SAT Vocabulary Words List

to behave in a way that belittles or degrades someone; to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem

to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity

to renounce or relinquish a throne, power, responsibility, right, claim, or duty

a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome

to encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, especially a crime or other offense.

to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; to loathe intensely; to detest.

accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation); tolerate or endure (something unpleasant or difficult); continue in a particular condition, attitude, or relationship.

extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading

to renounce or retract, especially formally, solemnly, or under oath

to terminate or end something prematurely, especially a plan, mission, or process

to shorten or condense a written or spoken text

to abolish or annul by authority; to put an end to a law, agreement, or practice.

to leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest; to flee or escape.

restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something

difficult to understand; obscure; incomprehensible.

to agree to a demand, request, or treaty; to give in or consent

to emphasize or make more noticeable

able to be reached, entered, or obtained; easy to understand or appreciate; friendly and approachable.

praise enthusiastically and publicly

an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit

to give or grant someone power, status, or recognition

the process of growth or increase, typically by the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter

sour or bitter in taste, or sharp and forthright in speech or manner

to accept, comply, or submit without objection or resistance; to agree or consent quietly without protest.

bitterness or sharpness in words, manner, or temper

the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, keen insight

refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind

very skilled or proficient at something

to stick to or follow closely (rules, beliefs, etc.)

to warn or reprimand someone firmly; to advise or urge someone earnestly

clever, skillful, or resourceful in handling situations; adept, dexterous, or proficient; having the ability to deal with situations in a quick, skillful, and effective way.

excessive admiration or praise, especially when it is insincere or for personal gain

to outline or sketch something in a vague way; to foreshadow or prefigure

preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable.

a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy

concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty; giving attention to design, art, and beauty

friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to

a natural liking, attraction, or connection between people or things; a close relationship or similarity; a feeling of kinship or sympathy.

having a great deal of money; wealthy

an action or remark that causes outrage or offense; an intentional insult.

to increase the power, status, or wealth of; to enhance the reputation of; to exaggerate or make greater than it is

1. (Noun) a whole formed by combining several separate elements. 2. (Verb) form or group into a class or cluster. 3. (Adjective) formed by the collection of units or particles into a body, mass, or amount

eager and cheerful readiness

to assert without proof or confirmation; to make a claim, especially in a legal context

to make a situation or a symptom less severe; to relieve or ease

emotionally distant, reserved, or indifferent; keeping a distance, especially socially or emotionally

combine or unite to form one organization or structure; mix or blend (elements) together.

open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning

having mixed feelings or contradictory attitudes towards something; uncertain or conflicted

to make something better, especially by removing or reducing something bad or unpleasant

open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled

having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner

characterized by friendliness and absence of discord; showing goodwill; peaceable.

showing, feeling, or relating to sexual desire

lacking a definite form or clear shape; formless

belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; out of date; not in chronological order

relating to or acting as a pain reliever

comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared; similar or equivalent

someone or something that is intensely disliked or loathed, or is a formal curse or ban

to declare invalid, null and void, to cancel or revoke a law, contract, or marriage

something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected

to cause someone to become hostile or unfriendly; to provoke someone to take action, typically by annoying or irritating them.

a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another

of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood; extremely old-fashioned or out of date

a collection of literary works or passages, often written by different authors, and usually on the same subject or theme

a strong feeling of dislike or opposition

outdated or old-fashioned in a charming or endearing way

the direct opposite of something

showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern

of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true

to make someone calm or less angry by giving or saying something that they want

approval or praise, especially formal approval

to take or make use of something for a particular purpose, especially without permission.

a person or entity with the power to judge or settle disputes; a judge or an umpire

based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system

understood by few; mysterious or secret

belonging to an earlier period, outdated, no longer in common use

intense and passionate feeling

having little or no rain; very dry or parched

to claim or seize without justification; to attribute or ascribe to oneself without right

an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest

find (something) out for certain; make sure of

characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

attribute or assign (something) to a particular person or thing

an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.

make a concerted or violent attack on.

showing great care, attention, and effort in one's work or duties

make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense

having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage; clever, shrewd.

showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks; showing an impudent lack of respect; daring and fearless

to make something greater by adding to it; increase

indicating a positive or successful future; likely to bring good fortune; favorable.

severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance; without luxury

excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain

a strong dislike or disinclination; a feeling of intense repugnance or disgust.

to hesitate or refuse to proceed with an action or idea

so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring

a cause of great distress or annoyance

a container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power

to charm or enchant someone, often in a deceptive way; to trick or deceive someone.

a huge or monstrous creature, something of monstrous size or power

well meaning and kindly

gentle and kind; not harmful; mild

to scold or criticize someone angrily

deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.

to ask someone earnestly or urgently to do something

to cheat or defraud, especially by trickery or deception

to coax or influence by gentle flattery; to cajole or persuade using compliments

a plant disease, especially one caused by fungi such as mildews, rusts, and smuts, or by bacteria

noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy; unrestrained in a lively, spirited, and exuberant way.

high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated

a helpful or beneficial thing

bold and without shame; made of brass or resembling brass in color or hardness

abrupt or offhand in speech or manner

begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish

polish (something, especially metal) by rubbing

a projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall.

a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds

persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery.

showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others; unfeeling.

the making of false and defamatory statements about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation; slander

mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together

the quality of being open, honest, and sincere in expression; freedom from prejudice or malice; fairness; impartiality

having shrewdness and good judgment, especially in practical matters; clever, astute, and resourceful in a way that shows wisdom and foresight.

having a lot of space inside; roomy

to surrender, give in or yield; to cease resisting or fighting

given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action

express severe disapproval of, typically in a formal statement

relating to the brain or intellect

to criticize or reprimand severely; to punish or scold

to hold dear, feel or show affection for, and protect with care; to value and treasure

to scold or rebuke someone mildly

arranged in the order in which events happened

having a circular or winding course; not being forthright or direct in language or action

the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive

restricted or limited in scope, extent, or activity

careful to consider all possible consequences before taking action

to find a way of avoiding restrictions or rules, usually in a clever or dishonest way

having the ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact

a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting vehemently

kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.

to split or sever something, especially with a sharp instrument. It can also mean to adhere strongly to something, such as a principle or belief.

mercy; leniency; the disposition to show compassion and forgiveness towards a person who may be subject to punishment or judgment

excessively sweet, rich, or sentimental

to change from a fluid into a thickened mass, to clot

come together and form one mass or whole.

clear, logical, and convincing

having knowledge or awareness; fully informed and understanding

logical and well-organized; easy to understand and clear

secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others

corresponding in size or degree; in proportion.

evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way

a thing that completes or brings to perfection

inclined to agree with rules or standards; obedient or conforming to requirements

involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing

Compound can be a noun, referring to a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture. It can also be a verb, meaning to make (something bad) worse; intensify the negative aspects of. Additionally, it can function as an adjective, meaning consisting of two or more parts.

a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad

to admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it

intended or likely to placate, pacify, or reconcile; expressing goodwill or a willingness to compromise; aimed at soothing or calming tensions.

to make up or create by combining various ingredients or elements

naturally accompanying or associated

agreement or harmony between people or groups

expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of a death

accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue.

a large destructive fire

cause surprise or confusion in (someone), especially by acting against their expectations.

pleasant and friendly; suited to one's taste or nature

to make or declare something sacred or dedicated to a higher purpose, often through a religious or formal ceremony

general agreement among a group of people; a collective opinion or judgment reached by a majority.

a basic speech sound in which the breath is at least partly obstructed and which can be combined with a vowel to form a syllable

a member of a community or organization, especially one with the power to appoint or elect a representative

to interpret or explain the meaning of something; to deduce or infer

Adjective: showing great skill and flair; complete or perfect. Verb: to make complete or perfect; to bring to a state of completion or perfection

causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

to violate or go against (a law, rule, or principle)

feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt.

a confusing and difficult problem or question

a way in which something is usually done, especially within a particular area or activity

friendly, lively, and enjoyable; pertaining to a social atmosphere

extremely complex and difficult to follow; intricately folded, twisted, or coiled

abundant in supply or quantity

warm and friendly

have a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another

a proposition that follows from (and is often appended to) one already proved

to confirm or support with evidence or authority; make more certain

having an international and sophisticated outlook; familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures

to desire or wish for earnestly, especially something that belongs to someone else

not openly acknowledged or displayed; concealed, hidden, or secret; intended to remain unknown or unseen.

a tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.

a gradual increase in loudness or intensity, especially in music.

deserving blame; guilty

large, heavy, or difficult to handle; unwieldy; slow or complicated and therefore inefficient.

having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit or evasion; crafty; sly; clever; artful.

an eager or excessive desire, especially for wealth and possessions

hasty and often superficial; not thorough or detailed

to reduce, diminish, or cut short the duration or extent of something; to impose restrictions or limitations on.

seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating; challenging

a scarcity or lack of something; an insufficient quantity or number

a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco

to reduce in quality, value, or character; to degrade

to expose the falseness or hollowness of a myth, idea, or belief; to prove something to be false or exaggerated

in keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained

publicly denounce or criticize

to spoil the surface or appearance of something, especially by drawing or writing on it

to put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone

showing respect and submission; courteous and respectful

skillful and quick in one's movements; demonstrating cleverness and dexterity

delegate (noun) - a person sent or authorized to represent others, especially at a conference or meeting. delegate (verb) - entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself.

causing harm or damage

done consciously and intentionally; careful and unhurried in decision or action.

to describe, portray, or outline precisely; to represent or depict accurately; to mark the outline or boundary of something

a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument

to lower in dignity, honor or standing; to degrade or debase

reserved, modest, and shy in a way that seems old-fashioned

to criticize unfairly; to disparage

publicly declare to be wrong or evil; condemn openly and forcefully.

to feel or express strong disapproval of something

the action or process of depositing something, especially as a layer of sediment.

moral corruption or degradation; wickedness or evilness.

to express disapproval of; to belittle or criticize someone or something

in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect

to express contemptuous ridicule or mockery; to scoff at

imitative of the work of another person, often with the intent to derive financial benefit; lacking originality; something that is based on another source

to treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespect; violate

dried out or dehydrated, lacking moisture

a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way

without the basic necessities of life; extremely poor

to discourage or prevent someone from doing something

showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals

completely lacking in something; empty or without

allowing light to pass through and translucent; delicate and light as if almost transparent

intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive

to recognize or express the difference between things

modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

to spread or scatter widely; to disperse or distribute over a large area; to cause to become widely known or disseminated.

to leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing

intentionally delaying or procrastinating; tending to cause delay

having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties

extremely or unusually small; tiny; conveying a sense of smallness or inferiority

a mournful song, piece of music, or poem that expresses grief or sorrow

dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them

perceive or recognize (something)

make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed; frustrate the plans or expectations of.

disagreeing or incongruous; being at variance with one another

a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts or things; a difference or inconsistency.

the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information

rambling, digressing from subject to subject

the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.

angry or dissatisfied

having lost confidence or enthusiasm; dispirited

to belittle or speak of in a slighting way; to reduce the esteem or standing of

essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

Noun: an official assignment or task. Verb: to send off to a destination or for a purpose.

distribute or spread over a wide area; scatter; cause to vanish or disappear.

a person's inherent qualities of mind and character; a tendency to act in a particular way

to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs by pretending; to disguise or hide behind a false appearance

to spread widely; to scatter or distribute

to have or express a different opinion; to disagree or refuse to conform.

to disperse or scatter in various directions; to spend or use wastefully; to vanish or disappear

lack of harmony or agreement between people, things or ideas; harsh, unpleasant combination of sounds

swell or cause to swell by pressure from inside; become swollen.

to be indecisive or uncertain

of, from, or like God or a god; being very good, pleasant, or enjoyable

Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people

to make known (private or sensitive information); to disclose or reveal

ready to accept control or instruction; submissive

inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

temporarily inactive or sleeping; in a state of rest

relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance

hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect; morally suspect.

deceitfulness, double-dealing, the act or practice of deceiving or misleading others

threats, violence, constraints, or other action brought to bear on someone to do something against their will or better judgment.

cheerful and full of energy; enthusiastic.

deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination

giving off bubbles; fizzy, lively, and enthusiastic

producing or capable of producing a desired effect or result; effective

insolent or impertinent behavior; audacity; boldness

outstandingly bad; shocking; remarkably bad

to develop or present something in detail

very happy or proud; in high spirits; exultantly joyful.

a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.

to evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions.

fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing

to make something clear, explain, or clarify by providing additional information or details.

to evade or escape from someone or something, especially by being skillful or cunning

to make something more attractive or decorative by adding details or ornaments; to enhance or exaggerate by adding fictitious or fanciful details.

famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession

a substance that softens or soothes the skin

based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

to match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation

to be filled with a feeling of love for

to hinder, impede, or burden someone or something

to cause someone or something to feel drained of energy or vitality, to weaken or destroy the strength or vitality of someone or something.

to cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition)

mysterious, puzzling, and difficult to understand; having a quality of ambiguity or obscurity

a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility.

a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

capture the fascinated attention of; charm; captivate.

lasting for a very short time; short-lived; transitory.

related to or denoting the writing of letters or literary works in the form of letters

a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type

mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation

open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous

having or showing great knowledge or learning

deliberately avoid using or abstain from

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

to adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life

extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world; heavenly or spiritual

feeling intense excitement and happiness; characterized by a state of extreme joy and elation.

quickly fading or disappearing; fleeting

to show or display clearly; to make evident or manifest

to make a situation, condition, or feeling more intense, severe, or worse; to aggravate or worsen.

to hold (someone or something) in very high regard; think or speak very highly of

to irritate or provoke someone to a high degree; to make someone extremely frustrated or annoyed

to clear from blame or guilt

extremely bad or unpleasant

strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.

requiring immediate attention or action; urgent; pressing.

absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case

exceeding the bounds of custom, propriety, or reason, especially in amount or extent; highly excessive.

convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.

to make amends for (guilt or wrongdoing); to atone for

to erase or remove completely; to eliminate or destroy something undesirable

to remove objectionable content from a book, document, or other written material; to censor or delete material considered to be offensive or inappropriate

still in existence; surviving

to praise enthusiastically and highly

irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with

to show or feel elation or jubilation, especially as the result of a success

to invent or concoct (something), typically with deceitful intent; to construct or manufacture (something), usually using various parts or materials.

easily achieved or simplistic, often in a way that is seen as superficial or insincere

to make an action or process easier or smoother; to help bring about or to assist in the progress of something

based on a mistaken belief or faulty reasoning; misleading or deceptive.

excessively concerned with neatness and cleanliness

to understand after much thought; comprehend

silly and pointless; lacking intelligence

producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile

to act or pretend as if something is true or the case when in fact it is not

very well suited or expressed; apt

having or displaying a passionate intensity; ardent or enthusiastic.

having an extremely unpleasant or offensive smell

changing frequently, especially in regards to one's loyalties, interests, or affections; not constant or reliable.

faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support

using figures of speech; metaphorical; not literal.

obviously offensive, glaringly bad or reprehensible; conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible; shockingly noticeable or evident.

passing swiftly; vanishing quickly; transient; ephemeral

having a red or flushed complexion

to openly disregard or disobey; to mock or scoff at

a thin sheet of metal, typically aluminum, used as a barrier or covering

to search widely for food or provisions

patient self-control; restraint and tolerance in the face of provocation; the act of refraining from exercising a right or enforcing a claim

to prevent or obstruct by taking action ahead of time; to anticipate and deal with in advance

desolate or hopeless, feeling abandoned or lonely

to abandon or renounce someone or something; to leave or desert, especially in a time of need.

courage in pain or adversity; strength of mind; strength of character

happening by chance, often with a positive outcome; fortunate

to encourage the development or growth of something

irritable and quarrelsome

filled with or destined to result in (something undesirable or disastrous); causing or affected by great anxiety or stress; tense or uneasy.

fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.

lacking in seriousness or importance; characterized by a lack of concern, seriousness, or sense of responsibility

sparing or economical with regard to money or food; simple and plain, and costing little

attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive

excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters

friendly, cheerful, and pleasant

shining intensely and blindingly bright

to provoke or annoy (someone) so as to stimulate some action or reaction; to prod or urge (an animal) with a goad.

the quality of being grand or extravagant in language, style, or manner, often to the point of being pompous or pretentious

impressive and imposing in appearance or style, especially pretentiously so

uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted; given or done free of charge; without payment; given or done without obligation.

fond of the company of others; sociable.

causing great pain or sorrow; serious and distressing

sly or cunning intelligence; craftiness

lacking in freshness or originality, overused and trite

regarded as holy; sacred

unfortunate; having no luck; constantly experiencing trouble or misfortune.

a lengthy and aggressive speech

having strong physical abilities, capable of enduring difficult conditions

extremely disturbing or distressing; causing great emotional pain

disdainfully proud; snobbish; scornfully arrogant.

a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence is the most important thing in life

leadership or dominance, especially of one state or nation over others

hatefully or shockingly evil; abominable; atrocious

diverse in character or content; consisting of diverse elements; varied

a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process

a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority

a person who criticizes or opposes traditional beliefs, customs, and institutions

having peculiar or individual characteristics; distinctive in nature or character.

relating to or practicing idolatry; worshiping idols or images as deities

deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

forbidden by law, rules, or custom

about to happen; impending

unchangeable over time; unalterable; not susceptible to change

not feeling or showing emotion

without fault or error; perfect

having little or no money; penniless

of vital importance; crucial

assuming power or authority without justification; domineering and arrogant

rude, insolent, or irrelevant; not showing proper respect; forward or intrusive

not allowing fluid to pass through; impermeable

acting or done quickly and rashly without thought or care for the consequences

to have an effect, especially a negative one, on something

unable to be appeased or pacified; relentless; unforgiving.

to show or suggest that someone is involved in a crime or other wrongdoing

implied though not plainly expressed; unquestioning or unreserved; suggested but not directly stated.

not able to be captured or entered by force; impossible to take or break into

not showing due respect for another person; insolent or disrespectful.

to attribute or ascribe a quality, especially a fault, to someone or something

lacking sense or meaning; silly, foolish

unable to express oneself clearly or fluently

intended to cause fires; tending to stir up conflict or violence

continuing without interruption; ceaseless; unending.

just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary; not organized; lacking order or structure.

penetrating, cutting, or sharp in thought, expression, or style; direct and effective in expression

having a tendency or preference for something; disposed or willing

not able to be denied or disputed; unquestionable

not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed, often in a negative or stubborn way

necessary for someone as a duty or responsibility

persisting tirelessly; showing sustained and enthusiastic effort

originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

poor, needy, lacking the basic necessities of life

feeling or showing anger and surprise because you think that you or someone else has been treated unfairly

wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy; showing a disposition to avoid work

impossible to subdue or defeat

too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words

having or showing no skill; clumsy

impossible to stop or prevent; relentless

clever, original, and inventive

innocent, childlike, and candid; lacking in sophistication or worldliness; straightforward and honest

to hinder, restrain, or prevent something from happening; to suppress or limit the activity or development of something.

tending to obstruct or harm, unfriendly, hostile

immoral or unfair behavior, injustice; wickedness

existing in one from birth; inherent in the essential character of something

not harmful or offensive, unlikely to cause harm or damage

proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects

to suggest or hint in an indirect and unpleasant way

lacking flavor, lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge; dull

showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect; boldly disrespectful in speech or behavior.

narrow-minded, isolated, or detached from the broader society or culture