SAT Tier 1 Vocabulary List

This set contains Tier 1 vocabulary words essential for the SAT, including parts of speech, definitions, and illustrative examples based on the 3-4-5 Tutoring word bank.

abate

verb. To lessen in amount, degree, or intensity; to subside.

aberrant

adj. Deviating markedly from an established norm, standard, or expected pattern.

abridge

verb. To shorten a written text or speech without losing its core meaning.

abstain

verb. To deliberately refrain from an action, practice, or vote.

abstract

adj. Theoretical, non-concrete, or existing in thought rather than physical reality.

accelerate

verb. To increase in speed, rate, or momentum over time.

accentuate

verb. To make more noticeable, prominent, or emphasized.

acclaim

verb. To praise enthusiastically.

accommodate

verb. To adjust, adapt, or make suitable space for something new.

accord

noun. An official agreement, harmony, or state of mutual conformity.

accrue

verb. To accumulate or receive payments, benefits, or interest over time.

acerbic

adj. Sharp, biting, or sour in tone, temper, or language.

acquiesce

verb. To accept or comply without protest.

acumen

noun. Keen insight, sharpness of mind, and shrewdness in a specific domain.

acute

adj. Sharp, severe, or reaching a sudden critical peak.

adhere

verb. To stick firmly to a surface, policy, rule, or belief system.

adjacent

adj. Lying near, next to, or adjoining a specific boundary.

adroit

adj. Clever, skillful, or adept in handling difficult situations.

adulation

noun. Excessive, exaggerated, or slavish admiration and praise.

adversary

noun. An opponent, rival, or enemy in a conflict or contest.

adverse

adj. Unfavorable, harmful, or opposing one’s interests or success.

advocate

verb. To publicly support, recommend, or speak in favor of a cause or policy.

aesthetic

adj. Concerned with beauty, artistic taste, or visual appreciation.

affable

adj. Friendly, good-natured, easy to talk to, and approachable.

affinity

noun. A natural liking, sympathy, or structural attraction for someone or something.

affluent

adj. Having a great deal of money; wealthy and prosperous.

agitate

verb. To disturb, excite, disturb emotionally, or stir up physically.

alleviate

verb. To make physical pain, suffering, or a hardship less severe.

allude

verb. To refer to something indirectly.

altruistic

adj. Unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others.

ambiguous

adj. Open to multiple interpretations.

amenable

adj. Open and responsive to suggestion, advice, or persuasive influence.

amicable

adj. Characterized by friendliness, goodwill, and absence of discord.

analogous

adj. Similar in some way.

anecdotal

adj. Based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.

antagonistic

adj. Showing or feeling active opposition, hostility, or animosity toward another.

anticipate

verb. To foresee, expect, or act in advance of a future event or condition.

antiquated

adj. Continued from the past but no longer useful, modern, or suitable.

apathetic

adj. Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

apex

noun. The highest point, peak, or climax of something.

appease

verb. To pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands.

apprehensive

adj. Anxious or fearful that something unpleasant or bad will happen.

aptitude

noun. A natural ability, talent, or capacity for learning a specific skill.

arbitrary

adj. Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

ardent

adj. Enthusiastic, passionate, or intensely devoted to a cause or idea.

articulate

adj. Expressing ideas fluently, clearly, and coherently in speech or writing.

ascertain

verb. To find out for certain; to determine through examination or inquiry.

aspiration

noun. Strong desires or ambitions.

assert

verb. To state or declare something forcefully.

assimilate

verb. To absorb and integrate new information, culture, or ideas into an existing whole.

assuage

verb. To make an unpleasant feeling or distress less intense; to satisfy a desire.

augment

verb. To increase or add to.

austere

adj. Severe or strict in manner; lacking luxury.

authentic

adj. Genuine, real, and proven to be of undisputed origin or authorship.

autonomous

adj. Existing or functioning independently without external control or influence.

benevolent

adj. Well-meaning and kindly.

benign

adj. Gentle, harmless, or not threatening in effect or medical diagnosis.

bolster

verb. To support or strengthen something.

brevity

noun. Conciseness and shortness of expression in writing or speech.

cajole

verb. To persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.

candid

adj. Honest and straightforward.

capitulate

verb. To surrender or give in to an opponent or demand under agreed terms.

catalyst

noun. Something that speeds up a reaction or change.

chronicle

verb. To record a series of historical events in factual, chronological order.

circumvent

verb. To bypass, evade, or overcome a difficulty or regulation via cleverness.

cite

verb. To quote or mention a passage, author, or event as evidence or proof.

cohesive

adj. Forming a united, consistent, and logically connected whole.

collaborate

verb. To work jointly with others on an activity, project, or goal.

commend

verb. To praise formally or officially; to entrust or present as worthy.

compelling

adj. Evoking interest or attention; convincing.

complacent

adj. Satisfied with oneself to a fault.

complement

verb. To complete, enhance, or bring to perfection when combined with something else.

compliant

adj. Inclined to agree or yield to others, rules, or requirements.

concede

verb. To admit or acknowledge reluctantly.

concise

adj. Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words.

concur

verb. To agree with an opinion, decision, or finding.

conform

verb. To comply with rules, standards, laws, or prevailing customs.

congenial

adj. Pleasant, agreeable, and suited to one’s nature or tastes.

consensus

noun. General agreement or collective opinion among a group.

consequential

adj. Significant or important.

console

verb. To comfort someone at a time of grief, disappointment, or distress.

conspicuous

adj. Easily noticeable or attracting attention.

constrain

verb. To limit or restrict.

contemplative

adj. Expressing or involving deep, thoughtful, or meditative consideration.

conundrum

noun. A confusing, difficult, or intricate problem with no easy solution.

converge

verb. To come together from different directions to meet at a single point.

copious

adj. Abundant or plentiful.

corroborate

verb. To confirm or support with evidence.

credulous

adj. Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things; gullible.

culpable

adj. Deserving blame, responsibility, or censure for a fault or wrongdoing.

curtail

verb. To reduce in extent or quantity; to impose a restriction on.

cynical

adj. Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than altruism.

debilitate

verb. To weaken or impair.

debunk

verb. To expose the falseness or pretentiousness of a myth, idea, or claim.

definitive

adj. Done or reached decisively and with authority; conclusive and final.

delineate

verb. To describe or outline precisely.

demur

verb. To raise doubts, objections, or show reluctance to accept something.

denounce

verb. To publicly declare to be wrong, evil, or deserving of severe condemnation.

detach

verb. To separate or disconnect physically or emotionally.

deter

verb. To discourage or prevent an action through fear of consequences or obstacles.