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title: 384 SAT Vocab Words You Must Know · PrepScholar
description: Not sure where to start studying SAT vocabulary? Check out our list of the top SAT words to learn the SAT vocab words you're most likely to see on the test.
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# [384 SAT Vocab Words You Must Know](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-vocabulary-words)

![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_hannah.png)

Posted by [Hannah Muniz](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/hannah-muniz) | Updated on June 9, 2026

[SAT Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat-writing) , [SAT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat-reading)

 

![feature\_readingbooks](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/feature_readingbooks.jpg?width=448&height=299&name=feature_readingbooks.jpg)

A lot of students immediately think of vocabulary when they hear the word SAT. But are SAT vocab words really that important for doing well on the test, especially the new digital SAT? Kind of. **If you’re aiming for a high score, you’ll definitely want to spend some time learning key SAT words.**

In this guide, we give you a comprehensive list of 384 of the most common digital SAT vocabulary words. We also explain how vocab is tested on the digital SAT, what types of questions you’ll see, and how to get the most out of your vocab prep.

 

[![Struggling to get the SAT score you need?   We can help! Our self-paced, adaptive online program lets you study at your own pace while targeting your unique strengths and weaknesses. If that's not enough, our expert tutors can provide further support one-on-one or in group classes.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-174551174656.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLI8jF2nXVN3jxu3zbY%2Fc4b0TIEHwlFT8BiTZvskr3xEKmbQ1lqE8YbznAPyjN%2BHUiVrWczz0TeFFrz8NXikYwXmFF%2FgVQ8%2BROaXCI858cOBLrxI%2B6%2BPVY5MQo%2BOiNn1dBZO53qF%2BSxxWG3MupfBRbc%2F62kn66TnkoKBrYJgPLXV4Z93fm5ZeiPxb61LXqvIpFtohJTwgNsosRWR&webInteractiveContentId=174551174656&portalId=360031)

 

## How Is Vocabulary Tested on the Digital SAT?

The SAT has undergone a number of overhauls over the years that have made vocabulary  a [far less important](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-important-is-vocabulary-for-the-new-sat) part of the test. There are fewer vocabulary questions on the current SAT than there were on older versions of the exam, which include question types like analogies that focused solely on testing vocab knowledge. 

That said, it'll still benefit you to study vocab, especially if you're aiming for a high or [perfect score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer).

All SAT words are about **medium difficulty **and are **tested in the context of reading passages,** so you’ll get not just a sentence but an entire paragraph or passage to work with.

Context clues make memorizing SAT vocab words less important on the current SAT than it was on the old SAT, back when you had to memorize dozens of obscure words and answer questions that dealt with isolated sentences ([these were called Sentence Completion problems](https://blog.prepscholar.com/new-sat-in-2016-reading-section-changes-strategies)). This made vocab questions particularly hard since you were given minimal context with which to solve them.

 

## What Do SAT Vocabulary Questions Look Like?

The new digital SAT has one Reading and Writing section with four main types of questions: Craft and Structure, Information and Ideas, Standard English Conventions, and Expression of Ideas. Only one domain, Craft and Structure, includes vocabulary as a tested skill. 

According to College Board's description of this domain, "Students will use comprehension, vocabulary, analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills and knowledge to understand and use high-utility words and phrases in context, evaluate texts rhetorically, and make connections between topically related texts." 

There are approximately 13-15 questions total in this domain, which makes up about 28 percent of the Reading and Writing section of the SAT. But as you can see from the description, vocabulary is not tested in isolation, but in context. That means you won't see a vocabulary word and then be asked to choose the correct definition. Instead, you'll be tested on whether you can use context clues to interpret certain vocabulary words and understand the meaning of a phrase or passage.

It will help to know alternative meanings of relatively common words, such as “directly” and “hold.” While you might come across slightly more difficult SAT words, you generally shouldn’t see any as hard as those on the old SAT.

Here's an example of a Reading vocabulary question (with the relevant part of the passage shown):

![body\_sat\_vocab\_question\_sample.png](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_sat_vocab_question_sample.png?width=333&height=267&name=body_sat_vocab_question_sample.png)

*Source: [Official SAT Practice Test #1](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/PrepScholar-sat-practice-test-1.pdf?t=1513028462857)*

In addition to Words in Context questions, you’ll get **questions that require you to pick a single word or phrase in order to paraphrase or clarify part of a passage. **With these questions, you must understand what *all* the SAT vocab words mean so that you can choose the right answer.

Here are some examples of these questions: 

![body\_sat\_vocab\_question\_sample\_2.png](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_sat_vocab_question_sample_2.png?width=342&height=160&name=body_sat_vocab_question_sample_2.png)

*A sample SAT question with single vocab words as answer choices. (Source: [Official SAT Practice Test #1](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/PrepScholar-sat-practice-test-1.pdf?t=1513028462857))* 

![body\_sat\_vocab\_question\_sample\_3.png](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_sat_vocab_question_sample_3.png?width=340&height=160&name=body_sat_vocab_question_sample_3.png)

*A sample SAT question with phrases as answer choices. (Source: [Official SAT Practice Test #2](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/PrepScholar-sat-practice-test-2.pdf?t=1513028462857))* 

In these examples, **you'll need to know the definitions of a variety of SAT vocabulary words,** such as “substantiated,” “freewheeling,” and “scandalous,” so that you can select the right answer choice.

 

![body\_alphabet\_blank\_card.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_alphabet_blank_card.jpg?width=500&name=body_alphabet_blank_card.jpg)

 

## 384 SAT Vocab Words You’re Bound to See on Test Day

Now that you know how vocabulary plays a role on the SAT, let's go over **the 384 words and definitions we suggest knowing** if you want to get a high score on SAT Reading and Writing.

To compile this list, we dug through all of the [official SAT practice tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links), looking at both the Reading and Writing sections (and not just the questions but the answer choices and passages, too). 

Though you don’t need to memorize *all* the words below, familiarizing yourself with most of them should help you better identify the tones of passages and make you more efficient at interpreting and answering questions correctly on SAT Reading and Writing.

Below, we give you each word, its part of speech, its definition, and an example sentence (or more if the word has multiple definitions/parts of speech). All words are listed in alphabetical order.

