SAT Reading & Writing: 400+ Essential Vocabulary Words

To confirm or support with evidence

Data corroborate the hypothesis

To provide evidence to support a claim

Substantiate the claim with data

To strengthen or support

Bolster an argument

To reinforce, support (like architecture)

Buttress a weak theory

To state positively; validate

Affirm the researcher’s findings

To confirm the accuracy/worth of

Validate the results

To clear of blame; prove right

Later research vindicated her

To adopt or support (a cause/belief)

Espouse a viewpoint

To publicly support; a supporter

Advocate for reform

To support/promote strongly (not just a winner)

Champion a cause

To publicly approve/support

Endorse a proposal

To agree

Critics concur with the assessment

A natural consequence/logical follow-up

A corollary of the theory

General agreement

Scientific consensus

In complete agreement

Unanimous decision

To respond in kind; mutual exchange

Reciprocate a gesture

In agreement/harmony with

Consonant with prior findings

To complete or enhance

Complement each other’s skills

Clear, logical, convincing

A cogent argument

Convincing, demanding attention

Compelling evidence

Defensible, able to be maintained

A tenable position

Reasonable, believable

A plausible explanation

Believable, trustworthy

A credible source

To state confidently

Assert a claim

To assume as true; a proposed principle

Postulate a theory

To put forward as fact

Posit a new idea

To argue/assert firmly

The author contends that…

To assert persistently (secondary meaning)

She maintains her innocence

To reach a conclusion via logic

Deduce from evidence

To conclude from evidence

Infer the author’s intent

To bear witness/certify

Attest to the accuracy

Underlying reason/logical basis

The rationale behind a decision

To justify; justification

The data warrants concern

To show adequate reason for

Justify a conclusion

To form the basis/support of

Principles undergird the policy

A basic assumption underlying an argument

The premise of the study

Combination of ideas into a coherent whole

A synthesis of research

To emphasize

Underscore the importance

To state again with confidence

Reaffirm a commitment

Valid, lawful; to make valid

Legitimate concerns

To formally approve

Ratify an agreement

To weaken gradually

Undermine an argument

To prove wrong

Refute a claim

To argue against, counter

Rebut the opposing view

To assert the opposite

Contradict earlier statements

To question the validity of

Dispute a finding

To challenge/dispute

Contest the results

To damage the reputation/credibility of

Discredit a source

To belittle, speak negatively of

Disparage a rival’s work

To reject/disown formally

Repudiate a theory

To formally give up/reject

Renounce a claim

A division into two contradictory groups

A false dichotomy

A seemingly contradictory statement that may be true

An apparent paradox

Opposite in nature

Contrary to popular belief

Direct opposite

The antithesis of order

Fundamentally different, distinct

Disparate fields of study

Differing, developing in different directions

Divergent opinions

Out of place; not harmonious

Incongruous with the setting

A difference between things expected to match

A discrepancy in the data

Something that deviates from the norm

A statistical anomaly

A deviation from what is normal

A temporary aberration

On the other hand (transition)

Conversely, other studies show…

Despite

Notwithstanding the risks

Although

Successful, albeit slow

To give a false impression of; contradict

His calm belies his anxiety

Contrary to expectation

A counterintuitive result

To confuse, mix up, or contradict expectations

Confound the predictions

To place side by side for contrast

Juxtapose two eras

Seemingly contradictory yet possibly true

A paradoxical outcome

To distort or bias

Skew the results

To separate/differ from

Diverge from tradition

Incapable of being resolved/matched

Irreconcilable differences

To waver between opinions

Vacillate on a decision

To depart from a standard

Deviate from the norm

Nevertheless (transition)

Difficult, nonetheless possible

To limit/modify a statement (secondary meaning)

Qualify her earlier claim

To moderate/soften (secondary meaning)

