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4-7086_SAT_Vocab_FC_Box Lid Wrap_Layout 1 7/30/12 2:34 PM Page 1
BARRONS
SAT*
VOCABULARY
FLASH CARDS
500 FLASH CARDS TO HELP YOU
ACHIEVE A HIGHER SCORE
*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved
in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.
BARRONS
4_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_00_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_00 8/14/12 5:51 PM Pag SCORE
HIGHERWITHBARRONS
xxx
Introduction
Welcome!
Considerthissetof500flashcardsjustthefirststeponyourroadto buildingacollegelevelvocabulary.Designedasastudyaidforthe SAT,thesetenablesyoutoreview
wordsyoumayalreadyknow,and tomaster unfamiliarwordsthatwillhelpyouontheSAT,incollege,
andforyearstocome.
Barrons SAT Vocabulary Flash Cards presents500SAT
high-frequencyvocabularywords,providingadefinitionand
pronunciationguideforeachwordandusingeachwordinasentence.
Organizedalphabeticallyandnumbered,thewordsrangefrom abate to
zealot.AllhaveappearedaskeywordsinSATreadingpassages
andcriticalreadingandsentencecompletionquestions.
4_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_00_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_00 8/14/12 5:51 PM Pag
Introduction
The cards are yours. Use them in whatever way works best for you.
Practice pronouncing a word, following our pronunciation guide; then check your pronunciation by
going to websites like dictionary.com and clicking on the speaker icon beside the word. You can
work through the words in alphabetical order, using this introduction card to mark your place. Keep a
few cards on the metal ring that comes with the set and flip through them while youre waiting for the
bus. Shuffle a stack of loose cards, and then cut the cards: see whether you know the word that comes
up next. Turn that idea into a vocabulary game and play it with your friends: the one who knows the
word gets to keep the card; when the stack runs out, the one with the most cards wins.
Copyright 2011 by
ISBN: 978-1-4380-7086-5
Barrons Educational Series, Inc.
250 Wireless Boulevard
All rights reserved.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page iii xxx
Make Your Own

Flash Cards
Once you have begun to build your vocabulary using flash cards, you will find that its a hard habit to
break. When you run out of our cards, try making your own. Heres how. Be brief, but include all the
information you need. Dont worry about pronunciation for now. On one side write the word. On the
other side write concise definitionstwo or three words at mostfor each major meaning of the
word you want to learn. To fix the word in your mind, use it in a short phrase. Then write down that
phrase.
7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page iv Sample
Flash Card
theoretical;
ABSTRACT
not concrete
abstract notion
You can also use our illustrative sentences as models and make up a new sentence of your own. If you
do, use vivid examples and be concrete: To someone starving, hunger is not an abstract concept; it
is all too real.
7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page v xxx
Pronunciation Guide
as in bug
,
as in pot
as in banana, believe, ,
as in who
bikini, bonanza,
I, i
as in boy, poi
buccaneer
AU, au
as in how
,
as in day
AW, aw
as in paw
,
as in cat
AH, ah
as in pod
,
as in me
AHR, ahr as in par
,
as in bed
r, r
as in pair
,
as in pie
CH, ch
as in chip, creature
,
as in pig
J, j
as in jam, gem, judge ,
as in go
,
as in pang
7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page vi S, s
as in sin, cent, scent TH, th
as in think
SH, sh
as in sheep, passion,
TH, th
as in then
nation
ZH, zh
as in leisure
7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 1
1abate
abate
verb
( BT)
grow less in intensity
or degree
Rather than leave immediately and be drenched, they waited for the storm to abate.
SYNONYMS: subside; moderate; decrease 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 3
2abridge
abridge
verb
( BRJ)
reduce (a text) in length
Because Websters dictionary had grown so large and unwieldy, the publishers decided to abridge it
and bring out a condensed version.
SYNONYMS: condense; shorten; digest 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 5
3abstemious
abstemious
adjective
(b ST m s)
sparing in eating and drinking
Vegans are abstemious: they neither use nor consume animal products, abstaining from eating eggs
and meat.
SYNONYMS: temperate; restrained; moderate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 7
4abstract
abstract
adjective
(b STRKT)
not concrete
To John, who had never missed a meal, hunger was an abstract concept, one he understood only in
theory.
SYNONYMS: theoretical; conceptual; intangible; academic
5abstruse
abstruse
adjective
(b STRS)
difficult to understand
Baffled by the abstruse philosophical texts assigned in class, Dave asked Lexy to explain Kants
Critique of Pure Reason.
SYNONYMS: obscure; profound; incomprehensible; esoteric
6accessible
accessible
adjective
(k S s bl)
able to be reached
We asked our guide whether the ruins were accessible on foot.
SYNONYMS: approachable; obtainable 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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7acclaim
acclaim
verb
( KLM)
announce with great approval
Announcing the Olympic Games, the
sportscasters acclaimed every American victory and grumbled about every American defeat.
SYNONYMS: applaud; praise
8accolade
accolade
noun
( k ld)
expression of approval
In Hollywood, an Oscar is the highest accolade.
SYNONYMS: award; praise; honor; tribute 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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9acknowledge
acknowledge
verb
(k NAH lj)

recognize, possibly reluctantly,
the status or rights of
Although Iris acknowledged that the Beatles
tunes sounded old-fashioned, she still preferred them to the gangsta rap her brothers played.
SYNONYMS: admit; concede; grant 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 19
10acquiesce
acquiesce
verb
( kw S)
agree without protesting
Although she appeared to acquiesce to her employers suggestions, I could tell she had reservations
about the changes he wanted made.
SYNONYMS: assent; comply; submit 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 21
11acrid
acrid
adjective
( krd)
sharply bitter in taste or odor
A pistol shot rang out; the acrid odor of burnt gunpowder filled the room.
SYNONYMS: pungent; sharp; harsh; bitter 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 23
12acrimonious
acrimonious
adjective
( kr M n s)
bitter in words or manner
It was a very negative campaign: the rival candidates attacked each other using highly acrimonious
terms.
SYNONYMS: hostile; bitter; unfriendly; spiteful 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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13adherent
adherent
noun
(d HR nt)
someone who follows a leader
or supports a cause
As news of the scandal spread, the senators one-time adherents quickly deserted him.
SYNONYMS: supporter; follower; advocate; believer 7_7086_SAT_Flash
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14adroit
adroit
adjective
( DRIT)
having skill or resourcefulness

in coping with situations
I had to admire the adroit excuses that Dexter found to get out of doing any chores he disliked.
SYNONYMS: skillful; clever; resourceful; adept 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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15adulation
adulation
noun
( j L shn)
excessive admiration
The conceited movie star relished the adulation he received from his groupies.
SYNONYMS: idolization; hero worship; flattery 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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16adversary
adversary
noun
(D v(r) sr )
one who resists or opposes
The young wrestler struggled to defeat his terrible adversary.
SYNONYMS: opponent; enemy
17adversity
adversity
noun
(d V(R) s t)
force negatively affecting
ones well-being
Dirt poor and out of work, he did not give up but continued struggling to overcome adversity.
SYNONYMS: misfortune; hardship; affliction; poverty
18advocate
advocate
verb
(D v kt)
speak in favor of
Seeking the end of slavery, the abolitionists advocated freedom for the slaves.
SYNONYMS: support; urge; recommend 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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19aesthetic
aesthetic
adjective
(s TH tk)
dealing with or capable of
appreciating the beautiful
The beauty of Tiffanys stained glass appealed to Esthers aesthetic sense.

