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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.

betygaThe 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.

1. förmana 2. uppmana 3. förordaThe 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.

brådExigent 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.

1. frikänna 2. rentvåDNA 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.

ändamålsenligThe 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.

förklaraThe 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.

1. existerande 2. kvarvarande 3. nulevandeOnly 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.

oförbereddHer 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.

skämtsamHis 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.

absurdThe 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.

hetA 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.

1. fiskal 2. fiskaliskThe 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.

flagrantThe 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.

ignoreraFactories 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.

1. befordra 2. instigera 3. näraFalse 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.

förekommaEarly 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.

1. fruktansvärd 2. formidabelThe 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.

argsintThe 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.

doldA 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.

1. motsäga 2. bestrida 3. förnekaNo 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.

galvaniseraThe 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.

1. fumlig 2. taktlösHis 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.

svulstigThe 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.

1. grandios 2. storslagen 3. storartadThe 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.

tillfredsställaThe 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.

listThe 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.

helgadThe 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.

harangThe 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.

1. förebud 2. förlöpareThe 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.

hedonismThe 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.

1. hegemoni 2. herraväldeThe 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.

1. kätteri 2. heresiAt 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.

hermetiskThe 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.

heterogenThe 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.

hierarkiThe 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

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.