Temper enthusiasm with caution

To lessen severity

Mitigate the damage

To counterbalance

Offset the losses

To prevent/rule out

Preclude further discussion

To cancel out/nullify

Negate the effect

Based on observation/experiment

Empirical evidence

A proposed explanation to be tested

Test a hypothesis

System of methods used in research

Research methodology

A factor that can change in an experiment

Control a variable

A mutual relationship between variables

Correlation vs. causation

The act of causing something

Establish causation

Deviating from what is standard

Anomalous readings

To vary irregularly

Fluctuate over time

Something that provokes change

A catalyst for reform

Capable of change

A mutable trait

Unchanging

A static population

Constantly changing/energetic

A dynamic system

Uniform in composition

A homogeneous sample

Diverse in composition

A heterogeneous mixture

Inborn, natural

An innate ability

Not original, derived from something else

A derivative work

Through observation/experiment

Empirically tested

To express as a number

Quantify the risk

Relating to quality, not quantity

Qualitative analysis

Relating to measurable quantity

Quantitative data

Thorough, strict

A rigorous study

To reproduce/duplicate

Replicate an experiment

(see also Category 2) unexpected result

Detect an anomaly

To infer beyond known data

Extrapolate a trend

Something that precedes/leads to another

A precursor to disease

A process/system by which something works

A biological mechanism

An observable occurrence

A natural phenomenon

To increase rapidly in number

Cells proliferate

Inactive but capable of activity

A dormant volcano

Hidden, not yet developed

A latent trait

Just beginning to develop

A nascent industry

To develop gradually

Evolve over generations

To adjust to new conditions

Adapt to the environment

A change in genetic structure

A genetic mutation

Capable of working/surviving

A viable solution

To combine into a whole (also chem.)

Synthesize a compound

To break down/decline in quality

Degrade over time

To wear away gradually

Erode the coastline

Unstable, likely to change rapidly

A volatile chemical/market

Existing as a permanent, essential quality

An inherent risk

Data from direct observation

Rely on empirical data

Open to multiple interpretations

An ambiguous statement

Unclear, deliberately vague

An equivocal response

Doubting, questioning

Skeptical of the claim

Doubtful, questionable

A dubious source

Weak, flimsy (of an argument/connection)

A tenuous link

Based on guesswork rather than fact

A speculative theory

A guess without full evidence

Mere conjecture

Overstepping bounds, overly confident

A presumptuous assumption

Not leading to a definite conclusion

Inconclusive results

Not precisely fixed/known

An indeterminate outcome

Vague, unclear, cloud-like

A nebulous concept

Mysterious, puzzling

An enigmatic figure

Mysterious, hard to interpret

A cryptic message

Hard to grasp/define

An elusive answer

Based on random choice, not reason

An arbitrary rule

Temporary, subject to change

A provisional conclusion

Likely to be true, though not confirmed

Presumably correct

Apparently, as claimed but perhaps not true

Ostensibly to help

Reportedly, allegedly

Purportedly effective

An attitude of doubt

Scientific skepticism

Lack of certainty

Statistical uncertainty

A feeling of doubt/unease

No qualms about it

A doubt or hesitation (secondary meaning)

Have reservations

Causing disagreement

A contentious issue

Subject to public dispute

A controversial policy

Uncertain, unstable

A precarious situation

To doubt; questionable (secondary meaning)

A suspect claim

Deceptive, not real

An illusory gain

Stated but perhaps not true

The ostensible reason

Based on a mistaken belief; logically flawed

A fallacious argument

A wrong idea, based on faulty thinking

A common misconception

Incorrect

An erroneous belief

Superficially plausible but wrong

A specious argument

Cleverly deceptive reasoning

Sophistic reasoning

Not staying the same; contradictory

Inconsistent findings

Not confirmed by other evidence

Uncorroborated reports

Vague, indistinct

A hazy recollection

Not clearly expressed

A vague answer

Confusing

A perplexing result

Completely confusing

A baffling discovery

The art of persuasive language

Political rhetoric

Relating to persuasive effect/style

A rhetorical question

Frank, honest

A candid opinion

Direct and outspoken

A forthright answer

Brief and to the point (sometimes curt)

