SAT List #1 and #2

abate

to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity

aberration

a deviation from the normal or typical

abhor

to hate or detest

acclaim

to praise enthusiastically

acrimony

bitterness or sharpness in speech, manner, or temper

adamant

refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind

admonish

to warn or reprimand someone firmly

adversity

difficulties or misfortune

aesthetic

concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty

alacrity

brisk and cheerful readiness

ambiguous

open to more than one interpretation

ameliorate

to make something better or more tolerable

anachronistic

out of its proper time period

banal

lacking originality, boring

belligerent

hostile and aggressive

benevolent

well-meaning and kindly

benign

gentle; not harmful

blatant

obvious and unashamed

bolster

to support or strengthen

brazen

bold and without shame

brevity

concise and exact use of words in writing or speech

cajole

to persuade someone by flattery or coaxing

callous

emotionally insensitive or unfeeling

candor

honesty, frankness

capricious

given to sudden changes in mood or behavior

castigate

to reprimand severely

catalyst

something that causes change

caustic

sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way