most common SAT words

abate (v.) to reduce, lessen

abase (v.) to humiliate, degrade 

abdicate (v.) to give up a position, usually one of leadership 

abduct (v.) to kidnap, take by force 

aberration (n.) something that differs from the norm 

abet (v.) to aid, help, encourage 

abhor (v.) to hate, detest 

abject (adj.) wretched, pitiful 

abjure (v.) to reject, renounce 

abort (v.) to give up on a half-finished project or effort 

abridge 1. (v.) to cut down, shorten

abrogate (v.) to abolish, usually by authority 

abide 1. (v.) to put up with 

abnegation (n.) denial of comfort to oneself 

abstruse (adj.) hard to comprehend 

accentuate (v.) to stress, highlight (v.) to remain 2. (adj.) shortened 

abscond (v.) to sneak away and hide 

absolution (n.) freedom from blame, guilt, sin 

abstain (v.) to freely choose not to commit an action

accede (v.) to agree.

acclaim (n.) high praise 

accessible (adj.) obtainable, reachable 

accolade (n.) high praise, special distinction 

accord (n.) an agreement (v.) to confront verbally 

acerbic (adj.) biting, bitter in tone or taste

acquiesce (v.) to agree without protesting

acrimony (n.) bitterness, discord 

acumen (n.) keen insight 

acute 1. (adj.) sharp, severe 2. (adj.) having keen insight 3. (n.) slow growth in size or amount

adamant (adj.) impervious, immovable, unyielding 

adept (adj.) extremely skilled 

adhere (n.) to stick to something 

admonish (v.) to caution, criticize, reprove 

adorn (v.) to decorate, to follow devoutly 

adroit (adj.) skillful, dexterous

adulation (n.) extreme praise 

adumbrate (v.) to sketch out in a vague way 

adverse (adj.) antagonistic, unfavorable, dangerous 

advocate 1. (v.) to argue in favor of something 

aerial (adj.) somehow related to the air 

aesthetic (adj.) artistic, related to the appreciation of beauty 

affable (adj.) friendly, amiable 

affinity (n.)a spontaneous feeling of closeness

affluent (adj.) rich, wealthy 

affront (n.) an insult

aggrandize (v.) to increase or make greater

aggregate 1. (n.) a whole or total 2. (v.) to gather into a mass 

aggrieved (adj.) distressed, wronged, injured

agile (adj.) quick, nimble 

agnostic (adj.) believing that the existence of God cannot be proven or disproven

agriculture (n.) farming 

aisle (n.) a passageway between rows of seats 

alacrity (n.) eagerness, speed

alias (n.) a false name or identity 

allay (v.) to soothe, ease 

allege (v.) to assert, usually without proof 

alleviate (v.) to relieve, make more bearable 

allocate (v.) to distribute, set aside 

aloof (adj.) reserved, distant  

altercation (n.) a dispute, fight 

amalgamate (v.) to bring together, unite 

ambiguous (adj.) uncertain, variably interpretable 

ambivalent (adj.) having opposing feelings 

ameliorate (v.) to improve 

amenable (adj.) willing, compliant 

amenity (n.) an item that increases comfort 

amiable (adj.) friendly 

amorous (adj.) showing love, particularly sexual 

amorphous (adj.) without definite shape or type 

anachronistic (adj.) being out of correct chronological order 

analgesic (n.) something that reduces pain 

analogous (adj.) similar to, so that an analogy can be drawn 

anarchist (n.) one who wants to eliminate all government 

anathema (n.) a cursed, detested person 

anecdote (n.) a short, humorous account 

anesthesia (n.) loss of sensation 

anguish (n.) extreme sadness, torment 

animated (adj.) lively 

annex 1. (v.) to incorporate territory or space 2. (n.) a room attached to a larger room or space

annul (v.) to make void or invalid 

anomaly (n.) something that does not fit into the normal order 

anonymous (adj.) being unknown, unrecognized 

antagonism (n.) hostility 

antecedent (n.) something that came before 

antediluvian (adj.) ancient 

anthology (n.) a selected collection of writings, songs, etc. 

antipathy (n.) a strong dislike, repugnance

antiquated (adj.) old, out of date 

antiseptic (adj.) clean, sterile 

antithesis (n.) the absolute opposite 

anxiety (n.) intense uneasiness 

apathetic (adj.) lacking concern, emotion 

apocryphal (adj.) fictitious, false, wrong

appalling (adj.) inspiring shock, horror, disgust

appease (v.) to calm, satisfy 

appraise (v.) to assess the worth or value of 

apprehend 1. (v.) to seize, arrest 2. (v.) to perceive, understand, grasp 

approbation (n.) praise 

appropriate (v.) to take, make use of 

aquatic (adj.) relating to water 

arable (adj.) suitable for growing crops

arbiter (n.) one who can resolve a dispute, make a decision 

arbitrary (adj.) based on factors that appear random 

arbitration (n.) the process or act of resolving a dispute 

arboreal (adj.) of or relating to trees 

arcane (adj.) obscure, secret, known only by a few

archaic (adj.) of or relating to an earlier period in time, outdated 

archetypal (adj.) the most representative or typical example of something 

ardor (n.) extreme vigor, energy, enthusiasm

arid (adj.) excessively dry 

arrogate (v.) to take without justification 

artifact (n.) a remaining piece from an extinct culture or place 

artisan (n.) a craftsman 

ascertain (v.) to perceive, learn 

ascetic (adj.) practicing restraint as a means of self-discipline, usually religious 

ascribe (v.) to assign, credit, attribute to

aspersion (n.) a curse, expression of ill-will 

aspire (v.) to long for, aim toward 

assail (v.) to attack 

assess (v.) to evaluate 

assiduous (adj.) hard-working, diligent 

assuage (v.) to ease, pacify 

astute (adj.) very clever, crafty 

asylum 1. (n.) a place of refuge, protection, a sanctuary 2. (n.) an institution in which the