A terse reply

Rudely brief

A curt response

Using very few words

A laconic style

Using more words than needed

A verbose essay

Talkative

A loquacious speaker

Fluent, persuasive in speech/writing

An eloquent speech

Concise and forceful

A pithy remark

Mocking, cynically bitter

A sardonic tone

Dryly humorous, ironic

A wry smile

Expressing meaning opposite to literal

An ironic twist

Using humor/irony to criticize

A satirical essay

Joking, not serious about a serious topic

A facetious comment

Disrespectfully casual

A flippant attitude

Serious, dignified

A solemn tone

Dark, gloomy in mood

A somber mood

Showing deep respect

A reverent tone

Mocking, scornful

A derisive laugh

Harshly critical

A scathing review

Full of bitter criticism

A vitriolic attack

Sharp, biting (tone)

An acerbic critic

Sarcastic and harsh

A caustic remark

Strongly critical/argumentative

A polemical essay

Intended to teach/moralize

A didactic tone

Unbiased, fact-based

An objective analysis

Based on personal feelings

A subjective view

Free of emotional bias

A dispassionate report

Not favoring one side

An impartial judge

Longing for the past

A nostalgic tone

Full of yearning, melancholic

A wistful memory

Mournful, expressing sorrow

An elegiac poem

Expressing feeling excessively

Effusive praise

Restrained, subtle

An understated style

Exaggerated

A hyperbolic claim

Having mixed feelings

Ambivalent about the change

Passionate, intense

A fervent supporter

Extremely enthusiastic

A zealous advocate

Angry due to unfair treatment

An indignant reaction

Capable of being molded/adaptable (not just material)

Plastic behavior in youth

To postpone discussion (not furniture)

Table a motion

To advocate for (not just a winner)

Champion the reform

To weaken/endanger (secondary)

Compromise one’s safety

New, original (not just a book)

A novel approach

Serious (not just a burial site)

A grave mistake

Logical, well-founded (not just noise)

A sound argument

To throw/assign (secondary meaning)

Cast doubt

Dull, unremarkable (not just a walker)

A pedestrian effort

Unstable (also chemistry)

A volatile temper

Striking, attention-grabbing

An arresting image

Marked by varied fortune (not just pattern)

A checkered history

To develop/foster (not just farming)

Cultivate a relationship

Changeable, flexible (not just liquid)

Fluid identity

To moderate (not just anger)

Temper expectations

Lacking, insufficient

Found wanting

To limit a statement (not just eligibility)

Qualify a remark

To dismiss as unreliable (not just price)

Discount a theory

To deal with (not just location)

Address a problem

To make an impression (not just sign up)

The event didn’t register

Doubt (not just a booking)

Voice reservations

To approve OR to penalize (contronym)

Officially sanctioned

To split OR to adhere closely (contronym)

Cleave to tradition

To evaluate/filter (not just a device)

Screen candidates

To endure (not just climate)

Weather the storm

To make experienced (not just time of year)

A seasoned veteran

To record events in order

Chronicle a decade

To create a preliminary version

Draft a proposal

To extract information/resources

Mine data

To handle/respond to (not just a location)

Field questions

To station/assign (not just mail)

Post a guard

To rely on (not just money)

Bank on success

To bring up a topic

Broach the subject

To seek favor of (not just legal)

Court controversy

To thwart; a contrasting character

Foil a plan

To question intensively (not cooking)

Grill a witness

To hold in mind (not just a port)

Harbor doubts

To copy/plagiarize (not just raise)

Lift a phrase

Newness/originality (not just a trinket)

The novelty wore off

To gradually weaken/drain

Sap one’s energy

Difficult, testing patience

A trying time

Cautious, reserved

A guarded response

Unproductive (not just land)

A barren discussion

Overly concerned with minor details

A pedantic critic

A condition/requirement in an agreement

A legal provision

To ask for/seek

Solicit feedback

Having a personal stake

A vested interest

To cause suddenly; hasty

Precipitate a crisis

To give rise to, cause

Engender trust

To provoke/initiate

Instigate change

To set off/initiate

Trigger a response

To incite/stir up

Foment unrest

To give rise to, produce

Spawn new theories

To reach a climactic point/end

Culminate in success

To follow as a result

Chaos ensued

An indirect consequence

Face repercussions

A complex consequence

Ethical ramifications

A natural result (see also Cat. 1)

