Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

SAT > Vocab 200 > Flashcards

Vocab 200 Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
SAT® Prep flashcards
1
Q

Accessible (adj)

A

Easy to reach or to approach

The introduction to the complex novel was, thankfully, written in clear accessible language.

Synonyms: approachable, attainable

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Accommodate (verb)

A

To give consideration to

The hospitable couple was happy to accommodate the needs of their finicky guest.

Synonyms: oblige, abet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Advantageous (adj)

A

Giving an advantage

The house’s location in the best school district was advantageous to the seller.

Synonyms: favorable, beneficial

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Adversary (noun)

A

One who opposes or resists

Franklin hoped to defeat his adversary in the afternoon’s tennis match.

Synonyms: opponent, enemy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Absolve (verb)

A

To forgive; to free from guilt

Marta felt greatly relieved after her mother absolved her for breaking the vase.

Synonyms: exculpate, pardon

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Accentuate (verb)

A

To emphasize

Carla used red ribbons to accentuate the coppery tones in her hair.

Synonyms: highlight, stress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Aerate (verb)

A

To supply with air

Every spring, Soloman used his tiller to aerate the compact soil.

Synonyms: oxygenate, carbonate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Aesthete (noun)

A

Person having or affecting sensitivity to beauty

Consuela’s friends called her an aesthete when she claimed that Monet’s paintings made her cry.

Synonyms: connoisseur, epicure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Anthology (noun)

A

A collection of selected literary pieces

The writer was thrilled when his story was included in an anthology of American masterpieces.

Synonym: collection, compilation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Antidote (noun)

A

Something that relieves or counteracts

Veronique found that listening to French music was an antidote for her homesickness.

Synonyms: cure, remedy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Apathetic (adj)

A

Showing little or no emotion

Carmine was concerned about his usually cheerful brother’s apathetic attitude.

Synonyms: impassive, indifferent.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Appalling (adj)

A

Inspiring dismay or disgust

Hector found his roommate’s habit of leaving his dirty socks on the floor appalling.

Synonyms: dreadful, awful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Appraise (verb)

A

To evaluate the worth of

Simone, an expert in African sculpture, was asked to appraise the ambassador’s collection of masks.

Synonyms: assess, review

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Archaic (adj)

A

Characteristic of an earlier time

In the world of high fashion, two-year-old shoes are considered positively archaic.

Synonyms: antiquated, ancient

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Archetypal (adj)

A

Characteristic of the original model or perfect example

Shakespeare’s sonnets are considered archetypal love poems

Synonyms: classic, consummate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Augment (verb)

A

To make greater

Wanda read the dictionary every night to augment her vocabulary.

Synonyms: enhance, amplify

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Authoritarian (adj)

A

Favoring absolute obedience to authority

Marco’s authoritarian mother never allowed him to watch more than one hour of television a day.

Synonyms: strict, despotic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Avian (adj)

A

Relating to birds

The old man affectionately referred to pigeons as his “avian friends.”

Synonyms: bird-like

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Awe (noun)

A

Emotion combining dread and wonder

Charlie was in awe of his uncle, a professional football player and chess champion.

Synonyms: veneration, amazement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Belated (adj)

A

Past the normal or proper time

Even though I forgot his birthday, I hoe my father accepts my belated card.

Synonyms: tardy, overdue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Benefactor (noun)

A

One who offers financial help

Michael’s aunt and benefactor paid his college tuition.

Synonym: patron

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Beneficial (adj)

A

Helpful

there is no doub that eating vegetables is beneficial to one’s health.

Synonyms: advantageous, salutary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Benevolent (adj)

A

Kind, helpful

Sherman revealed his benevolent side when he offered to help Carter with his homework.

Synonyms: altruistic, generous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Brandish (verb)

A

To shake or wave menacingly

The baseball player was fined for brandishing his bat at the opposing pitcher.

Synonyms: flourish, swing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Buffer (noun)

A

Protective barrier

The dense trees acted as a buffer against the heavy rain.