| **Word** | **Definition** | **Example Sentence** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Abate | *v.* to become less active, less intense, or less in amount | As I began my speech, my feelings of nervousness quickly **abated.** |
| Abrupt | *adj.* Sudden and unexpected. | His **abrupt** departure surprised everyone. |
| Abstract | *adj.* existing purely in the mind; not representing actual reality | Julie had trouble understanding the appeal of the **abstract** painting. |
| Abysmal | *adj.* extremely bad | I got an **abysmal** grade on my research paper! |
| Acceptable | *adj.* Satisfactory or permissible. | The teacher deemed Sara's late assignment **acceptable**. |
| Accidental | *adj.* Happening by chance. | The oil spill was purely **accidental**. |
| Accommodate | *v.* To provide space or make adjustments. | The Grand Hotel can **accommodate** up to 500 guests. |
| Accuracy | *n.* The quality of being correct or precise. | The **accuracy** of the intern's report was impressive. |
| Acknowledge | *v.* To recognize or admit the truth. | She refused to **acknowledge** her mistake. |
| Acquired | *adj.* Gained through effort or experience. | Edmund had **acquired** a taste for fine wine. |
| Adapt | *v.* To adjust to new conditions. | Newly-released animals generally **adapt** to their environments over time. |
| Adept | *adj.* having knowledge or skill (usu. in a particular area) | Beth loves playing the piano, but she’s especially **adept** at the violin. |
| Adequate | *adj.* having sufficient qualifications to meet a specific task or purpose | Though his resume was **adequate,** the company doubted whether he’d be a good fit. |
| Adhere | *v.* To stick to or follow closely. | You must **adhere** to the rules if you don't want to get in trouble. |
| Adjust | *v.* To modify or change slightly. | He had to **adjust** his seat for comfort. |
| Admire | *v.* To respect or look up to. | I **admire** my mother's dedication to her work. |
| Advantageous | *adj.* Beneficial or useful. | Speaking multiple languages is **advantageous**. |
| Advent | *n.* the arrival or creation of something  | The world has never been the same since the **advent** of the light bulb. |
| Advise | *v.* To recommend or give guidance. | I **advise** you to study for the exam. |
| Aggravate | *v.* To worsen or intensify. | Scratching the rash will only **aggravate** it. |
| Aggressive | *adj.* Forceful or overly assertive. | The man's **aggressive** tone made everyone uneasy. |
| Allude | *v.* to make a secretive mention of something | She **alluded** to the problem at hand but didn’t say anything more about it. |
| Ambiguity | *n.* Uncertainty or multiple interpretations. | The **ambiguity** in his vague statement caused confusion. |
| Ambivalence | *n.* Mixed or conflicting feelings. | Jessie felt **ambivalence** about moving to a new city. |
| Ameliorate | *v.* To improve or make better. | The new policy aims to **ameliorate** working conditions for all employees. |
| Amplify | *v.* To increase in size or effect. | The microphone will **amplify** your voice. |
| Amusing | *adj.* Entertaining or humorous. | Jason's joke was quite **amusing**. |
| Analogous | *adj.* similar but not identical | Green onions are considered **analogous** to spring onions. |
| Annotate | *v.* To add notes or comments. | Please **annotate** the medical text with your observations. |
| Announce | *v.* To make a public statement. | The CEO will **announce** the new policy tomorrow. |
| Anomaly | *n.* something different from the norm | This result is an **anomaly** and very rarely happens. |
| Antagonistic | *adj.* Showing hostility or opposition. | His **antagonistic** behavior created tension at work. |
| Antecedent | *n.* A preceding event or condition. | The **antecedent** to the war was political unrest. |
| Anticipate | *v.* To expect or predict. | Does the weatherman **anticipate** a rise in temperatures next week? |
| Antipathy | *n.* a strong feeling of dislike | Her **antipathy** toward the professor was obvious: she rolled her eyes whenever he entered the classroom. |
| Apex | *n.* the highest point of something | The spring play was the **apex** of our school year. |
| Appropriate | *adj.* Suitable for a specific situation. | Lily's velvet dress was **appropriate** for the formal occasion. |
| Approximate | *adj.* Nearly accurate or close to. | The **approximate** cost is $50. |
| Arcane | *adj.* Mysterious or known by few. | The ancient book contained **arcane** knowledge. |
| Arduous | *adj.* Difficult and requiring effort. | The steep hike up the mountain was **arduous**. |
| Assemble | *v.* To gather or put together. | We need to **assemble** the bed if we want a place to sleep tonight. |
| Austere | *adj.* extremely plain *adj.* stern and forbidding *adj.* relating to self-denial | He lived in a small, **austere** cabin in the middle of the woods. My boss had an **austere** expression on her face. An **austere** lifestyle, like that of monks, isn’t for everybody. |
| Avoid | *v.* To stay away from or prevent. | Mara hates fighting, so she always tries to **avoid** conflict. |
| Beneficial | *adj.* Producing good results. | A balanced diet is **beneficial** to your health. |
| Benevolent | *adj.* kind, generous | Many cultures believe in **benevolent** spirits. |
| Bold | *adj.* Courageous or striking. | Elsie made a **bold** move by quitting her job. |
| Borrow | *v.* To take temporarily. | Libraries will let you **borrow** books for several weeks. |
| Buttress | *v.* To support or strengthen. | The evidence will **buttress** his argument. |
| Bypass | *v.* To go around or avoid. | We took a shortcut to **bypass** traffic. |
| Calibrate | *v.* To adjust for precision. | The scientist had to **calibrate** the instrument to ensure his measurements were accurate. |
| Candid | *adj.* direct, blunt | Josh is **candid** about his desire to become an actor. |
| Carelessly | *adv.* Without caution. | He **carelessly** left his keys on the bus. |
| Catastrophic | *adj.* Disastrous or causing great damage. | The **catastrophic** hurricane destroyed dozens of homes. |
| Cause | *n.* A reason for an action or event. | The fire's **cause** is still unknown. |
| Characterization | *n.* The way a character is described. | The novel's **characterization** was deep and complex. |
| Circumvent | *v.* To find a way around. | They found a loophole to **circumvent** the rule. |
| Coincidence | *n.* A surprising and unexpected event. | Meeting my neighbor at the airport was a **coincidence**. |
| Collaboration | *n.* Working together on a task. | The scientists' **collaboration** led to a breakthrough. |
| Commercialization | *n.* The process of making something a business. | The **commercialization** of the product increased sales. |
| Committed | *adj.* Dedicated to a cause or task. | Ava is **committed** to her studies and always wants top grades. |
| Common | *adj.* Occurring frequently or shared. | It's very **common** for students to feel stressed before exams. |
| Compelling | *adj.* Captivating or persuasive*.* | The debater gave a **compelling** argument. |
| Competent | *adj.* Having the necessary ability or skill. | Noah has worked at this job for a long time and is a **competent** engineer. |
| Complementary | *adj.* Enhancing or completing another. | The artist and the engineer have skills that are **complementary** in the project. |
| Complexity | *n.* The state of being intricate or complicated. | The **complexity** of the 1,000 piece puzzle made it challenging. |
| Compose | *v.* To create or write. | Jordan plans to **compose** a new symphony. |
| Compound | *v.* To intensify or combine. | The traffic was **compounded** by bad weather. |
| Comprise | *v.* To consist of or include. | The book **comprises** ten chapters. |
| Conceal | *v.* To hide or keep secret. | Luca tried to **conceal** his disappointment. |
| Concede | *v.* To admit or yield. | She **conceded** that she was wrong during the argument. |
| Conceptualize | *v.* To form an idea or concept. | In this lab, scientists **conceptualize** new theories on viruses. |
| Concerning | *adj.* Causing worry or distress. | The news about the approaching hurricane is quite **concerning**. |
| Condition | *n.* The state of something. | The car I bought is in excellent **condition**. |
| Confident | *adj.* Feeling sure or self-assured. | Michael Jordan is **confident** in his abilities as a basketball player. |
| Conflated | *adj.* Combined in a misleading way. | The two issues were **conflated** in the argument. |
| Conform | *v.* To comply with rules or expectations. | The alternative rocker refuses to **conform** to societal norms. |
