Why Vocabulary Matters for the SAT
The SAT is not just about testing your reading comprehension and writing skills—it also evaluates your ability to understand and apply vocabulary in context. Strong vocabulary skills can help you:
- Navigate complex reading passages with confidence
- Identify the meaning of words based on context clues
- Avoid common pitfalls in tricky multiple-choice questions
- Improve your writing by using precise, academic vocabulary
A strong vocabulary is especially useful for the SAT Reading section, where many questions require you to determine the meaning of words and phrases based on how they are used in a passage. The SAT Writing and Language section also assesses your understanding of word choice, requiring you to recognize the best word for a given sentence.
To help students succeed, we are offering a free SAT Vocabulary List featuring over 1,000 must-know words that frequently appear on the exam. This resource is designed to boost your vocabulary, enhance your test performance, and ultimately improve your SAT score.
What’s Included in the SAT Vocabulary List?
This comprehensive vocabulary list is structured for easy learning and practical application. Each entry includes:
- High-frequency SAT words – Words that commonly appear on the SAT
- Definitions – Clear, concise meanings for each word
- Part of speech – Identifies whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, etc.
- Example sentences – Demonstrates how the word is used in context, similar to how it might appear on the SAT
The list is designed to be student-friendly and can be used as a self-study tool or as a supplement to an SAT prep course.
SAT Vocabulary List – 1000+ Words for High Scores
Boost your SAT Reading & Writing score with this FREE vocabulary list! Download a 1000+ word SAT vocabulary guide with definitions, parts of speech, and example sentences.
Sample Words from the List
| Word | Definition | Part of Speech | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| aberrant | markedly different from an accepted norm | adjective | The scientist’s aberrant findings led to groundbreaking new research. |
| abstain | choose not to consume or take part in (particularly something enjoyable) | verb | To stay healthy, Alex abstained from junk food before the SAT. |
| ameliorate | make something bad better | verb | The tutor helped ameliorate the student’s weak vocabulary skills. |
| ambiguous | open to more than one interpretation | adjective | The politician’s ambiguous statement left voters unsure of his true stance. |
| aesthetic | concerned with the appreciation of beauty | adjective | The artist’s aesthetic vision was influenced by classical sculpture. |
How to Study SAT Vocabulary Effectively
Memorizing hundreds of words may seem overwhelming, but using the right strategies can make it much easier. Here are some proven techniques to help you retain vocabulary more effectively:
1. Use Flashcards
- Write the word on one side and the definition on the other.
- Add an example sentence to reinforce understanding.
- Regularly shuffle and review the cards to keep words fresh in your memory.
2. Study in Context
- Instead of memorizing isolated definitions, practice using words in sentences.
- Try writing short paragraphs that incorporate new vocabulary.
- Read articles, books, or essays that use SAT-level vocabulary.
3. Learn Word Roots and Prefixes
- Many SAT words are derived from Latin or Greek roots.
- Understanding roots like “bene-” (good) or “mal-” (bad) can help you guess meanings of unfamiliar words.
4. Set Daily Study Goals
- Aim to learn 10-15 new words per day.
- Review previously learned words each week to reinforce retention.
5. Take Practice Quizzes
- Create fill-in-the-blank or multiple-choice questions using new words.
- Ask a friend or tutor to quiz you.
- Use online vocabulary-building tools or apps to test your knowledge.
Why This Vocabulary List Is Essential for SAT Success
The SAT doesn’t just test memorization—it evaluates how well you understand and apply vocabulary in real-world contexts. The words in this list have been carefully selected based on:
- Past SAT exams – Words that frequently appear in official SAT passages and questions
- Common academic language – Words that are useful beyond the SAT, in college and professional writing
- High-utility terms – Words that appear in multiple-choice answer choices and reading comprehension questions
By mastering these words, you can gain a competitive edge and feel more confident tackling the Reading and Writing sections of the SAT.
Download the Free SAT Vocabulary List
This vocabulary list is available as a free PDF download for students, parents, and educators looking to improve SAT performance. It is designed to be a practical, easy-to-use study aid that fits into any test preparation plan.
SAT Vocabulary List – 1000+ Words for High Scores
Boost your SAT Reading & Writing score with this FREE vocabulary list! Download a 1000+ word SAT vocabulary guide with definitions, parts of speech, and example sentences.
For students looking for additional support, we also offer SAT tutoring services to provide expert guidance, customized study plans, and real-time test strategies.
Start building your SAT vocabulary today and take the next step toward achieving a higher score.
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