Synonyms: cushion, mediator

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Buffoonery (noun)

A

Foolish behavior

Clarence, an irrepressible comic, was held after cass for his buffoonery.

Synonyms: jocularity, clowning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Camaraderie (noun)

A

Spirit of friendship

The manager hoped the retreat would increase the camaraderie among the feuding workers.

Synonyms: sociability, espirit de corps

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Catastrophic (adj)

A

Relating to extreme misfortune

The effects of the massive hurricane were catastrophic.

Synonyms: devastating, disastrous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Celebrated (adj)

A

Widely known, respected

The fans waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the celebrated actress.

Synonyms: admired, famous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Censure (verb)

A

To find fault with

The critical teacher was quick to censure her students for even small mistakes.

Synonyms: blame, criticize

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Civility (noun)

A

Politeness

The usually unruly Thomas acted with great civility when his favorite uncle visited.

Synonyms: courtesy, consideration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Clairvoyance (noun)

A

Ability to see things beyond ordinary perception

Rosa used her clairvoyance to help Alexander find his lost keys.

Synonyms: divination, foretelling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Clairty (noun)

A

Clearness

The refreshing water in the mountain stream was remarkable for its clarity.

Synonyms: lucidity, limpidity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Colossal (adj)

A

Immense, enormous

After pushing with all his might, Frank realized he could never move the colossal boulder.

Synonyms: gigantic, tremendous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Combative (adj)

A

Eager to fight

The teacher suggested the combative student channel his aggression into boxing.

Synonyms: aggressive belligerent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Combustion (noun)

A

Act of burning

Campers must use fire with great caution to prevent combustion of the parched brush.

Synonyms: igniting, kindling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Commemorate (verb)

A

To mark by a ceremony

Each year, the Franklins commemorate their anniversary by visiting the site of their first date.

Synonyms: observe, remember

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Comparable (adj)

A

Similar, equivalent

Helen will only accept something of comparable value for her ticket to the concert.

Synonyms: akin, analogous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Composed (adj)

A

Calm

Although her stomach was in knots, the actress appeared perfectly composed when she took the stage.

Synonyms: serene, unperturbed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Comprehensible (adj)

A

Understandable

Shannon spoke slowly so her directions would be comprehensible to her foreign visitor.

Synonyms: intelligle, coherent

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Compulsion (noun)

A

An irresistible impulse

Tamar, a shoe fanatic, could not resist the compulsion to buy the shiny red boots.

Synonyms: urge, obligation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Condone (verb)

A

To treat as acceptable

Crystal condoned her friend’s late arrival because she found it hard to be on time herself.

Synonyms: excuse, sanction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Conduit (noun)

A

Means for transmitting or distributing

Jason, a notorious gossip, was a conduit for information about his friends.

Synonyms: channel, pipeline

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Corrective (adj)

A

Intended to correct

The school decided to take corrective measures to prevent truancy.

Synonyms: remedial, curative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Corroborate (verb)

A

To support with evidence

“Unless you can corroborate your story, it will not be admissible in court,” the attorney told his client.

Synonyms: verify, prove

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Corrosive (adj)

A

Bitingly sarcastic

The cruel Estella’s corrosive comments made Pip cry.

Synonyms: caustic, sardonic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Cunning (adj)

A

Showing clever insight

The general devised a cunning strategy to outfox the enemy.

Synonyms: crafty, ingenious

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Curtail (verb)

A

To make less

Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.

Synonyms: shorten, reduce

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Deferment (noun)

A

The act of delaying

Sybil was frustrated by the deferment of her much anticipated vacation.

Synonyms: postponement, reprieve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Defiant (adj)

A

Showing bold resistance

The defiant toddler refused to leave the park.

Synonyms: impudent, disobedient

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Demean (verb)

A

To lower status

The embarrassing photograph demeaned the candidate in the eyes of the voters.

Synonyms: humble, degrade

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Demeanor (noun)

A

Behavior towards others

Carlos was well liked because of his charming demeanor.