| Consensus | *n.* General agreement. | The team finally reached a **consensus** on the decision. |
| Consistent | *adj.* Acting in the same way over time. | My grandmother's knitting is always **consistent** in quality. |
| Conspicuous | *adj.* Easily noticed or standing out. | Veronica's red dress was **conspicuous** in the crowd. |
| Constant | *adj.* Occurring continuously. | The criminal lived in **constant** fear that he'd be found out. |
| Contentious | *adj.* Causing disagreement or debate. | Politics are highly **contentious** these days. |
| Contingent  | *adj.* Dependent on something else. | Our family ski trip is **contingent on** the weather. |
| Contradict | *v.* to be in contrast with | The camera footage **contradicts** his alibi. |
| Contrived | *adj.* Artificial or overly planned. | The movie's plot felt **contrived** and unrealistic. |
| Controversial | *adj.* Causing public disagreement. | The judge's decision to free the criminal was highly **controversial**. |
| Cordially | *adv.* In a warm or friendly manner. | The two old friends greeted each other **cordially**. |
| Corroborate | *v.* to provide evidence for; to back up (a claim) | The note signed by her father **corroborates** her claim that she was absent from class that day. |
| Corrosive | *adj. *Gradually destructive or harmful  | The **corrosive **chemical has ruined the paint on my car. |
| Costly | *adj.* Expensive or requiring sacrifice. | The mistake was a **costly** one and caused the company to go bankrupt. |
| Counteract | *v.* to work in opposition to | This ingredient seems to **counteract** the other ones. |
| Critical | *adj.* Expressing analysis or judgment. | The review was highly **critical** of the film. |
| Criticize | *v.* To express disapproval. | My father tends to **criticize** others harshly. |
| Deceptive | *adj.* Misleading or dishonest. | The advertisement was **deceptive** in its claims of weight loss. |
| Deciding | *adj.* Determining or influencing an outcome. | The final goal was the **deciding** factor in the match. |
| Decisive | *adj.* Conclusive or firm. | My boss's **decisive** leadership helped solve our company's crisis. |
| Deficient | *adj.* not enough in degree or amount | I feel as though the sources for my paper are **deficient.** |
| Defunct | *adj.* No longer existing or functional. | After people stopped using fax machines, the fax company became **defunct**. |
| Delegate | *v.* To assign tasks or authority to others. | A good leader knows how to **delegate** responsibilities. |
| Deliberation | *n.* Careful consideration or discussion. | After much **deliberation**, they made their decision. |
| Delicate | *adj.* Fragile or requiring careful handling. | The **delicate** glass sculpture broke easily. |
| Demarcate | *v.* To set boundaries or distinguish. | The Tornio river **demarcates** the border between Sweden and Finland. |
| Derived | *adj.* Obtained or developed from a source. | The word "aqua" is **derived** from Latin. |
| Despise | *v.* To strongly dislike or look down upon. | The judge **despises** dishonesty. |
| Desultory | *adj.* Lacking a clear plan or enthusiasm. | The tired boy's **desultory** efforts did not impress the coach. |
| Determine | *v.* To establish or decide. | The final exam will **determine** your grade. |
| Deviate | *v.* To move away from a set path or norm. | When the new evidence was uncovered the lawyer **deviated** from the original plan. |
| Devise | *v.* to come up with (a plan) | Lana **devised** a plan to make herself famous. |
| Diminish | *v.* To decrease in size or importance. | The politician's influence has **diminished** over time. |
| Directed | *adj.* Managed or guided. | This new film was **directed** by a renowned artist. |
| Disagreement | *n.* A difference of opinion. | An intense **disagreement** arose over the contract terms. |
| Disastrous | *adj.* Causing great harm or failure. | The earthquake had **disastrous** consequences for the island. |
| Disconcerting | *adj.* Causing discomfort or confusion. | My girlfriend's sudden change in behavior is **disconcerting**. |
| Discord | *n.* disagreement | Disputes over money caused intense **discord** in the family. |
| Discount | *v.* To disregard or reduce in value. | The teacher **discounted** his students' concerns. |
| Discourage | *v.* To dissuade or deter. | Luna tried to **discourage** her brother from moving out of the house. |
| Discretion | *n.* The ability to make responsible choices. | The detective handled the matter with great **discretion**. |
| Disengage | *v.* To separate or withdraw. | I was exhausted, so I tried to **disengage** from the argument. |
| Dismiss | *v.* To reject or send away. | The teacher **dismissed** the idea to end class early. |
| Disorienting | *adj.* Causing confusion or loss of direction. | The vast corn maze was **disorienting**. |
| Disparage | *v.* To belittle or speak negatively about. | The politician **disparaged** his opponent's ideas on tax cuts. |
| Disparate | *adj.* Essentially different or unconnected. | Many European countries have **disparate** Christmas traditions. |
| Dispute | *n.* A disagreement or argument. | The neighbors had a **dispute** over the new fence. |
| Distinct | *adj.* Clearly different or separate. | My twin sons have **distinct** personalities. |
| Distract | *v.* To divert attention. | The rattling noise **distracted** Javi from his work. |
| Distressed | *adj.* Suffering from anxiety or pain. | The woman looked **distressed** after the doctor's call. |
| Diverge | *v.* To move apart or differ. | My parents' opinions on politics began to **diverge** as they grew older. |
| Diverse | *adj.* Showing variety or differences. | New York City has a **diverse** population. |
| Dominance | *n.* The state of being in control or superior. | The company's **dominance** in the market is evident. |
| Dormant | *adj.* Inactive but capable of becoming active. | The volcano beneath Mount Fuji has been **dormant** for centuries. |
| Dynamic | *adj.* Constantly changing or energetic. | My coworker is a **dynamic** speaker who commands attention wherever she goes. |
| Earnest | *adj.* Serious and sincere. | He felt terrible about breaking the mirror and made an **earnest** apology. |
| Eclipse | *v.* To overshadow or surpass. | The headliner's performance **eclipsed** all others in the concert. |
| Eloquent | *adj.* having refined or expressive communication skills (in speaking or writing) | His speech was not only **eloquent** but also extremely compelling. |
| Elusive | *adj.* Hard to find or understand. | Nothing became clearer, and the answer remained **elusive**. |
| Encompass | *v.* To include or surround. | The project **encompasses** multiple disciplines. |
| Encounter | *v.* To meet or face unexpectedly. | She **encountered** an old friend at the store. |
| Encourage | *v.* To support or inspire. | Teachers often **encourage** students to ask questions. |
| Enduring | *adj.* Lasting over time. | Their 50-year friendship is **enduring**. |
| Evidence | *n.* Information that supports a conclusion. | There is strong **evidence** to support the theory. |
| Evoke | *v.* to draw forth or call up | Horror movies are great at **evoking** fear. |
| Exacerbate | *v.* To make a problem worse. | His rude comments only **exacerbated** the tense situation. |
| Exactitude | *n.* The quality of being precise or accurate. | The scientist's **exactitude** ensured reliable results. |
| Exaggerate | *v.* To overstate or magnify beyond the truth. | My cousin tends to **exaggerate** his achievements. |
| Exceed | *v.* To go beyond a limit. | The driver **exceeded** the speed limit by nearly 30 miles an hour. |
| Exemplify | *v.* To serve as a typical example of something. | The woman's kindness to her neighbors **exemplifies** true generosity. |
| Exhaustive | *adj.* Thorough and complete. | The 300-page report provided an **exhaustive** analysis. |
| Expansion | *n.* The act of increasing in size or scope. | The company's **expansion** into international markets has been successful so far. |
| Expensive | *adj.* Costing a lot of money. | My sister's diamond ring was extremely **expensive**. |
| Experiment | *n.* A test to discover something new. | The scientist conducted an **experiment** to test the theory. |
| Explicable | *adj.* Able to be explained. | Once I knew the full story, my boyfriend's actions were **explicable** given the circumstances. |
| Exploit | *v.* To take advantage of something unfairly. | The mining company was accused of **exploiting** workers. |
| Extensive | *adj.* Covering a large area or scope. | The Art Institute of Chicago has an **extensive** Impressionist collection. |
