. having only one spouse at a time
• stimulus - n. any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action
• exert - v. make a great effort at a mental or physical task
• demolish - v. destroy completely
• diagnose - v. determine or distinguish the nature of a problem or an illness through a diagnostic analysis
• delete - v. remove or make invisible
• dissolution - n. the termination or disintegration of a relationship (between persons or nations)
• hygiene - n. a condition promoting sanitary practices
• bilateral - j. affecting or undertaken by two parties
• grievance - n. a complaint about a (real or imaginary) wrong that causes resentment and is grounds for action
• preclude - v. make impossible, especially beforehand
• battalion - n. an army unit usually consisting of a headquarters and three or more companies
• recurrent - j. happening again and again
• refine - v. treat or prepare so as to put in a usable condition
• intrinsic - j. belonging to a thing by its very nature
• prolong - v. lengthen or extend in duration or space
• reclaim - v. reuse (materials from waste products)
• adorn - v. make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc.
• stipulate - v. specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
• regent - n. members of a governing board
• convene - v. meet formally
• infusion - n. the act of infusing or introducing a certain modifying element or quality
• predominant - j. having superior power and influence
• conclusive - j. forming an end or termination; especially putting an end to doubt or question
• unify - v. join or combine
• theologian - n. someone who is learned in religion or who speculates about theology
• inconceivable - j. totally unlikely
• crave - v. have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
• inexplicable - j. incapable of being explained or accounted for
• instructive - j. serving to instruct or enlighten or inform

SAT Words Set 38

• foreground - n. the part of a scene that is near the viewer
• infinity - n. time without end
• mead - n. made of fermented honey and water
• bosom - n. a person's breast or chest
• masonry - n. structure built of stone or brick by a mason
• shrill - j. having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
• translator - n. a person who translates written messages from one language to another
• mystic - j. having an import not apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence; beyond ordinary understanding
• replenish - v. fill something that had previously been emptied
• arduous - j. difficult to accomplish; demanding considerable mental effort and skill
• anew - a. again but in a new or different way
• illiterate - j. not able to read or write
• impervious - j. not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
• technicality - n. a detail that is considered insignificant
• impromptu - n. an extemporaneous speech or remark
• sympathize - v. to feel or express sympathy or compassion
• workmanship - n. skill in an occupation or trade
• contemptuous - j. expressing extreme contempt
• clandestine - j. conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
• demented - j. affected with madness or insanity
• posit - v. take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
• repertory - n. the entire range of skills or aptitudes or devices used in a particular field or occupation
• vigilant - j. carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger
• aboriginal - j. characteristic of or relating to people inhabiting a region from the beginning
• moratorium - n. suspension of an ongoing activity
• destitute - j. completely wanting or lacking
• derision - n. contemptuous laughter
• endearing - j. lovable especially in a childlike or naive way
• incisive - j. suitable for cutting or piercing
• outlandish - j. conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
• ponderous - j. labored and dull
• solace - n. the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
• loath - j. unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
• cameo - n. engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)
• decry - v. express strong disapproval of
• defensible - j. capable of being defended
• eloquence - n. powerful and effective language
• finesse - n. subtly skillful handling of a situation
• facile - j. arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
• nautical - j. relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen
• quadruple - v. increase fourfold
• virulent - j. infectious; having the ability to cause disease
• assuage - v. cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
• incendiary - j. arousing to action or rebellion
• magisterial - j. of or relating to a magistrate
• hiatus - n. a missing piece (as a gap in a manuscript)
• paternity - n. the state of being a father
• quail - n. small gallinaceous game birds
• alabaster - n. a compact fine-textured, usually white gypsum used for carving
• fathom - n. a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth

SAT Words Set 39

• fancier - n. a person having a strong liking for something
• epiphany - n. a divine manifestation
• pediatrics - n. the branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children
• savor - v. taste appreciatively
• compulsory - j. required by rule
• revert - v. go back to a previous state
• inference - n. the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation
• pest - n. any unwanted and destructive insect or other animal that attacks food or crops or livestock etc.
• simplify - v. make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent
• thermal - j. relating to or associated with heat
• cumulative - j. increasing by successive addition
• foliage - n. (architecture) leaf-like architectural ornament
• ache - n. a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• dispel - v. force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
• inquire - v. conduct an inquiry or investigation of
• squat - v. sit on one's heels; crouch
• conformity - n. acting according to certain accepted standards
• conservatory - n. the faculty and students of a school specializing in one of the fine arts
• facet - n. a distinct feature or element in a problem
• deflect - v. draw someone's attention away from something
• utmost - j. highest in extent or degree
• disappoint - v. fail to meet the hopes or expectations of
• obstruct - v. hinder or prevent the progress or accomplishment of
• compulsion - n. an irrational motive for performing trivial or repetitive actions, even against your will
• archaic - j. little evolved from or characteristic of an earlier ancestral type
• grapple - v. to grip or seize, as in a wrestling match
• inaccessible - j. capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all
• expend - v. use up, consume fully
• inlet - n. an arm off of a larger body of water (often between rocky headlands)
• rendezvous - n. a place where people meet
• witchcraft - n. the art of sorcery
• divulge - v. make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
• shun - v. avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
• eschew - v. avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
• foresight - n. seeing ahead; knowing in advance; foreseeing
• resilience - n. the physical property of a material that can return to its original shape or position after deformation that does not exceed its elastic limit
• veneer - n. coating consisting of a thin layer of superior wood glued to a base of inferior wood
• conciliatory - j. intended to placate
• incipient - j. only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
• epoch - n. a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• labyrinth - n. complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
• collage - n. a paste-up made by sticking together pieces of paper or photographs to form an artistic image
• enigma - n. something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
• paraphrase - v. express the same message in different words
• peddle - v. sell or offer for sale from place to place
• divergent - j. tending to move apart in different directions
• tadpole - n. a larval frog or toad
• acumen - n. shrewdness shown by keen insight
• amalgam - n. a combination or blend of diverse things
• abysmal - j. very great; limitless, especially of something bad

SAT Words Set 40

• flagrant - j. conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
• lethargic - j. deficient in alertness or activity
• quandary - n. state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
• squabble - v. argue over petty things
• expediency - n. the quality of being suited to the end in view
• voracious - j. devouring or craving food in great quantities
• adoration - n. the act of admiring strongly
• jubilant - j. full of high-spirited delight
• quagmire - n. a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
• chastity - n. morality with respect to sexual relations
• insular - j. narrowly restricted in outlook or scope
• suave - j. having a sophisticated charm
• begrudge - v. be envious of; set one's heart on
• edict - n. a formal or authoritative proclamation
• haggard - n. British writer noted for romantic adventure novels (1856-1925)
• leniency - n. mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant
• baritone - n. the second lowest adult male singing voice
• archetype - n. something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies
• sarcophagus - n. a stone coffin (usually bearing sculpture or inscriptions)
• moralist - n. a philosopher who specializes in morals and moral problems
• blithe - j. carefree and happy and lighthearted
• nefarious - j. extremely wicked
• tranquility - n. an untroubled state; free from disturbances
• pariah - n. a person who is rejected (from society or home)
• rigor - n. something hard to endure
• dud - n. an explosion that fails to occur
• orthopedic - j. of or relating to the branch of medicine that deals with the skeletal system
• solicitor - n. a British lawyer who gives legal advice and prepares legal documents
• fragment - n. a piece broken off or cut off of something else
• constituent - n. a member of a constituency; a citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes
• nominate - v. propose as a candidate for some honor
• provisional - j. under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
• linguistics - n. the scientific study of language
• excellence - n. the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
• deduce - v. conclude by reasoning; in logic
• emit - v. give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.
• fracture - v. interrupt, break, or destroy
• disciple - n. someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
• connotation - n. an idea that is implied or suggested
• expanse - n. a wide and open space or area as of surface or land or sky
• siren - n. a warning signal that is a loud wailing sound
• taut - j. subjected to great tension; stretched tight
• cholera - n. an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of contaminated water or food
• synonym - n. a word that has the same or similar meaning of another word
• loathe - v. find repugnant
• dissipate - v. to cause to separate and go in different directions
• disconnect - v. disjoin or unfasten
• fluctuate - v. cause to fluctuate or move in a wavelike pattern
• misty - j. wet with mist
• detriment - n. a damage or loss

About the Words 

The words have been gathered from numerous SAT word lists and compiled into one master list. The definitions for the words are from the WordNet lexical database of English.

WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University.
http://wordnet.princeton.edu/

The word frequency data is from The American National Corpus project, which maintains a database of documents in modern American English.

Copyright © 2002-2005 American National Corpus Project.
http://americannationalcorpus.org/index.html