ACT/SAT High Frequency Words List MEGASET #3

Contains lists 1-4 as of 10/26/2025

abdicate

to give up power or responsibility, often formally.

ameliorate

to make better or improve.

anachronistic

out of its proper time period.

ambiguous

open to more than one interpretation, unclear.

archetype

an original model or universal system.

articulate (verb)

to express clearly and effectively

candor

honestly, openness, straightforwardness.

connotation

the implied or emotional meaning of a word.

corroborate

to support with evidence or confirmation.

delineate

to describe or outline with precision.

elucidate

to clarify or make clear.

emulate

to imitate or strive to equal.

denotation

the dictionary definition of a word.

evoke

to bring to mind or call forth.

explicate

to explain in detail.

extrapolate

to draw conclusions from known information.

infer

to conclude based on evidence and reasoning.

manifest

to display or make evident.

refute

to disprove or argue against.

substantiate

to provide evidence or proof.

advocate (verb)

to publicly support or recommend. Can be used as a noun/person.

allude

to refer indirectly.

allusion

reference to something commonly known.

ambivalent

having mixed or conflicting feelings.

analogy

a comparison to clarify or explain.

assertion

a strong declaration or claim.

colloquial

informal or conversational language.

concise

expressed clearly in few words.

delineation

a detailed description or representation.

digress

to stray from the main subject.

exemplify

to illustrate by example.

implication

a conclusion that can be drawn indirectly.

juxtapose

to place side by side for contrast.

logos

an appeal to logic or reason.

nuance

a subtle distinction or difference.

paradox

a statement that contradicts itself but reveals truth.

pathos

an appeal to emotion.

qualify (argument)

to limit or modify a claim. Some, most, many, few.

ethos

an appeal to credibility or character.

synthesize

to combine parts into a whole.

validate

to confirm or prove the truth of something.

acumen

sharpness of insight or judgment. 

affable

friendly, easy to talk to.

brevity

shortness of conciseness of expression.

cogent

logical and convincing.

conflate

to combine two things into one, often confusingly.

consensus

general agreement.

didactic

intended to teach, often moralizing.

discerning

showing good judgment or insight.

equivocate

to speak ambiguously to avoid commitment.

fallacious

based on false reasoning or mistaken belief.

fervent

passionate and intense.

idiosyncratic

peculiar or unique to an individual.

indignant

angry over perceived unfairness.

laconic

using very few words; terse.

pragmatic

practical, focused on real solutions.

salient

most noticeable or important.

speculative

based on guesswork or theory.

tenuous

weak, lacking support or strength.

vehement

showing strong feeling; forceful.

warrant (argument)

the logical connection between claim and evidence. 

altruistic

showing selfless concern for others; generous.

apathetic

showing or feeling little interest or emotion.

audacious

bold, daring, or disrespectfully confident.

avarice

extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

belligerent

hostile and aggressive.

benevolent

well-meaning and kind.

cynical

believing people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful.

debauchery

excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures.

decorum

proper behavior or conduct.

delusion

a false belief or opinion despite evidence to the contrary.

dubious

doubtful or questionable.

egregious

outstandingly bad or shocking.

elusive

difficult to grasp, catch, or define.

ephemeral

lasting a very short time; fleeting.

flippant

not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

gregarious

social and fond of company.

hubris

excessive pride or self-confidence.

insatiable

impossible to satisfy; always wanting more.

lavish

rich, elaborate, or luxurious.

nonchalant

appearing calm and unconcerned.