| Extraneous | *adj.* Unrelated or unnecessary. | The report contained too much **extraneous** information that didn't matter to the trial. |
| Fabricate | *v.* To invent or create, often dishonestly. | The criminal **fabricated** evidence to support his bogus claim. |
| Foretell | *v.* To predict or anticipate. | Ancient prophecies **foretold** the end of the world. |
| Foster | *v.* To encourage or promote development. | Teachers should strive to **foster** creativity in students. |
| Fragile | *adj.* Easily broken or delicate. | The glass vase is very **fragile**. |
| Fruitless | *adj.* Failing to achieve desired results. | Their search for survivors was **fruitless**. |
| Genuine | *adj.* Authentic or real. | His apology seemed **genuine**. |
| Grapple | *v.* To struggle or wrestle with something. | The country is **grappling** with economic issues. |
| Habitual | *adj.* Done regularly or repeatedly. | His **habitual** lateness annoyed his coworkers. |
| Haphazard | *adj.* Lacking organization or planning. | The project was completed in a **haphazard** manner. |
| Hibernation | *n.* A state of dormancy or deep sleep. | Many bear species go into **hibernation** during the winter. |
| Highlight | *v.* To emphasize or make noticeable. | The article **highlights** key points of the debate. |
| Hinder | *v.* To obstruct or slow progress. | The heavy traffic **hindered** our journey. |
| Hoard | *v.* To accumulate and store excessively. | He **hoarded** food supplies and toilet paper during the pandemic. |
| Homogeneous | *adj.* Uniform or similar throughout. | The population of the village is **homogeneous**. |
| Hypothesize | *v.* To form a theory or assumption. | Scientists **hypothesize** about the origin of the universe. |
| Imaginative | *adj.* Creative and full of new ideas. | The artist's work is highly **imaginative**. |
| Imitation | *n.* A copy or replica of something. | The purse was an **imitation** of a designer brand. |
| Imminent | *adj.* About to happen soon. | A storm is **imminent** according to the forecast. |
| Immune | *adj.* Resistant to disease or harm. | He's **immune** to the virus due to vaccination. |
| Impartial | *adj.* Fair and not biased. | Judges must always remain **impartial** during a trial. |
| Impending | *adj.* Approaching or about to happen. | They prepared for the **impending** storm by boarding up windows. |
| Impenetrable | *adj.* Impossible to pass through. | The fortress was **impenetrable** to enemy attack. |
| Imperceptible | *adj.* Very slight or difficult to notice. | Alex's reaction was **imperceptible**, so I couldn't tell what he was thinking. |
| Implement | *v.* To put into effect or execute. | The business will **implement** new rules to comply with the change in laws. |
| Implication | *n.* A possible consequence or meaning. | The policy change has serious **implications** for lobbyists. |
| Implicit | *adj.* Implied rather than stated directly. | His approval was **implicit** in his silence. |
| Impractical | *adj.* Not sensible or realistic. | The dress design was too **impractical** to actually wear. |
| Improvise | *v.* To create or perform spontaneously. | The actor had to **improvise** when he forgot his lines. |
| Inactive | *adj.* Not engaged in movement or activity. | The volcano has been **inactive** for decades. |
| Inadequate | *adj.* Insufficient or lacking. | I felt **inadequate** when I didn't make the final shot during the basketball game. |
| Inadvertently | *adv.* Unintentionally or by accident. | The new worker caused a ruckus when he **inadvertently** deleted an important file. |
| Incite | *v.* to encourage or stir up | Her hateful words **incited** anger in the crowd. |
| Inconspicuous | *adj.* Not being easily seen or noticed. | The spy was **inconspicuous** as he moved through the crowd. |
| Indecipherable | *adj.* Impossible to understand or read. | His messy handwriting was **indecipherable**. |
| Indicate | *v.* To point out or show. | The results **indicate** a positive trend. |
| Indifference | *n.* Lack of interest or concern. | Natalia's **indifference** to the situation frustrated her sisters. |
| Indisputable | *adj.* Unable to be challenged or denied. | Because the evidence was **indisputable**, the lawyer was certain his client would go free. |
| Indistinct | *adj.* Not clear or sharply defined. | The figure in the distance was blurry and **indistinct**. |
| Indulge | *v.* To allow oneself to enjoy. | After a long day of work, Jane decided to **indulge** in a piece of cake. |
| Ineffectual | *adj.* Not producing the desired effect. | The mayor's efforts to change the city's parking rules were **ineffectual**. |
| Inevitable | *adj.* Certain to happen; unavoidable. | You must accept that change is **inevitable** in life. |
| Inexpensive | *adj.* Not costly. | The new Vietnamese restaurant down the street serves **inexpensive** but delicious meals. |
| Inexplicable | *adj.* Unable to be explained. | My uncle's sudden departure from the family reunion was **inexplicable**. |
| Influence | *n.* The power to affect others. | The pastor's speech had a strong **influence** on the audience. |
| Infrequent | *adj.* Not occurring often. | Rain is **infrequent** in the Atacama Desert. |
| Inhibit | *v.* To hinder or restrain. | Fear of failure can **inhibit** creativity. |
| Innocuous | *adj.* Harmless or inoffensive. | The comment seemed **innocuous**, but it upset him. |
| Insensible | *adj.* Unaware or indifferent. | The father was **insensible** to his children's boredom. |
| Insignificant | *adj.* Too small or unimportant to matter. | The difference in price between the two ice creams was **insignificant**. |
| Inspect | *v.* To examine closely. | The contractor will **inspect** the building for safety. |
| Inspirational | *adj.* Providing motivation or encouragement. | Evan's story of recovering from a severe car accident was **inspirational** to many. |
| Intangible | *adj.* Not able to be touched or measured. | Love is an **intangible** concept. |
| Intentional | *adj.* Done on purpose. | By reading the evidence, I could tell the man's actions were **intentional**. |
| Interchangeable | *adj.* Able to be substituted for each other. | These parts are **interchangeable** so it doesn't matter which one you use. |
| Interject | *v.* To insert a comment abruptly. | My brother **interjected** with a sarcastic remark. |
| Interpret | *v.* To explain the meaning of something. | I don't understand this poem; can you **interpret** it for met? |
| Intersect | *v.* To cross or meet at a point. | The two streets **intersect** downtown. |
| Intricate | *adj.* Very detailed or complicated. | The artist created an **intricate** design on the fabric. |
| Intriguing | *adj.* Arousing curiosity or interest. | The mystery novel was **intriguing** because I couldn't figure out who the murderer was. |
| Invalidate | *v.* To make something void or null. | The new evidence **invalidated** his argument. |
| Invent | *v.* To create something new. | Thomas Edison **invented** the incandescent light bulb. |
| Investigation | *n.* Systematic inquiries to uncover facts. | The police conducted a thorough **investigation** of the crime scene. |
| Involuntarily | *adv.* Done without conscious control. | She **involuntarily** gasped in surprise. |
| Irrelevant | *adj.* Not related or applicable. | His comment was **irrelevant** to the discussion. |
| Isolate | *v.* To separate from others. | We need to **isolate** the patient with the very contagious disease. |
| Lacking | *adj.* Not having enough of something. | The short essay was **lacking** in detail. |
| Latent | *adj.* Present but not active. | He had a **latent** talent for music. |
| Legitimate | *adj.* Lawful or valid. | Because he was named in the will, John's claim to the property was **legitimate**. |
| Localized | *adj.* Restricted to a particular area. | The disease was **localized** to one region. |
| Manageable | *adj.* Able to be controlled or handled. | I'm lucky that my workload is **manageable** today, so I'll be home in time for dinner. |
| Mandatory | *adj.* Required or obligatory. | Attendance at the meeting is **mandatory** for all employees. |
| Mimic | *v.* To imitate. | Parrots can **mimic** human speech. |
| Misanthropic | *adj.* Disliking people or society. | The old man was known for his **misanthropic** views. |
| Misrepresent | *v.* To give a false impression. | The article **misrepresented** the facts. |
| Moderate | *adj.* Not extreme; average. | He never has strong opinions, and most of his views are **moderate**. |
| Multifaceted | *adj.* Having many aspects or features. | The housing problem is **multifaceted** and will take multiple solutions to solve. |
| Neglect | *v.* To fail to care for properly. | He **neglected** his responsibilities when he decided to play video games instead of clean the house. |
| Neutrality | *n.* The state of not taking sides. | Switzerland maintained **neutrality** during World War II. |
| Newfound | *adj.* Recently discovered or developed. | The recently-released prisoner enjoyed his **newfound** freedom. |
| Notional | *adj.* Existing only in theory. | Because we hadn't started it, the plan was still **notional**. |
| Novel | *adj.* New or original. | The doctor introduced a **novel** approach to hip surgery. |
| Nuanced | *adj.* Having subtle differences. | His argument was well-developed and **nuanced**. |
| Obligate | *v.* To compel or require. | The contract **obligates** him to pay. |
| Obscure | *adj.* Not easily understood or seen. | The meaning of the letter was **obscure** and I didn't know what to make of it. |
| Observable | *adj.* Able to be seen or noticed. | The rings of Saturn were **observable** through the telescope. |
| Observant | *adj.* Quick to notice things. | The detective is very **observant** of small details. |
| Obsolete | *adj.* no longer used; rare or uncommon | Historians assumed record players would be **obsolete** by now, but in fact they’re making a huge comeback. |
| Obstructed | *adj.* Blocked or hindered. | We couldn't leave town because the road was **obstructed** by fallen trees. |
| Occupy | *v.* To take up space or time. | The kids **occupied** themselves with games. |
| Oddity | *n.* Something unusual or strange. | The museum displayed an interesting **oddity**. |
| Offhand | *adj.* Done without preparation or thought. | His **offhand** remark surprised everyone. |
| Omnipotent | *adj.* almighty and all powerful | Gods are **omnipotent** beings who can control human destiny. |
| Onset | *n.* the beginning or early stages | At the **onset** of her career as a lawyer, things were looking up. |
| Operative | *adj.* Functioning or having effect. | The new policy is now **operative** so be sure to follow it. |
| Ornamental | *adj.* Decorative rather than functional. | The garden was filled with **ornamental** plants that helped beautify the space. |
| Oust | *v.* to remove or force out of (usu. a position or office) | Sick and tired of putting up with his bad moods, the pirates **ousted** their captain. |
| Outstrip | *v.* To surpass or exceed. | Sales of my new novel **outstripped** all expectations. |
| Overcome | *v.* To succeed in dealing with a problem. | She **overcame** her fear of public speaking and was able to deliver her remarks. |
| Overlook | *v.* To fail to notice or consider. | The officer **overlooked** an important detail that would have helped solve the crime. |
| Overreact | *v.* To respond too strongly. | My sister **overreacted** to our parents' criticism of her outfit. |
| Overshadow | *v.* To be more important than something else. | His success **overshadowed** his past failures. |
| Overtly | *adv.* Openly and clearly. | He **overtly** expressed his disapproval by telling me what he thought. |
| Overwhelmed | *adj.* Feeling excessive stress or emotion. | Agatha felt **overwhelmed** by her workload and had no idea how she'd finish it all in time. |
| Paramount | *adj.* predominant, superior, most important | Our **paramount** concern is the safety of our employees. |
| Paucity | *n.* A scarcity or lack. | The crime will be difficult to solve because there is a **paucity** of evidence. |
| Perceive | *v.* To become aware of something. | She **perceived** a hint of sadness in his voice. |
| Peripheral | *adj.* On the edge or outer part of something. | My involvement was **peripheral** to the project because I didn't do much. |
| Permanent | *adj.* Lasting indefinitely. | The marker left a **permanent** stain on my favorite shirt that I won't be able ot get out. |
| Perpetual | *adj.* Continuing forever or indefinitely. | The con artist lived in **perpetual** fear of being arrested. |
| Persistent | *adj.* Continuing despite difficulty. | After fifty years of buying lottery tickets, **persistent** efforts paid off when he won the jackpot. |
| Popularize | *v.* To make widely known. | The internet **popularized** online shopping. |
| Postulate | *v.* To assume or propose a theory. | Scientists **postulated** a new hypothesis for the origin of the universe. |
| Pragmatic | *adj.* Practical and realistic. | Elliot put his emotions aside and took a **pragmatic** approach to problem-solving. |
| Praise | *v.* To express approval or admiration. | The teacher **praised** the students’ hard work. |
| Precarious | *adj.* Uncertain or unstable. | The goat was perched on a **precarious** edge of the cliff. |
| Preclude | *v.* To prevent from happening. | Dylan's injury **precluded** him from playing in the soccer match. |
| Predatory | *adj.* Exploiting others for personal gain. | The credit company engaged in **predatory** lending practices. |
| Predetermined | *adj.* Decided in advance. | The outcome seemed **predetermined** and that we could do nothing to change it. |
| Predict | *v.* To say what will happen in the future. | Meteorologists **predict** rain tomorrow. |
| Premeditated | *adj.* Planned beforehand. | Because the man had planned the theft for weeks, it was obvious the crime was **premeditated**. |
| Prescribe | *v.* To recommend or order a treatment. | The doctor **prescribed** antibiotics when I had an ear infection. |
| Preserve | *v.* To keep something in its original state. | The builders worked to **preserve** the house's original decorations. |
| Presume | *v.* To assume something to be true. | I **presume** he will be late to the party. |
| Prevail | *v.* To win or be more powerful. | Justice will always **prevail**. |
| Preventable | *adj.* Able to be avoided. | Many diseases are **preventable** with vaccines. |
| Probability | *n.* Likelihood of something happening. | When you live in the desert, there's almost always a low **probability** of rain. |
| Proclaim | *v.* To announce officially. | The king **proclaimed** a new law. |
| Produce | *v.* To create or generate something. | The Ford factory **produces** thousands of cars each year. |
| Profusion | *n.* A large quantity of something. | The garden had a **profusion** of flowers every spring. |
| Prolong | *v.* To extend in duration. | He tried to **prolong** the meeting from one hour to two. |
| Prominent | *adj.* Important or well-known. | Marie Curie was a **prominent** scientist who won many awards. |
| Proponent | *n.* A supporter of a cause or idea. | The environmentalist was a **proponent** of renewable energy. |
| Provoke | *v.* To stir up or incite. | Miriam's rude words **provoked** an argument. |
| Prudently | *adv.* In a wise or careful manner. | My grandmother always **prudently** saved money for emergencies. |
| Quantity | *n.* An amount or number. | The pudding recipe requires a small **quantity** of sugar. |
| Quarrel | *n.* An angry argument or dispute. | The couple had a loud **quarrel** over money. |
| Questionable | *adj.* Doubtful or uncertain. | Despite claiming to want to help people, the politician's motives were **questionable**. |
| Ramify | *v.* to split into two or more branches | Cars **ramified** throughout the world in the twentieth century. |
| Rarely | *adv.* Infrequently or seldom. | My sister **rarely** eats fast food. |
| Rationalize | *v.* To justify an action with reasoning. | He tried to **rationalize** his mistake by explaining his thought process. |
| Rebellion | *n.* An act of resistance against authority. | The peasants led a **rebellion** against the king. |
| Recalcitrant | *adj.* Stubbornly resistant to authority. | The **recalcitrant** student refused to obey. |
| Recant | *v.* To take back a previous statement. | He was forced to **recant** his confession. |
| Receptive | *adj.* Open to new ideas. | The new dancer was **receptive** to feedback. |
| Reciprocate | *v.* To give in return. | I **reciprocated** my brother's kindness by buying him dinner. |
| Recognizable | *adj.* Easily identified. | The Nike logo is instantly **recognizable**. |
| Rectify | *v.* To correct or fix something. | She tried to **rectify** her mistake with an apology. |
| Redefine | *v.* To change the meaning of something. | The company **redefined** its mission. |
| Redress | *v.* To set right or remedy. | They sought to **redress** past injustices. |
| Reform | *v.* To improve by making changes. | The government promised to **reform** the healthcare system. |
| Refuse | *v.* To decline or reject. | Emilia **refused** the job offer. |