Synonyms: disposition, comportment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Derelict (adj)

A

Abandoned

The derelict house was condemned as a public hazard.

Synonyms: destitute, forsaken

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Derivative (adj)

A

Lacking originality

Critics panned the movie as a derivative version of last year’s Best Picture.

Synonyms: banal, cliche

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Diffident (adj)

A

Lacking self-confidence

The diffident student never raised her hand in class, even when she knew the answer.

Synonyms: timid, bashful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

discern (verb)

A

To recognize as separate as distinct

The pastry connoisseur was able to discern Swiss from Belgian chocolate.

Synonyms: detect, discriminate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Disconcert (verb)

A

To throw into confusion

Jennifer’s outspoken criticism of the meal disoncerted the waiter.

Synonyms: unnerve, bewilder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Disdain (noun)

A

Feeling of contempt

The arrogant writer did not hide his disdain for his uneducated dinner companion.

Synonyms: scorn, discersion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Distortion (noun)

A

The act of twisting out of shape

The story about the actress in the gossip column was a distortion of the truth.

Synonyms: contortion, mutilation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Drab (adj)

A

Dull, monotonous

The drab winter scene made Keisha long for the vibrant colors of spring.

Synonyms: dreary, colorless

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Drub (verb)

A

To defeat decisively

The powerful young boxer drubbed the longtime champion.

Synonyms: beat, thrash

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

Dubious (adj)

A

Questionable

Karl found Kevin’s claim that he was sick dubious, as he had just seen him playing football.

Synonyms: suspect, doubtful

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Duplicity (noun)

A

Deceptive thought, speech, or action

The life of an undercover detective is filed with necessary duplicity.

Synonyms: deceit, dishonesty

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Ecstatic (adj)

A

Overwhelmingly emotional

They were ecstatic when their team won the championship game in the last second.

Synonyms: overjoyed, rapturous

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

Egotist (noun)

A

Self-important person

Darren dreaded carpooling with the egotist Shelly, who talked about herself nonstop.

Synonyms: blowhard, braggart

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Elate (verb)

A

To fill with joy

It elated Margaret to be awarded first place in the science fair.

Synonyms: delight, thrill

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

Eloquent (adj)

A

Fluent, expressive

Kim, an eloquent speaker, was the best choice to make the presentation for the group.

Synonyms: articulate, persuasive

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

Elusive (adj)

A

Hard to grasp

The words to the song are elusive, as the singer tends to mumble.

Synonyms: evasive, obscure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

Embellish (verb)

A

To decorate

Sari embellished the plain curtains with satin ribbons and tassels.

Synonyms: adorn, garnish

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

Entangle (verb)

A

To involve in trouble

Jonah regretted entangling Parker in his legal difficulties.

Synonyms: embroil, implicate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

Epistolary (adj)

A

Contained or carried on in letters

The shoebox filled with letters was the ony remains of Ming’s epistolary friendship with Emile.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Epitaph (noun)

A

Brief statement honoring a dead person

“Beloved by all,” was the epitaph Edgar chose for his wife’s tombstone.

Synonyms: inscription, eulogy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

Equitable (adj)

A

Fair and equal

The judge made an equitable decision dividing the estate evenly among the sisters.

Synonyms: impartial, unbiased

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

Ethical (adj)

A

Conforming to accepted standards

Mary did the ethical thing and turned in the diamond necklace she found.

Synonyms: honorable, moral

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

Eulogy (noun)

A

Speech or writing in praise of deceased

Ernesto delivered a moving eulogy at his uncle’s funeral.

Synonyms: homage, panegyric

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

Euphoria (noun)

A

Feeling of great happiness

Cassandra was overcome with euphoria when she met her long-lost sister.

Synonyms: elation, ebullience

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

Exalt (verb)

A

To elevate by praise

The fireman was publicly exalted for his heroism.

Synonyms: glorify, honor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

Exasperation (noun)

A

The state of being irritated

The longer Jorge waited in line at the ticket counter, the more his exasperation grew.

