SAT Vocabulary Master List – Abase to Defunct

A representative set of SAT-level vocabulary words (A–D through DEF) with concise definitions for exam practice.

abase

To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade.

abbess

The lady superior of a nunnery.

abbey

The buildings housing a community of monks or nuns.

abbot

The superior of a community of monks.

abdicate

To give up (royal power or the like).

abdomen

The belly; visceral cavity between diaphragm and pelvic floor in mammals.

abduction

A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally.

aberration

Deviation from a customary or prescribed course.

abet

To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of an offense.

abeyance

A state of suspension or temporary inaction.

abhorrence

The act of detesting extremely.

abhorrent

Very repugnant; hateful.

abjure

To recant, renounce, or repudiate under oath.

abnegate

To renounce (a right or privilege).

abnormal

Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard.

abominable

Very hateful.

aboriginal

Primitive; unsophisticated; native.

aboveboard

Without concealment, fraud, or trickery.

abrade

To wear away the surface by friction.

abrasion

That which is rubbed off; a scraped spot.

abridge

To shorten in words while keeping essential features.

abrogate

To abolish; repeal.

abrupt

Beginning or changing suddenly; offhand.

abscess

A collection of pus in a cavity formed within tissue.

abscond

To depart secretly to avoid arrest.

absolve

To free from sin or its penalties.

abstain

To keep oneself back from doing or using something.

abstemious

Characterized by self-denial, especially in food or drink.

abstruse

Dealing with matters difficult to understand.

absurd

Inconsistent with reason or common sense.

abundant

Plentiful.

abut

To touch at the end or boundary line.

abyss

A bottomless gulf.

academic

Pertaining to an academy, college, or university.

accede

To agree or assent.

accelerate

To move faster.

accessible

Approachable; easy to reach.

accessory

A person or thing that aids the principal agent.

acclaim

To praise with a loud shout.

accommodate

To furnish something as a kindness or favor.

accomplice

An associate in wrongdoing.

accord

Agreement; harmony.

accost

To speak to first.

account

A record of business transactions.

accrue

To accumulate or increase as a result of growth.

acerbity

Sourness with bitterness and astringency.

acetic

Pertaining to vinegar or acetic acid.

acme

The highest point; summit.

acoustic

Pertaining to hearing or sound.

acquiesce

To comply or submit passively.

acrid

Harshly pungent or bitter.

acrimony

Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.

actuate

To move or incite to action.

acumen

Quickness of intellectual insight; keenness.

acute

Having fine penetrating discernment; sharp.

adamant

A substance of exceeding hardness; impenetrable.

addendum

Something added or to be added.

adduce

To bring forward for consideration.

adhere

To stick fast.

adjacent

Near or bordering upon.

adjudicate

To judge or decide by law.

adjunct

Something joined to another in a subordinate position.

admonish

To warn of a fault; gently reprove.

adroit

Skillful with body or mind.

advent

The coming or arrival of an important event or person.

adverse

Opposing; harmful.

advocate

One who pleads the cause of another.

aerial

Of or like the air.

aeronautics

The art or practice of flying aircraft.

affable

Easy to approach; friendly.

affectation

A studied or ostentatious pretense.

affiliate

To associate or unite with a larger body.

affinity

Natural attraction or kinship.

affluent

Having an abundant supply of riches.

aggrandize

To cause to appear greater; magnify.

aggravate

To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome.

aggregate

The whole amount; sum total.

agile

Able to move quickly and easily.

agitate

To excite feelings or stir up.

ailment

A slight sickness.

alacrity

Cheerful willingness.

alienate

To cause to turn away; estrange.

allay

To calm or reduce intensity; mitigate.

alleviate

To make less burdensome; relieve.

allude

To refer indirectly.

amalgamate

To mix or blend into a homogeneous body.

ambiguous

Having a double or unclear meaning.

ambivalent

Having mixed or opposing feelings.

amenable

Willing and ready to submit; responsive.

amiable

Friendly; good-natured.

amity

Friendship; peaceful relations.

amorphous

Without definite shape or form.

anachronism

Something out of its proper time.

analogy

A comparison showing similarity between things.

animosity

Hatred; strong dislike.

annihilate

To destroy completely.

anomaly

Deviation from the common rule; irregularity.

antagonism

Active opposition or hostility.

antidote

A remedy to counteract poison or disease.

antipathy

Strong aversion or dislike.