| Refute | *v.* To prove false or incorrect. | The scientist **refuted** the claim that the Earth was flat. |
| Regrettable | *adj.* Causing sorrow or disappointment. | Forgetting my boyfriend's birthday was a **regrettable** mistake. |
| Regulate | *v.* To control or manage. | The government **regulates** nuclear energy facilities. |
| Reject | *v.* To dismiss or refuse to accept. | She **rejected** her boyfriend's proposal. |
| Relocate | *v.* To move to a new place. | The dentist **relocated** to a bigger office. |
| Renounce | *v.* To give up or reject formally. | He **renounced** his citizenship after moving to a new country. |
| Replenish | *v.* To refill or restore. | After we finished the lemonade, the hostess **replenished** the pitcher. |
| Replicable | *adj.* Able to be copied or repeated. | The experiment's results were **replicable**. |
| Representative | *n.* A person acting on behalf of others. | The company's **representative** spoke at the meeting. |
| Repress | *v.* To suppress or hold back. | Although devastated, Jalen **repressed** his emotions. |
| Reprieve | *n.* A temporary relief or delay. | Because the defendant needed surgery, the judge granted a **reprieve**. |
| Repudiate | *v.* To reject or disown. | She **repudiated** the accusation that she'd stolen money from the company. |
| Resilient | *adj.* Able to recover quickly. | Even after setbacks, the patient is very **resilient**. |
| Resolve | *v.* To find a solution. | The warring siblings eventually **resolved** their differences. |
| Responsive | *adj.* Reacting quickly or positively. | The team wanted to improve and was very **responsive** to feedback. |
| Restore | *v.* To bring back to original condition. | The architecture team carefully **restored** the old house. |
| Restrain | *v.* To hold back or limit. | Even though Tom was furious, he **restrained** his anger. |
| Retain | *v.* To keep or hold onto. | I use this pitcher to **retain** water for my herb garden. |
| Retaliate | *v.* To respond to an attack. | After Celia yelled at Dom, he **retaliated** with a counterattack. |
| Reticent | *adj. *Reluctant to share one's thoughts or feelings; reserved  | My neighbor is so **reticent** I never know what she really thinks of anything.  |
| Rousing | *adj.* Exciting or stirring. | The speaker gave a **rousing** speech that brought the audience to its feet. |
| Rudimentary | *adj.* Basic or simple. | The little boy only has a **rudimentary** understanding of math. |
| Sanction | *v.* To authorize or approve. | The government **sanctioned** the project so construction will start soon. |
| Sanguine | *adj.* Optimistic or hopeful. | He remained **sanguine** despite repeated setbacks. |
| Saturate | *v.* To soak or fill completely. | The sponge was **saturated** with water. |
| Scorn | *v.* to look down on with disdain | It’s difficult for me not to **scorn** those who use improper grammar. |
| Scrutinize | *v.* To examine closely. | I'm going to have my lawyer **scrutinize** the contract. |
| Secretive | *adj.* Keeping things hidden. | He was **secretive** about his plans for Valentine's Day. |
| Sensitive | *adj.* Easily affected or aware. | She is very **sensitive** to criticism. |
| Simulate | *v.* To imitate or replicate. | The pilot **simulated** an emergency landing. |
| Sincerity | *n.* The quality of being genuine. | His **sincerity** was evident in his speech. |
| Skeptical | *adj.* Doubtful or questioning. | The teacher was **skeptical** of the student's claim that the dog ate her homework. |
| Sophisticated | *adj.* Complex or refined. | The building's design was intricate and **sophisticated**. |
| Span | *n.* The extent or length of something. | The Golden Gate Bridge has a long **span**. |
| Sparingly | *adv.* insufficiently, meagerly, or in a restricted manner | Due to my blood pressure, I must eat salt **sparingly.** |
| Speculate | *v.* To guess or theorize. | He **speculated** about the outcome of the soccer match. |
| Spurious | *adj.* False or deceptive. | The claims were **spurious** and therefore thrown out in court. |
| Stark | *adj.* Very plain; devoid of any details or features | Looking out at the **stark** landscape, I felt a keen sense of isolation. |
| Strenuously | *adv.* With great effort. | She **strenuously** denied the accusations against her. |
| Sturdily | *adv.* Strongly or solidly. | The chair was **sturdily** built and had no chance of breaking. |
| Stymie | *v.* To hinder or block. | The restoration project was **stymied** by a lack of funds. |
| Substantial | *adj.* Large or important. | Jackie made a **substantial** donation to her alma mater. |
| Subtle | *adj.* Hard to detect or analyze | The author gave a **subtle** hint as to who the murderer was. |
| Succumb | *v.* To give in or surrender. | He **succumbed** to the temptation to eat the entire bag of gummy bears. |
| Superficial | *adj.* Shallow or lacking depth. | The candidate struggled to answer questions about policy because his knowledge was **superficial**. |
| Supplement | *v.* To add to something. | She **supplemented** her income by starting a side hustle. |
| Surmise | *v.* To infer or guess. | He **surmised** the answer based on context clues. |
| Surpass | *v.* To exceed or go beyond. | She **surpassed** expectations by winning the national spelling bee. |
| Surrender | *v.* To give up or yield. | The weakened army **surrendered** to the enemy. |
| Susceptible | *adj.* Easily influenced or affected. | With his weakened immune system, Marcelo is **susceptible** to illness. |
| Synchronization | *n.* The process of coordinating events. | The **synchronization** of lights helped traffic flow. |
| Tentative | *adj.* Uncertain or not fully decided. | Our plans are **tentative** and may change. |
| Tenuous | *adj.* Weak or insubstantial. | His argument was **tenuous** at best. |
| Theoretical | *adj.* Based on theory rather than practice. | The idea remains **theoretical** until tested. |
| Theory | *n.* A system of ideas intended to explain something. | Einstein's **theory** of relativity changed physics. |
| Thoughtfulness | *n.* Consideration for others. | Her **thoughtfulness** made her a great friend. |
| Tranquil | *adj.* Peaceful and calm. | The lake was **tranquil** at sunset. |
| Transform | *v.* To change in form or appearance. | The caterpillar **transformed** into a butterfly. |
| Ubiquitous | *adj.* Present everywhere. | Smartphones have become **ubiquitous** in society. |
| Uncontroversial | *adj.* Not likely to cause disagreement. | The decision was **uncontroversial** and widely accepted. |
| Undeniable | *adj.* Cannot be disputed. | Simone Biles' talent as a gymnast is **undeniable**. |
| Underscore | *v.* To emphasize. | The report **underscored** the importance of safety. |
| Unimportant | *adj.* Not significant. | The details were **unimportant** to the main issue. |
| Unintended | *adj.* Not planned or meant. | The side effects of the medication were **unintended**. |
| Universal | *adj.* Common to all. | The desire for love is **universal**. |
| Unmistakable | *adj.* Clearly recognizable. | Morgan Freeman's voice is **unmistakable**. |
| Unobtrusive | *adj.* Not attracting attention. | The waitress did her best to be **unobtrusive** while clearing the table. |
| Unoriginal | *adj.* Lacking originality. | His speech was **unoriginal** and predictable. |
| Unpredictable | *adj.* Difficult to foresee. | The weather in winter can often be **unpredictable**. |
| Validate | *v.* To confirm the accuracy of something. | The test results **validated** his hypothesis. |
| Variable | *adj.* Likely to change. | The weather is highly **variable** in spring. |
| Verisimilitude | *n.* The appearance of being true or real. | The novel’s **verisimilitude** made it compelling. |
| Veritable | *adj.* Used to emphasize truth. | Einstein was a **veritable** genius. |
| Vigilance | *n.* The action of keeping careful watch. | Constant **vigilance** is needed for security. |
| Vital | *adj.* Urgently necessary | It is **vital** that you respond by the deadline. |
| Volatile | *adj. *Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably; easily evaporated (in scientific contexts)  | My uncle's mood is very **volatile, **so we never know how he's going to react. |
| Waive | *v.* To give up a right or claim voluntarily. | He **waived** his right to an attorney. |
| Warranted | *adj.* Justified or necessary. | The decision was **warranted** by the evidence. |
| Widespread | *adj.* Found or occurring over a large area. | The disease became **widespread**. |
| Withdraw | *v.* To remove or retreat. | She **withdrew** from the competition. |

