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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 281–315 of 800
#WordDetailsMeaningSample sentence
281compellingadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

atraenteThe documentary offers compelling evidence from newly opened archives.
282compendiumnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

compêndioThe handbook is a compendium of regional plant species.
283complacencynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

desvanecimentoYears without an accident created dangerous complacency.
284compliantadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. cooperante 2. conformeOnly compliant equipment may enter the clean laboratory.
285conciseadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. conciso 2. sucintoA concise conclusion restates the finding without repeating every detail.
286conflagrationnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

conflagraçãoA wind-driven conflagration destroyed several blocks.
287conflateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

misturarThe article tends to conflate legal authority with moral approval.
288congenialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. simpático 2. amigávelThe quiet archive was a congenial workplace for the historian.
289conjecturenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. hipótese 2. conjectura 3. conjeturaThe claim remains conjecture until the documents are authenticated.
290consequentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

consequenteThe seemingly minor vote became a consequential turning point.
291consternationnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ation commonly forms a noun naming an action, process, or result.

consternaçãoThe power failure caused consternation in the operating room.
292consummateadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

consumadoA consummate diplomat, she found agreement where others saw only conflict.
293contemptuousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

desdenhosoHis contemptuous response discouraged further questions.
294contriteadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

contritoThe contrite official apologized and returned the misused funds.
295copiousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. abundante 2. copiosoThe researcher took copious notes during each interview.
296cosmopolitanadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. cosmopolita 2. cosmopolitanoThe port developed a cosmopolitan population through centuries of trade.
297covetverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. desejar 2. cobiçarRival states began to covet the island's strategic harbor.
298credulousadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

créduloCredulous readers shared the fabricated story without checking it.
299cronyismnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. amiguismo 2. fisiologismoNew hiring rules were intended to prevent cronyism.
300cupiditynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

avidezThe satire portrays cupidity as the mayor's only principle.
301debaseverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

rebaixarThe critic argued that propaganda would debase public debate.
302debilitateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

debilitarThe illness can debilitate patients for several months.
303decadentadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

decadenteThe reformers condemned the court's decadent luxury.
304decorumnoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

decoroThe chair asked everyone to maintain decorum during the hearing.
305decryverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. denunciar 2. criticar 3. menosprezarHealth advocates decry advertising that targets young children.
306deferentialadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

deferenteThe aide remained deferential without abandoning her own judgment.
307definitiveadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

definitivoThe biography is not definitive because key records remain sealed.
308deftadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. hábil 2. habilidosoWith a deft transition, the essay moves from history to analysis.
309demagoguenoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

demagogoThe novel warns how a demagogue can turn anxiety into hatred.
310demarcateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. demarcar 2. delimitarStone posts demarcate the protected area.
311demureadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. recatado 2. modesto 3. reservadoHer demure public image contrasted with her daring private letters.
312depravitynoun
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

Word study: Suffix focus: -ity commonly forms a noun naming a quality, state, or condition.

depravaçãoThe testimony revealed the depravity of the prison system.
313deprecateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

depreciarThe guide does not deprecate tradition; it asks readers to examine it.
314derelictadjective
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

1. derelito 2. derrelito 3. abandonadoThe city converted a derelict warehouse into affordable studios.
315desiccateverb
Study

Field: SAT evidence and rhetorical analysis

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

dessecarHot winds can desiccate exposed soil.

Vocabulary reading and practice

Page 9 vocabulary review

Review five selected words from page 9.

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.