SAT Vocabulary Flashcards
Taciturn (1)
untalkative (characteristically so)
Earnest (2)
serious in intention; purposeful, resolute; sincere
Impulsive (3)
compulsive, quick, hasty
Beguile (4)
to lead by deception, bewitch, enchant, captivate
Refractory (5)
hard or impossible to manage, stubborn, disobedient
Hedonistic (6)
pleasure seeking; indulgent
Emphatic (7)
forceful; insistent; striking; done with emphasis
Stringent (8)
strict, severe, binding
Scourge (9)
to punish, chastise, criticize severely
Quirky (10)
offbeat, eccentric, peculiar, odd, idiosyncratic
Misanthrope (11)
person who dislikes or distrusts people in general
Mellifluous (12)
sweetly flowing; sweet-sounding, pleasant to the ear
Capture (13)
to gain control of by force; to represent the essence of something or someone in print or film
Paradox (14)
a statement that seems to contradict itself, but in reality, expresses a deep truth; an anomaly
Loquacious (15)
talkative by nature, garrulous
Retiring (16)
withdrawing from contact with others, reserved, shy
Laud (17)
to praise, extol
Discriminate (18)
to differentiate; to see the difference
Proliferate (19)
to increase in number, spread rapidly
Precipitous (20)
very steep
Narcissistic (21)
undue fascination with oneself, vain, egotistical
Criterion (22)
a standard by which something can be judged
Predilection (23)
a bias, predisposition, inclination, penchant
Gratuitous (24)
given freely; unearned; unwarranted
Pejorative (25)
tending to make worse, insulting, disparaging, deprecatory
Disconcerted (26)
bewildered, confused, perplexed
Obsolete (27)
no longer in general use
Enthrall (28)
to captivate, charm, spellbind, enchant
Predecessor (29)
forerunner, someone who came before another
Flamboyant (30)
strikingly bold or brilliant; ornate
Circumvent (31)
to bypass, dodge, get around by a shortcut or sidestep
Implacable (32)
unable to be pleased; inflexible, unbending; merciless
Hubris (33)
excessive pride or self confidence
Proscribe (34)
to banish, exile, denounce, condemn
Benefactor (35)
a generous donor
Compromise (36)
to reach an agreement or understanding, usually with each side conceding something
Arrogant (37)
feeling superior to others, boastful, haughty
Austere (38)
unadorned, stern, severely simple
Malaise (39)
a vague feeling of weakness, unease, or depression
Harbinger (40)
something that foreshadows; omen, sign
Maladroit (41)
awkward, clumsy, inept, bungling
Diffident (42)
timid; lacking in self-confidence
Bohemian (43)
a person living an unconventional life, often among others who do the same
Scholarly (44)
concerned with academic learning or research
Anachronism (45)
a person, thing, or action belonging to an earlier time
Eschew (46)
to shun, avoid
Stoic (47)
indifferent to pleasure and pain (or any emotion)
Remunerate (48)
to repay, compensate, reimburse
Respite (49)
a rest, a period of relief
Acquiesce (50)
to give in, agree
Philanthropy (51)
love of mankind that leads to acts of generosity
Prolong (52)
to extend the duration of, lengthen in time
Ignominious (53)
disgraced, dishonorable, shameful, despicable
Infinitesimal (54)
immeasurably small; minute
Meticulous (55)
taking extreme care about minute details; scrupulous; precise
Resignation (56)
a giving in or giving up, submission, acceptance of defeat
Cursory (57)
going over something without noticing the details; hasty; superficial
Prerogative (58)
an exclusive right, advantage
Anomaly (59)
an abnormality not following an established pattern or conforming to an expectation, an incongruity
Galvanize (60)
to startle into sudden activity; to stimulate
Devour (61)
to absorb; engulf, swallow up
Dexterous (62)
skillful, adroit, deft
Bellwether (63)
a person that takes the lead or initiative; trendsetter
Rancid (64)
offensive or noxious, especially because of rotting or decomposition
Hyperbole (65)
an over exaggeration
Adept (66)
skilled, highly trained
Bane (67)
a source of harm or ruin
Virulent (68)
extremely poisonous, malignant, full of hate
Partisan (69)
a supporter of a person, group, or cause with similar beliefs, a follower
Flagrant (70)
shocking; outstandingly bad
Unprecedented (71)
novel, happening for the first time
Deter (72)
to prevent or stop with fear
Redundant (73)
repetitive, unnecessary
Parsimonious (74)
too economical, stingy, miserly
Provocative (75)
exciting, attracting attention
Fabricated (76)
concocted in order to deceive
Voluntary (77)
willing, unforced
Dubious (78)
doubtful; uncertain
Scenario (79)
a predicted sequence of events; a scheme, plan, concept
Compliant (80)
yielding; submissive
Exhaustive (81)
thorough, complete
Expedient (82)
providing immediate advantage
Voluptuous (83)
sensuously pleasing or delighting
Myopic (84)
lacking tolerance, narrow-minded, short-sighted
Venerable (85)
worthy of honor, usually because of age or distinguished experience
Reproach (86)
to scold
Draconian (87)
unusually severe or cruel, especially pertaining to rules, laws, or policies