insane are kept

atone (v.) to repent, make amends 

atrophy (v.) to wither away, decay

attain (v.) to achieve, arrive at 

attribute 1. (v.) to credit, assign 2. (n.) a facet or trait 

atypical (adj.) not typical, unusual 

audacious (adj.) excessively bold 

audible (adj.) able to be heard 

augment (v.) to add to, expand

auspicious (adj.) favorable, indicative of good things

austere (adj.) very bare, bleak

avarice (n.) excessive greed 

avenge (v.) to seek revenge 

aversion (n.) a particular dislike for something 

balk (v.) to stop, block abruptly 

ballad (n.) a love song

banal (adj.) dull, commonplace 

bane (n.) a burden 

bard (n.) a poet, often a singer as well 

bashful (adj.) shy, excessively timid 

battery 1.(n.) a device that supplies power 2. (n.)assault, beating

beguile (v.) to trick, deceive 

behemoth (n.) something of tremendous power or size 

benevolent (adj.) marked by goodness or doing good 

benign (adj.) favorable, not threatening, mild 

bequeath (v.) to pass on, give 

berate (v.) to scold vehemently

bereft (adj.) devoid of, without 

beseech (v.) to beg, plead, implore

bias (n.) a tendency, inclination, prejudice

bilk (v.) cheat, defraud 

blandish (v.) to coax by using flattery 

blemish (n.) an imperfection, flaw

blight 1. (n.) a plague, disease ) 2. (n.) something that destroys hope 

boisterous (adj.) loud and full of energy 

bombastic (adj.) excessively confident, pompous

boon (n.) a gift or blessing 

bourgeois (n.) a middle-class person, capitalist

brazen (adj.) excessively bold, brash

brusque (adj.) short, abrupt, dismissive 

buffet 1. (v.) to strike with force 2. (n.) an arrangement of food set out on a table 

burnish (v.) to polish, shine

buttress 1. (v.) to support, hold up 2. (n.) something that offers support

cacophony (n.) tremendous noise, disharmonious sound 

cadence (n.) a rhythm, progression of sound

cajole (v.) to urge, coax 

calamity (n.) an event with disastrous consequences 

calibrate (v.) to set, standardize 

callous (adj.) harsh, cold, unfeeling 

calumny (n.) an attempt to spoil someone else’s reputation by spreading lies

camaraderie (n.) brotherhood, jovial unity 

candor (n.) honesty, frankness 

canny (adj.) shrewd, careful

canvas 1. (n.) a piece of cloth on which an artist paints 2. (v.) to cover, inspect

capacious (adj.) very spacious

capitulate (v.) to surrender 

capricious (adj.) subject to whim, fickle 

captivate (v.) to get the attention of, hold

carouse (v.) to party, celebrate 

carp (v.) to annoy, pester 

catalog 1. (v.) to list, enter into a list 2. (n.) a list or collection 

catalyze (v.) to charge, inspire

caucus (n.) a meeting usually held by people working toward the same goal

caustic (adj.) bitter, biting, acidic 

cavort (v.) to leap about, behave boisterously

censure 1. (n.) harsh criticism  2. (v.) to rebuke formally 

cerebral (adj.) related to the intellect

chaos (n.) absolute disorder 

chastise (v.) to criticize severely 

cherish (v.) to feel or show affection toward something 

chide (v.) to voice disapproval 

choreography (n.) the arrangement of dances

chronicle 1. (n.) a written history 2. (v.) to write a history

chronological (adj.) arranged in order of time 

circuitous (adj.) roundabout 

circumlocution (n.) indirect and wordy language 

circumscribed (adj.) marked off, bounded

circumspect (adj.) cautious 

circumvent (v.) to get around 

clairvoyant (adj.) able to perceive things that normal people cannot 

clamor 1. (n.) loud noise 2. (v.)to loudly insist 

clandestine (adj.) secret

cleave 1. (v.) to divide into parts 2. (v.) to stick together firmly

clemency (n.) mercy 

clergy (n.) members of Christian holy orders 

cloying (adj.) sickeningly sweet 

coagulate (v.) to thicken, clot 

coalesce (v.) to fuse into a whole 

cobbler (n.) a person who makes or repairs shoes

coerce (v.) to make somebody do something by force or threat 

cogent (adj.) intellectually convincing 

cognizant (adj.) aware, mindful 

coherent (adj.) logically consistent, intelligible 

collateral 1. (adj.) secondary 2. (n.) security for a debt

colloquial (adj.) characteristic of informal conversation 

collusion (n.) secret agreement, conspiracy 

colossus (n.) a gigantic statue or thing 

combustion (n.) the act or process of burning 

commendation (n.) a notice of approval or recognition

commensurate (adj.) corresponding in size or amount 

commodious (adj.) roomy

compelling (adj.) forceful, demanding attention 

compensate (v.) to make an appropriate payment for something 

complacency (n.) self-satisfied ignorance of danger

complement (v.) to complete, make perfect 

compliant (adj.) ready to adapt oneself to another’s wishes 

complicit (adj.) being an accomplice in a wrongful act 

compliment (n.) an expression of esteem or approval

compound 1. (v.) to combine parts 2. (n.) a combination of different parts 3. (n.) a walled area containing a group of buildings 

comprehensive (adj.) including everything

compress (v.) to apply pressure, squeeze together 

compunction (n.) distress caused by feeling guilty 

concede (v.) to accept as valid 

conciliatory (adj.) friendly, agreeable 

concise (adj.) brief and direct in expression 

concoct (v.) to fabricate, make up

concomitant (adj.) accompanying in a subordinate fashion 

concord (n.) harmonious agreement 

condolence (n.) an expression of sympathy in sorrow 

condone (v.) to pardon, deliberately overlook 

conduit (n.) a pipe or channel through which something passes 

confection (n.) a sweet, fancy food 

confidant (n.) a person entrusted with secrets 

conflagration (n.) great fire 

confluence (n.) a gathering together 

conformist (n.) one who behaves the same as others 

confound (v.) to frustrate, confuse 

congeal (v.) to thicken into a solid 

congenial (adj.) pleasantly agreeable

congregation (n.) a gathering of people, especially for religious services

congruity (n.) the quality of being in agreement 

connive (v.) to plot, scheme 

consecrate (v.) to dedicate something to a holy purpose 

consensus (n.) an agreement of opinion 

consign (v.) to give something over to another’s care 

consolation (n.) an act of comforting 

consonant (adj.) in harmony 

constituent (n.) an essential part 

constrain (v.)to forcibly restrict 

construe (v.) to interpret 

consummate (v.) to complete a deal; to complete a marriage ceremony through sexual

