100 High-Frequency SAT Words

Mastering vocabulary is a key factor in achieving a high score on the SAT English section. These 100 words are high-frequency terms that often appear on the test. Understanding them will not only enhance your comprehension of passages but also boost your performance on words in context questions.

How to Make the Most of This List:

● Create Flashcards: Make flashcards for each word, including its definition and the example sentence provided. Regular review will reinforce your memory.

● Use 5 Words Daily: Aim to actively use at least five of these words each day in your conversations, text messages, or social media posts—even if it feels a bit forced or awkward. This practice will help you internalize the words and become more comfortable with them.

● Write Your Own Sentences: After reading the definition and example sentence, write your own sentence using the word. Personalizing the usage will deepen your understanding and make it easier to recall the word during the test.

1. Abstract

Definition: "Abstract" refers to ideas or concepts that don't have a physical presence—you can't touch or see them, but you know they're there. Think of emotions like love or justice; they're real but intangible.

Example Sentence: While his friends saw random shapes, Leonardo insisted his abstract drawing represented the complexities of time travel.

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2. Acknowledge

Definition: To "acknowledge" means to admit or recognize the existence or truth of something. It's like giving a nod to something you've been ignoring.

Example Sentence: Despite the clear evidence of aliens, the government refused to acknowledge their presence in Area 51.

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3. Adapt

Definition: To "adapt" means to adjust or change to suit new conditions or environments. Just like how superheroes modify their strategies to defeat new villains.

Example Sentence: When zombies took over the city, the survivors had to adapt quickly to their new reality.

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4. Admonition

Definition: An "admonition" is a gentle warning or piece of advice aimed at correcting or guiding someone. It's like your friend's caution before you attempt that dubious life hack you saw online.

Example Sentence: Yoda's admonition to Luke—"Do or do not; there is no try"—was meant to push him toward commitment.

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5. Affluent

Definition: "Affluent" describes someone who is wealthy and has a lot of material goods. Think Tony Stark before he became Iron Man.

Example Sentence: Living in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, she had a golden toilet but still preferred the simple things in life.

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6. Agitate

Definition: To "agitate" means to disturb or upset someone, or to stir up public interest and excitement about a cause.

Example Sentence: The wizard's mysterious disappearance began to agitate the villagers, who feared dark magic was afoot.

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7. Anomaly

Definition: An "anomaly" is something that deviates from the norm—it's unusual or unexpected. Like finding a vegan at a barbecue festival.

Example Sentence: The glitch in the Matrix was an anomaly that Neo couldn't ignore.

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8. Antipathy

Definition: "Antipathy" is a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion toward someone or something.

Example Sentence: His antipathy for Mondays was rivaled only by Garfield the cat.

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9. Arbitrary

Definition: "Arbitrary" describes something based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

Example Sentence: Deciding the team's captain by a coin toss seemed arbitrary, but they couldn't agree otherwise.

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10. Ascertain

Definition: To "ascertain" means to find out something for certain through investigation or experimentation.

Example Sentence: Sherlock Holmes used his keen observation skills to ascertain the culprit's identity.

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11. Aspire

Definition: To "aspire" is to have a strong desire or ambition to achieve something great.

Example Sentence: She aspired to be the very best Pokémon trainer, like no one ever was.

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12. Benevolent

Definition: "Benevolent" describes someone who is kind, generous, and wants to do good for others.

Example Sentence: The benevolent billionaire decided to give away his fortune to build schools in underprivileged areas.

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13. Capacity

Definition: "Capacity" refers to the maximum amount something can contain or the ability to do something.

Example Sentence: The stadium was filled to capacity when the Quidditch World Cup finals began.

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14. Censure

Definition: To "censure" means to express strong disapproval or harsh criticism, especially in an official context.

Example Sentence: The council decided to censure the knight for his reckless actions that endangered the kingdom.

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15. Coerce

Definition: To "coerce" someone is to compel them to act by force or threat, making them do something against their will.

Example Sentence: The pirate tried to coerce the map's location out of the sailor, but he remained tight-lipped.

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16. Colloquial

Definition: "Colloquial" language is informal and conversational, often specific to a region or group; it's the everyday words people use.

Example Sentence: His essay lost points because he used colloquial phrases like "gonna" and "ain't" instead of formal language.

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17. Complementary

Definition: "Complementary" describes things that go well together, enhancing each other's qualities.

Example Sentence: The dynamic duo had complementary skills—she was the brains, and he was the brawn.