Unfailing (88)
sure, certain, unfailing, continuous
Evenhanded (89)
impartial, unbiased, fair
Vindicate (90)
to clear from suspicion, defend, exonerate
Aplomb (91)
self-assurance, poise, self confidence, composure
Licentious (92)
unrestrained by law or morality; lewd; lawless
Demagogue (93)
a person who manipulates people’s emotions or relies on stereotypes to gain power and popularity
Discriminating (94)
having excellent taste or judgment; noting the differences
Ironic (95)
having a true meaning other than or opposite the literal meaning; when the unexpected or unintended happens
Dilatory (96)
tending to delay, not prompt
Visceral (97)
based on instinct rather than intellect
Eccentric (98)
unconventional in behavior; irregular, odd
Facetious (99)
not meant to be taken seriously; amusing
Herald (100)
a person or thing that carries a message or announcement
Circumscribe (101)
to constrict the range or activity of; to confine, to limit
Cajole (102)
to deceive with false words or promises; persuade with flattery
Bombastic (103)
pompous or overblown in speech or writing, verbose, bloated, inflated
Wistful (104)
desiring, longing, yearning, reflective, meditative
Impugn (105)
to challenge as false; to attack or criticize
Deprecate (106)
to strongly disapprove, condemn, denounce, deplore
Irascible (107)
easily angered or irritated
Exhort (108)
to urge, advise; to caution
Fervent (109)
passionate, with intensity of spirit, impassioned
Belligerent (110)
combative, quarrelsome
Unpretentious (111)
modest, plain, humble
Compassionate (112)
having or showing sympathy
Apathy (113)
a lack of caring or feelings; indifference
Coalesce (114)
to fuse, unite, come together
Inadvertent (115)
unintentional; lax, careless
Brevity (116)
briefness
Egregious (117)
conspicuously bad or offensive
Ethereal (118)
insubstantial as air; extremely delicate or refined; heavenly
Animosity (119)
resentment, hostility, ill will
Admonish (120)
to caution or advise against something
Profligate (121)
immoral, extravagant, wasteful
Chicanery (122)
deceive through trickery; underhandedness
Denounce (123)
to speak out against, condemn
Provisional (124)
accepted or adopted tentatively, conditional; subject to change
Vacillate (125)
to be indecisive, waver back and forth
Obstreperous (126)
noisy, clamorous, boisterous
Contentious (127)
causing or likely to cause an argument, quarrelsome; controversial
Precocious (128)
advanced or mature in development, especially mental development; presumptuous, bright
Verbose (129)
wordy, overly talkative
Gregarious (130)
fond of being with others
Innuendo (131)
an indirect or subtle reference; an insinuation
Enmity (132)
hatred, ill-will, animosity, antagonism
Anecdote (133)
brief entertaining story (unpublished)
Indefatigable (134)
incapable of being worn out; tireless
Amiable (135)
friendly
Enervate (136)
to take the strength out of, weaken
Disingenuous (137)
lacking in sincerity, insincere
Expedite (138)
to make faster or easier
Shrewd (139)
cunning or sharp in practical matters, keen, discerning
Torpor (140)
sluggishness, inactivity, apathy
Sanguine (141)
cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, confident
Resilient (142)
springing back, rebounding, flexible
Discernment (143)
insight; ability to see things clearly
Arduous (144)
hard, difficult
Sage (145)
a wise person, philosopher
Exorbitant (146)
outrageous, extreme, unreasonable
Instill (147)
in infuse slowly or gradually; to inject
Frank (148)
straightforward, sincere, direct and unreserved
Litany (149)
a ceremonial prayer consisting of a series of invocations; any long list
Juxtaposition (150)
a close or side-by-side placement that invites comparison of two or more things
Appease (151)
to soothe, pacify by giving in
Laudable (152)
worthy of praise
Voluminous (153)
very large, spacious
Compunction (154)
anxiety arising from guilt; unease, doubt, uncertainty
Sanctuary (155)
a sacred or holy place, refuge, asylum
Heretic (156)
a person who does not believe in an accepted doctrine, message or principle; a skeptic; a freethinker
Exemplary (157)
outstanding; setting a good example
Deleterious (158)
having a harmful effect; injurious
Uncouth (159)
unmannerly, rude, discourteous
Virtuoso (160)
masterful musician; expert of any field
Extemporize (161)
to improvise or ad-lib
Qualify (162)
to modify or limit in some way, narrow, restrict
Trepidation (163)
fear, apprehension
Unsavory (164)
tasteless, flat, unappetizing
Remorseful (165)
regretful or sorrowful due to a misdeed
Tackle (166)
to undertake, handle, master, solve
Credible (167)
worthy of belief or confidence, trustworthy
Erroneous (168)
incorrect, wrong, mistaken
Opulent (169)
showing great wealth
Insidious (170)
treacherous or deceitful, cunning, corrupting, crafty
Autocratic (171)
dictatorial, tyrannical, extremely bossy
Audacious (172)
daring, reckless, bold
Exonerate (173)
