SSAT Words Top 100

ambivalent

Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

torpor

A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.

lucid

Expressed clearly; easy to understand.

malevolent

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

dubious

Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.

virulent

Extremely severe or harmful in its effects; capable of causing disease.

circumlocution

The use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague.

arduous

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

benevolent

Well-meaning and kindly; serving a charitable rather than a profit-making purpose.

instigate

To bring about or initiate an action or event.

obscure

Not discovered or known about; uncertain.

flamboyant

Tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence, and stylishness.

zeal

Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

furtive

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.

corroborate

To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.

idiosyncrasy

A mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual.

incumbent

Necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.

castigate

To reprimand someone severely.

ruminate

To think deeply about something.

obsolete

No longer produced or used; out of date.

impeccable

In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.

circumspect

Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious.

facetious

Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.

belligerent

Hostile and aggressive.

elusive

Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.

subversive

Seeking or intended to subvert an established system or institution.

blithe

Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper.

apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

laudatory

Expressing praise and commendation.

remuneration

Money paid for work or a service.

piquant

Having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor; stimulating or interesting.

altruistic

Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.

verbose

Using more words than are needed; wordy.

virtuoso

A person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit.

ameliorate

To make something better or improve.

rectify

To correct something.

harangue

A lengthy and aggressive speech.

pacify

To calm someone down or bring peace.

condone

To accept and allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue.

adroit

Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.

meticulous

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

magnanimous

Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

cacophony

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

discordant

Disagreeing or incongruous; harsh or clashing.

impervious

Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by.

incite

To stir up or encourage (typically a violent or unlawful behavior).

lament

A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.

vociferous

Vehement or clamorous; expressing opinions or feelings loudly and forcefully.

vigilant

Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

incompetent

Not having or showing the necessary skills to do something successfully.

exhort

To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.

livid

Furiously angry; having a discolored, bluish appearance.

tawdry

Showy but cheap and of poor quality.

apex

The top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point.

candid

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

nebulous

In the form of a cloud or haze; unclear, vague.

serene

Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

eradicate

To root out and destroy completely.

concede

To acknowledge as true, just, or proper; admit.

enigma

A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

trite

Overused and consequently of little import; lacking originality.