Synonyms: irritation, frustration

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

Exception (noun)

A

A case to which the rule does not apply

The teacher made an exception and let Gina eat her snack in class.

Synonyms: anomaly, deviation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

Extant (adj)

A

Currently existing

Some consider Clint Eastwood the greatest extant American director.

Synonyms: living, surviving

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

Extenuating (adj)

A

Partially excusing

The extenuating circumstance of Calviin’s illness caused the teacher to excuse his lateness.

Synonyms: mitigating, qualifying

82
Q

Extol (verb)

A

To praise highly

The statesman extolled the ambassador who single-handedly negotiated the peace treaty.

Synonyms: glorify, exalt

83
Q

Facade (noun)

A

false or superficial appearance

Emily’s smile is just a facade masking her broken heart.

Synonyms: mask, deceit

84
Q

Fidelity (noun)

A

State of being faithful

Unlike her fickle friend Benji, May Belle was known for her fidelity.

Synonyms: loyalty, devotion

85
Q

Finite (adj)

A

Having definite limits

The exasperated mother had finite patience for her toddler’s tantrums.

Synonyms: limited, circumscribed

86
Q

Flagrant (adj)

A

Noticeably offensive

The executive was fired for his flagrant abuse of the company expense account.

Synonyms: glaring, outrageous

87
Q

Flaunt (verb)

A

To display showily

Sheila, who could not resist bragging, flaunted the “A” marked on her test paper.

Synonyms: parade, brandish

88
Q

Flaw (noun)

A

An imperfection

The otherwise perfect diamond had a tiny flaw that reduced its value.

Synonyms: defect, blemish

89
Q

Flourish (verb)

A

To make bold, sweeping gestures

The fairy godmother flourished her wand and turned the pumpkin into a carriage.

Synonyms: brandish, wave

90
Q

Foil (noun)

A

One that enhances or underscores by contrast

The sweet cookie was a perfect foil to the sour lemon sorbet.

Synonyms: complement

91
Q

Fragile (adj)

A

Delicate

Jade placed the fragile vase out of reach of her rambunctious boys.

Synonyms: frail, brittle

92
Q

Fraud (noun)

A

Trick

The con man’s fraud involved selling swampland to gullible investors.

Synonyms: deceit, racket

93
Q

Frugal (adj)

A

Thrifty, cheap

The frugal shopper only bought items that were on sale.

Synonyms: sparing, provident

94
Q

Futile (adj)

A

Without purpose, completely ineffective

Arguing with Andrew is futile because he never changes his mind.

Synonyms: hopeless, vain

95
Q

Gargantuan (adj)

A

Gigantic

The gargantuan monster towered over the ten-story bulding.

Synonyms: enormous, colossal

96
Q

Garish (adj)

A

Offensively bright

The garish wallpaper offended Jerome, who preferred subtle colors.

Synonyms: gaudy, loud

97
Q

Genial (adj)

A

Sympathetic, friendly

The genial host warmly greeted his many guests.

Synonyms: pleasant, cordial

98
Q

Grandiose (adj)

A

With an affectation of grandeur

The sweeping, grandiose staircase looked preposterous in the modest entry hall.

Synonyms: pretentious, pompous

99
Q

Gravity (noun)

A

Importance, significance

Understanding the gravity of his error, Ken offered his humblest apology.

Synonyms: seriousness, magnitude

100
Q

Gruff (adj)

A

Rough or stern in manner or speech

Heidi’s grandfather was gruff, barking stern orders and hardly smiling.

Synonyms: surly, brusque

101
Q

Hedonism (noun)

A

Belief that pleasure is the sole aim of life

The hedonism of the emperoro, who spent all his time giving parties, caused his downfall.

Synonyms: sensualism, libertinism

102
Q

Heed (verb)

A

To pay attention to

“Heed my advice,” the fortuneteller warned Sebastian when he tried to ignore her prophecy.

Synonyms: mind, mark

103
Q

Heinous (adj)

A

Shockingly evil

Eduardo’s heinous betrayal of Lydia shocked even Latasha, who knew his evil ways.

