The SAT is a significant milestone for students aspiring to pursue higher education. Among the various sections, the Reading section plays a crucial role in determining a student’s verbal prowess. To excel in this section, it is essential to familiarize yourself with a wide range of words.   

In our latest blog, we will explore the top SAT vocabulary words that are frequently tested, understand the format of SAT vocabulary questions, and provide valuable tips to enhance your word power. 

Ambivalence (noun) 

Definition: The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. 

Example: Despite being excited about the opportunity, Sarah felt ambivalence about leaving her close-knit community. 

Braggart (noun) 

Definition: A person who boasts or brags excessively. 

Example: Jack’s constant self-praise and exaggerated stories made him come across as a braggart among his friends. 

Censorious (adjective) 

Definition: Highly critical or fault-finding. 

Example: The newspaper’s censorious review of the new film deterred many people from watching it. 

Dearth (noun) 

Definition: A scarcity or lack of something. 

Example: The drought caused a dearth of fresh produce, leading to higher prices in the market. 

Epochal (adjective) 

Definition: Highly significant or influential in history. 

Example: The invention of the internet marked an epochal moment in the advancement of technology. 

Gauche (adjective) 

Definition: Lacking social grace or tact; awkward or clumsy. 

Example: His gauche behavior at the formal dinner embarrassed his partner. 

Holomorphic (adjective) 

Definition: Pertaining to a mathematical function that is complex-differentiable in a region. 

Example: The mathematician presented a holomorphic solution to the complex problem. 

Hubris (noun) 

Definition: Excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance. 

Example: His hubris prevented him from accepting advice and ultimately led to his downfall. 

Junta (noun) 

Definition: A military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force. 

Example: The country’s political landscape was unstable due to the continuous power struggle between rival juntas. 

Misnomer (noun) 

Definition: An incorrect or misleading name or designation. 

Example: Calling that tall building a “skyscraper” is a misnomer; it’s barely taller than the surrounding structures. 

Modicum (noun) 

Definition: A small quantity or portion of something. 

Example: Despite the modicum of evidence, the detective was able to solve the mysterious crime. 

Olfactory (adjective) 

Definition: Relating to the sense of smell. 

Example: The olfactory experience of freshly baked cookies filled the house with a delightful aroma. 

Polyglot (noun) 

Definition: A person who knows or uses several languages. 

Example: Sarah’s ability to converse fluently in five different languages impressed her colleagues; she was a true polyglot. 

Repose (noun) 

Definition: A state of rest, sleep, or tranquility. 

Example: After a long day at work, she sought repose in the peacefulness of her garden. 

Sacrosanct (adjective) 

Definition: Regarded as sacred and inviolable. 

Example: The principles of justice and equality are sacrosanct in a democratic society. 

Tutelage (noun) 

Definition: Instruction or guidance provided by a teacher or mentor. 

Example: Under the tutelage of her coach, the young athlete improved her performance significantly. 

Unilateral (adjective) 

Definition: Involving or done by only one party or side. 

Example: The CEO made a unilateral decision without consulting the rest of the team. 

Veritable (adjective) 

Definition: Used to emphasize the truth or accuracy of something; genuine. 

Example: The garden was a veritable paradise, filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants. 

Vociferous (adjective) 

Definition: Marked by or characterized by loud and vehement outcry. 

Example: The protestors raised vociferous chants against the unjust policy. 

Zephyr (noun) 

Definition: A soft, gentle breeze. 

Example: As she relaxed on the beach, a zephyr blew through, cooling her sun-kissed skin. 

What do the SAT Vocabulary questions look like? 

SAT Vocabulary questions are designed to assess your understanding of words in context. These questions often appear in sentence completion or reading comprehension sections. The questions might ask you to choose the best synonym or antonym for a given word or determine the meaning of a word based on its usage within a passage. By mastering the following SAT words, you will become better equipped to tackle such questions with confidence. 

Tips to Study Common SAT Words 

Developing effective study techniques is crucial when preparing for the SAT Vocabulary section. Try a combination of these tips to sharpen your knowledge. 

• Read extensively: Develop a habit of reading diverse materials, including books, newspapers, and magazines, to encounter new words in context. 
• Create flashcards: Make personalized flashcards for each word, including its definition, part of speech, and sample sentences. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory. 
• Contextual learning: Study words in their contextual usage. Understand the surrounding words and phrases to grasp the nuanced meanings. 
• Use vocabulary apps or websites: Utilize online resources that provide interactive quizzes, word games, and mnemonic techniques to make learning engaging. 
• Practice with sample questions: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked in the SAT Vocabulary section by practicing with official SAT practice tests or reputable study guides. 

Start Growing Your SAT Vocabulary Today 

Mastering SAT vocabulary is an essential step toward achieving success on the SAT exam. By expanding your vocabulary, understanding the format of SAT vocabulary questions, and employing effective study techniques, you can confidently tackle this section and maximize your overall score. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to new words are key to expanding your word power and enhancing your chances of academic success.  

So, start your SAT vocabulary journey today and pave your path to a brighter future in higher education.