 

## How to Study SAT Words Effectively: 3 Essential Tips

Now that you've got a huge list of SAT vocabulary words you can work with, what’s the best way to study them? Here are three key tips to help you get the most out of your SAT vocab studies.

 

### #1: Make Flashcards and Use the Waterfall Method

One of the absolute best ways to study SAT vocab words is to **make flashcards. **This lets you control which SAT words you study and even randomizes them so that you don't accidentally memorize words in a predetermined order.

We recommend using the **waterfall method** to study your flashcards.With this method, you'll get to see all the words in your deck, going over the most challenging words more often than the ones you already know or sort of know.

Here's how to use the waterfall method:

![body\_vocab1.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2231220415.jpg?width=726&height=226&name=file-2231220415.jpg)

Once you’ve made your flashcards, split them up into decks (you can put whatever words you want in these decks) of about **30-50 cards each.** Choose one deck to be your **Starting Stack. **

Go through your Starting Stack, looking at each and every card. For the words you know, put them in a **Know It** pile. For the words you *don’t* know, put them in a separate **Struggled** pile as so:

![body\_vocab2.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2231220455.jpg?width=707&height=222&name=file-2231220455.jpg)

Now, pick up your Struggled pile and go through each card in it (leave your Know It pile where it is). Put the cards you know in a second Know It pile and the ones you don’t know in a Struggled pile.

You should now have two Know It piles and one Struggled pile:

![body\_vocab3.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2231220420.jpg?width=700&height=217&name=file-2231220420.jpg)

Repeat this process of picking up your Struggled pile and going through each card until you’re left with about **one to five cards in your Struggled pile:**

![body\_vocab4.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2231220425.jpg?width=706&height=218&name=file-2231220425.jpg)

By now you should know most, if not all, cards in your deck. But it isn’t enough to just go through them once—**you also have to work back up your “waterfall” of cards.** 

To do this, combine your Struggled pile with your last Know It pile (the pile closest to the Struggled pile). This will be your **Working** pile. Go through all the cards in this pile. If there are any words you forgot, go through the entire pile again and again until you've learned *all* the definitions in it.

![body\_vocab5.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2231220465.jpg?width=717&height=284&name=file-2231220465.jpg)

Continue this pattern by combining your current Working pile with the next Know It pile. Go through all these cards until you know each one.

![body\_vocab6.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2231220460.jpg?width=711&height=297&name=file-2231220460.jpg)

At the end, you should have made your way all the back to your original Starting Stack. **You now know all the SAT words and their meanings in your deck! **Repeat this waterfall method with the other decks you make so that you can learn even more critical SAT vocab words.

### #2: Focus On Words You Don’t Know

If you don’t have time to study the entire list above or only want to learn some SAT words, use our list to **make a new vocab list containing *only* the words you don’t know.** So if you know a word or are fairly sure you’ll be able to recognize it on test day, skip it and instead focus on the words you’ll have the most trouble remembering. Once you have your list, use the waterfall method to study it.

If you’re not a fan of paper flashcards, you can opt for **digital flashcards.** [Anki](https://apps.ankiweb.net/) is a free software you can download and use to make your own flashcards. The program uses spaced-repetition software (SRS) to show you difficult cards more often than those you know (basically, a digital version of the waterfall method).

 

### #3: Take Official SAT Practice Tests

Since the majority of the words in our list above come from [official SAT practice tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links), once you’ve studied these SAT words, you can put your knowledge to the test by taking a practice test. This lets you see whether you truly know the meanings of the words and **whether you’ll be able to get the right answers in the context of a full-length, timed test—just like the real SAT.**

If you miss any questions because you forgot the meaning of a word, go back over our SAT vocab words list using your flashcards and the waterfall method.

 

## The Best SAT Vocab Flashcards

If you plan to make your own SAT vocab flashcards from our list, you'll need at least 300 blank index cards and a system to keep them organized. These [basic cards](https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Heavy-Weight-3x5-Inch-300-Count/dp/B077K8JVW4/?tag=ps-ge5-20) are an affordable option that are [also available in fun colors](https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Ruled-Assorted-3x5-Inch-300-Count/dp/B06XSXXKFZ/?tag=ps-ge5-20). You can keep them organized with plastic baggies or rubber bands, or you can get an [organizer](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3E9FNO/?tag=ps-ge5-20). Alternatively, try these[easy-flip flashcards](https://www.amazon.com/Koogel-Multicolor-Scratch-Bookmark-Greeting/dp/B074VYYWNW/?tag=ps-ge5-20) that include binder clips.

Though we strongly recommend making your own flashcards, you can also buy pre-made ones. There aren't a lot of options for the new SAT. We'd recommend going with Barron's [1100 Words You Need to Know](https://www.amazon.com/1100-Words-Need-Flashcards-Second-dp-150629054X/dp/150629054X/?tag=ps-ge5-20), a series of exercises to master key words and idioms, or Manhattan's [GRE flashcards](https://www.amazon.com/500-Advanced-Words-Vocabulary-Manhattan-dp-1506249736/dp/1506249736/?tag=ps-ge5-20) if you're looking for a challenge.

 

## Should You Use AI Tools to Study SAT Vocabulary?

AI tools have become a popular study aid for students studying for the SAT. For some tasks, like getting a quick definition, generating example sentences, or quizzing yourself on a word you just encountered, they can be legitimately helpful. 

However, AI tools have real limitations when it comes to learning vocab. Passively reading a definition, whether from a dictionary, a Google search, or a chatbot, is one of the least effective ways to actually commit a word to memory. Research consistently shows that active recall, spaced repetition, and retrieval practice outperform passive review by a wide margin. An AI can tell you what *tenuous* means, but it won't make sure you still remember it three weeks later when you're sitting in the testing center.

For that reason, AI works best as a supplement, not a study plan. Use it to quickly clarify a definition or generate a few extra example sentences for a word you're struggling to contextualize, then transfer that word to your flashcard deck and drill it using the waterfall method. The students who see the biggest SAT score gains are the ones who combine the right resources with a structured, consistent study system. AI can be one of those resources, but it shouldn't be the foundation.

 

## Conclusion: The Importance of Studying SAT Vocabulary

Overall, vocabulary words don't play a huge part on the SAT. That said, you’ll definitely have some questions on both the Reading and Writing section that test your knowledge of SAT words, so **it’s important to study those most likely to appear on test day.**

The best way to study SAT vocabulary is to make flashcards and use the waterfall method. This ensures you know all the words in your deck and aren’t glossing over any difficult ones.

If you don’t want to make flashcards or don’t have time to study the whole list, however, it’s a good idea to pick out the words you don’t know and study just those. With these, you can either make a smaller deck of paper flashcards or opt for digital flashcards.

No matter how you choose to study SAT vocab words, be sure to **test out what you’ve learned in the context of full-length practice tests.** Nearly all the words in our list above come from official SAT practice tests, so you’re guaranteed to come across them in some form!

 

## FAQ

### **What are the most important SAT vocabulary words to know?**

The most important SAT vocabulary words are high-utility academic words that appear frequently in reading passages and answer choices, so words like *ambiguous*, *corroborate*, *contentious*, *pragmatic*, *eloquent*, *tenuous*, *ubiquitous*, and *exacerbate*. We've compiled a list of 384 of the most common SAT vocab words by analyzing every official SAT practice test released by College Board, including both passage text and answer choices.

 

### **How many vocabulary questions are on the digital SAT?**

Vocabulary is tested under the Craft and Structure domain of the SAT's Reading and Writing section. That domain contains approximately 13–15 questions total, making up about 28% of the Reading and Writing section. Not all of those questions are pure vocabulary questions (some also involve rhetorical analysis and text connections) but knowing SAT words helps across all of them.

 

### **Does the digital SAT still test vocabulary?**

Yes, but differently than older versions of the SAT. The digital SAT does not include isolated vocabulary questions like the old Sentence Completion format. Instead, vocabulary is always tested in context: students read a passage and must choose the word or phrase that best fits the meaning. This means context clues matter, but students still need to know the definitions of a wide range of academic words to answer correctly.

 

### **How many vocabulary words should I study for the SAT?**

There is no magic number, but focusing on 200–300 high-frequency academic words gives strong coverage of what appears across SAT reading passages and answer choices. PrepScholar's list of 384 SAT vocab words was built specifically from official College Board practice tests, so it prioritizes the words students are most likely to encounter on test day rather than obscure terms unlikely to appear.

 

### **What is a good SAT score?**

A good SAT score depends on the colleges a student is targeting. The national average SAT score is around 1010–1020 out of 1600. Scoring above 1200 is generally considered competitive, while scores of 1400 and above put students in contention for selective colleges. For the most elite schools — think Ivy League and equivalent — median admitted student scores typically fall between 1500 and 1580. The best benchmark is to look up the middle 50% score range for each school on your list.

 

### **How long is the SAT, and what sections does it have?**

The digital SAT takes approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes. It consists of two sections: Reading and Writing (64 minutes, 54 questions) and Math (70 minutes, 44 questions). Each section is split into two modules, and the second module adapts in difficulty based on how well a student performs on the first, meaning the test gets harder or easier depending on early performance.

 

### **When should a student start preparing for the SAT?**

Most students benefit from starting SAT prep at least 3–6 months before their target test date. Students aiming for a score increase of 150 points or more should plan for longer, more structured preparation. Beginning in sophomore or early junior year gives students time to take the test more than once and apply their strongest score to college applications.

 

### **What does PrepScholar offer for SAT prep?**

PrepScholar offers a self-paced, adaptive online SAT prep program that personalizes study plans based on each student's strengths and weaknesses. The program includes thousands of practice problems organized by skill, expert-led instruction, and a score improvement guarantee: if a student doesn't improve their SAT score by 160 points or more, PrepScholar offers a full refund. One-on-one tutoring and group classes are also available for students who want additional support beyond the self-paced program.

 

## What’s Next?

**Want more tips on how to study SAT vocabulary words?** Check out [our expert tips for memorizing SAT words fast](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-study-vocabulary-for-the-new-2016-sat) and learn [why the waterfall method works so well](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-way-to-study-sat-vocab-words).

**Aiming for a high SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score?** Take a peek at our in-depth guides to [getting a perfect Reading score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-10-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer) and [learning how to read SAT passages](https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best-way-to-read-the-passage-in-sat-reading).

Taking the ACT instead? Then you'll need to know vocab for that test, too. **Learn [what words to expect on the ACT and how to study them](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vocabulary-words-you-must-know).**

 

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*These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.*

 

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 Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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