Synonyms: odious, villainous

104
Q

Illuminate (verb)

A

To make clear

Her excellent lecture illuminated the complicated subject of nuclear physics.

Synonyms: elucidate, edify.

105
Q

Immoderate (adj)

A

Beyond usual or proper limits

Bob’s immoderate appetite shocked the guests at the wedding banquet.

Synonyms: excessive, intemperate

106
Q

Impenitent (adj)

A

Lacking remorse

The impenitent criminal received a harsh penalty, but his remorseful accomplice was released.

Synonyms: obdurate, unrepentant

107
Q

Implausible (adj)

A

Unbelievable

Claudia’s implausible excuse failed to convince her teacher.

Synonyms: improbable, doubtful

108
Q

Implement (verb)

A

To carry out or accomplish

All Randolph needed to implement his plan was a moonless night and a long rope.

Synonyms: execute, realize

109
Q

Inauspicious (adj)

A

Not favorable

Gary believed the black foreboding sky was an inauspicious sign.

Synonyms: ominous, portentous

110
Q

incidental (adj)

A

Minor

The accountant advised Justine not to report her incidental expenses.

Synonyms: petty, insignificant

111
Q

Incisive (adj)

A

Impressively direct and decisive

Samir’s incisive leadership made him the natural choice for president of the company.

Synonyms: keen, acute

112
Q

Incongruous (adj)

A

Not harmonious, incompatible

Sadie’s cowboy hat was incongruous with her black cocktail dress.

Synonyms: inappropriate, absurd

113
Q

Incumbent (adj)

A

It was incumbent on Jack to attend his father’s retirement party.

Synonyms: oblilgatory, compulsory

114
Q

Indecorous (adj)

A

In bad taste

My parents banned Chad from our house because of his indecorous behavior at dinner.

Synonyms: vulgar, uncouth

115
Q

Induce (verb)

A

To influence or cause

The loud blast of the cannon induced an avalanche.

Synonyms: incite, spur

116
Q

Inflammatory (adj)

A

Tending to excite anger

Garth’s inflammatory remarks at the party made Gwen furious.

Synonyms: seditious, hostile

117
Q

Insinuate (verb)

A

To suggest indirectly

Sinead, who did not like confrontation, insinuated that Beth was lying.

Synonyms: imply, allude

118
Q

Insolence (noun)

A

Boldness or rudeness

The boy’s insolence to the policeman embarrassed his mother.

Synonyms: impudence, impertinence

119
Q

Interminable (adj)

A

Never ending, or seemingly endless

The impatient Zoe found the longwinded lecture interminable.

Synonyms: ceaseless, monotonous

120
Q

Intricate (adj)

A

Having complex and interrelated parts

The intricate poem baffled most readers with its numerous obscure metaphors.

Synonyms: complicated, convoluted

121
Q

Inviolable (adj)

A

Secure from assault of trespass

Situated on a mountain, with sixteen-foot walls, the castle was inviolable.

Synonyms: untouchable, sacrosanct

122
Q

Iridescent (adj)

A

Having a lustrous or attractivve quality

The movie star’s iridescent presence charmed even the hardened reporter.

Synonyms: shimmering, sparkling

123
Q

Lenient (adj)

A

Mild or tolerant

The judge issued a lenient sentence because it was Frank’s first offense.

Synonyms: merciful, clement

124
Q

Liability (noun)

A

Kevin’s growing fatigue was a liability as he attempted to climb the steep hill.

Synonyms: handicap, encumbrance

125
Q

Lurid (adj)

A

Causing horror, shocking

The lurid photos of the crime scene upset the jury.

Synonyms: gruesome, sensational

126
Q

Mandate (noun)

A

Martha reluctantly obeyed the mandate to vacate her apartment.

Synonyms: command, decree

127
Q

Manifest (adj)

A

Obvious

James finally made his affection manifest when he handed Jessica a red rose.

