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SAT Vocabulary Words

English Vocabulary · SAT Preparation Live Review Preview

SAT Vocabulary Words

The current digital SAT Reading and Writing section uses short passages from literature, history and social studies, the humanities, and science. Its Craft and Structure questions ask students to determine the meaning of high-utility words in context and to choose the most logical and precise word or phrase. Vocabulary also supports evidence, inference, rhetorical synthesis, transitions, and clear Standard English expression across the section.

This independently authored 800-word beta curriculum is arranged in twenty-three pages of up to thirty-five words. Pages containing words 1–500 include five cloze questions drawn only from that enhanced range; words 501–800 remain fully visible and editable while the expanded practice layer is developed. Each row includes a passage-field label and an editable word-study note about a transparent affix, compound structure, capitalization, or dictionary base form. The list is an unofficial KSSR learning resource and is not endorsed by or affiliated with College Board. SAT is a registered trademark of College Board.

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800 words
Words 351–385 of 800
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
351evinceverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: evince is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to clearly show a quality or feelingThe letters evince deep concern for displaced families.
352exhortverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: exhort is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to strongly urge someone to actThe editorial will exhort legislators to protect the river.
353exigentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: exigent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

requiring urgent attention or actionExigent circumstances forced the hospital to open an emergency ward.
354exonerateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: exonerate is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to officially clear someone from blameDNA evidence may exonerate the convicted man.
355expedientadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: expedient is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

convenient for an immediate goal but possibly improperThe shortcut was expedient, yet it undermined public trust.
356expoundverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: expound is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to explain an idea in detailThe professor paused to expound the theory's central principle.
357extantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: extant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

still existing, especially when most examples have disappearedOnly three extant copies of the map are known.
358extemporaneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

spoken or performed without advance preparationHer extemporaneous remarks were more persuasive than the prepared speech.
359facetiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

joking in a situation where seriousness is expectedHis facetious answer frustrated residents seeking real information.
360fatuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

foolish and lacking serious thoughtThe commentator's fatuous comparison ignored every relevant difference.
361ferventadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: fervent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

showing intense and sincere feelingA fervent appeal persuaded donors to support the shelter.
362fiscaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: fiscal is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

related to government revenue, spending, or financial policyThe proposal combines environmental goals with fiscal restraint.
363flagrantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: flagrant is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

shockingly obvious and offensiveThe referee penalized the flagrant violation immediately.
364floutverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: flout is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to openly disregard a rule or conventionFactories that flout pollution limits face substantial fines.
365fomentverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: foment is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to encourage the growth of conflict or rebellionFalse rumors helped foment unrest in the capital.
366forestallverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: forestall is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to prevent or delay something through advance actionEarly repairs may forestall a complete structural failure.
367formidableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -able means capable of, suitable for, or worthy of an action.

inspiring respect or fear because of power or difficultyThe mountain presented a formidable challenge to the rescue team.
368fractiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

irritable, unruly, and difficult to manageThe fractious coalition struggled to agree on a budget.
369furtiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ive commonly forms an adjective meaning having a quality or tendency.

secretive because of guilt or fear of discoveryA furtive exchange in the hallway drew the guard's attention.
370gainsayverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: gainsay is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

to deny or contradict a fact or statementNo reliable witness could gainsay the engineer's account.
371galvanizeverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ize commonly forms a verb meaning to make, become, or apply.

to spur someone into taking actionThe shocking images helped galvanize public support for reform.
372gaucheadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: gauche is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

socially awkward or lacking tactHis gauche joke offended guests at the memorial.
373grandiloquentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: grandiloquent is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

using language that sounds impressive but is overly elaborateThe proposal's grandiloquent promises concealed a modest plan.
374grandioseadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: grandiose is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

impressive in appearance but unrealistic or self-importantThe committee rejected a grandiose project that the town could not afford.
375gratifyverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ify commonly forms a verb meaning to make or become.

to please or satisfy someoneThe strong response will gratify organizers who feared public indifference.
376guilenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: guile is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

clever dishonesty used to achieve a goalThe fraudster relied on guile rather than force.
377hallowedadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hallowed is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

greatly respected and honored by traditionThe ceremony took place in a hallowed hall of learning.
378haranguenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: harangue is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

a long, forceful, and critical speechThe coach's angry harangue embarrassed the entire team.
379harbingernoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: harbinger is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

a sign that something is about to happenThe first migrating birds are a harbinger of spring.
380hedonismnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ism often names a belief, system, movement, or practice.

the belief that pleasure is life's highest goodThe novel contrasts hedonism with a life of public service.
381hegemonynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hegemony is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

dominant political or cultural influence over othersThe empire maintained regional hegemony through trade and military power.
382heresynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: heresy is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

a belief that strongly opposes an established doctrineAt the time, questioning the model was treated as scientific heresy.
383hermeticadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Base-form focus: hermetic is the dictionary headword; compare its inflected or derived forms in context.

completely sealed or isolated from outside influenceThe critic objected to the novel's hermetic world of private symbols.
384heterogeneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ous commonly forms an adjective meaning full of or characterized by.

composed of varied and unlike elementsThe city has a heterogeneous population with many languages and traditions.
385hierarchynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Root and suffix focus: -archy relates to rule, rank, or a governing system.

a system that ranks people or things by statusThe organization replaced a rigid hierarchy with shared leadership.

Vocabulary reading and practice

Page 11 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 11.

Vocabulary quiz

Complete 5 review questions for this page.

1. The first migrating birds are a ___ of spring.

Answer: harbinger

2. DNA evidence may ___ the convicted man.

Answer: exonerate

3. The mountain presented a ___ challenge to the rescue team.

Answer: formidable

4. The novel contrasts ___ with a life of public service.

Answer: hedonism

5. The shortcut was ___, yet it undermined public trust.

Answer: expedient

About the digital SAT

The digital SAT Reading and Writing section measures comprehension, analysis, synthesis, rhetoric, and command of language. Its Words in Context questions ask students to determine a word’s meaning or choose the most logical and precise word for a particular passage. That means SAT vocabulary study should focus on useful academic words, multiple meanings, tone, and exact usage—not on memorizing rare words in isolation.

Use this list as one part of SAT preparation. Read each example closely, compare near-synonyms, and notice how surrounding sentences control meaning. The lesson readings and questions are designed to practise the same habits of contextual reasoning, while official College Board questions remain the best guide to the test’s exact format.

College Board test overview

Sources and curriculum references

These references guide selection and calibration. Definitions, sample sentences, readings, questions, and teaching notes are independently written and reviewed.