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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 386–420 of 800
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
386homogeneousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

homogèneThe supposedly homogeneous sample actually contained several distinct groups.
387hubrisnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. hybris 2. hubrisThe tragedy portrays hubris as the ruler's fatal weakness.
388hypotheticaladjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

hypothétiqueThe ethicist presented a hypothetical case to test the principle.
389iconoclasticadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

iconoclasteHer iconoclastic history questioned the reputation of a national hero.
390idealizeverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

idéaliserThe memoir does not idealize village life.
391ideologynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

idéologieThe movement's ideology emphasized equality and public ownership.
392idyllicadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

idylliqueThe painting presents an idyllic vision of rural childhood.
393ignominiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

ignominieuxThe army's retreat was an ignominious end to the campaign.
394immutableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. immuable 2. immutableThe constitution is important but not immutable.
395impassiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

impassibleThe defendant remained impassive as the verdict was read.
396impeccableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

impeccableThe article's research was impeccable, though its conclusion remained debatable.
397impecuniousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

impécunieuxThe impecunious student relied on free public lectures.
398imperialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

impérialThe museum reconsidered how it displayed objects acquired during imperial expansion.
399imperiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

impérieuxThe director's imperious tone silenced useful criticism.
400imperturbableadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

imperturbableThe imperturbable negotiator continued despite the insults.
401imperviousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. intouchable 2. insensibleThe coating is impervious to water.
402impetuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. impétueux 2. brusque 3. brutalAn impetuous decision left the expedition without enough food.
403impingeverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

agir surThe new rule may impinge on freedom of expression.
404implacableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. implacable 2. irréductibleThe prosecutor remained an implacable opponent of corruption.
405implementverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. implémenter 2. appliquer 3. exécuterThe city will implement the recycling program next month.
406implicateverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

impliquerThe emails implicate several senior officials in the scheme.
407impoverishverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

appauvrirUnsustainable farming can impoverish both families and soil.
408improprietynoun
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

outrageThe investigation found no evidence of financial impropriety.
409impugnverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

contesterThe lawyer tried to impugn the witness's motives.
410inaneadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. inepte 2. insensé 3. niaisThe interview was reduced to inane questions about clothing.
411inaugurateverb
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

inaugurerThe exhibition will inaugurate the museum's new wing.
412incandescentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

incandescentHer incandescent anger transformed the final speech.
413incendiaryadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

incendiaireThe leader's incendiary rhetoric increased tensions.
414incipientadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. incipient 2. commençant 3. naissantEarly treatment stopped the incipient infection.
415incisiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

incisifHer incisive questions exposed the proposal's weakest assumption.
416inconsequentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

sans conséquenceA minor spelling error was inconsequential to the argument.
417incorrigibleadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

Word study: Suffix focus: -ible means capable of, suitable for, or able to be affected.

incorrigibleThe novel's incorrigible trickster ignores every warning.
418incrementaladjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

incrémentielThe reform produced incremental improvements rather than dramatic results.
419incumbentadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

1. en titre 2. titulaireIt is incumbent on researchers to protect participants' privacy.
420indefatigableadjective
Study

Field: SAT transitions and expression of ideas

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

infatigableThe indefatigable organizer visited every neighborhood.

Vocabulary reading and practice

Page 12 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 12.

Vocabulary quiz

Choose the dictionary equivalent for each of 5 selected words.

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.