A corollary of growth

To show clearly; evident

Manifest itself as illness

To produce/give rise to

Yield results

To cause/produce

Violence begets violence

A driving force/stimulus

An impetus for change

To originate from

Problems stem from neglect

To regard as caused by

Attribute success to luck

Important, resulting in significant outcomes

A consequential decision

Dependent on something else

Contingent upon funding

A factor that decisively affects

A key determinant

To base/found on

Predicated on trust

To be the cause/basis of

Factors underlie the trend

Deserving blame

Culpable for the error

To make worse

Exacerbate the problem

To make worse

Aggravate tensions

To make more severe by combining

Compound the issue

To make less severe

Alleviate suffering

To make better

Ameliorate conditions

To make easier

Facilitate discussion

To hinder/obstruct

Impede progress

To create difficulty for

Hinder development

To restrain/prevent

Inhibit growth

To restrain/control

Curb spending

To reduce/cut short

Curtail freedoms

To suppress/restrain

Stifle creativity

To discourage from acting

Deter crime

To stimulate into action

Galvanize support

To encourage/stimulate

Spur innovation

To drive forward

Propel a movement

To cause to continue

Perpetuate stereotypes

To praise highly

Laud an achievement

To praise enthusiastically

Extol the virtues of

To praise formally

Commend an effort

To praise publicly; public praise

Widely acclaimed

Serving as an ideal example

Exemplary behavior

Deserving praise

A laudable goal

Deserving reward/praise

Meritorious service

To regard with great respect

Venerate a leader

To deeply respect

Revere tradition

To criticize unfairly, belittle

Denigrate a rival

To mock, ridicule

Deride an idea

To speak evil of, defame

Maligned by critics

To speak/write abusively about

Vilify an opponent

To criticize severely

Castigate a policy

To warn/reprimand mildly

Admonish a student

To express disapproval

Reprove a mistake

To criticize/punish

Chastise for negligence

To express strong disapproval

Condemn an act

Formal, strong disapproval

Face censure

Sharp criticism

A public rebuke

To make seem unimportant

Belittle an achievement

Expressing a low opinion

A disparaging remark

Showing a critical attitude

A derogatory term

To praise insincerely

Flatter to gain favor

Excessively flattering

A sycophantic aide

To gain favor by deliberate effort

Ingratiate oneself

To clear from blame (see Cat. 1)

Vindicated by results

Showing good judgment

A discerning critic

Sharp, perceptive judgment

An astute observer

Having keen insight

A perceptive comment

Wise, careful in practical matters

A prudent decision

Having/showing good judgment

A judicious choice

Wise, shrewd

A sagacious leader

Careful judgment

Use discretion

Flawless

Impeccable credentials

Extremely careful and precise

A meticulous review

Extremely diligent/moral

A scrupulous accountant

Hasty, superficial (opposite of meticulous)

A cursory glance

Shallow, not thorough

A superficial analysis

Done routinely, with little effort

A perfunctory reply

Self-governance, independence

National autonomy

Supreme authority/power

State sovereignty

Believing in equality

An egalitarian society

A ranked system of authority

A social hierarchy

Division into layers/classes

Social stratification

To push to the edge of society

Marginalize a group

To deprive of rights (esp. voting)

Disenfranchise voters

To absorb/integrate into a group

Assimilate into culture

To make uniform

Homogenize cultures

Unity, sticking together

Social cohesion

Forming a unified whole

A cohesive community

Unity of purpose

Show solidarity

A small dissenting group within a larger one

A political faction

Strongly supporting one side

A partisan debate

Involving two political parties

A bipartisan bill

A system of beliefs

Political ideology

Established belief taken as authoritative

Religious dogma

A set of taught beliefs/principles

Official doctrine

Conforming to established beliefs

An orthodox view

Not conventional

An unorthodox method

An earlier event used as a guide

Set a precedent

Official authority to act; to require

A public mandate

An alliance for combined action

Form a coalition

A rebel against authority

An insurgent group

Seeking to undermine a system

A subversive idea

Advocating extreme change

A radical reform

Opposing progress/change

A reactionary stance

Favoring tradition, caution

A conservative approach

Favoring reform/new ideas

A progressive policy

Focused on usefulness/practicality

A utilitarian design

Practical rather than idealistic

A pragmatic solution

Pursuing high, often unrealistic, standards

An idealistic vision

Ruling with absolute power

An autocratic regime

Favoring strict obedience to authority

An authoritarian state

Unjustly harsh or burdensome

An oppressive law

To free from restriction

Emancipate slaves

To grant a right (esp. voting)