Synonyms: evident, unmistakable

128
Q

Mediate (verb)

A

To come between parties in order to reconcile

The diplomatic Henry was able to mediate between the quarreling sisters.

Synonyms: arbitrate, negotiate

129
Q

Melee (noun)

A

A tumultuous fight among several people

After the game, a melee broke out between fans of the opposing teams.

Synonyms: brawl, skirmish

130
Q

Melodious (adj)

A

Having a pleasing melody

The melodious sounds of the symphony soothed Tim after his trying day.

Synonyms: dulcet, mellifluous

131
Q

Methodical (adj)

A

Performed in an orderly manner

Oscar’s methodical approach exasperated his free-spirited friend Ben.

Synonyms: systematic, meticulous

132
Q

Meticulous (adj)

A

Extrememly careful regarding details

The meticulous detective found every shred of evidence at the crime scene.

Synonyms: fastidious, painstaking

133
Q

Moderate (adj)

A

Tending toward the average

The best-selling writer was disappointed; his new novel was only a moderate success.

Synonyms: medium, mediocre

134
Q

Mundane (adj)

A

Practical, ordinary

The flighty Caroline could not be troubled with mundane tasks such as paying her bills.

Synonyms: commonplace, earthly

135
Q

Naive (adj)

A

Lacking worldy wisdom

The naive Simon assumed that everyone was as simple and kind as he was.

Synonyms: artless, credulous

136
Q

Negate (verb)

A

To make invalid

Paula negated Tiffany’s argument by proving that her main premise was false.

Synonyms: neutralize, annul

137
Q

Nurture (verb)

A

To further the development of

Our cat made a nest of blankets to nurture her newborn kittens.

Synonyms: foster, cultivate

138
Q

Oblivious (adj)

A

Lacking awareness

Love-struck Charlie was oblivious to everyone but the object of his affection.

Synonyms: careless, heedless

139
Q

Obnoxious (adj)

A

Highly offensive

The manager asked the obnoxious diner to leave the restaurant.

Synonyms: objectionable, repugnant

140
Q

Onset (noun)

A

Beginning

Crocuses bloom at the onset of spring, sometimes even before the snow melts.

Synonyms: start, commencement

141
Q

Opportune (adj)

A

Suitable or convenient

Quan stepped onto the platform at the most opportune time, just as the train pulled in.

Synonyms: propitious, fortunate

142
Q

Pallid (adj)

A

Lacking color

The nurse was worried by the patient’s pallid face and shallow breathing.

Synonyms: pale, wan

143
Q

Pantomime (noun)

A

Telling a story through gestures

The jealous actress called her understudy’s performance a ridiculous pantomime.

Synonyms: charade

144
Q

Parity (noun)

A

Equality

Hilda, to avoid squabbles, aimed for parity in the slices of birthday cake.

Synonyms: sameness, equivalence

145
Q

Pathos (noun)

A

Sympathetic pity

The soldiers cherished the kindly Nurse Nightingale for her pathos.

Synonyms: compassion

146
Q

Penurious (adj)

A

Extrememly stingy

Ebenezer Scrooge was most penurious, refusing to give even a penny to charity.

Synonyms: frugal, parsimonious

147
Q

Perception (noun)

A

Capacity for seeing or understanding

His incredible perception made him the best detective on the force.

Synonyms: cognition, discernment

148
Q

Periodic (adj)

A

Occurring at regular intervals

The periodic innterruptions of the cuckoo clock prevented Li from concentrating.

Synonyms repeated, recurrent

149
Q

Placebo (noun)

A

An inactive substance used in medical testing

Tom, who had taken the placebo, found that his allergy symptoms did not go away.

150
Q

Plaudits (noun)

A

Enthusiastic approval

Allison’s painting met with plaudits from the critics, who had dismissed her earlier work.

Synonyms: kudos, acclaim

151
Q

Ploy (noun)

A

A contrived plan

Sarah thought George’s ploy of borrowing her notes was a cowardly way to ask her out.