intercourse 

consumption (n.) the act of consuming 

contemporaneous (adj.) existing during the same time 

contentious (adj.) having a tendency to quarrel or dispute

contravene (v.) to contradict, oppose, violate

contrite (adj.) penitent, eager to be forgiven 

contusion (n.) bruise, injury 

conundrum (n.) puzzle, problem 

convene (v.) to call together 

convention 1. (n.) an assembly of people 2. (n.) a rule, custom 

convivial (adj.) characterized by feasting, drinking, merriment 

convoluted (adj.) intricate, complicated 

copious (adj.) profuse, abundant

cordial (adj.) warm, affectionate

coronation (n.) the act of crowning 

corpulence (adj.)extreme fatness 

corroborate (v.) to support with evidence 

corrosive (adj.) having the tendency to erode or eat away 

cosmopolitan (adj.) sophisticated, worldly 

counteract (v.) to neutralize, make ineffective 

coup 1. (n.) a brilliant, unexpected act 2. (n.) the overthrow of a government and assumption of authority 

covet (v.) to desire enviously 

covert (adj.) secretly engaged in 

credulity (n.) readiness to believe 

crescendo (n.) a steady increase in intensity or volume

criteria (n.) standards by which something is judged 

culmination (n.) the climax toward which something progresses 

culpable (adj.) deserving blame 

cultivate (v.) to nurture, improve, refine

cumulative (adj.) increasing, building upon itself 

cunning (adj.) sly, clever at being deceitful 

cupidity (n.) greed, strong desire 

cursory (adj.) brief to the point of being superficial

curt (adj.) abruptly and rudely short

curtail (v.) to lessen, reduce 

daunting (adj.) intimidating, causing one to lose courage 

dearth (n.) a lack, scarcity 

debacle (n.) a disastrous failure, disruption 

debase (v.) to lower the quality or esteem of something 

debauch (v.) to corrupt by means of sensual pleasures 

debunk (v.) to expose the falseness of something 

decorous (adj.) socially proper, appropriate 

decry (v.) to criticize openly

deface (v.) to ruin or injure something’s appearance

defamatory (adj.) harmful toward another’s reputation

defer (v.) to postpone something; to yield to another’s wisdom 

deferential (adj.) showing respect for another’s authority 

defile (v.) to make unclean, impure 

deft (adj.) skillful, capable

defunct (adj.) no longer used or existing 

delegate (v.) to hand over responsibility for something 

deleterious (adj.) harmful 

deliberate (adj.) intentional, reflecting careful consideration 

delineate (v.) to describe, outline, shed light on 

demagogue (n.) a leader who appeals to a people’s prejudices

demarcation (n.) the marking of boundaries or categories 

demean (v.) to lower the status or stature of something 

demure (adj.) quiet, modest, reserved

denigrate (v.) to belittle, diminish the opinion of 

denounce (v.) to criticize publicly 

deplore (v.) to feel or express sorrow, disapproval 

depravity (n.) wickedness 

deprecate (v.) to belittle, depreciate 

derelict (adj.) abandoned, run-down 

deride (v.) to laugh at mockingly, scorn

derivative (adj.) taken directly from a source, unoriginal 

desecrate (v.) to violate the sacredness of a thing or place 

desiccated (adj.) dried up, dehydrated 

desolate (adj.) deserted, dreary, lifeless 

despondent (adj.) feeling depressed, discouraged, hopeless

despot (n.) one who has total power and rules brutally 

destitute (adj.) impoverished, utterly lacking 

deter (v.) to discourage, prevent from doing 

devious (adj.) not straightforward, deceitful 

dialect (n.) a variation of a language 

diaphanous (adj.) light, airy, transparent 

didactic 1. (adj.) intended to instruct 2. (adj.) overly moralistic 

diffident (adj.) shy, quiet, modest

diffuse 1. (v.) to scatter, thin out, break up 2. (adj.) not concentrated, scattered, disorganized 

dilatory (adj.) tending to delay, causing delay 

diligent (adj.) showing care in doing one’s work 

diminutive (adj.) small or miniature

dirge (n.) a mournful song, especially for a funeral

disaffected (adj.) rebellious, resentful of authority

disavow (v.) to deny knowledge of or responsibility for 

discern (v.) to perceive, detect 

disclose (v.) to reveal, make public

discomfit (v.) to thwart, baffle

discordant (adj.) not agreeing, not in harmony with 

discrepancy (n.) difference, failure of things to correspond 

discretion (n.) the quality of being reserved in speech or action; good judgment 

discursive (adj.) rambling, lacking order 

disdain 1. (v.) to scorn, hold in low esteem 2. (n.) scorn, low esteem

disgruntled (adj.) upset, not content 

disheartened (adj.) feeling a loss of spirit or morale 

disparage (v.) to criticize or speak ill of 

disparate (adj.) sharply differing, containing sharply contrasting elements 

dispatch (v.) to send off to accomplish a duty 

dispel (v.) to drive away, scatter

disperse (v.) to scatter, cause to scatter 

disrepute (n.) a state of being held in low regard 

dissemble (v.) to conceal, fake 

disseminate (v.) to spread widely 

dissent 1. (v.) to disagree 2. (n.) the act of disagreeing

dissipate 1. (v.) to disappear, cause to disappear 2. (v.) to waste

dissonance (n.) lack of harmony or consistency 

dissuade (v.) to persuade someone not to do something 

distend (v.) to swell out 

dither (v.) to be indecisive 

divine (adj.) godly, exceedingly wonderful

divisive (adj.) causing dissent, discord

divulge (v.) to reveal something secret 

docile (adj.) easily taught or trained 

dogmatic (adj.) aggressively and arrogantly certain about unproved principles

dormant (adj.) sleeping, temporarily inactive 

dour (adj.)stern, joyless 

dubious (adj.) doubtful, of uncertain quality

duplicity (n.) crafty dishonesty 

duress (n.) hardship, threat 

dynamic (adj.) actively changing 

ebullient (adj.) extremely lively, enthusiastic

eclectic (adj.) consisting of a diverse variety of elements 

ecstatic (adj.) intensely and overpoweringly happy

edict (n.) an order, decree

efface (v.) to wipe out, obliterate, rub away 

effervescent (adj.) bubbly, lively 

efficacious (adj.) effective 

effrontery (n.) impudence, nerve, insolence 

effulgent (adj.) radiant, splendorous 

egregious (adj.) extremely bad 

elaborate (adj.) complex, detailed, intricate 

elated (adj.) overjoyed, thrilled

elegy (n.) a speech given in honor of a dead person 

elicit (v.) to bring forth, draw out, evoke 

eloquent (adj.) expressive, articulate, moving

elucidate (v.) to clarify, explain

elude (v.) to evade, escape

emaciated (adj.) very thin, enfeebled looking 

embellish 1. (v.) to decorate, adorn ) 2. (v.)to add details to, enhance 

embezzle (v.) to steal money by falsifying records

emend (v.) to correct or revise a written text 

eminent 1. (adj.) distinguished, prominent, famous 2. (adj.) conspicuous 

emollient (adj.) soothing 

emote (v.) to express emotion 

empathy (n.) sensitivity to another’s feelings as if they were one’s own

empirical 1. (adj.) based on observation or experience 

2. (adj.) capable of being proved or disproved by experiment 

emulate (v.) to imitate

enamor (v.) to fill with love, fascinate, usually used in passive form followed by “of” or

“with”

encore (n.) the audience’s demand for a repeat performance; also the artist’s

performance in response to that demand

encumber (v.) to weigh down, burden 

enervate (v.) to weaken, exhaust 

enfranchise (v.) to grant the vote to 

engender (v.) to bring about, create, generate 

enigmatic (adj.) mystifying, cryptic 

enmity (n.) ill will, hatred, hostility 

ennui (n.) boredom, weariness

entail (v.) to include as a necessary step 

enthrall (v.) to charm, hold spellbound

ephemeral (adj.) short-lived, fleeting 

epistolary (adj.) relating to or contained in letters 

epitome (n.) a perfect example, embodiment 

equanimity (n.) composure 

equivocal (adj.) ambiguous, uncertain, undecided 

erudite (adj.) learned 

eschew (v.) to shun, avoid 

esoteric (adj.) understood by only a select few

espouse (v.) to take up as a cause, support

ethereal (adj.) heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined 

etymology (n.) the history of words, their origin and development 

euphoric (adj.) elated, uplifted

evanescent (adj.) fleeting, momentary 

evince (v.) to show, reveal 

exacerbate (v.) to make more violent, intense

exalt (v.) to glorify, praise

exasperate (v.) to irritate, irk 

excavate (v.) to dig out of the ground and remove

exculpate (v.) to free from guilt or blame, exonerate

excursion (n.) a trip or outing 

execrable (adj.) loathsome, detestable 

exhort (v.) to urge, prod, spur 

exigent (adj.) urgent, critical

exonerate (v.) to free from guilt or blame, exculpate 

exorbitant (adj.) excessive 

expedient (adj.) advisable, advantageous, serving one’s self-interest 

expiate (v.) to make amends for, atone 

expunge (v.) to obliterate, eradicate 

expurgate (v.) to remove offensive or incorrect parts, usually of a book

extant (adj.) existing, not destroyed or lost 

extol (v.) to praise, revere 

extraneous (adj.) irrelevant, extra, not necessary 

extricate (v.) to disentangle

exult (v.) to rejoice 

fabricate (v.) to make up, invent 

façade 1. (n.) the wall of a building 2. (n.) a deceptive appearance or attitude 

facile 1. (adj.) easy, requiring little effort 2. (adj.) superficial, achieved with minimal thought or care,

insincere

fallacious (adj.) incorrect, misleading

fastidious (adj.) meticulous, demanding, having high and often unattainable standards

fathom (v.) to understand, comprehend 

fatuous (adj.) silly, foolish

fecund (adj.) fruitful, fertile 

felicitous 1. (adj.) well suited, apt  2. (adj.) delightful, pleasing 

feral (adj.) wild, savage 

fervent (adj.) ardent, passionate 

fetid (adj.) having a foul odor 

fetter (v.) to chain, restrain 

fickle (adj.) shifting in character, inconstant

fidelity (n.) loyalty, devotion 

figurative (adj.) symbolic 

flabbergasted (adj.) astounded 

flaccid (adj.) limp, not firm or strong

flagrant (adj.) offensive, egregious 

florid (adj.) flowery, ornate

flout (v.) to disregard or disobey openly 

foil (v.) to thwart, frustrate, defeat 

forage (v.) to graze, rummage for food 

forbearance (n.) patience, restraint, toleration 

forestall (v.) to prevent, thwart, delay 

forlorn (adj.) lonely, abandoned, hopeless

forsake (v.) to give up, renounce

fortitude (n.) strength, guts 

fortuitous (adj.) happening by chance, often lucky or fortunate 

forum (n.) a medium for lecture or discussion 

foster (v.) to stimulate, promote, encourage 

fractious (adj.) troublesome or irritable 

fraught (adj.) filled or accompanied with 

frenetic (adj.) frenzied, hectic, frantic

frivolous (adj.) of little importance, trifling 

frugal (adj.) thrifty, economical 

furtive (adj.) secretive, sly 

garish (adj.) gaudy, in bad taste 

garrulous (adj.) talkative, wordy 

genial (adj.) friendly, affable

gluttony (n.) overindulgence in food or drink

goad (v.) to urge, spur, incite to action 

gourmand (n.) someone fond of eating and drinking

grandiloquence (n.) lofty, pompous language 

grandiose (adj.) on a magnificent or exaggerated scale

gratuitous (adj.) uncalled for, unwarranted

gregarious (adj.) drawn to the company of others, sociable 

grievous (adj.) injurious, hurtful; serious or grave in nature

guile (n.) deceitful, cunning, sly behavior 

hackneyed (adj.) unoriginal, trite 

hallowed (adj.) revered, consecrated 

hapless (adj.) unlucky 

harangue 1. (n.) a ranting speech 2. (v.) to give such a speech 

hardy (adj.) robust, capable of surviving through adverse conditions 

harrowing (adj.) greatly distressing, vexing 

haughty (adj.) disdainfully proud 

hedonist (n.) one who believes pleasure should be the primary pursuit of humans

hegemony (n.) domination over others 

heinous (adj.) shockingly wicked, repugnant 

heterogeneous (adj.) varied, diverse in character

hiatus (n.) a break or gap in duration or continuity 

hierarchy (n.) a system with ranked groups, usually according to social, economic, or

professional class 

hypocrisy (n.) pretending to believe what one does not 

hypothetical (adj.) supposed or assumed true, but unproven

iconoclast (n.) one who attacks common beliefs or institutions 

idiosyncratic (adj.) peculiar to one person; highly individualized

idolatrous (adj.) excessively worshipping one object or person 

ignominious (adj.) humiliating, disgracing 

illicit (adj.) forbidden, not permitted 

immerse (v.) to absorb, deeply involve, engross 

immutable (adj.) not changeable 

impassive (adj.) stoic, not susceptible to suffering 

impeccable (adj.) exemplary, flawless 

impecunious (adj.) poor 

imperative 1. (adj.) necessary, pressing 2. (n.) a rule, command, or order

imperious (adj.) commanding, domineering 

impertinent (adj.) rude, insolent 

impervious (adj.) impenetrable, incapable of being affected 

impetuous (adj.) rash; hastily done 

impinge 1. (v.) to impact, affect, make an impression 2. (v.) to encroach, infringe 

implacable (adj.) incapable of being appeased or mitigated

implement 1. (n.) an instrument, utensil, tool 2. (v.) to put into effect, to institute 

implicate (v.) to involve in an incriminating way, incriminate 

implicit (adj.) understood but not outwardly obvious, implied 

impregnable (adj.) resistant to capture or penetration 

impudent (adj.) casually rude, insolent, impertinent 

impute (v.) to ascribe, blame

inane (adj.) silly and meaningless 

inarticulate (adj.) incapable of expressing oneself clearly through speech 

incarnate 1. (adj.) existing in the flesh, embodied 2. (v.) to give human form to 

incendiary 1. (n.) a person who agitates 2. (adj.) inflammatory, causing combustion 

incessant (adj.) unending 

inchoate (adj.) unformed or formless, in a beginning stage

incisive (adj.) clear, sharp, direct 

inclination (n.) a tendency, propensity 

incontrovertible (adj.) indisputable

incorrigible (adj.) incapable of correction, delinquent 

increment (n.) an enlargement; the process of increasing

incumbent 1. (n.) one who holds an office 2. (adj.) obligatory 

indefatigable (adj.) incapable of defeat, failure, decay 

indigenous (adj.) originating in a region 

indigent (adj.) very poor, impoverished

indignation (n.) anger sparked by something unjust or unfair 

indolent (adj.) lazy 

indomitable (adj.) not capable of being conquered 

induce (v.) to bring about, stimulate 

ineffable (adj.) unspeakable, incapable of being expressed through words 

inept (adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified 

inexorable (adj.) incapable of being persuaded or placated 

inextricable (adj.) hopelessly tangled or entangled 

infamy (n.) notoriety, extreme ill repute 

infusion (n.) an injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one

substance by another 

ingenious (adj.) clever, resourceful

ingenuous (adj.) not devious; innocent and candid

inhibit (v.) to prevent, restrain, stop 

inimical (adj.) hostile, enemy like

iniquity (n.) wickedness or sin 

injunction (n.) an order of official warning 

innate (adj.) inborn, native, inherent 

innocuous (adj.) harmless, inoffensive 

innovate (v.) to do something in an unprecedented way

innuendo (n.) an insinuation 

inoculate (v.) to introduce a microorganism, serum, or vaccine into an organism in

order to increase immunity to illness; to vaccinate 

inquisitor (n.) one who inquires, especially in a hostile manner 

insatiable (adj.) incapable of being satisfied

insidious (adj.) appealing but imperceptibly harmful, seductive 

insinuate (v.) to suggest indirectly or subtly

insipid (adj.) dull, boring 

insolent (adj.) rude, arrogant, overbearing 

instigate (v.) to urge, goad

insular (adj.) separated and narrow-minded; tight-knit, closed off 

insurgent (n.) one who rebels

integral (adj.) necessary for completeness

interject (v.) to insert between other things 

interlocutor (n.) someone who participates in a dialogue or conversation 

interminable (adj.) without possibility of end

intimation (n.) an indirect suggestion 

intractable (adj.) difficult to manipulate, unmanageable 

intransigent (adj.) refusing to compromise, often on an extreme opinion 

intrepid (adj.) brave in the face of danger 

inundate (v.) to flood with abundance

inure (v.) to cause someone or something to become accustomed to a situation 

invective (n.) an angry verbal attack 

inveterate (adj.) stubbornly established by habit

inviolable (adj.) secure from assault 

irascible (adj.) easily angered 

iridescent (adj.) showing rainbow colors 

irreverence (n.) disrespect 

irrevocable (adj.) incapable of being taken back 

jubilant (adj.) extremely joyful, happy 

judicious (adj.) having or exercising sound judgment

juxtaposition (n.) the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit

comparison 

knell (n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death 

kudos (n.) praise for an achievement 

laceration (n.) a cut, tear 

laconic (adj.) terse in speech or writing 

languid (adj.) sluggish from fatigue or weakness 

larceny (n.) obtaining another’s property by theft or trickery 

largess (n.) the generous giving of lavish gifts 

latent (adj.) hidden, but capable of being exposed 

laudatory (adj.) expressing admiration or praise

lavish 1. (adj.) given without limits 2. (v.) to give without limits

legerdemain (n.) deception, sleight-of-hand 

lenient (adj.) demonstrating tolerance or gentleness 

lethargic (adj.) in a state of sluggishness or apathy 

liability 1. (n.) something for which one is legally responsible, usually involving a

disadvantage or risk 2. (n.) a handicap, burden 

libertarian (adj.) advocating principles of liberty and free will 

licentious (adj.) displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints 

limpid (adj.) clear, transparent 

linchpin (n.) something that holds separate parts together 

lithe (adj.) graceful, flexible, supple 

litigant (n.) someone engaged in a lawsuit 

lucid (adj.) clear, easily understandable 

luminous (adj.) brightly shining

lurid (adj.) ghastly, sensational 

maelstrom (n.) a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects

magnanimous (adj.) noble, generous 

malediction (n.) a curse 

malevolent (adj.) wanting harm to befall others

malleable (adj.) capable of being shaped or transformed

mandate (n.) an authoritative command

manifest 1. (adj.) easily understandable, obvious 2. (v.) to show plainly 

manifold (adj.) diverse, varied

maudlin (adj.) weakly sentimental

maverick (n.) an independent, nonconformist person 

mawkish (adj.) characterized by sick sentimentality 

maxim (n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct 

meager (adj.) deficient in size or quality 

medley (n.) a mixture of differing things 

mendacious (adj.) having a lying, false character 

mercurial (adj.) characterized by rapid change or temperamentality 

meritorious (adj.) worthy of esteem or reward

metamorphosis (n.) the change of form, shape, substance 

meticulous (adj.) extremely careful with details 

mitigate (v.) to make less violent, alleviate 

moderate 1. (adj.) not extreme ) 2. (n.) one who expresses moderate opinions 

modicum (n.) a small amount of something 

modulate (v.) to pass from one state to another, especially in music 

mollify (v.) to soften in temper 

morass (n.) a wet swampy bog; figuratively, something that traps and confuses 

mores (n.) the moral attitudes and fixed customs of a group of people. 

morose (adj.) gloomy or sullen

multifarious (adj.) having great diversity or variety 

mundane (adj.) concerned with the world rather than with heaven, commonplace 

munificence (n.) generosity in giving 

mutable (adj.) able to change 

myriad (adj.) consisting of a very great number 

nadir (n.) the lowest point of something 

nascent (adj.) in the process of being born or coming into existence

nebulous (adj.) vaguely defined, cloudy 

nefarious (adj.) heinously villainous 

negligent (adj.) habitually careless, neglectful 

neophyte (n.) someone who is young or inexperienced 

nocturnal (adj.) relating to or occurring during the night 

noisome (adj.) unpleasant, offensive, especially to the sense of smell 

nomadic (adj.) wandering from place to place 

nominal (adj.) trifling, insignificant 

nonchalant (adj.) having a lack of concern, indifference 

nondescript (adj.) lacking a distinctive character

notorious (adj.) widely and unfavorably known 

novice (n.) a beginner, someone without training or experience 

noxious (adj.) harmful, unwholesome 

nuance (n.) a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression 

nurture (v.) to assist the development of 

obdurate (adj.) unyielding to persuasion or moral influences 

obfuscate (v.) to render incomprehensible 

oblique (adj.) diverging from a straight line or course, not straightforward 

oblivious (adj.) lacking consciousness or awareness of something

obscure (adj.) unclear, partially hidden 

obsequious (adj.) excessively compliant or submissive

obsolete (adj.) no longer used, out of date 

obstinate (adj.) not yielding easily, stubborn 

obstreperous (adj.) noisy, unruly 

obtuse (adj.) lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect

odious (adj.) instilling hatred or intense displeasure 

officious (adj.) offering one’s services when they are neither wanted nor needed

ominous (adj.) foreboding or foreshadowing evil 

onerous (adj.) burdensome

opulent (adj.) characterized by rich abundance verging on ostentation 

oration (n.) a speech delivered in a formal or ceremonious manner 

ornate (adj.) highly elaborate, excessively decorated 

orthodox (adj.) conventional, conforming to established protocol 

oscillate (v.) to sway from one side to the other 

ostensible (adj.) appearing as such, seemingly 

ostentatious (adj.) excessively showy, glitzy 

ostracism (n.) exclusion from a group 

pacific (adj.) soothing 

palatable (adj.) agreeable to the taste or sensibilities 

palette (adj.) a range of colors or qualities 

palliate (v.) to reduce the severity of 

pallid (adj.) lacking color 

panacea (n.) a remedy for all ills or difficulties 

paradigm (n.) an example that is a perfect pattern or model

paradox (n.) an apparently contradictory statement that is perhaps true 

paragon (n.) a model of excellence or perfection

paramount (adj.) greatest in importance, rank, character 

pariah (n.) an outcast 

parody (n.) a satirical imitation

parsimony (n.) frugality, stinginess 

partisan (n.) a follower, adherent 

patent (adj.) readily seen or understood, clear 

pathology (n.) a deviation from the normal

pathos (n.) an emotion of sympathy 

paucity (adj.) small in quantity 

pejorative (adj.) derogatory, uncomplimentary 

pellucid (adj.) easily intelligible, clear

penchant (n.) a tendency, partiality, preference 

penitent (adj.) remorseful, regretful

penultimate (adj.) next to last 

penurious (adj.) miserly, stingy

perfidious (adj.) disloyal, unfaithful 

perfunctory (adj.) showing little interest or enthusiasm 

permeate (v.) to spread throughout, saturate 

pernicious (adj.) extremely destructive or harmful

perplex (v.) to confuse 

perspicacity (adj.) shrewdness, perceptiveness 

pert (adj.) flippant, bold 

pertinacious (adj.) stubbornly persistent 

perusal (n.) a careful examination, review

pervasive (adj.) having the tendency to spread throughout 

petulance (n.) rudeness, irritability

philanthropic (adj.) charitable, giving 

phlegmatic (adj.) uninterested, unresponsive 

pillage (v.) to seize or plunder, especially in war

pinnacle (n.) the highest point 

pithy (adj.) concisely meaningful 

pittance (n.) a very small amount, especially relating to money

placate (v.) to ease the anger of, soothe 

placid (adj.) calm, peaceful 

platitude (n.) an uninspired remark, cliché 

plaudits (n.) enthusiastic approval, applause 

plausible (adj.) believable, reasonable 

plenitude (n.) an abundance 

plethora (n.) an abundance, excess 

pliable (adj.) flexible 

poignant (adj.) deeply affecting, moving 

polemic (n.) an aggressive argument against a specific opinion

portent (n.) an omen 

potable (adj.) suitable for drinking 

potentate (n.) one who has great power, a ruler 

pragmatic (adj.) practical

precipice (n.) the face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place 

preclude (v.) to prevent

precocious (adj.) advanced, developing ahead of time 

predilection (n.) a preference or inclination for something 

preponderance (adj.) superiority in importance or quantity 

prepossessing (adj.) occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings

presage (n.) an omen 

prescient (adj.) to have foreknowledge of events 

prescribe (v.) to lay down a rule 

presumptuous (adj.) disrespectfully bold 

pretense (n.)an appearance or action intended to deceive 

primeval (adj.) original, ancient 

privation (n.) lacking basic necessities 

probity (n.) virtue, integrity 

proclivity (n.) a strong inclination toward something 

procure (v.) to obtain, acquire

profane (adj.) lewd, indecent 

profligate (adj.) dissolute, extravagant 

profuse (adj.) plentiful, abundant 

promulgate (v.) to proclaim, make known 

propagate (v.) to multiply, spread out 

propensity (n.) an inclination, preference 

propitious (adj.) favorable 

propriety (n.) the quality or state of being proper, decent 

prosaic (adj.) plain, lacking liveliness

proscribe (v.) to condemn, outlaw 

protean (adj.)able to change shape; displaying great variety 

prowess (n.) extraordinary ability 

prudence (n.) cautious, circumspect 

prurient (adj.) eliciting or possessing an extraordinary interest 

puerile (adj.) juvenile, immature 

pugnacious (adj.) quarrelsome, combative 

pulchritude (n.) physical beauty

punctilious (adj.) eager to follow rules or conventions 

pungent (adj.) having a pointed, sharp quality—often used to describe smells

punitive (adj.) involving punishment 

putrid (adj.) rotten, foul 

quagmire (n.) a difficult situation 

quaint (adj.) charmingly old-fashioned 

quandary (n.) a perplexed, unresolvable state 

quell (v.) to control or diffuse a potentially explosive situation 

querulous (adj.) whiny, complaining 

quixotic (adj.) idealistic, impractical 

quotidian (adj.) daily 

rail (v.) to scold, protest 

rancid (adj.) having a terrible taste or smell 

rancor (n.) deep, bitter resentment 

rapport (n.) mutual understanding and harmony 

rash (adj.) hasty, incautious

raucous (adj.) loud, boisterous 

raze (v.) to demolish, level 

rebuke (v.) to scold, criticize 

recalcitrant (adj.) defiant, unapologetic 

recapitulate (v.) to sum up, repeat 

reciprocate (v.) to give in return 

reclusive (adj.) solitary, shunning society 

reconcile 1. (v.) to return to harmony 2. (v.) to make consistent

with existing ideas 

rectitude (n.) uprightness, extreme morality

redoubtable 1. (adj.) formidable 2. (adj.) commanding respect 

refract (v.) to distort, change 

refurbish (v.) to restore, clean up 

refute (v.) to prove wrong 

regurgitate 1. (v.) to vomit 2. (v.) to throw back exactly

relegate 1. (v.) to assign to the proper place 2. (v.) to assign to an inferior place 

relish (v.) to enjoy 

remedial (adj.) intended to repair gaps in students’ basic knowledge 

remiss (adj.) negligent, failing to take care 

renovate 1. (v.) restore, return to original state 2. (v.) to enlarge and make prettier, especially a house

renown (n.) honor, acclaim 

renunciation (n.) to reject 

repentant (adj.) penitent, sorry

replete (adj.) full, abundant 

repose (v.) to rest, lie down 

reprehensible (adj.) deserving rebuke

reprieve (n.) a temporary delay of punishment

reproach (v.) to scold, disapprove 

reprobate (adj.) evil, unprincipled 

reprove (v.) to scold, rebuke 

repudiate (v.) to reject, refuse to accept 

repulse 1. (v.) to disgust 2. (v.) to push back 

reputable (adj.) of good reputation

requisition (n.) a demand for goods, usually made by an authority (

rescind (v.) to take back, repeal

reservoir 1. (n.) reserves, large supply 2. (n.) a body of water used for storing water 

resilient (adj.) able to recover from misfortune; able to withstand adversity

resolute (adj.) firm, determined 

resolve 1. (v.) to find a solution 2. (v.) to firmly decide

respite (n.) a break, rest 

resplendent (adj.) shiny, glowing 

restitution (n.) restoration to the rightful owner 

restive (adj.) resistant, stubborn, impatient 

retract (v.) withdraw 

revel (v.) to enjoy intensely 

revere (v.) to esteem, show deference, venerate 

revoke (v.) to take back 

rhapsodize (v.) to engage in excessive enthusiasm

ribald (adj.) coarsely, crudely humorous 

rife (adj.) abundant 

ruminate (v.) to contemplate, reflect 

ruse (n.) a trick 

saccharine (adj.) sickeningly sweet

sacrosanct (adj.) holy, something that should not be criticized 

sagacity (n.) shrewdness, soundness of perspective 

salient (adj.) significant, conspicuous 

salutation (n.) a greeting 

salve (n.) a soothing balm 

sanctimonious (adj.) giving a hypocritical appearance of piety 

sanguine (adj.) optimistic, cheery 

satiate (v.) to satisfy excessively 

scathing (adj.) sharp, critical, hurtful 

scintillating (adj.) sparkling

scrupulous (adj.) painstaking, careful 

scurrilous (adj.) vulgar, coarse 

sedentary (adj.) sitting, settled

semaphore (n.) a visual signal 

seminal (adj.) original, important, creating a field 

sensual (adj.) involving sensory gratification, usually related to sex 

sensuous (adj.) involving sensory gratification 

serendipity (n.) luck, finding good things without looking for them 

serene (adj.) calm, untroubled 

servile (adj.) subservient 

sinuous (adj.) lithe, serpentine 

sobriety (n.) sedate, calm 

solicitous (adj.) concerned, attentive

solipsistic (adj.) believing that oneself is all that exists 

soluble (adj.) able to dissolve 

solvent 1. (n.) a substance that can dissolve other substances  2. (adj.) able to pay debts 

somnolent (adj.) sleepy, drowsy 

sophomoric (adj.) immature, uninformed 

sovereign (adj.) having absolute authority in a certain realm 

speculative (adj.) not based in fact 

spurious (adj.) false but designed to seem plausible 

stagnate (v.) to become or remain inactive, not develop, not flow

staid (adj.) sedate, serious, self-restrained 

stingy (adj.) not generous, not inclined to spend or give 

stoic (adj.) unaffected by passion or feeling 

stolid (adj.) expressing little sensibility, unemotional 

strenuous (adj.) requiring tremendous energy or stamina 

strident (adj.) harsh, loud 

stupefy (v.) to astonish, make insensible

subjugate (v.) to bring under control, subdue 

sublime (adj.) lofty, grand, exalted 

submissive (adj.) easily yielding to authority

succinct (adj.) marked by compact precision 

superfluous (adj.) exceeding what is necessary 

surfeit (n.) an overabundant supply or indulgence 

surmise (v.) to infer with little evidence 

surreptitious (adj.) stealthy 

surrogate (n.) one acting in place of another

swarthy (adj.) of dark color or complexion 

sycophant (n.) one who flatters for self-gain 

tacit (adj.) expressed without words

taciturn (adj.) not inclined to talk 

tangential (adj.) incidental, peripheral, divergent 

tantamount (adj.) equivalent in value or significance 

tedious (adj.) dull, boring

temerity (n.) audacity, recklessness 

temperance (n.) moderation in action or thought

tenable (adj.) able to be defended or maintained 

tenuous (adj.) having little substance or strength 

terrestrial (adj.) relating to the land 

timorous (adj.) timid, fearful

tirade (n.) a long speech marked by harsh or biting language 

toady (n.) one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors 

tome (n.) a large book 

torpid (adj.) lethargic, dormant, lacking motion

torrid (adj.) giving off intense heat, passionate 

tortuous (adj.) winding 

tractable (adj.) easily controlled 

tranquil (adj.) calm 

transgress (v.) to violate, go over a limit 

transient (adj.) passing through briefly; passing into and out of existence

transmute (v.) to change or alter in form 

travesty (n.) a grossly inferior imitation

tremulous (adj.) fearful 

trenchant (adj.) effective, articulate, clear-cut 

trepidation (n.) fear, apprehension 

trite (adj.) not original, overused 

truculent (adj.) ready to fight, cruel 

truncate (v.) to shorten by cutting off 

turgid (adj.) swollen, excessively embellished in style or language 

turpitude (n.) depravity, moral corruption 

ubiquitous (adj.) existing everywhere, widespread 

umbrage (n.) resentment, offense

uncanny (adj.) of supernatural character or origin 

unctuous (adj.) smooth or greasy in texture, appearance, manner 

undulate (v.) to move in waves 

upbraid (v.) to criticize or scold severely 

usurp (v.) to seize by force, take possession of without right 

utilitarian (adj.) relating to or aiming at usefulness 

utopia (n.) an imaginary and remote place of perfection

vacillate (v.) to fluctuate, hesitate 

vacuous (adj.) lack of content or ideas, stupid 

validate (v.) to confirm, support, corroborate 

vapid (adj.) lacking liveliness, dull 

variegated (adj.) diversified, distinctly marked 

vehemently (adv.) marked by intense force or emotion 

veneer (n.) a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, façade 

venerable (adj.) deserving of respect because of age or achievement 

venerate (v.) to regard with respect or to honor 

veracity (n.) truthfulness, accuracy 

verbose (adj.) wordy, impaired by wordiness 

verdant (adj.) green in tint or color

vestige (n.) a mark or trace of something lost or vanished 

vex (v.) to confuse or annoy 

vicarious (adj.) experiencing through another 

vicissitude (n.) event that occurs by chance 

vigilant (adj.) watchful, alert 

vilify (v.) to lower in importance, defame

vindicate (v.) to avenge; to free from allegation; to set free 

vindictive (adj.) vengeful 

virtuoso (n.) one who excels in an art; a highly skilled musical performer

viscous (adj.) not free flowing, syrupy 

vitriolic (adj.) having a caustic quality 

vituperate (v.) to berate 

vivacious (adj.) lively, sprightly 

vocation (n.) the work in which someone is employed, profession

vociferous (adj.) loud, boisterous 

wallow (v.) to roll oneself indolently; to become or remain helpless 

wane (v.) to decrease in size, dwindle 

wanton (adj.) undisciplined, lewd, lustful 

whimsical (adj.) fanciful, full of whims

wily (adj.) crafty, sly

winsome (adj.) charming, pleasing 

wistful (adj.) full of yearning; musingly sad 

wizened (adj.) dry, shrunken, wrinkled 

wrath (n.) vengeful anger, punishment

SAT VocabularySAT Vocabulary

yoke (v.) to join, link 

zealous (adj.) fervent, filled with eagerness in pursuit of something 

zenith (n.) the highest point, culminating point 

zephyr (n.) a gentle breeze