free from guilty or blame; to find not guilty
Repress (174)
to hold down
Insinuate (175)
to push in or get in in an indirect way, suggest
Conflate (176)
to bring together; to combine elements of two different stories into one, sometimes erroneously
Eclectic (177)
selecting the best from various sources
Alleviate (178)
to lessen, relieve, make bearable
Concise (179)
brief and to the point; succinct
Liberal (180)
favorable to progress or reform; progressive
Incessant (181)
unceasing; never-ending
Adamant (182)
extremely stubborn in holding to a belief or opinion, uncompromising
Acolyte (183)
person who assists in ceremonial duties, typically in a religious setting
Vignette (184)
a small, pleasing picture or view, also in literature
Charismatic (185)
having personal charm or magnetism, outgoing, vibrant, attractive, seductive
Imperil (186)
to put in danger or jeopardy
Droll (187)
amusing in an odd way; eccentric
Brusque (188)
curt, blunt or harsh in speech
Audacity (189)
boldness with a hint of recklessness or disregard
Repudiate (190)
to reject, deny, spurn
Incredulous (191)
showing disbelief, unbelieving, doubting
Moribund (192)
near death; stagnant
Overbearing (193)
domineering, dictatorial, haughty
Astute (194)
perceptive, intelligent
Articulate (195)
to speak clearly and well
Condescend (196)
to stoop down to another’s level; to patronize
Ineffable (197)
unable to be expressed in words; inexpressible
Trenchant (198)
forceful and effective; caustic or cutting, as in language
Succinct (199)
brief, concise, said in few words
Salient (200)
prominent, conspicuous, striking
Ruthless (201)
without compassion, cruel, merciless
Inexorable (202)
unable to be moved or persuaded by any degree of begging or pleading
Unscrupulous (203)
unrestrained by principles or morality, without a conscious
Epitomize (204)
to serve as a typical example of; embody, emulate
Pernicious (205)
deadly, fatal, harmful
Bias (206)
prejudiced, leaning to a particular side or viewpoint
Fastidious (207)
meticulous; with attention to detail
Evocative (208)
tending to call to mind or summon
Cryptic (209)
mysterious
Mercurial (210)
quick and changeable in mood, fickle
Platitudinous (211)
trite, dull, or obvious in statement or action
Euphony (212)
pleasant sound
Pantheon (213)
a temple to all gods; a collection of persons of extreme renown
Infamous (214)
having a bad reputation
Myriad (215)
an indefinite number, innumerable
Pompous (216)
overly self-important, pretentious, inflated, bombastic, “full of oneself”
Edify (217)
to enlighten, especially morally or spiritually
Epiphany (218)
a sudden insight or understanding into something previously unknown
Revulsion (219)
a strong feeling of distaste or dislike, repugnance, loathing, aversion
Artifice (220)
a trick or a dodge; false or insincere behavior
Extraneous (221)
extra and unneeded, superfluous; irrelevant, unimportant
Somber (222)
gloomy, sad, dark, dull
Burgeon (223)
to grow or expand rapidly
Vituperative (224)
characterized by abusive language; derisive, scathing
Mock (225)
to ridicule or mimic; imitation
Lucid (226)
easily understood, clear
Magnanimous (227)
noble; generous in character
Whimsical (228)
erratic, unpredictable, impulsive, spontaneous
Idiosyncrasy (229)
a trait or behavior particular to an individual
Acrimonious (230)
stinging or bitter in speech or behavior
Superficial (231)
shallow, near the surface, obvious
Ubiquitous (232)
existing or being everywhere, omnipresent
Blasphemy (233)
irreverence, an insult
Prolific (234)
productive, abundant, fecund
Doctor (235)
to tamper with, falsify
Surreptitious (236)
acting in a stealthy way, sneaky, discreet
Equivocal (237)
having two or more meanings; vague (usually intentionally so)
Plebeian (238)
common, vulgar
Rancor (239)
hatred, malice, bitterness, animosity
Pivotal (240)
crucial, very important
Indigenous (241)
originating in a particular region or country, native, aboriginal
Indelible (242)
permanent; incapable of being erased
Embellish (243)
to enhance or to make something better or prettier than it is; to garnish
Provincial (244)
of a province; lacking refinement or polish
Altruistic (245)
performing good deeds for the improvement of mankind
Measured (246)
deliberate and restrained; careful
Stodgy (247)
tiresome, stuffy, boring, commonplace
Venal (248)
able to be bribed, corruptible
Discreet (249)
using wise judgment in conduct or speech, especially in keeping silent about delicate matters that may embarrass a friend or colleague
Convivial (250)
festive, sociable, friendly, agreeable
Fundamental (251)
being an essential part of; acting as a foundation or basis
Benevolent (252)
kind, good-hearted, generous
Facilitate (253)
to make easier
Nullify (254)
to make unimportant or invalid
Objective (255)
without bias; based upon observable criteria
Florid (256)
flowery or elaborate (speech)
Spare (257)
to refrain from, omit, or withhold, as in action or speech; unadorned, barren, austere