Synonyms: strategem, ruse

152
Q

Polarize (verb)

A

To break up into opposing groups

Thelma tended to polarize discussions rather than to encourage compromise.

Synonyms: divide

153
Q

Pomp (noun)

A

Showy display

Jan couldn’t help enjoying the pomp of the elaborate wedding ceremony.

Synonyms: pageantry, grandeur

154
Q

Precept (noun)

A

A general rule of action

All the students know Mrs. Brown’s strict precept; no talking in class.

Synonyms: rule, axiom

155
Q

Preclude (verb)

A

To rule out in advance

“Having cake now will preclude dessert later,” said Amber’s mother.

Synonyms: prevent, hinder

156
Q

Pretense (noun)

A

False intention or purpose

The jewel theif entered the mansion under the pretense of fixing a leaky faucet.

Synonyms: cover, charade

157
Q

Pretentious (adj)

A

Making unjustified claims

The pretentious boy said that he was the fastest runner, but he finished last in the race.

Synonyms: pompous, showy

158
Q

Procrastinate (verb)

A

To put off intentionally

Yvonne’s father urged, “Don’t procrastinate. Clean your room right away.”

Synonyms: delay, stall

159
Q

Prominence (noun)

A

Importance

The singer’s prominence ensured that the concert would sell out.

Synonyms: renown, eminence

160
Q

Promote (verb)

A

To contribute to the growth or prosperity of

The promote peace, the diplomat hosted a talk between the warring nations.

Synonyms: advance, forward

161
Q

Proximity (noun)

A

Closeness

The proximity of Tia’s house to school meant that she could walk there in five minutes.

Synonyms: nearness, propinquity

162
Q

Prudent (adj)

A

Marked by wisdom, shrewd

Su-yong was happy she followed Greg’s prudent advice to study, as the test was difficult.

Synonyms: judicious, sagacious

163
Q

Prune (verb)

A

To reduce by removing excess

The candidate pruned his speech so he would not exceed the time limit.

Synonyms: trim, truncate

164
Q

Punctual (adj)

A

On time

Ron was worried when the usually punctual Amanda was late for the show.

Synonyms: prompt, dependable

165
Q

Rhapsody (noun)

A

State of great happiness

Lorraine was in rhapsody when she was accepte to the college of her dreams.

Synonyms: ecstasy, rapture

166
Q

Fickle (adj)

A

Lacking constancy, changeable

The fickle Senji had a new best friend every month.

Synonyms: erratic, capricious

167
Q

Salvage (verb)

A

To save from ruin

After the fire, Mrs. Han tried to salvage her family photos from the wreckage.

Synonyms: rescue, recover

168
Q

Rail (verb)

A

To scold in harsh language

Clay began to cry as his irate manager railed at him for missing the deadline.

Synonyms: upbraid, berate

169
Q

Ramble (verb)

A

To wander, physically or in language

Professor Tan rambled during his lectures, frequently straying from the subject.

Synonyms: roam, meander

170
Q

Rancorous (adj)

A

Marked by deep ill-will

The rancorous competition between the two chess clubs actually ended in a brawl.

Synonyms: bitter, vicious

171
Q

Raspy (adj)

A

rough, grating

After shouting to his players through the long game, the coach’s voice was raspy.

Synonyms: harsh, abrasive

172
Q

Raucous (adj)

A

Noisy, rowdy

Serena, who preferred quiet conversation, left the rancous party.

173
Q

Recrimination (noun)

A

A retaliatory accusation

Frank, who was wounded by Sally’s remark, made a bitter recrimination.

Synonyms: counterclaim

174
Q

Redouble (verb)

A

To make twice as great

As the sun began to set, Brittany redoubled her effort to find the necklace she had dropped in the field.

Synonyms: intensify, strengthen

175
Q

Refurbish (verb)

A

To brighten or freshen

Leeanne cleaned and mended all weekend to refurbish the shabby apartment.

Synonyms: renovate, renew

176
Q

Regale (verb)

A

To amuse

My clever brother Jeffrey regaled the dinner guests with tales of his adventures.

