The SAT continues to be a key milestone for students aiming for higher education. In 2024, over 2 million students took the SAT, a jump of nearly 60,000 from the previous year. This marks a steady return to pre-pandemic testing numbers, according to the College Board.
Strong SAT vocabulary skills play a significant role in securing a high score. Vocabulary-based questions form 28% of the Reading and Writing section, with around 13 to 15 questions testing your understanding of words in context. Success depends on recognising meanings, identifying tone, and applying words effectively within passages.
This guide is designed to help you focus on essential SAT vocabulary for 2025. You will find commonly tested words, challenging terms, sample questions, and strategies to improve your preparation.
What Is SAT Vocabulary?
SAT vocabulary refers to the words tested within reading passages. You are expected to understand their meaning, tone, and usage in context.
With 13 to 15 questions forming 28% of the Reading and Writing section, strong vocabulary skills are important. This section tests how well you can interpret and apply words effectively.
A solid grasp of SAT vocabulary helps improve your comprehension and prepares you for academic challenges.
Must Know SAT Vocabulary List
A strong SAT vocabulary is a key asset for the SAT. Knowing the right words can save time and improve accuracy when answering questions. Below is a list of commonly tested words that every student should know.
These words appear often and are likely to come up in the exam. Focus on their meanings and usage to feel confident when you see them. Here is a list of the most common SAT vocabulary words.
Word
Meaning
Abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or severity
Abdicate
To give up a position, right, or power
Aberration
A deviation from what is normal or expected
Abhor
To hate deeply
Absolution
Forgiveness or pardon
Abstain
To choose not to do something
Accolade
An award or honour
Acrid
Having an irritatingly strong smell or taste
Adulation
Excessive flattery or admiration
Adversity
Difficulties or misfortune
Aesthetic
Pertaining to beauty or the arts
Aesthetic
Concerned with beauty or art
Affinity
A natural liking for something
Aggrandize
To increase in power, influence, or reputation
Altruism
Unselfish concern for others
Ambiguous
Open to multiple meanings
Ambivalent
Having mixed feelings
Amicable
Friendly, agreeable
Anachronistic
Out of date or not in the correct historical period
Animosity
Hostility or hatred
Antithesis
A direct opposite
Apprehensive
Uneasy or fearful
Arbitrary
Based on random choice
Archaic
Old-fashioned
Ardent
Passionate
Arid
Extremely dry or lacking in interest
Aspiration
A strong desire or ambition
Assuage
To ease or lessen pain or distress
Asylum
A place of safety or sanctuary
Attenuate
To weaken or reduce
Auspicious
Favourable or promising
Autonomy
Independence or self-governance
Avarice
Extreme greed
Belligerent
Hostile or aggressive
Benevolent
Kind and generous
Bequeath
To hand down, as in a will
Berate
To scold or criticise harshly
Boisterous
Noisy, energetic, and cheerful
Brazen
Bold and without shame
Cajole
To persuade by flattery
Callous
Emotionally hardened
Camaraderie
A spirit of friendly, good fellowship
Candor
Honesty or straightforwardness
Canny
Shrewd, careful
Capitulate
To surrender
Capitulate
To surrender or give up
Caprice
A sudden change in mood
Catharsis
Emotional release
Censure
To criticise harshly
Chastise
To punish or reprimand
Circumvent
To find a way around
Clairvoyant
Able to see the future
Coalesce
To blend or unite
Coherent
Logical and consistent
Collaborate
To work together
Colloquial
Informal or conversational language
Commend
To praise or express approval
Compassion
Sympathy for another’s suffering
Competence
Capability or skill
Complacent
Smug or self-satisfied
Complicity
Involvement in wrongdoing
Comprehensive
Thorough and complete
Compromise
To settle differences
Concur
To agree
Condescending
Patronising or showing superiority
Condone
To forgive or overlook
Conformist
Someone who follows the majority
Confound
To confuse or puzzle
Congenial
Friendly or pleasant
Consolidate
To combine or bring together
Constituent
A part of a whole
Contingent
Dependent on something else
Contravene
To violate or go against
Conundrum
A confusing and difficult problem or question
Convergence
The state of separate elements joining together
Convoluted
Overly complex
Copious
Abundant or plentiful
Corroborate
To confirm or support
Culpable
Deserving blame
Debilitate
To weaken or drain energy
Debunk
To expose as false
Decipher
To decode or make sense of
Deferential
Respectful or polite
Definitive
Final or conclusive
Deft
Skillful or dexterous
Deleterious
Harmful, destructive
Deliberate
Done consciously and intentionally
Demagogue
A leader who seeks support by appealing to prejudice
Some SAT words can be more challenging. They test your ability to understand context and apply complex meanings. Here is a list of the most difficult SAT vocabulary words.
Word
Meaning
Abeyance
A temporary state of suspension
Abrogate
To abolish or repeal
Abstruse
Difficult to understand
Acrimonious
Angry and bitter
Alacrity
Cheerful readiness
Amalgamate
To combine or unite
Anathema
Something or someone intensely disliked
Anomalous
Deviating from the norm
Antediluvian
Extremely old-fashioned
Apocryphal
Of doubtful authenticity
Aspersion
A damaging or derogatory remark
Assiduous
Showing great care and perseverance
Assuage
To soothe or calm
Austere
Severe or strict in manner
Banal
Lacking in originality
Beguiling
Charming or enchanting
Bellicose
Aggressively hostile
Calumny
A false statement to harm reputation
Capricious
Given sudden changes in mood
Castigate
To criticise or punish severely
Castigate
To reprimand harshly
Celerity
Swiftness or speed
Chary
Cautious or wary
Chicanery
Use of trickery
Circuitous
Indirect or roundabout
Circumlocution
The use of many words where fewer would suffice
Circumspect
Cautious and unwilling to take risks
Clandestine
Secretive or covert
Commensurate
Equal in measure or proportionate
Conflagration
A large destructive fire
Contrite
Feeling or showing remorse
Contrite
Feeling remorseful or regretful
Contumacious
Stubbornly disobedient
Convivial
Cheerful and friendly
Corpulent
Fat
Cosmopolitan
Worldly or sophisticated
Crestfallen
Dejected or discouraged
Cupidity
Greed for material wealth
Cursory
Hasty and not thorough
Dearth
A lack of something
Deleterious
Harmful or injurious
Demur
To object or show reluctance
Desultory
Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Diatribe
A bitter verbal attack
Didactic
Intended to teach
Diffident
Modest or shy
Disparate
Essentially different
Disparate
Essentially different
Dissemble
To disguise or conceal
Ebullience
Intense enthusiasm
Ebullient
Full of energy and enthusiasm
Edifice
A large and impressive building
Efficacious
Effective or successful
Effrontery
Shameless boldness
Effulgent
Shining brightly
Egregious
Outstandingly bad
Enigmatic
Mysterious
Equanimity
Mental calmness
Evanescent
Fleeting or temporary
Exculpate
To clear from blame
Execrable
Extremely bad
Exigent
Urgent or pressing
Exonerate
To clear from blame
Extirpate
To destroy completely
Facetious
Treating serious issues with humour
Fastidious
Very attentive to detail
Fatuous
Silly and pointless
Feckless
Lacking initiative or strength
Felicitous
Well-chosen or suited to the circumstances
Fervent
Showing passionate intensity
Foment
To stir up or incite
Fractious
Quarrelsome or unruly
Fulminate
To loudly protest or denounce
Gainsay
To deny or contradict
Garrulous
Excessively talkative
Grandiloquent
Pompous in style or manner
Halcyon
Calm and peaceful
Harangue
A long and critical speech
Hedonism
The pursuit of pleasure
Histrionic
Overly dramatic
Hubris
Excessive pride
Iconoclast
One who attacks cherished beliefs
Idiosyncratic
Peculiar to an individual
Imbroglio
A confusing or embarrassing situation
Immutable
Unchanging
Immutable
Unchanging
Impecunious
Having little or no money
Impecunious
Lacking money
Imperious
Arrogant or domineering
Implacable
Unable to be calmed
Inchoate
Not fully formed
Inculpate
To accuse or blame
Indefatigable
Persisting tirelessly
Indefatigable
Tireless
Inimical
Hostile or harmful
Insidious
Proceeding subtly but harmfully
Insipid
Lackingflavourr or interest
Insouciant
Carefree or unconcerned
Intractable
Hard to manage or control
Intransigent
Unwilling to compromise
Inveterate
Deeply ingrained
Lachrymose
Tearful
Laconic
Using few words
Languid
Lacking energy or vitality
Loquacious
Talkative
Lugubrious
Looking sad or dismal
Lugubrious
Excessively mournful
Magnanimous
Generous or forgiving
Martinet
A strict disciplinarian
Mendacious
Lying or untruthful
Mendacity
Untruthfulness
Munificent
More generous than necessary
Obdurate
Stubbornly refusing to change
Obfuscate
To make unclear
Obsequious
Excessively submissive
Ostracize
To exclude from a group
Parsimonious
Unwilling to spend money
Penurious
Poor
Perfidious
Deceitful
Perfunctory
Done with minimal effort or reflection
Propitious
Favourable
Pugnacious
Eager to argue or fight
Quixotic
Extremely
Examples of SAT Vocabulary Questions
Understanding how SAT vocabulary is tested is crucial. Questions focus on your ability to interpret words in context, not just their definitions. Below are sample questions to help you get a sense of what to expect.
Sample 1: Words in Context In the passage, the word ephemeral most likely means: A. Permanent B. Lasting for a very short time C. Unchanging D. Predictable
Correct Answer: B
Sample 2: Tone and Usage Which word best fits the tone of the sentence? The artist’s work was described as ________, reflecting simplicity and a lack of unnecessary detail. A. Austere B. Ostentatious C. Ambiguous D. Abstract
Correct Answer: A
Sample 3: Multiple Meanings The word directly in the sentence, “The manager directly addressed the issue,” most closely means: A. Without hesitation B. Without intermediary C. In a straight line D. Immediately
Correct Answer: B
Sample 4: Contextual Meaning In the sentence, “The scientist’s findings were groundbreaking, though they contradicted established theories,” the word contradicted most likely means: A. Supported B. Opposed C. Simplified D. Highlighted
Correct Answer: B
Sample 5: Sentence Completion The speaker’s ________ tone made it clear that he did not approve of the proposal. A. Empathetic B. Candid C. Derisive D. Optimistic
Correct Answer: C
These examples reflect the type of critical thinking needed to excel in the SAT vocabulary section. They also reinforce the importance of understanding words in context rather than relying on rote memorisation.
Tips for Mastering SAT Vocabulary on Test Day
Preparing for SAT vocabulary is about more than memorising words. It involves understanding how to use them in context. Here are some practical tips to help you excel.
Use Mnemonics Create simple associations to remember words. For example, link ambiguity to “big questions” to recall its meaning of uncertainty.
Focus on Roots and Prefixes Understanding word roots can help you guess meanings. For instance, bene means good, which can remind you of words like benefit or benevolent.
Practise in Context Instead of memorising lists, read sample passages and identify how words are used. This will help you become familiar with context and tone.
Review Frequently Revisit your vocabulary list daily. Regular repetition strengthens memory and ensures you retain meanings.
Learn Multiple Meanings Some SAT words have more than one meaning. For example, directly can mean both “without hesitation” and “without intermediary.” Understanding these nuances is essential.
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Mastering SAT vocabulary requires consistent practice and a clear strategy. By focusing on understanding words in context and using the right resources, you set yourself up for success.
With LeapScholar’s expert guidance, you can approach the exam confidently and aim for the score you deserve without worrying about SAT vocabulary. Register now with Leap, and don’t miss out on this opportunity to start your prep with an expert!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What vocabulary should I know for the SAT?
Ans. You should focus on words commonly tested in the Reading and Writing section. These include terms with multiple meanings, words used in formal writing, and those requiring contextual understanding. Familiarising yourself with prefixes, suffixes, and roots can also help identify meanings more effectively.
Q. How do I improve my SAT vocabulary?
Ans. Consistent practice is key. Read a variety of materials, including academic articles and opinion pieces, to encounter new words. Use flashcards to review terms and their meanings regularly. Practice sample SAT questions to understand how vocabulary is tested in context.
Q. How can I improve my SAT context words?
Ans. Focus on understanding how words function in sentences. Practice recognising tone, intent, and relationships between ideas in passages. Reading comprehension exercises can improve your ability to infer meaning. Annotating while reading helps you connect unfamiliar words with their context, strengthening your grasp of how they are used effectively.
Q. What topics do you need to know for the SAT?
Ans. The SAT covers evidence-based reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning. SAT vocabulary is tested through reading passages, requiring you to identify meanings, tones, and usage. Key math topics include algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. For writing, focus on grammar, syntax, and logical structure.
Q. How hard is SAT vocabulary?
Ans. SAT vocabulary isn’t about obscure words but those often used in academic and professional contexts. The challenge lies in understanding words within their context and identifying subtle differences in tone or intent. Regular exposure to SAT-style questions and targeted practice can make mastering vocabulary more manageable.
Q. Does the new SAT test vocabulary?
Ans. Yes, the new SAT test vocabulary is in the Reading and Writing section. These questions don’t test definitions directly but assess your understanding of words in context. You’ll need to interpret tone, intent, and relationships within sentences or passages to answer accurately.
Q. How much time should I spend studying SAT vocabulary?
Ans. Aim to spend 20–30 minutes daily on vocabulary review. Consistency is more important than cramming. Focus on mastering high-frequency SAT words and understanding their usage in context. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks to reinforce learning and avoid burnout.
Q. What is SAT vocabulary?
Ans. SAT vocabulary refers to the words tested in the Reading and Writing section of the SAT. These words often appear in academic or formal contexts. You’re tested on your ability to understand meanings, tone, and usage based on the context provided in reading passages or questions.
Q. How many vocabulary words should one memorise for the SAT?
Ans. Aim to learn at least 300–500 high-frequency SAT words. Focus on words that appear in practice tests and trusted word lists. Understanding these words’ meanings and their contextual usage ensures you’re prepared for vocabulary questions in the exam.
Q. Is there a specific SAT vocabulary list that I can go through?
Ans. Yes, several resources provide curated SAT vocabulary lists. Look for high-frequency words from trusted sources, such as College Board materials or SAT prep books. LeapScholar’s SAT prep program offers exclusive study resources, including a targeted vocabulary list, to help you prepare effectively.
Q. Can exposure to such or similar reading materials increase SAT vocabulary?
Ans. Reading materials like editorials, academic journals, and classic literature expands your exposure to SAT-level words. These sources help you understand words in context, improving comprehension and retention. Regularly reading challenging content trains your brain to recognise and apply new vocabulary effectively.
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Arya Andrade
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I was part of 2 weeks coaching for IELTS.
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Thank you Leapscholar.
Sam
Band Score: 8
2024-06-25
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Rohit Ranit
Band Score: 8
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Great experience,
I was lacking in confidence, Lovepreet ma'am really helped me overcome it and boosted my confidence.
Thankyou ma'am & leapscholar team
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Band Score: 8
2024-06-22
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Band Score: 8
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The teaching was wonderful 😊.
Rubab Salman
Band Score: 8
2024-06-21
Alhumdullilah I have got above my desire bands!
All thanks to Miss Lovleen! She is been too kind and supportive! Always looking best to serve her students! She is amazing 🤩 her teaching style is so friendly that anyone can ask questions without hasitation! Practicing during sessions is the best part of her class! Always giving homework and make sure we are doing best out of it 💕
Thank you Mam Lovleen ❤️ it wouldn’t be possible without your support , I am honored to be coached by best of the best 💕
And ofcourse leap scholars! The whole team is very supportive! Specially Khushi Salot, she helped me in terms of test booking also making sure my IELTS journey is going smooth !
Thank you LEAP SCHOLAR -Best platform for IELTS coaching 🌸
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