Could You Pass the SAT Vocabulary Test?

You may be long past the days of cramming for exams, but you can still test your knowledge. The SAT format and scoring have changed over the decades, but many of the same vocabulary words reliably show up in the Reading and Writing section, year after year. Whether you’re looking to flex your test-taking muscles or curious about how much you remember from your school days, let’s revisit the vocabulary terms that continue to challenge students today.

Adulation

It’s a close cousin to “adoration,” but more effusive. Save your adulation for the dreamiest movie stars or the cutest puppies.

I couldn't control my adulation when I met my idol, Dolly Parton.

Antipathy

“Antipathy” means “a strong sense of dislike.” It’s a good word to describe a movie you didn’t like, or a person who rubs you the wrong way.

I couldn't hide my antipathy for the meal at the reception.

Assiduous

We hope you’re studying this list assiduously. This adjective describes showing great care and perseverance.

She was assiduous about watering and weeding her garden daily.

Conditional

Nope, it’s not the rinse after your shampoo. It’s an adjective for a situation when something is dependent on another situation or condition. The word “conditional” might also pop up in grammar sections of standardized testing.

Getting your driver's license is conditional on the results of your final report card.

Didactic

The adjective “didactic” means “educational or instructive.” Importantly, it includes the concept of moralizing.

Although the book was entertaining, its didactic tone made the moral lesson a bit too obvious.

Digression

Don’t get distracted — a digression is a temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. If you feel yourself going on a digression, pause and regain your focus.

He interrupted his lecture with a digression on the stormy weather.

Efficacy

“Efficacy” means “effectiveness.” While shorter, this is a more formal, clinical way to address results.

The fever-reducing medicine had great efficacy, and the next day, Brian was back on the playground.

Exculpate

“Exculpate” means “to exonerate or vindicate.” You’re likely to hear this on your favorite legal drama.

After presenting new evidence to the jury, the accused was exculpated of all crimes.

Impute

You should impute where credit is due — that is, attribute it. But instead of giving credit for a great idea, “impute” is often used for more negative attributions.

He was quick to point a finger and impute his brother for the broken window.

Inchoate

“Inchoate” means “rudimentary,” or describes something in a project’s beginning stages.

The blueprints were inchoate, but they had great promise with more development.

Nonchalant

Don’t be nervous — try to remain nonchalant. This adjective means “casually unbothered or indifferent.” Maybe something will happen, but maybe it won’t.

I was worried, but my sister was nonchalant about the upcoming test.

Salubrious

“Salubrious” means “health promoting.” It can also describe something wholesome and warm-hearted.

I needed a salubrious weekend of relaxing, hiking and cooking good food.

Sedulous

“Sedulous” means “persevering and constant.” It can also mean “dedicated and careful.”

John had a sedulous nature, and you knew any of his work would be excellent.

Featured image credit: Radila Radilova/ iStock

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Jennifer A. Freeman

Senior Editor, Word Smarts

Jennifer A. Freeman is the Senior Editor of Word Smarts and Word Daily. When she's not searching for a perfect synonym or reaching "Genius" level on Spelling Bee, she's playing with her Welsh Terrier in Greenville, SC.