Synonyms: entertain, delight

177
Q

Regurgitate (verb)

A

To pour out or throw back

The teacher wanted us to examine ideas rather than to regurgitate memorized facts.

Synonyms: spew, disgorge

178
Q

Rehash (verb)

A

To discuss again

“Sandra,” said her mother, “I am tired of rehashing this same topic over and over.”

Synonym: review

179
Q

Repel (verb)

A

To resist, reject

The soldiers made a massive charge to repel the invaders.

Synonyms: repulse, rebuff

180
Q

Repentant (adj)

A

Feeling regret

The repentant Dana admitted to cheating on the test.

Synonyms: contrite, penitent

181
Q

Retroactive (adj)

A

effective as of a prior time or condition

The retroactive law made even past infractions punishable.

Synonym: retrograde

182
Q

Revive (verb)

A

To bring back to life

Hank tried to revive Clare’s interest in the project, but her enthusiasm had expired.

Synonyms: reanimate, quicken

183
Q

Revoke (verb)

A

To cancel by taking back

After Kal’s father revoked his allowance, he had no money for the movies.

Synonyms: rescind, annul

184
Q

Scamper (verb)

A

To run quickly

The frightened kitten scampered away from the butterfly.

Synonyms: dash, scurry

185
Q

Scapegoat (noun)

A

Someone who bears the blame for others

Audrey used her innocent baby brother as a scapegoat for the missing cookies.

Synonyms: dupe, victim

186
Q

Serenity (noun)

A

Calmness

The serenity of the glassy sea soothed the sailors after the big storm.

Synonyms: peace, tranquility

187
Q

Servile (adj)

A

Fearfully submissive

Felicia’s servile attitude annoyed her boss, who preferred an assistant with more backbone.

Synonyms: slavish, menial

188
Q

Sociable (adj)

A

Inclined to seek companionship

The sociable Glenda was delighted to receive the party invitation.

Synonyms: genial, gregarious

189
Q

Solace (noun)

A

Source of consolation

Parents’ weekend was a solace to Marjorie, whose beloved daughter had left for college.

Synonyms: comfort, relief

190
Q

Stealth (noun)

A

The act of moving secretly or unnoticed

The cat burglar took the ring by stealth, slipping it from the sleeping woman’s finger.

Synonyms: furtiveness, slyness

191
Q

Stern (adj)

A

Harsh, severe

The stern principal canceled the prom after the seniors played a silly prank.

Synonyms: strict, adamant

192
Q

Stifle (verb)

A

To repress or discourage

Amy tried ineffectively to stifle her giggles after she read Susan’s note in class.

Synonyms: suppress, check

193
Q

Straddle (verb)

A

To favor opposing sides

Kia straddled the issue, not wanting to say whether James or Tara was right.

Synonyms: waffle, equivocate

194
Q

Supple (adj)

A

Flexible

The supple leather coat draped like soft cloth around her shoulders.

Synonyms: pliant, elastic

195
Q

Surplus (noun)

A

Excess

Trevor decided to freeze the surplus chili for next week’s tailgate party.

Synonyms: surfeit, remainder

196
Q

Trove (noun)

A

Valuable collection

Walter’s trove of vintage baseball cards was worth thousands of dollars.

Synonyms: cache, treasure

197
Q

Turmoil (noun)

A

Extreme confusion, agitation

The windstorm caused such turmoil in the lake that the sailboat capsized.

Synonyms: chaos, tumult

198
Q

Turpitude (noun)

A

Essential baseness, depravity

The turpitude of the villain in the movie offended most audiences.

Synonyms: corruption, perversion

199
Q

Unscrupulous (adj)

A

Lacking principles

The unscrupulous salesman was fired for lying to his customers.

Synonyms: corrupt, immoral

200
Q

Untenable (adj)

A

Not able to be defended

Rashid made the untenable statement that George Washington was the second president of the United States.

Synonyms: baseless, implausible

SAT (2 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions