SAT Vocabulary Power Builder
SAT Vocabulary Power Builder
A complete guide to mastering essential SAT words using repetition, patterns, and short definitions. This guide helps students expand their vocabulary quickly using word roots, context clues, and repetition-based learning.
Why Vocabulary Still Matters on the SAT
Although the Digital SAT does not test long lists of obscure words, it still measures your ability to decode academic language, interpret tone, and understand precise word meaning in context.
Good vocabulary helps you:
- Read passages faster without stopping to decode terms.
- Eliminate wrong answer choices.
- Interpret graphs and charts more accurately.
- Perform better on college essays and assignments.
The 6 Vocabulary Skills the SAT Rewards
- Understanding tone
- Recognizing synonyms in context
- Spotting misinterpreted wording
- Using prefixes/suffixes/roots
- Understanding academic language
- Choosing precise word meaning
Top 40+ Must-Know SAT Words
These appear frequently in SAT passages and academic reading.
advocate — support
ambivalent — mixed feelings
analogous — comparable
anomaly — irregularity
assert — state confidently
bolster — support
candid — honest
coherent — logical
corroborate — confirm
credible — believable
criteria — standards
derive — obtain from
diminish — reduce
disparity — difference
elaborate — explain further
empathy — understanding feelings
feasible — possible
implication — suggested meaning
inevitable — unavoidable
justify — explain reasons
nuance — small difference
objective — unbiased
paradigm — model
refute — prove wrong
redundant — repeated
relevant — related
significant — important
skeptical — doubtful
substantiate — give evidence
succinct — brief
validate — confirm
versatile — adaptable
viable — workable
wary — cautious
undermine — weaken
tangible — touchable
conventional — traditional
comprehensive — complete
How to Learn Vocabulary Faster
- Study 10 words at a time.
- Group words by common meaning.
- Write your own example sentence.
- Use flashcards or the AI Tutor.
- Use new words in real conversations/texts.
Mini Practice Quiz
1. Succinct = brief and to the point.
2. Substantiate = support with evidence.
3. Skeptical = doubtful.
4. Disparity = major difference.
Final Tip
Improving vocabulary comes from repeated exposure in real context, not memorizing lists. Review a handful of words each day, and you’ll steadily improve on every SAT Reading & Writing question.