50 Most Common SAT Vocabulary Words with Examples (+ Free Flashcards)

Introduction

Building a strong SAT vocabulary is one of the best ways to boost your Reading & Writing score. While the SAT no longer relies on obscure word lists, questions often test your ability to understand high-frequency SAT vocabulary words in context.

That’s why we created this free resource: a SAT vocabulary list of 50 essential words, complete with definitions, examples, and flashcards you can practice online.

Prefer to study offline? We’ve designed a printable SAT vocabulary list in flashcard format. You’ll get all 50 words with definitions and examples in one easy PDF.

Practice SAT Vocabulary Online

You can start your SAT vocabulary practice right here. These SAT vocab flashcards are powered by North American Tutors. Flip the cards, test yourself, or try the game modes for active learning.

Why SAT Vocabulary Still Matters

Even though today’s test doesn’t quiz students on memorizing 1,000 words, knowing common SAT test vocabulary words gives you an edge.

• Context matters: You’ll encounter SAT terms in reading passages.

• Precision: Many questions hinge on subtle meaning differences.

• Confidence: Strong vocabulary reduces second-guessing and wasted time.

Full SAT Vocabulary List: 50 Words to Know

1. Abate (verb) – To become less intense. The storm finally abated after midnight.
2. Adhere (verb) – To stick firmly or follow a rule. Students must adhere to the guidelines.
3. Advocate (verb) – To support or argue for. The group advocates safer streets.
4. Ambiguous (adj.) – Open to more than one meaning. The message was ambiguous and confusing.
5. Ambivalent (adj.) – Having mixed feelings. She was ambivalent about moving away.
6. Analogous (adj.) – Comparable in some way. The heart is analogous to a pump.
7. Anomaly (noun) – Something unusual or unexpected. The warm winter was an anomaly.
8. Anticipate (verb) – To expect or look forward to. We anticipate strong results this year.
9. Arbitrary (adj.) – Based on random choice. The rules seemed arbitrary and unfair.
10. Articulate (verb) – To express clearly. He articulated his opinion with confidence.

11. Assert (verb) – To state firmly. She asserted her right to speak.
12. Assess (verb) – To evaluate or judge. The teacher will assess your essay tomorrow.
13. Austere (adj.) – Plain, strict, or severe. The austere room had no decorations.
14. Benevolent (adj.) – Kind and generous. A benevolent donor helped fund scholarships.
15. Bolster (verb) – To support or strengthen. The data bolstered her argument.
16. Candid (adj.) – Honest and direct. He gave a candid response to the question.
17. Coherent (adj.) – Logical and consistent. Her essay was coherent from start to finish.
18. Comprehensive (adj.) – Covering all aspects. The guide is comprehensive and easy to use.
19. Concede (verb) – To admit as true. He conceded after seeing the evidence.
20. Concise (adj.) – Brief but complete. Write a concise summary of the article.

21. Conduct (verb) – To organize and carry out. Scientists conducted a new experiment.
22. Consensus (noun) – General agreement. The team reached a consensus on the plan.
23. Conventional (adj.) – Following tradition. The house had a conventional design.
24. Convey (verb) – To communicate. Pictures can convey meaning without words.
25. Credible (adj.) – Believable, trustworthy. The report came from a credible source.
26. Cursory (adj.) – Quick and not detailed. A cursory glance missed the error.
27. Debunk (verb) – To prove false. The study debunked the myth.
28. Deduce (verb) – To reach a conclusion. From the clues, we deduced the answer.
29. Delineate (verb) – To describe precisely. The contract delineates each responsibility.
30. Demonstrate (verb) – To show clearly. She demonstrated her method in class.

31. Derive (verb) – To obtain from a source. Many English words derive from Latin.
32. Diligent (adj.) – Hardworking and careful. She is diligent in her studies.
33. Disparity (noun) – A great difference. There is disparity in access to resources.
34. Disseminate (verb) – To spread widely. The group disseminates important information.
35. Distinct (adj.) – Clearly different. The two styles are distinct.
36. Elaborate (verb) – To explain in detail. Please elaborate on your point.
37. Emphasize (verb) – To give importance to. Teachers emphasize reading comprehension.
38. Empirical (adj.) – Based on observation. The results are backed by empirical data.
39. Exacerbate (verb) – To make worse. Delays will exacerbate the problem.
40. Facilitate (verb) – To make easier. The software facilitates group projects.

41. Feasible (adj.) – Possible, practical. The plan is feasible within the budget.
42. Fluctuate (verb) – To vary irregularly. Prices fluctuate during the year.
43. Impartial (adj.) – Fair, unbiased. Judges must remain impartial.
44. Indicative (adj.) – Serving as a sign. High stress is indicative of burnout.
45. Inevitable (adj.) – Certain to happen. Change is inevitable in life.
46. Infer (verb) – To figure out from clues. We infer meaning from context.
47. Innovative (adj.) – New and creative. The startup offers innovative solutions.
48. Justify (verb) – To prove something is right. Can you justify your answer?
49. Mitigate (verb) – To lessen or reduce. Good planning can mitigate risks.
50. Scrutinize (verb) – To examine closely. The editor will scrutinize your draft.

How to Study SAT Vocabulary Effectively

• Use SAT vocabulary sets to test yourself daily.

• Try a SAT word of the day routine, one new word each morning.

• Rotate between online SAT vocabulary practice and reading passages.

• Review example sentences instead of memorizing isolated words.

Conclusion

Mastering SAT vocab doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with this list of 50 common words, review the flashcards, and test yourself weekly with practice sets.

Want more than a free list? Our tutors go beyond a typical SAT vocabulary book, we build personalized strategies to improve your Reading & Writing score fast.

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