Enfranchise citizens

To settle and control another territory

Colonize a region

Native/originating in a place

Indigenous populations

Dispersion of a people from their homeland

The Jewish diaspora

Present everywhere

Ubiquitous technology

Spreading widely throughout

A pervasive attitude

Widespread, common

A prevalent belief

Most noticeable/important

A salient feature

Of chief importance

Of paramount concern

Essential, necessary for completeness

An integral part

Belonging naturally, essential

Intrinsic value

Coming from outside

Extrinsic motivation

Of minor importance; on the edge

A peripheral issue

Unnecessary, excessive

Superfluous detail

No longer needed, repetitive

A redundant phrase

Providing additional support

An ancillary function

Basic, elementary

Rudimentary skills

Forming a base/core part

A fundamental principle

Something required beforehand

A prerequisite for success

(see also Cat. 3) forerunner

A precursor to the war

Belonging to the wrong time period

An anachronistic view

Outdated

Antiquated technology

No longer in use

An obsolete method

Very old, ancient

Archaic language

A remaining trace of something

A vestige of the past

A remaining part

A remnant of tradition

Lasting a very short time

Ephemeral trends

Temporary, passing quickly

A transient phase

Passing quickly

A fleeting moment

Lasting over time

An enduring legacy

Recurring, everlasting

A perennial issue

Never-ending

Perpetual motion

Producing much/many

A prolific author

Thinly scattered, meager

Sparse population

Insufficient, limited supply

Scarce resources

Plentiful

Abundant evidence

Abundant, plentiful

Copious notes

Small in amount, inadequate

A meager budget

Comprehensive, thorough

An exhaustive study

Complete, covering everything

A comprehensive review

Individually separate/distinct

Discrete categories

Clearly stated

An explicit warning

Implied, not directly stated

An implicit assumption

Understood without being stated

Tacit approval

Openly done, not hidden

An overt threat

Hidden, secret

A covert operation

(see also Cat. 4) stated but questionable

The ostensible goal

A subtle distinction

A subtle nuance

Characterized by subtle distinctions

A nuanced argument

To perceive/recognize clearly

Discern a pattern

To make clear, explain

Elucidate a concept

To describe/outline precisely

Delineate boundaries

To express clearly; well-spoken

Articulate a vision

Extremely complex, complicated

A convoluted plot

Very complex/detailed

An intricate design

Having many aspects

A multifaceted problem

Harmless

An innocuous comment

Harmless, gentle (also medical)

A benign tumor

Intending harm

A malicious act

Harmful

Detrimental effects

Harmful, damaging

Deleterious impact

(duplicate control—harmless)

An innocuous substance

Beneficial, producing good effects

A salutary lesson

Producing good results

A beneficial outcome

Making a certain outcome likely

Conducive to learning

Favorable, promising success

An auspicious start

Suggesting something bad will happen

An ominous sign

A feeling that something bad will happen

A sense of foreboding

(see also Cat. 8) careful, wise

A prudent investment

Economical, avoiding waste

A frugal lifestyle

Severe/simple, without luxury

An austere lifestyle

Profitable

A lucrative deal

(see also Cat. 8) very careful

Meticulous planning

Difficult, requiring great effort

An arduous journey

Requiring much effort

A laborious task

Impressive, difficult to deal with

A formidable opponent

Intimidating

A daunting challenge

Able to recover quickly

A resilient economy

Persistent, holding firm

A tenacious spirit

Firm, unwavering

Steadfast support

Stubbornly unwilling to change

An obstinate refusal

Stubbornly resistant to authority

A recalcitrant employee

Unwilling to compromise

An intransigent stance

To surrender, give in

Capitulate to demands

To accept reluctantly, comply

Acquiesce to pressure

To admit/yield a point

Concede defeat

To yield to another’s judgment

Defer to an expert

To give up/surrender

Relinquish control

To go without, give up

Forgo a benefit

To refrain deliberately

Abstain from voting

To hold oneself back

Refrain from comment