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18. Consensus

Definition: A "consensus" is a general agreement among a group of people.

Example Sentence: After much debate, the Avengers reached a consensus to confront Thanos.

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19. Conventional

Definition: "Conventional" refers to something that follows traditional forms or norms; it's ordinary and unoriginal.

Example Sentence: Wearing a suit to the office is a conventional choice, but he preferred superhero costumes.

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20. Convey

Definition: To "convey" means to communicate or make an idea or feeling known; it can also mean to transport.

Example Sentence: The poet used vivid imagery to convey the depth of his love.

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21. Disparity

Definition: "Disparity" is a significant difference or inequality between two or more things.

Example Sentence: The disparity in power between the Jedi and the Sith led to an epic struggle.

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22. Diverge

Definition: To "diverge" means to separate from a main route or standard and go in a different direction.

Example Sentence: At the crossroads, Frodo and Sam decided to diverge from the Fellowship to continue their quest alone.

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23. Dubious

Definition: "Dubious" means doubtful or suspect; not to be relied upon.

Example Sentence: The salesperson's claims about the car's mileage were dubious at best.

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24. Earnest

Definition: Being "earnest" means showing sincere and intense conviction; you're serious about what you're saying or doing.

Example Sentence: His earnest plea for peace moved the hearts of both warring factions.

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25. Enhance

Definition: To "enhance" means to improve the quality, value, or extent of something.

Example Sentence: She used a filter to enhance the colors in her Instagram photo.

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26. Ephemeral

Definition: "Ephemeral" describes something that lasts for a very short time—it's fleeting and doesn't stick around for long. Think of a Snapchat message that disappears after being viewed, or a mayfly that lives for just a day.

Example Sentence: The beauty of a sunset is ephemeral, fading into night within minutes.

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27. Feeble

Definition: "Feeble" means lacking physical strength, often due to age or illness; it can also mean lacking in force or effectiveness. It's like when your Wi-Fi signal is so weak you can't even load a meme.

Example Sentence: After pulling an all-nighter studying, he felt too feeble to get out of bed for class.

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28. Incredulous

Definition: "Incredulous" describes someone who is unwilling or unable to believe something; they're skeptical or in disbelief. Imagine your friend's face when you tell them you met Beyoncé at the grocery store.

Example Sentence: She was incredulous when she heard that her shy friend had won the talent show.

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29. Indifference

Definition: "Indifference" is a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy towards something; you just don't care either way. It's like when your teacher announces extra homework, and you shrug because you're already over it.

Example Sentence: His indifference to the outcome of the game annoyed his teammates, who were passionately invested.

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30. Inherent

Definition: "Inherent" means existing as a natural, essential part of something; it's built-in. For example, the ability to adapt is inherent in all living creatures.

Example Sentence: The desire to communicate is inherent in human nature.

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31. Innumerable

Definition: "Innumerable" means too many to be counted; countless. Think of the stars in the night sky or the number of times you've heard "Let It Go" from Frozen.

Example Sentence: She has received innumerable compliments on her baking skills.

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32. Irk

Definition: To "irk" someone is to annoy or irritate them. It's like that feeling when someone keeps clicking their pen during a quiet exam.

Example Sentence: It really irks me when people leave dirty dishes in the sink for days.

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33. Labyrinth

Definition: A "labyrinth" is a complex maze or network of paths that's difficult to navigate. Think of the confusing hallways in a large high school on your first day.

Example Sentence: The ancient tomb was a labyrinth filled with traps and dead ends.

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34. Malice

Definition: "Malice" is the intention or desire to do evil or cause harm to others. It's like the villain's motive in a superhero movie.

Example Sentence: The prank was done without malice, meant only to surprise, not hurt.

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35. Manifest

Definition: "Manifest" means clear or obvious to the eye or mind; it can also mean to display or show a quality or feeling through actions or appearance.

Example Sentence: His nervousness was manifest in his shaky hands and quivering voice.

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36. Manipulate

Definition: To "manipulate" means to control or influence someone or something cleverly or unscrupulously. Like when a cat manipulates you into giving it treats by looking extra cute.

Example Sentence: She knew how to manipulate the game's mechanics to her advantage.

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37. Marginalize

Definition: To "marginalize" is to treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral. It's like when someone's ideas are ignored in a group project.

Example Sentence: The new policy could marginalize certain communities by limiting their access to resources.

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38. Meander

Definition: To "meander" means to wander aimlessly without a fixed direction. Imagine taking a leisurely stroll through a park without a specific destination in mind.

Example Sentence: They decided to meander through the old city, exploring whatever caught their eye.

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39. Mundane

Definition: "Mundane" describes something that is ordinary, dull, and lacking excitement; it's the opposite of extraordinary. Like doing laundry or washing dishes.

Example Sentence: Even the most mundane tasks can be fun with the right music playing.

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40. Nuance

Definition: A "nuance" is a subtle difference or distinction in meaning, expression, or sound. It's the small details that make something unique.

Example Sentence: The chef's signature dish had a nuance of spice that set it apart from the rest.

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41. Obliterate

Definition: To "obliterate" means to destroy completely; to wipe out. Think of a sandcastle being washed away by a huge wave.

Example Sentence: The demolition crew was set to obliterate the old building to make way for new development.

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42. Obstinate

Definition: "Obstinate" describes someone who stubbornly refuses to change their opinion or course of action, despite attempts to persuade them.

Example Sentence: He remained obstinate, refusing to try any food that wasn't chicken nuggets.

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43. Panacea

Definition: A "panacea" is a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; a "cure-all." It's like the magic potion in fairy tales that fixes everything.

Example Sentence: Some believe that technology is a panacea for society's problems, but it often creates new issues.

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44. Perspective

Definition: "Perspective" refers to a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; it's your point of view.

Example Sentence: From his perspective, the challenge was an exciting opportunity, not a setback.

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45. Phenomena

Definition: "Phenomena" are observable events or facts that are remarkable or exceptional, especially those not fully understood.

Example Sentence: Meteor showers are natural phenomena that amaze stargazers.

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46. Proliferate

Definition: To "proliferate" means to increase rapidly in numbers; to multiply or spread quickly.

Example Sentence: Rumors tend to proliferate in small towns where everyone knows each other.

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47. Quarrel

Definition: A "quarrel" is an angry argument or disagreement between people who are usually on good terms.

Example Sentence: The best friends had a quarrel over a misunderstanding but made up the next day.

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48. Reluctant

Definition: Being "reluctant" means feeling or showing hesitation or unwillingness.

Example Sentence: He was reluctant to admit he was wrong, even though the evidence was clear.

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49. Reverence

Definition: "Reverence" is deep respect or admiration for someone or something.

Example Sentence: The students showed reverence for their teacher by listening attentively.

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50. Ubiquitous

Definition: "Ubiquitous" means present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Example Sentence: Fast-food chains are so ubiquitous that you can find one on almost every corner.

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51. Adhere

Definition: To "adhere" means to stick firmly to something, either literally (like glue to paper) or figuratively (like sticking to your beliefs). It's about holding on tight, whether it's to a surface or an idea.

Example Sentence: Thanks to his superpowers, Spider-Man can adhere to walls, making skyscraper climbing a breeze.

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52. Advocate

Definition: An "advocate" is someone who publicly supports a cause or policy. As a verb, it means to support or argue in favor of something. Think of a person passionately speaking up for what they believe in.

Example Sentence: Hermione Granger became an advocate for house-elf rights, founding the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W).

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53. Allude

Definition: To "allude" means to hint at or indirectly mention something. It's like giving a subtle nod to an idea without stating it outright.

Example Sentence: The movie's title, "The Lion's Roar," alludes to the main character's courageous journey, much like Simba's in "The Lion King."

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54. Ambivalence

Definition: "Ambivalence" is the state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. It's when you're torn between two opposing emotions.

Example Sentence: She felt ambivalence about moving away for college—excited for new adventures but sad to leave her friends behind.

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55. Anecdote

Definition: An "anecdote" is a short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person. It's that funny story you tell at parties.

Example Sentence: He shared an anecdote about the time he accidentally wore mismatched shoes to a job interview.

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56. Apprehensive

Definition: Being "apprehensive" means feeling anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen. It's that nervous feeling before taking a big test.

Example Sentence: Katniss was apprehensive about entering the Hunger Games, knowing the dangers that awaited her.

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57. Assert

Definition: To "assert" means to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. It's standing your ground and expressing yourself clearly.

Example Sentence: When asked if he was the superhero, Clark Kent had to assert that he was just an ordinary reporter.

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58. Bias

Definition: A "bias" is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered unfair.

Example Sentence: The referee was accused of bias when he consistently made calls favoring the home team.

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59. Brevity

Definition: "Brevity" means concise and exact use of words in writing or speech; it's about being brief but comprehensive.

Example Sentence: "Good things come in small packages," she said, appreciating the brevity of his heartfelt note.

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60. Buttress

Definition: As a noun, a "buttress" is a projecting support built against a wall. As a verb, it means to support or strengthen.

Example Sentence: The ancient castle's walls were buttressed to withstand attacks from dragons.

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61. Concede

Definition: To "concede" means to admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it. It's like finally saying, "Okay, you were right."

Example Sentence: After hours of debate, he had to concede that pineapple might belong on pizza after all.

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62. Corroborate

Definition: To "corroborate" means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding. It's like backing up a friend's story with evidence.

Example Sentence: Watson's observations helped to corroborate Sherlock Holmes's theories.

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63. Decisive

Definition: Being "decisive" means having the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively. It's about being firm and confident in your choices.

Example Sentence: Captain America's decisive leadership kept the Avengers united in battle.

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64. Deference

Definition: "Deference" is humble submission and respect toward someone. It's like politely letting your grandparents choose the restaurant.

Example Sentence: In deference to her mentor's advice, she decided to pursue a career in science.

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65. Degrade

Definition: To "degrade" means to treat or regard someone with contempt or disrespect; it can also mean to deteriorate or break down.

Example Sentence: Polluting the oceans can degrade marine ecosystems, harming sea life like Nemo and Dory.

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66. Denounce

Definition: To "denounce" means to publicly declare something or someone to be wrong or evil. It's like calling out bad behavior loudly and clearly.

Example Sentence: The hero decided to denounce the villain's actions during a live broadcast.

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67. Dispute

Definition: A "dispute" is a disagreement or argument. As a verb, it means to argue about something.

Example Sentence: The dwarves had a dispute over who would get the biggest share of the treasure.

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68. Dormant

Definition: "Dormant" describes something that is inactive or in a state of rest but has the potential to become active later.

Example Sentence: The volcano had been dormant for centuries until it suddenly erupted during the tourist season.

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69. Eloquent

Definition: Being "eloquent" means having fluent, forceful, and appropriate speech. An eloquent person expresses themselves clearly and persuasively.

Example Sentence: His eloquent speech about unity moved the crowd to tears, much like Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous addresses.

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70. Evoke

Definition: To "evoke" means to bring a feeling, memory, or image into your mind. It's like a song that takes you back to a special moment.

Example Sentence: The smell of fresh cookies can evoke childhood memories of baking with Grandma.

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71. Exert

Definition: To "exert" means to apply or bring to bear (a force, influence, or quality). It's putting in effort or using your power.

Example Sentence: Superman had to exert all his strength to stop the speeding train.

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72. Explicit

Definition: "Explicit" means stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt. It's the opposite of vague.

Example Sentence: The teacher gave explicit instructions not to use any magic outside of class.

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73. Imminent

Definition: "Imminent" describes something that is about to happen; it's looming on the horizon.

Example Sentence: The dark clouds signaled that a storm was imminent, so they hurried to find shelter.

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74. Impede

Definition: To "impede" means to delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them; to hinder progress.

Example Sentence: The traffic jam would impede their ability to reach the concert on time.

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75. Implicit

Definition: "Implicit" means implied though not plainly expressed; it's understood without being stated directly.

Example Sentence: There was an implicit agreement between the friends that they'd always have each other's backs.

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76. Impose

Definition: To "impose" means to force something unwelcome or unfamiliar to be accepted or put in place. It's like when someone makes you do something you don't want to do, or when a rule is enforced without your consent.

Example Sentence: The evil queen decided to impose a new tax on smiles, making happiness costly in the kingdom.

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77. Inevitable

Definition: "Inevitable" describes something that is certain to happen and cannot be avoided. It's like Thanos snapping his fingers—inevitable in the grand scheme of the Marvel universe.

Example Sentence: Despite their best efforts to prevent it, the team's defeat seemed inevitable against the undefeated champions.

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78. Invoke

Definition: To "invoke" means to call upon a higher power for assistance or inspiration, or to cite something as an authority. It's like summoning a spell or referencing a law to support your argument.

Example Sentence: The wizard sought to invoke ancient magic to help defeat the dark forces.

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79. Ironic

Definition: "Ironic" refers to a situation that is the opposite of what you would expect, often in a humorous or poignant way. It's like a fire station burning down—that's ironic.

Example Sentence: It's ironic that the world's best swimmer was afraid of deep water.

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80. Novel

Definition: As an adjective, "novel" means new or unusual in an interesting way. It's something original that hasn't been seen before.

Example Sentence: She came up with a novel solution to the math problem that even impressed her teacher.

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81. Obscure

Definition: "Obscure" means not well-known or hard to understand; it can also mean to conceal or make unclear. It's like that indie band only you and a handful of people have heard of.

Example Sentence: The treasure map was filled with obscure clues that only a true pirate could decipher.

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82. Obsolete

Definition: "Obsolete" describes something that is no longer produced or used; it's out of date. Think of technology like floppy disks or VHS tapes.

Example Sentence: With the rise of streaming services, DVDs are becoming increasingly obsolete.

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83. Oppressive

Definition: "Oppressive" refers to something that is unjustly harsh or tyrannical, often weighing heavily on the mind or spirits. It's like a villain's rule over a dystopian society.

Example Sentence: The oppressive heat made it impossible to enjoy the outdoor festival.

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84. Pervasive

Definition: "Pervasive" means spreading widely throughout an area or group of people. It's something that's everywhere, like the smell of popcorn at a movie theater.

Example Sentence: Social media has a pervasive influence on how we communicate.

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85. Prevalence

Definition: "Prevalence" is the fact or condition of being widespread or common. It's how frequent or popular something is.

Example Sentence: The prevalence of smartphones has changed the way we access information.

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86. Prominent

Definition: "Prominent" means important or famous; standing out so as to be easily seen. It's like a celebrity or a notable landmark.

Example Sentence: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most prominent symbols of Paris.

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87. Provoke

Definition: To "provoke" means to stimulate or give rise to a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one, in someone. It's like poking a bear—not a good idea.

Example Sentence: His teasing was meant to provoke her into reacting, but she stayed calm.

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88. Reciprocate

Definition: To "reciprocate" means to respond to an action or gesture by making a corresponding one. It's like returning a favor or expressing mutual feelings.

Example Sentence: When he gave her a high-five, she reciprocated with a fist bump.

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89. Reconcile

Definition: To "reconcile" means to restore friendly relations between people or make two opposing things compatible. It's like making up after a big fight.

Example Sentence: After years of rivalry, the two superheroes decided to reconcile and join forces.

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90. Refute

Definition: To "refute" means to prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; to disprove. It's like debunking a myth.

Example Sentence: The scientist was able to refute the flat Earth theory with evidence from space missions.

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91. Renounce

Definition: To "renounce" means to formally declare one's abandonment of a claim, right, or possession. It's like giving up a throne or a title.

Example Sentence: The prince chose to renounce his royal title to live a normal life.

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92. Repression

Definition: "Repression" is the act of subduing someone or something by force; it's also the restraint or inhibition of a feeling or quality.

Example Sentence: The strict rules led to the repression of creativity among the students.

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93. Retain

Definition: To "retain" means to keep possession of something or continue to have something. It's like holding onto your old comic books because you might read them again.

Example Sentence: She tried to retain as much information as possible before the big exam.

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94. Skeptical

Definition: Being "skeptical" means not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations. It's like questioning whether unicorns really exist.

Example Sentence: He was skeptical of the infomercial's claims that the blender could also mow the lawn.

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95. Speculate

Definition: To "speculate" means to form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence. It's like guessing what will happen in the next season of your favorite show.

Example Sentence: Fans love to speculate about the hidden meanings in the latest sci-fi movie.

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96. Substantiate

Definition: To "substantiate" means to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of something. It's like backing up your argument with facts.

Example Sentence: The journalist needed to substantiate her article with credible sources.

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97. Subtle

Definition: "Subtle" describes something so delicate or precise that it's difficult to analyze or describe; not obvious. It's like a hint of flavor you can't quite put your finger on.

Example Sentence: There was a subtle hint of cinnamon in the chocolate cake.

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98. Supplement

Definition: A "supplement" is something that completes or enhances something else when added to it. As a verb, it means to add an extra element or amount to.

Example Sentence: He decided to supplement his income by taking on freelance work.

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99. Undermine

Definition: To "undermine" means to damage or weaken someone or something gradually. It's like eroding the foundation of a building over time.

Example Sentence: Gossip and rumors can undermine trust within a team.

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100. Validate

Definition: To "validate" means to check or prove the validity or accuracy of something; to confirm or endorse.

Example Sentence: The scientist ran multiple experiments to validate her hypothesis.