SYNONYM: artistic
20affable
affable
adjective
( f bl)
easy to talk to; warmly friendly
Accustomed to cold, impersonal supervisors, Nicholas was amazed at how affable his new manager
was.
SYNONYMS: genial; sociable; easygoing; approachable
21affirmation
affirmation
noun
( fr M shn)
positive statement
Despite Toms affirmations of innocence, Aunt Polly suspected he had eaten the pie.
SYNONYMS: assertion; avowal; declaration 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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22alacrity
alacrity
noun
( L kr t)
cheerful readiness to respond
Eager to get away to the mountains, Phil and Dave packed up their ski gear and climbed into the van
with alacrity.
SYNONYMS: eagerness; promptness; enthusiasm 7_7086_SAT_Flash
23alleviate
alleviate
verb
( L v t)
make more bearable
When Johnny came down with a bad case of poison oak, the doctor recommended calamine lotion to
alleviate the itching.
SYNONYMS: relieve; lessen; mitigate; ease; lighten 7_7086_SAT_Flash
24allusion
allusion
noun
( L zhn)
indirect or hinted reference
When Amanda said to the ticket scalper,
One hundred bucks? What do you want, a pound of flesh? she was making an
allusion to Shakespeares Merchant of Venice.
SYNONYMS: mention; citation; reference 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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25aloof
aloof
adjective
( LF)
emotionally or physically
distant
Shy by nature, she remained aloof while the rest of the group chattered away.
SYNONYMS: standoffish; detached; reserved; remote 7_7086_SAT_Flash
26altruistic
altruistic
adjective
(l tr S tk)
unselfishly concerned for
the well-being of others
By providing college scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths, Eugene Lang performed a
truly altruistic deed.
SYNONYMS: unselfish; philanthropic; selfless 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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27ambiguous
ambiguous
adjective
(m B gy ws)
having several possible
meanings, and therefore
unclear
Since both interpretations seemed possible, the judges could not decide which way to interpret a
particularly ambiguous passage in the law.
SYNONYMS: vague; uncertain; misleading 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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28ambivalence
ambivalence
noun
(m B v ln(t)s)
state of having conflicting
emotional attitudes
Torn between loving her parents one minute and hating them the next, she was confused by the
ambivalence of her feelings.
SYNONYMS: indecision; uncertainty 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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29amorphous
amorphous
adjective
( MAWR fs)
lacking shape or definition
As soon as we have decided on our itinerary, we shall send you a copy; right now, our plans are still
amorphous.
SYNONYMS: formless; shapeless; vague; nebulous 7_7086_SAT_Flash
30anachronism
anachronism
noun
( N kr nzm)
something out of place
chronologically, not in its
proper historical period
In Back to the Future, when Marty McFly is transported into the past, his skateboard is an
anachronism. So is his Calvin Klein underwear.
SYNONYMS: incongruity
31analogous
analogous
adjective
( N l gs)
showing a likeness or
similarity
Theres an old adage that watching government in action is analogous to watching sausage being
made. Neither process is pretty.
SYNONYMS: comparable; similar; equivalent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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32anarchy
anarchy
noun
( nr k)
political and social disorder;
state of being without a
governing body or leader
Denying that she advocated total anarchy, Katya maintained she wished only to change our
government, not to destroy it utterly.
SYNONYMS: disorder; chaos; lawlessness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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33anecdote
anecdote
noun
( nk dt)
short account of a supposedly
interesting or amusing
incident
The boss prefaced his speech by telling a pointless anecdote about an encounter hed had with former
President Bush.
SYNONYMS: story; tale; yarn
34animosity
animosity
noun
( n MAH s t)
active ill will
Martha showed her animosity toward her classmates by sending them hate messages on Formspring
and Twitter.
SYNONYMS: hatred; hostility; enmity 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 69
35anomaly
anomaly
noun
( NAH m l)
something not easily
classified or that deviates
from the norm
Most birds can fly. The ostrich, which cannot fly, is therefore an anomaly.
SYNONYMS: irregularity; abnormality 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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36antagonism
antagonism
noun
(n T g n zm)

active resistance
Barry showed his antagonism toward his new stepmother by ignoring her whenever she tried talking
to him.
SYNONYMS: resentment; opposition; hostility 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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37antipathy
antipathy
noun
(n T p th)
deep-seated dislike
Like most Boston Red Sox fans, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck feel a strong antipathy toward the New
York Yankees, Bostons bitter rivals.
SYNONYMS: hatred; enmity; aversion 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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38apathy
apathy
noun
( p th)
lack of concern, especially
about things that others
find important
A firm believer in democratic government, she could not understand the apathy of people who never
bothered to vote.
SYNONYMS: indifference; impassiveness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 77
39appease
appease
verb
( PZ)
cause to grow calm or subside
Tom and Jody tried to appease their crying baby by offering him one toy after another.
SYNONYMS: mollify; pacify; placate; soothe 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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40apprehension
apprehension
noun
( pr HN shn)
fear of future evil
Despite the apprehension many people feel about black bears, these bears are generally more afraid
of humans than humans are of them.
SYNONYMS: anxiety; trepidation; dread; nervousness 7_7086_SAT_Flash
41appropriate
appropriate
verb
( PR pr t)
take possession of for ones

own use (possibly without the
authority or right to do so)
The ranch owners appropriated the lands that had originally been set aside for the Indians use.
SYNONYMS: acquire; annex
42arbitrary
arbitrary
adjective
(AHR b trr )
determined by impulse or
whim; capricious
Baseball is a game of arbitrary calls; umpires constantly make decisions that to someone sitting in
the bleachers make no sense.
SYNONYMS: capricious; unreasonable; tyrannical 7_7086_SAT_Flash
43archaic
archaic
adjective
(ahr K k)
characteristic of an earlier
or more primitive time
The foreign student spoke in correct but rather archaic English, for he had learned it from studying the
English classics, not from everyday conversation.

SYNONYMS: antiquated; ancient; outdated 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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44 ardent
ardent
adjective
(AHR dnt)
characterized by intensity
of feeling
Katyas ardent enthusiasm inspired her fellow protesters to make even greater efforts on behalf of the
cause.
SYNONYMS: intense; passionate; zealous 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 89
45articulate
articulate
adjective
(ahr T ky lt)
expressing oneself clearly
Her articulate PowerPoint presentation was so effective that the company immediately adopted her
proposal.
SYNONYMS: clear; distinct; lucid; eloquent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 91
46ascendancy
ascendancy
noun
( SN dn(t) s)
position of dominance;
controlling influence
Leaders of religious cults maintain ascendancy over their followers by methods that can verge on
brainwashing.
SYNONYMS: domination; power; superiority 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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47ascetic
ascetic
adjective
( S tk)
practicing self-denial
The wealthy, self-indulgent young man felt oddly drawn to the strict, ascetic lifestyle practiced by
members of some monastic orders.
SYNONYMS: austere; abstinent; self-denying 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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48assiduous
assiduous
adjective
( S j ws)
characterized by careful,
persistent attention (to a task)
John was assiduous in compiling the bibliography for his term paper; he worked at the task for weeks
before he was satisfied.
SYNONYMS: diligent; industrious; hardworking; persevering
49assuage
assuage
verb
( SWJ)
lessen in intensity, or put
an end to
Jilted by Jane, Dick tried to assuage his broken heart by eating ice cream. Several gallons later, he
had assuaged his hunger but not his pain.
SYNONYMS: ease; satisfy; soothe; relieve 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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50assumption
assumption
noun
( SMP shn)
something taken for granted;
act of taking possession
The young princess made the foolish assumption that the regent would not object to her taking the
reins of power.
SYNONYMS: supposition; hypothesis; presupposition 7_7086_SAT_Flash
51astute
astute
adjective
( STT)
characterized by shrewdness
and clear-sightedness
Shrewdly purchasing valuable plots of land for small sums, John Jacob Astor gained a reputation as
an astute investor.
SYNONYMS: shrewd; perceptive; sharp; wise; clever 7_7086_SAT_Flash
52atrophy
atrophy
verb
( tr f)
waste away
After three months in a cast, your calf muscles are bound to atrophy; youll need physical therapy to
get back in shape.
SYNONYMS: wither; shrivel; degenerate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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53attribute
attribute
verb
( TR byt)
explain by pointing out

a cause
The author attributed Mozarts success in music to the encouragement he received from his father.
SYNONYMS: ascribe; credit (to); explain 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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54augment
augment
verb
(awg MNT)
make larger or more numerous
Armies augment their forces by calling up reinforcements; teachers augment their salaries by taking
second jobs.
SYNONYMS: supplement; enlarge; increase; add to 7_7086_SAT_Flash
55austere
austere
adjective
(aw STR)
forbiddingly stern; severely
simple and unornamented
The headmasters austere demeanor tended to scare off the more timid students, who never visited his
study willingly.
SYNONYMS: strict; severe; stern; plain; stark 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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56autonomous
autonomous
adjective
(aw TAH n ms)
not controlled or governed
by outside forces
Although the University of California at Berkeley is just one part of the state university system, in
many ways, Cal Berkeley is autonomous, for it runs several programs that are not subject to outside
control.
SYNONYMS: independent; self-governing 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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57banal
banal
adjective
(b NL)
lacking originality
With its worn-out dialogue and predictable plot, the sitcom struck me as numbingly banal.
SYNONYMS: hackneyed; commonplace; trite; timeworn; clichd
58bane
bane
noun
(BN)

source of harm or ruin
Lucys little brother was the bane of her existence: his sole aim in life seemed to be to make her
totally miserable.
SYNONYMS: blight; curse; nuisance 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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59belie
belie
verb
(b L)
give a false impression
His coarse, hard-bitten exterior belied his inner sensitivity.
SYNONYMS: contradict; disagree with 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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60belittle
belittle
verb
(b L tl)
to cause someone or
something to seem less
Barry constantly belittled people, making them feel insignificant and small.
SYNONYMS: disparage; slight; deprecate; put down 7_7086_SAT_Flash
61benevolent
benevolent
adjective
(b N v lnt)
disposed to do good
Mr. Goodman was a benevolent employer who made sure that each of his employees received a
turkey at Thanksgiving.
SYNONYMS: generous; charitable; kindly 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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62benign
benign
adjective
(b NN)
gentle in disposition;
not malignant
Although her benign smile and gentle bearing made Miss Marple seem to be a sweet little old lady, in
reality she was a tough-minded, shrewd observer of human nature.
SYNONYMS: kindly; gracious; favorable; benevolent 7_7086_SAT_Flash
63bleak
bleak
adjective
(BLK)
barren and lacking in warmth
The frigid, inhospitable Aleutian Islands are bleak military outposts. Its no wonder that soldiers
assigned there have a bleak attitude toward their posting.
SYNONYMS: cheerless; dreary; dismal; bare; depressing
64bolster
bolster
verb
(BL str)
support or prop up
The debaters accumulated huge file boxes full of evidence to bolster their arguments.
SYNONYMS: reinforce; strengthen 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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65 brevity
brevity
noun
(BR v t)
shortness of expression
When you place a phone call from an airplane, brevity is essential; you are charged for every minute.
SYNONYMS: briefness; conciseness; succinctness; terseness
66buttress
buttress
verb
(B trs)
shore up using an external
support
The attorney came up with several far-fetched arguments in a vain attempt to buttress his weak case.
SYNONYMS: support; reinforce; prop up; bolster; strengthen
67cacophonous
cacophonous
adjective
(k K f ns)
marked by harsh or discordant
sound
Do orchestra students actually enjoy the cacophonous sounds they make when they are tuning up?
How can they stand the racket they make?
SYNONYMS: dissonant; jarring; inharmonious 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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68cajole
cajole
verb
(k JL)
persuade in the face of
reluctance
Diane tried to cajole her father into letting her drive the family car.
SYNONYMS: coax; wheedle
69calculated
calculated
adjective
(KL ky l td)
deliberately planned
(to achieve a goal,
accomplish a purpose)
Lexys choice of clothing to wear to the debate tournament was carefully calculated to impress the
judges.
SYNONYMS: intended; considered; deliberate; premeditated
70candor
candor
noun
(KN dr)
open honesty
When Terri asked Tom how she looked, she was hoping for compliments, not for candor.
SYNONYMS: frankness; openness; truthfulness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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71capitulate
capitulate
verb
(k P ch lt)
give up resisting
Okay, I capitulate! Ill pick up my bedroom.
Just quit nagging me!
SYNONYMS: surrender; yield; submit 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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72capricious
capricious
adjective
(k PR shs)
impulsive and unpredictable
The winter storm was capricious: it changed course unpredictably. Jen was capricious, too: she
changed boyfriends almost as often as she changed clothes.
SYNONYMS: erratic; fickle; changeable; inconstant 7_7086_SAT_Flash
73captivate
captivate
verb
(KP t vt)
attract and keep someones
interest
Bart and Lisa were captivated by their new babysitters skill at juggling chainsaws.
SYNONYMS: enthrall; fascinate; charm; enchant; entrance
74catalyst
catalyst
noun
(K tl st)
something that causes an
event or change to occur
Jean-Michel Cousteau, one of the worlds leading ocean explorers, hopes that the Gulf of Mexico oil
disaster will become a catalyst for political, industrial, and environmental change.
SYNONYMS: impetus; spur; stimulus 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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75censorious
censorious
adjective
(sn SAWR s)
highly critical
We live in a morally censorious climate, one that does not readily tolerate weirdness, willfulness, or
imperfection.
SYNONYMS: disapproving; overcritical; faultfinding 7_7086_SAT_Flash
76censure
censure
verb
(SN(T) shr)
harshly criticize
The senator was censured for behavior inappropriate to a member of Congress.
SYNONYMS: blame; rebuke; reprimand; scold 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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77clich
clich
noun
(kl SH)
phrase dulled in meaning
by repetition; trite theme;
person who acts in wholly
predictable ways
In writing your SAT essay, avoid using clichs like sadder but wiser and old as the hills.
SYNONYMS: chestnut; formula; platitude 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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78coercion
coercion
noun
(k R zhn)
use of force to compel

someone to obey; threat
of violence or reprisal
The inquisitors used both physical and psychological coercion to force Joan of Arc to deny that God
had sent visions to her.
SYNONYMS: force; compulsion; bullying 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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79cogent
cogent
adjective
(K jnt)
strongly appealing to reason;
well argued
Katya presented her case with such cogent arguments that the jury had to decide in favor of her client.
SYNONYMS: convincing; persuasive; logical; sound 7_7086_SAT_Flash
80coherence
coherence
noun
(k HR n(t)s)
logical consistency; quality
of sticking together
To keep the show going from season to season, the producers of Lost added plot points and characters
until the story lost its original coherence; in fact, it became incoherent.
SYNONYMS: consistency; intelligibility; logic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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81cohesion
cohesion
noun
(k H zhn)
tendency to keep together
A firm believer in the maxim Divide and conquer, the evil emperor, by means of lies and trickery,
sought to disrupt the cohesion of the federation of free worlds.
SYNONYMS: unity; union; solidity 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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82collaborate
collaborate
verb
(k L b rt)
work together
Mystery writers Jonathan and Faye Kellerman generally write alone; occasionally, however, they
collaborate on a novel.
SYNONYMS: cooperate; abet
83colloquial
colloquial
adjective
(k L kw l)

pertaining to conversational
or common speech
Some of the newer, less formal passages on the SAT have a colloquial tone that is intended to make
them more appealing to students.
SYNONYMS: familiar; informal; conversational 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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84commemorate
commemorate
verb
(k M m rt)
honor the memory of
The statue of the Minute Man commemorates the valiant soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary
War.
SYNONYMS: remember; celebrate
85compile
compile
verb
(km PL)
gather or put together
We compiled a list of the words most frequently used on SAT examinations.
SYNONYMS: assemble; accumulate; amass; collect 7_7086_SAT_Flash
86complacency
complacency
noun
(km PL sn(t) s)
satisfaction with ones
person, possessions, or
accomplishments
You may be in first place right now, but your competitors are catching up fast. This is no time for
complacency.
SYNONYMS: smugness; self-satisfaction 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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87complement
complement
verb
(KAHM pl mnt)
make something complete
or perfect
The waiter recommended a glass of port to complement the cheese.
SYNONYMS: match; crown; cap
88compliance
compliance
noun
(km PL n(t)s)
conformity in fulfilling
requirements; readiness
to yield
The architect realized that his design for the new school had to be in compliance with the local
building code.
SYNONYMS: obedience; accordance; acquiescence 7_7086_SAT_Flash
89composure
composure
noun
(km P zhr)
mental calmness
Even the latest crisis at work could not shake Nancys composure.
SYNONYMS: equanimity; serenity; self-possession 7_7086_SAT_Flash
90comprehensive
comprehensive
adjective
(kahm pr HN(T) sv)
completely covering (a field
or subject)
We will spend the final two weeks of school on a comprehensive review of everything we covered in
class this semester.
SYNONYMS: inclusive; complete; thorough 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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91concede
concede
verb
(kn SD)
acknowledge something to be
true; grant as a privilege
Despite all the evidence Monica had assembled, Mark refused to concede that she was right.
SYNONYMS: admit; yield
92conciliatory
conciliatory
adjective
(kn SL y tawr )
gaining goodwill by acting in
a pleasing manner
Tina was still angry despite Tonys soft and conciliatory words.
SYNONYMS: reconciling; soothing; appeasing; mollifying
93concise
concise
adjective
(kn SS)
covering a great deal in
few words
When you send a message on Twitter,
be concise: a tweet cannot be more than 140 characters long.
SYNONYMS: brief; terse; succinct 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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94concur
concur
verb
(kn KR)
express agreement with an
opinion; happen together
Justice Sotomayor wrote a minority opinion because she did not concur with the reasoning of her
fellow justices.
SYNONYMS: agree; assent; coincide 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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95condone
condone
verb
(kn DN)

treat as if harmless or
unimportant
Unlike Widow Douglas, who condoned Hucks minor offenses, Miss Watson did nothing but scold
him for his misdeeds.
SYNONYMS: overlook; forgive; excuse; pardon; disregard
96conflagration
conflagration
noun
(kahn fl GR shn)
great fire
In the conflagration that followed the 1906
earthquake, much of San Francisco went up in flames.
SYNONYMS: inferno; blaze
97confound
confound
verb
(kn FAUND)
throw into confusion
or bewilder
No mystery could confound Sherlock Holmes for long. He easily solved even the most mystifying
case.
SYNONYMS: confuse; puzzle; mystify 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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98conjecture
conjecture
verb
(kn JK chr)
deduce by guessing
Although there was no official count, the organizers conjectured that more than 10,000
marchers took part in the March for Peace.
SYNONYMS: speculate; surmise; guess 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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99consensus
consensus
noun
(kn SN(T) ss)
agreement arrived at by a
group as a whole
Every time the garden club members had nearly reached a consensus about what to plant, Mistress
Mary, quite contrary, disagreed.
SYNONYMS: concord; unanimity
100constraint
constraint
noun
(kn STRNT)
embarrassed awkwardness;
repression of feelings
When the boys first met their new stepmother, they felt some constraint, but eventually they lost that
initial awkwardness and talked with her comfortably.
SYNONYMS: limitation; restriction; embarrassment 7_7086_SAT_Flash
101contend
contend
verb
(kn TND)
argue earnestly; struggle in
rivalry
Sociologist Harry Edwards contends that some colleges exploit young African-American athletes,
supporting them as athletes but failing to support them as students.
SYNONYMS: assert; compete
102contentious
contentious
adjective
(kn TN(T) shs)

involving argument
Violently disagreeing with the referees ruling, Coach Ben became so contentious that they threw him
out of the game.
SYNONYMS: controversial; quarrelsome; belligerent 7_7086_SAT_Flash
103contract
contract
verb
(kn TRKT)
(1) reduce in size; (2) become
affected by (a disease)
Warm metal expands; cold metal contracts.
When Michael served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, he contracted malaria.
SYNONYMS: (1) compress; shrink (2) incur; be afflicted with
104converge
converge
verb
(kn VRJ)
tend to meet or come together
In 1995, African-American men from all over the United States converged on Washington, DC, to take
part in the historic Million Man March.
SYNONYMS: congregate; approach; unite 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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105conviction
conviction
noun
(kn VK shn)
(1) verdict that someone is
guilty of a crime; (2) strongly
held belief
Even her conviction for murder did not shake Peters conviction that Harriet was innocent of the
crime.
SYNONYMS: (1) guilty sentence; condemnation; (2) opinion; persuasion
106cordial
cordial
adjective
(KR jl)
warmly friendly; sincerely felt
Our hosts greeted us at the airport with a cordial welcome and a hearty hug.
SYNONYMS: gracious; affable; heartfelt 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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107corroborate
corroborate
verb
(k RAH b rt)
support with evidence
Though Huck was quite willing to corroborate Toms story, Aunt Polly knew better than to believe
either of them.
SYNONYMS: confirm; substantiate; back up 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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108credulity
credulity
noun
(kr DY l t)
tendency to believe too easily
Con artists take advantage of the credulity of inexperienced Internet users to gain access to their
credit card information.
SYNONYMS: gullibility; navet 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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109criterion
criterion
noun
(kr TR n)
decisive factor
What criterion did you use when you selected this essay as the prizewinner?
SYNONYMS: standard; benchmark; measure 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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110cryptic
cryptic
adjective
(KRP tk)
having a secret meaning
Thoroughly baffled by Holmess cryptic remarks, Watson wondered whether Holmes was
intentionally concealing his thoughts about the crime.
SYNONYMS: mysterious; hidden; obscure 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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111culpable
culpable
adjective
(KL p bl)
deserving blame
It was an honest mistake, a well-intentioned mistake, a mistake for which no one was culpable, but it
was a mistake all the same.
SYNONYMS: blameworthy; reprehensible 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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112cursory
cursory
adjective
(K(R) s r)
hastily done
Because a cursory examination of the ruins indicates the possibility of arson, we believe the
insurance agency should undertake a more thorough investigation of the fires cause.
SYNONYMS: perfunctory; casual; superficial 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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113debilitate
debilitate
verb
(d B l tt)
sap the strength of
Michaels severe bout of the flu debilitated him so much that for a week he was too tired to go back
to work.
SYNONYMS: weaken; enfeeble; enervate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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114debunk
debunk
verb
(d BNK)
expose as false or
exaggerated
Pointing out that the candidate had consistently voted against strengthening antipollution legislation,
the reporters debunked his claim that he was a fervent environmentalist.
SYNONYMS: discredit; ridicule; lampoon 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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115decorum
decorum
noun
(d KR m)
appropriateness in behavior;
orderliness and good taste
in manners
Even the best-mannered students have trouble behaving with proper decorum on the last day of
school.
SYNONYMS: propriety; correctness; politeness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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116decry
decry
verb
(d KR)
express strong disapproval of
The founder of the Childrens Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman, strongly decries the lack of
financial aid and moral support for children in America today.
SYNONYMS: criticize; condemn
117deference
deference
noun
(D f rn(t)s)

courteous regard for anothers
wish; respect owed to a
superior
In deference to the ministers request, please do not take photographs during the wedding service.
SYNONYMS: honor; esteem
118definitive
definitive
adjective
(d F n tv)
most complete; providing
a final answer
Although many programming texts describe themselves as definitive guides to the subject, almost all
of them leave out essential pieces of information.
SYNONYMS: exhaustive; conclusive; authoritative 7_7086_SAT_Flash
119degradation
degradation
noun
(d gr D shn)
lowering in rank or dignity
Some secretaries object to fetching the boss a cup of coffee because they feel that being asked to do
such nonprofessional tasks is degrading, and they refuse to put up with that sort of degradation.
SYNONYMS: debasement; degeneration; deterioration; decline; humiliation
120deleterious
deleterious
adjective
(d l TR s)
injurious to health
If you believe that smoking is deleterious to your health (and the surgeon general certainly does), then
quit!
SYNONYMS: harmful; destructive; detrimental; damaging; pernicious
121delineate
delineate
verb
(d L n t)
set forth in detail
Using only a few descriptive phrases, Austen manages to delineate the character of Mr. Collins so
deftly that we can predict his every move.
SYNONYMS: describe; outline; portray; depict; sketch 7_7086_SAT_Flash
122denounce
denounce
verb
(d NOWN(T)S)
proclaim as evil
The reform candidates denounced the corrupt city officials for having betrayed the publics trust.
SYNONYMS: condemn; criticize; accuse 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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123depict
depict
verb
(d PKT)
represent using words or
a picture
Some newspaper accounts depicted the movie star as a reclusive prima donna; others portrayed her
as a sensitive artist harassed by the media.
SYNONYMS: portray; describe
124deplore
deplore
verb
(d PLAWR)
regret strongly; express
grief over
Although the advice columnist deplored the high rate of divorce nowadays, she realized that not every
marriage could be saved.
SYNONYMS: disapprove; lament
125depravity
depravity
noun
(d PR v t)
extreme corruption
The depravity of Caligulas behavior came to sicken even those who had willingly participated in his
earlier, comparatively innocent orgies.
SYNONYMS: wickedness; immorality; decadence 7_7086_SAT_Flash
126deprecate
deprecate
verb
(D pr kt)
express strong disapproval
of; protest against; belittle
Because she was a firm believer in old-fashioned courtesy, Miss Post deprecated the modern
tendency to address new acquaintances by their first names.
SYNONYMS: protest; belittle
127deride
deride
verb
(d RD)
laugh at scornfully
The reviewers unanimously derided Hwangs new play, mocking its pretentious dialogue, flat
characters, and simpleminded plot.
SYNONYMS: ridicule; mock; scoff 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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128derivative
derivative
adjective
(d R v tv)
lacking in originality
Although her early poetry was clearly derivative in nature, the critics thought she had promise and
eventually would find her own voice.
SYNONYMS: copied; imitative; unoriginal 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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129despondent
despondent
adjective
(d SPAHN dnt)
showing extreme gloom
or depression
Once cheerful and lighthearted, William became seriously despondent after breaking up with Jan.
SYNONYMS: gloomy; dejected; downcast; discouraged
130detachment
detachment
noun
(d TCH mnt)
emotional remoteness
Psychoanalysts must maintain their professional detachment and stay uninvolved with their patients
personal lives.
SYNONYMS: aloofness; objectivity; distance; disengagement
131deterrent
deterrent
noun
(d T(R) nt)
something that discourages
Does the threat of capital punishment serve as a deterrent to potential killers?
SYNONYMS: curb; disincentive; restraint; check 7_7086_SAT_Flash
132detrimental
detrimental
adjective
(d tr MN tl)
causing injury or damage
Journalists wondered whether news of the senators affair would prove detrimental to his chances of
being reelected.
SYNONYMS: harmful; damaging
133devious
devious
adjective
(D v s)
not straightforward; departing
from accepted conduct
The Jokers plan was so devious that his underlings had a hard time following its shifts and dodges.
SYNONYMS: roundabout; cunning
134devise
devise
verb
(d VZ)
form in ones mind (a plan,
method, or invention)
How clever the Joker was, to devise such a cunning, devious plan!
SYNONYMS: invent; think up
135didactic
didactic
adjective
(d DK tk)
intended to teach or convey
information
While Joan Walsh Anglund clearly gets across her message about the nature of friendship and the
need to share and be flexible, her writing is not the least bit didactic or dogmatic.
SYNONYMS: instructional; moralizing; edifying; preachy
136diffidence
diffidence
noun
(D f dn(t)s)
lack of confidence
Can people who are naturally inclined to diffidence get over their shyness to become fast-talking,
successful television personalities?
SYNONYMS: shyness; reserve; unassertiveness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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137diffuse
diffuse
adjective
(d FYS)
spread out; both wordy and
poorly organized
If you pay authors by the word, youre tempting them to produce diffuse books instead of concise
ones.
SYNONYMS: rambling; verbose; dispersed 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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138digression
digression
noun
(d GR shn)
departure from the main
subject
Nobody minded when Professor Renoirs lectures wandered away from their official theme: his
digressions were always more fascinating than the topic of the day.
SYNONYMS: divergence; aside; detour 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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139dilemma
dilemma
noun
(d L m)
choice of two unsatisfactory

alternatives
Here am I brought to a very pretty dilemma; I must commit murder or commit matrimony.
George Farquhar
SYNONYMS: predicament; problem 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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140diligence
diligence
noun
(D l jn(t)s)
steadiness of effort;
persistent hard work
Greatly impressed by the part-time workers diligence, her employer offered her a full-time job.
SYNONYMS: industry; assiduousness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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141diminution
diminution
noun
(d m NY shn)
reduction in size
Old Jack was as sharp at eighty as he had been at fifty; increasing age had led to no diminution of his
mental acuity.
SYNONYMS: decrease; lessening

142discerning
discerning
adjective
(d S(R) n)
mentally quick and observant
Although the movie star was no genius, she was sufficiently discerning to tell her true friends from
the countless phonies who flattered her.
SYNONYMS: perceptive; astute; sharp; insightful 7_7086_SAT_Flash
143disclose
disclose
verb
(ds KLZ)
make known; cause to
be seen
Although competitors offered him bribes, Scott refused to disclose any information about his
companys new product.
SYNONYMS: reveal; divulge
144discordant
discordant
adjective
(ds KAWR dnt)

disagreeable to the ear;
not in harmony
Nothing is quite so discordant as the sound of a middle school orchestra tuning up.
SYNONYMS: inharmonious; conflicting; disagreeing; dissonant
145discount
discount
verb
(DS kaunt)
minimize the significance of
Be prepared to discount what he has to say about his ex-wife; he is still very bitter about the divorce.
SYNONYMS: disregard; ignore
146discourse
discourse
verb
(DS kawrs)
formally discuss a subject
at some length; hold a
conversation
In extemporaneous speaking events (known to high school debaters as Extemp), competitors must
discourse on a subject with only thirty minutes to prepare their speech.
SYNONYMS: converse; debate; talk 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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147discredit
discredit
verb
(ds KR dt)
destroy confidence in;
hurt the reputation of
Political campaigns are growing increasingly negative as candidates try to discredit one another.
SYNONYMS: defame; detract from; disgrace; disbelieve
148discrepancy
discrepancy
noun
(ds KR pn s)
inconsistency; disagreement
between facts or claims;
difference
Looking for any inconsistencies in the testimony that might exonerate his client, the defense lawyer
pounced on a discrepancy between the two witnesses versions of what had occurred.
SYNONYMS: inconsistency; difference; divergence

149discriminating
discriminating
adjective
(ds KR m n t)
able to see subtle differences
(secondary meaning)
A superb interpreter of Picasso, she was sufficiently discriminating to judge the most complex works
of modern art.
SYNONYMS: discerning; perceptive; astute 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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150disdain
disdain
verb
(ds DN)
view with scorn or contempt
The bookish student disdained fashion models for their apparent lack of intellectual interests.
SYNONYMS: scorn; despise; disparage 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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151disinclination
disinclination
noun
(d sn kl N shn)

slight aversion or lack of
willingness
Some mornings I feel a great disinclination to get out of bed.
SYNONYMS: unwillingness; reluctance 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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152dismiss
dismiss
verb
(ds MS)
refuse to accept or consider
Because Tina believed in Tonys fidelity, she dismissed the notion that he might be having an affair.
SYNONYMS: reject; discard; set aside 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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153disparage
disparage
verb
(d SPR j)
sneer at
A doting mother, Emma was more likely to praise her sons childish finger paintings than to
disparage them.
SYNONYMS: belittle; ridicule; mock 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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154disparity
disparity
noun
(d SPR t)
condition of inequality
Their disparity in rank made no difference at all to the prince and Cinderella.
SYNONYMS: difference; dissimilarity; discrepancy 7_7086_SAT_Flash
155disperse
disperse
verb
(d SP(R)S)
cause to break up or spread
widely apart
The police fired tear gas into the crowd to disperse the protesters.
SYNONYMS: scatter; dissolve; dissipate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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156disposition
disposition
noun
(ds p Z shn)
(1) final arrangement;
(2) temperamental makeup
or mood
Dissatisfied with the disposition of his late mothers house, which had been left to his sister, Bart
loudly cursed Lisa. He always had a nasty disposition.
SYNONYMS: (1) settlement; distribution; (2) character; personality; temperament
157disputatious
disputatious
adjective
(ds py T shs)
fond of arguing
Convinced he knew more than his lawyers, Alan was a disputatious client, always ready to argue
about the best way to conduct the case.
SYNONYMS: argumentative; pugnacious; contentious 7_7086_SAT_Flash
158disseminate
disseminate
verb
(d S m nt)
scatter (as in sowing seeds)
By their use of the Internet, propagandists have been able to disseminate their pet doctrines to new
audiences around the globe.
SYNONYMS: distribute; spread; broadcast; circulate 7_7086_SAT_Flash
159dissent
dissent
verb
(d SNT)
withhold agreement
In the recent Supreme Court decision, Justice Sotomayor dissented from the majority opinion.
SYNONYM: disagree
160distinction
distinction
noun
(d ST(K) shn)
(1) state of being worthy
or noble; (2) perception of
a difference
A holder of the Medal of Honor, George served with great distinction during World War II. However,
he made a distinction between World War II and Vietnam, which he believed was an immoral war.
SYNONYMS: (1) honor; prominence; approval; (2) differentiation; contrast
161divergent
divergent
adjective
(d V(R) jnt)
tending to move or draw apart

After medical school, the two doctors took widely divergent paths, one becoming a wealthy plastic
surgeon, the other joining the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders.
SYNONYMS: differing; deviating; contrary 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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162doctrine
doctrine
noun
(DAHK trn)
a teaching or belief, in
general; a particular principle
(religious, legal, etc.)
being taught
He was so committed to the doctrines of his faith that he was unable to evaluate them objectively.
SYNONYMS: dogma; policy
163document
document
verb
(DAH ky mnt)
create a detailed record;
provide written evidence
to support statements
She kept all the receipts from her business trip in order to document her expenses for the Internal
Revenue Service.
SYNONYMS: record; detail; authenticate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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164dogmatic
dogmatic
adjective
(dawg M tk)
positive in asserting ones
opinion (especially when
its unwarranted)
Inflexible and dogmatic, Doug was not a man to be troubled by doubts.
SYNONYMS: opinionated; arbitrary; dictatorial; doctrinal
165dormant
dormant
adjective
(DAWR mnt)
marked by a lack of activity;
temporarily quiet, as if
sleeping
At fifty her long- dormant ambition to write flared up once more; within a year she had completed the
first of her great historical novels.
SYNONYMS: inactive; quiescent; latent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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166dubious
dubious
adjective
(D b s)
causing doubt to arise;
of doubtful quality
Many critics of the SAT contend that the test is of dubious worth: they doubt the test accurately
predicts which students will succeed in college.
SYNONYMS: questionable; doubtful 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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167duplicity
duplicity
noun
(d PL s t)
double-dealing
When Tanya learned that Mark had been two-timing her, she was furious at his duplicity.
SYNONYMS: deceit; deception; dishonesty; hypocrisy 7_7086_SAT_Flash
168ebullient
ebullient
adjective
( BL ynt)

overflowing with high spirits;
showing excitement
Nothing could repress Amys ebullient nature; she was always bubbling over with enthusiasm.
SYNONYMS: exuberant; effervescent; buoyant; lively; high-spirited
169eclectic
eclectic
adjective
( KLK tk)
composed of elements drawn
from a variety of sources
The reviewers praised the new restaurants eclectic selection of dishes, which ranged from Asian
stir-frys to French ragouts and stews.
SYNONYMS: assorted; diverse; heterogeneous 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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170edify
edify
verb
( d f)
instruct in moral matters;
benefit spiritually
Nothing is worse than a novel that seeks to edify the reader; there is no place in literature for heavy-
handed moralizing.
SYNONYMS: enlighten; inform; uplift 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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171egotism
egotism
noun
( g t zm)
excessive sense of
self-importance; lack of
consideration for others
But enough of this chitchat about you and your little problems. Lets talk about whats really
important: me! (Hows that for egotism?) SYNONYMS: self-centeredness; egocentricity
172elaborate
elaborate
verb
( L b rt)
expand or work out something
in detail
Tell me more. Please elaborate on your reasons for wanting to attend Harvard.
SYNONYMS: amplify; develop; enlarge 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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173elated
elated
adjective
( L td)
in high spirits
Grinning from ear to ear, the downhill skier was clearly elated by her Olympic victory.
SYNONYMS: overjoyed; ecstatic; thrilled; jubilant 4_7086_SAT_Flash
Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 1/14/13 12:25 PM Pa 174 elicit
elicit
verb
( L st)
draw out (a response
or reaction)
The photographer made funny faces in an attempt to elicit a smile from his shy subject.
SYNONYMS: extract; evoke; obtain 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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175eloquence
eloquence
noun
( l kwn(t)s)
forceful and persuasive
speech
The crowds were stirred by Martin Luther Kings eloquence.
SYNONYMS: expressiveness; articulateness; fluency 7_7086_SAT_Flash

176elucidate
elucidate
verb
( L s dt)
throw light upon; make clear
According to Sherlock Holmes, the very point that appears to complicate a case is, when duly
considered and scientifically handled, the one that is most likely to elucidate it.
SYNONYMS: explain; clarify
177elusive
elusive
adjective
( L sv)
hard to grasp or capture
No matter how hard Tom tried to lure the trout into taking the bait, the fish was too elusive for him to
catch.
SYNONYMS: evasive; baffling
178embellish
embellish
verb
(m B lsh)

make more beautiful; make a
story more interesting by adding
(generally fictitious) details
The costume designer embellished the leading ladys ball gown with yards and yards of ribbon and
lace. The producer embellished his account of his Hollywood years with a list of all the starlets who
had been madly in love with him.
SYNONYMS: adorn; ornament; decorate; beautify 7_7086_SAT_Flash
179eminent
eminent
adjective
( m nnt)
high in reputation
In Eminent Victorians, Lytton Strachey recounts the lives of four leading figures of the Victorian era,
pointing out aspects of their characters that were not in keeping with their high reputations.
SYNONYMS: famous; prominent; renowned; conspicuous
180emulate
emulate
verb
(M y lt)
attempt to equal or outdo
In a brief essay, describe a person you admire, someone whose virtues and achievements you would
like to emulate.
SYNONYMS: imitate; copy; rival 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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181endorse
endorse
verb
(n DAWRS)
give support to
Everyone waited to see which one of the rival candidates for the city council the mayor would
endorse.
SYNONYMS: approve; back; champion; sponsor 7_7086_SAT_Flash
182enhance
enhance
verb
(n HN(T)S)
make more attractive
or effective
You can enhance your chances of being admitted to the college of your choice by learning to write
well.
SYNONYMS: increase; improve; intensify; magnify
183enigma
enigma
noun
( NG m)
puzzling or unexplainable
situation or event
What do women want? asked Dr. Sigmund Freud. Their behavior was an enigma to him.
SYNONYMS: puzzle; mystery; riddle 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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184enmity
enmity
noun
(N m t)
active ill will (generally
mutual)
From the start, the twins appeared to hate one another. No one could account for their enmity.
SYNONYMS: hatred; hostility; antagonism 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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185enumerate
enumerate
verb
( N(Y) m rt)
mention one by one
Huck hung his head in shame as Miss Watson enumerated his many faults.
SYNONYMS: spell out; itemize; detail; name; count 7_7086_SAT_Flash

186ephemeral
ephemeral
adjective
( FM rl)
lasting only a short time
The mayfly is an ephemeral creature; its adult life lasts little more than a day.
SYNONYMS: short-lived; fleeting; transient 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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187epitome
epitome
noun
( PT t m)
perfect example or
embodiment
As he sang, I am the very model of a modern Major-General, in The Pirates of Penzance, MajorGeneral Stanley proclaimed himself the epitome of an officer and a gentleman.
SYNONYMS: personification; embodiment; quintessence; model
188equitable
equitable
adjective
( kw t bl)
dealing fairly with everyone
According to the Constitution, legislative districts have to be roughly equal in size to guarantee that
voters have an equitable share of power. One person, one voteits only fair.
SYNONYMS: fair; just; impartial; evenhanded; unbiased
189equivocal
equivocal
adjective
( KW v kl)
intentionally misleading;
open to more than one
interpretation
Rejecting the candidates equivocal comments on tax reform, the reporters pressed him to state
clearly where he stood on the issue.
SYNONYMS: ambiguous; unclear; evasive; shifty 7_7086_SAT_Flash
190erroneous
erroneous
adjective
( R n s)
containing a mistake
Reasoning from insufficient data, Sherlock Holmes found he had reached an entirely erroneous
conclusion. What an embarrassing mistake!
SYNONYMS: wrong; incorrect; mistaken; invalid 7_7086_SAT_Flash
191erudite
erudite
adjective
(R y dt)
possessing great knowledge
Though his fellow students considered him a gifted scholar, Paul knew he would have to spend many
years in serious study before he could consider himself truly erudite.
SYNONYMS: learned; scholarly; well educated 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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192esoteric
esoteric
adjective
( s TR k)
known only to the chosen few
(and therefore mysterious)
Stories in The New Yorker often include esoteric allusions to obscure people and events.
SYNONYMS: obscure; secret; abstruse; cryptic; arcane 7_7086_SAT_Flash
193eulogy
eulogy
noun
(Y l j)
expression of praise,
often on the occasion of
someones death
Instead of delivering a spoken eulogy at Gennys memorial service, Jeff sang a song he had written in
her memory.
SYNONYMS: tribute; commendation 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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194euphemism
euphemism
noun
(Y f m zm)
mild expression in place
of an unpleasant one
The Nazis did not refer to their slaughter of the Jews as genocide; instead, they used a euphemism,
calling it the final solution.
SYNONYMS: circumlocution; misrepresentation 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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195exacerbate
exacerbate
verb
(g Z sr bt)
increase or intensify the

severity of
When acacias are in bloom, the increase of pollen in the air exacerbates Richards hay fever.
SYNONYMS: worsen; embitter; aggravate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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196exalt
exalt
verb
(g ZAWLT)
raise in rank or dignity
Queen Elizabeth exalted the rock star Mick Jagger to the rank of knighthood; hes now known as Sir
Mick Jagger.
SYNONYMS: praise; acclaim; elevate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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197excerpt
excerpt
noun
(K zrpt)
selected passage (written
or musical)
The cinematic equivalent of an excerpt from a novel is a film clip.
SYNONYMS: extract; selection
198execute
execute
verb
(K s kyt)
put into effect; carry out
The ballet master wanted to see how well Margaret could execute a pirouette.
SYNONYMS: perform; implement; accomplish; complete
199exemplary
exemplary
adjective
(g ZM pl r)
serving as a model worthy
of imitation
At commencement, the dean praised Ellen for her exemplary behavior as class president.
SYNONYMS: model; commendable; estimable; worthy
200exemplify
exemplify
verb
(g ZM pl f)
serve as an example of
For a generation of balletgoers, Mikhail Baryshnikov, the pride of the Russian ballet, exemplified the
ideal of masculine grace.
SYNONYMS: embody; illustrate; demonstrate; represent
201exempt
exempt
adjective
(g ZM(P)T)
not subject to a duty
or obligation
Do I have to pay taxes on my scholarship, or are scholarship awards exempt from taxation?
SYNONYMS: excused; excepted
202exhaustive
exhaustive
adjective
(g ZAW stv)
treating all aspects of a
subject or topic
We have made an exhaustive study of all published SAT tests, and we are happy to share our research
with you.
SYNONYMS: thorough; comprehensive 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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203exhilarating
exhilarating
adjective
(g Z l r t)
invigorating and refreshing
Though some of the hikers found tramping through the snow tiring, Jeff found the walk on the cold,
crisp day exhilarating.
SYNONYMS: enlivening; stimulating; heady 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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204exonerate
exonerate
verb
(g ZAH n rt)
clear from blame
DNA evidence has been used to exonerate suspects falsely accused of crimes.
SYNONYMS: exculpate; acquit
205expedient
expedient
adjective
(k SP d nt)
governed by self-interest
A pragmatic politician, he was guided more by what was expedient than by what was right.
SYNONYMS: suitable; practical; politic; advantageous; profitable
206expedite
expedite
verb
(K sp dt)
speed up the progress of
(a process); accomplish
with promptness
We paid an extra $3.95 to Amazon to have them expedite the shipping of our order.
SYNONYMS: hasten; dispatch
207explicit
explicit
adjective
(k SPL st)
clearly defined; leaving
nothing implied
Dont just hint around that youre dissatisfied; be explicit about whats bugging you.
SYNONYMS: clear; definite; precise; unequivocal 7_7086_SAT_Flash

208exploit
exploit
noun
(K split)
deed or action, particularly
a brave deed
Raoul Wallenberg won fame for his exploits in rescuing Jews from Hitlers forces.
SYNONYMS: feat; adventure
209exploit
exploit
verb
(k SPLIT)
make use of, sometimes
unjustly
Cesar Chavez fought attempts to exploit migrant farm workers in California.
SYNONYMS: misuse; manipulate; utilize 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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210extol
extol
verb
(K STL)
praise highly
The president extolled the astronauts, whom he called the pioneers of the Space Age.
SYNONYMS: glorify; laud; exalt; eulogize 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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211extraneous
extraneous
adjective
(k STR n s)
not belonging or pertinent
to something
No wonder Ted cant think straight! His mind is so cluttered with extraneous trivia that he cant
concentrate on the essentials.
SYNONYMS: superfluous; irrelevant; external 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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212extricate
extricate
verb
(K str kt)
release from a difficulty
Icebreakers were needed to extricate the trapped whales from the icy floes that closed them in.
SYNONYMS: disentangle; free; extract; remove 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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213exuberance
exuberance
noun
(g Z b() rn(t)s)
unrestrained vigor and joy
I was bowled over by the exuberance of Amys welcome. What an enthusiastic greeting!
SYNONYMS: enthusiasm; liveliness; energy; lavishness; abundance
214facilitate
facilitate
verb
(f S l tt)
help bring about; make less
difficult
Rest and proper nourishment should facilitate the patients recovery.
SYNONYMS: ease; aid; assist
215fallacious
fallacious
adjective
(f L shs)
logically unsound
Paradoxically, fallacious reasoning does not always produce incorrect results; even though your logic
may be flawed, the conclusion you reach may still be correct.
SYNONYMS: false; mistaken; misleading 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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216falter
falter
verb
(FAWL tr)
move or act hesitantly
or unsteadily
When told to dive off the high board, Walter did not falter but immediately launched into a smooth
swan dive.
SYNONYMS: hesitate; waver; stumble; totter; stammer
217fanaticism
fanaticism
noun
(f N t s zm)
extreme devotion to a belief
or cause
According to philosopher George Santayana, fanaticism can be defined as redoubling your effort
when you have forgotten your aim; fanatics go beyond normal standards of behavior in their
obsession with their cause.
SYNONYMS: extremism; zeal; fervor 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01

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218fastidious
fastidious
adjective
(f ST d s)
difficult to please
Bobby was such a fastidious eater that he would eat a sandwich only if his mother first cut off every
scrap of crust.
SYNONYMS: fussy; finicky; picky; particular; dainty 7_7086_SAT_Flash
219feasible
feasible
adjective
(F z bl)
capable of being done
Without additional funding, it may not be feasible to build a new stadium for the team on the citys
highly developed West Side.
SYNONYMS: practical; likely; realistic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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220fervor
fervor
noun
(FR v(r))

passionate intensity of feeling;
earnestness of emotion
At the protest rally, the students cheered the strikers and booed the dean with equal fervor.
SYNONYMS: passion; enthusiasm; eagerness; zeal 7_7086_SAT_Flash
221flagrant
flagrant
adjective
(FL grnt)
conspicuously bad
The governors appointment of his brother-in-law to the State Supreme Court was a flagrant
violation of the state laws against nepotism (favoritism based on kinship).
SYNONYMS: glaring; blatant; outrageous; egregious 7_7086_SAT_Flash
222flippant
flippant
adjective
(FL pnt)
lacking proper seriousness
When Mark told Mona he loved her, she dismissed his earnest declaration with a flippant
Oh, you say that to all the girls!
SYNONYMS: frivolous; impertinent; disrespectful 7_7086_SAT_Flash
223florid
florid
adjective
(FLAWR d)
tinged with red; having an
overly decorated literary style
If you go to Florida and get sunburned, your complexion will look florid; if you write flowery
postcards about your trip, your prose will be florid as well.
SYNONYMS: reddish; ruddy; ornate; elaborate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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224foolhardy
foolhardy
adjective
(FL hahr d)
foolishly bold; lacking caution
The devil-may-care stuntman took one too many foolhardy risks and landed in a hospital bed.
SYNONYMS: rash; reckless; imprudent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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225formulaic
formulaic
adjective
(fawr my L k)
following a formula or
set procedure
A good romantic comedy is formulaicit follows the classic boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and
girl realize they are meant for each other patternwithout being totally predictable.
SYNONYMS: standard; unoriginal; stock 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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226frivolous
frivolous
adjective
(FR v ls)
lacking in seriousness
Although Nancy enjoyed Bills frivolous, lighthearted companionship, she sometimes wondered
whether he could ever be serious.
SYNONYMS: inconsequential; trivial; thoughtless; lighthearted; giddy
227frugality
frugality
noun
(fr G l t)
carefulness in spending
money or using resources
In these economically hard times, anyone who doesnt learn to practice frugality risks bankruptcy.
SYNONYMS: economy; thrift; prudence 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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228furtive
furtive
adjective
(F(R) tv)
done in a secretive or
shifty manner
Noticing the furtive glance the customer gave the diamond bracelet on the counter, the jeweler
wondered whether he had a potential shoplifter in the store.
SYNONYMS: sneaky; secret; surreptitious 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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229futile
futile
adjective
(FY tl)
incapable of serving any
useful purpose
It is futile for me to try to get any studying done around here while my brother and his friends are
throwing a Super Bowl party.
SYNONYMS: useless; ineffectual; hopeless 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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230garrulous
garrulous
adjective
(GR ls)

excessively conversational in
a rambling, roundabout way
My Uncle Henry can out-talk any three people I know. He is the most garrulous man in Cayuga
County.
SYNONYMS: loquacious; talkative; wordy; gabby 7_7086_SAT_Flash
231genre
genre
noun
(ZHAHN r)
particular variety of art
or literature
Both a short story writer and a poet, Langston Hughes proved himself equally skilled in either genre.
SYNONYMS: type; sort; kind; variety 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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232glutton
glutton
noun
(GL tn)
someone who eats too much
Did you really eat a dozen hot dogs? You are such a glutton!
SYNONYMS: pig; hog; gourmand; chowhound 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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233gratify
gratify
verb
(GR t f)
give pleasure to
Loris parents were gratified by her successful performance on the SAT.
SYNONYMS: please; satisfy; fulfill 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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234gratuitous
gratuitous
adjective
(gr T ts)
given freely; uncalled for
Quit making gratuitous comments about my driving; no one asked you for your opinion.
SYNONYMS: unwarranted; unjustified 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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235gravity
gravity
noun
(GR v t)
seriousness or critical nature
We could tell we were in serious trouble from the gravity of the principals expression.
SYNONYMS: severity; solemnity

236gregarious
gregarious
adjective
(gr GR s)
seeking the company
of others
Typically, partygoers are gregarious; hermits are not.
SYNONYMS: outgoing; sociable
237guile
guile
noun
(GL)
crafty or cunning deception
to achieve a goal
Othellos false friend Iago uses considerable guile to trick Othello into believing that Desdemona has
been unfaithful to him.
SYNONYMS: deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning 7_7086_SAT_Flash
238gullible
gullible
adjective
(G l bl)
easily deceived; overly ready
to believe
Gullible people have only themselves to blame if they fall for con artists repeatedly. As the saying
goes, Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
SYNONYMS: credulous; nave
239hackneyed
hackneyed
adjective
(HK nd)
lacking in originality
He was just a hack screenwriter churning out hackneyed remakes with story lines that were older than
he was, and he was fifty-three.
SYNONYMS: trite; tired; clichd; unoriginal 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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240hamper
hamper
verb
(HM pr)
interfere with
The new mother didnt realize how much the effort of caring for an infant would hamper her ability to
keep an immaculate house.
SYNONYMS: hinder; obstruct; impede 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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241hardy
hardy
adjective
(HAHR d)
able to withstand harsh
conditions
We asked the gardening expert to recommend particularly hardy plants that could survive our harsh
New England winters.
SYNONYMS: tough; strong; robust 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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242haughtiness
haughtiness
noun
(HAW t ns)
disdain toward persons
supposedly lower in rank
or status
When Elizabeth realized that Darcy considered himself too good to dance with his inferiors, she took
great offense at his haughtiness.
SYNONYMS: arrogance; pride

243hedonist
hedonist
noun
(H d()n st)
one who believes that pleasure
is the sole aim in life
A thoroughgoing hedonist, he considered only his own pleasure, ignoring any claims his family had
on his money or time.
SYNONYMS: pleasure seeker; epicurean; sensualist 7_7086_SAT_Flash
244heresy
heresy
noun
(HR s)
opinion contrary to popular
belief or to accepted religion
Galileos assertion that the earth moved around the sun directly contradicted the religious teachings of
his day; as a result, he was tried for heresy.
SYNONYMS: unorthodoxy; dissidence; nonconformity
245hierarchy
hierarchy
noun
(H () rahr k)
arrangement by rank or
standing; authoritarian body
organized into ranks
To be low man on the totem pole is to have a decidedly inferior place in the hierarchy.
SYNONYMS: pecking order; order; pyramid 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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246homogeneous
homogeneous
adjective
(h m J nys)
of the same nature or kind
Because the student body at their daughters prep school was so homogeneous, they decided to send
her to a school that offered greater cultural diversity.
SYNONYMS: uniform; unvarying
247hyperbole
hyperbole
noun
(h PR b l)
extravagant statement (usually
not meant to be taken literally)

As far as Im concerned, Apples claims about its new computer are pure hyperbole; no machine is
that good!
SYNONYMS: exaggeration; overstatement 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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248hypocritical
hypocritical
adjective
(h p KR t kl)
pretending to be virtuous
It was hypocritical of Martha to compliment me about my poetry and then make fun of my verses
behind my back.
SYNONYMS: insincere; two-faced; deceitful 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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249hypothetical
hypothetical
adjective
(h p TH t kl)
based on assumptions or
hypotheses
Suppose you are accepted by Harvard,
Stanford, and Yale. Which one would you attend? Remember, this is only a hypothetical situation.
SYNONYMS: supposed; theoretical; speculative; uncertain
250iconoclastic
iconoclastic
adjective
( kah n KLS tk)
attacking cherished traditions
Deeply iconoclastic, Jean Genet deliberately set out to shock conventional theatergoers with his
radical plays.
SYNONYMS: irreverent; radical; unconventional; impious
251idiosyncrasy
idiosyncrasy
noun
( d S kr s)
individual trait, usually odd
in nature
One of Richard Nixons little idiosyncrasies was a liking for ketchup on his cottage cheese.
SYNONYMS: eccentricity; peculiarity; quirk; foible 7_7086_SAT_Flash
252illicit
illicit
adjective
((l) L st)
not authorized by law

Its wrong to be complicit in an action thats illicit. If you are, its very awful, since the action is
unlawful.
SYNONYMS: illegal; unlawful; criminal 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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253illusory
illusory
adjective
( L z r)
not real; causing an illusion
Unfortunately, the costs of running the lemonade stand were so high that Toms profits proved
illusory.
SYNONYMS: deceptive; misleading 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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254immaterial
immaterial
adjective
( m TR l)
of no particular importance
Though Kit said it was wholly immaterial whether she had a birthday party or not, we knew she
really wanted us to throw her a party.
SYNONYMS: unimportant; irrelevant; insignificant 7_7086_SAT_Flash
255immutable
immutable
adjective
((m) MY t bl)
not subject to change
All things change over time; nothing is immutable.
SYNONYMS: unchangeable; changeless; static 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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256impair
impair
verb
(m PR)
make worse
Drinking alcohol can impair your ability to drive safely; if youre going to drink, dont drive.
SYNONYMS: injure; hurt; damage 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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257impeccable
impeccable
adjective
(m PK bl)
having no flaws
The uncrowned queen of the fashion industry, Diana was famous for her impeccable taste.
SYNONYMS: faultless; flawless; irreproachable; perfect
258impecunious
impecunious
adjective
(m p KY n s)
having little or no money
Though Scrooge claimed he was too
impecunious to give money to charity, he easily could have afforded to be
generous to those in need.
SYNONYMS: impoverished; penniless; poor 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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259impede
impede
verb
(m PD)
cause delay in progress
or movement
The special prosecutor determined that the attorney general, though inept, had not intentionally set out
to impede the progress of the investigation.
SYNONYMS: hinder; block; delay; obstruct; thwart 7_7086_SAT_Flash
260implement
implement
verb
(M pl mnt)
put into effect
The mayor was unwilling to implement the plan until she was sure it had the governors backing.
SYNONYMS: execute; accomplish; perform; carry out 7_7086_SAT_Flash
261impudence
impudence
noun
(M py dn(t)s)
state of bold or contemptuous
disregard for others
Kissed on the cheek by a perfect stranger, Lady Catherine exclaimed, Of all the nerve!
Young man, I should have you horsewhipped for your impudence.
SYNONYMS: insolence; rudeness; cockiness; impertinence; nerve
262inadvertently
inadvertently
adverb
(n d V(R) tnt l)
in a manner exhibiting a lack
of attention
Judys great fear was that she might

inadvertently omit a question on the exam and mismark her entire answer sheet.
SYNONYMS: unintentionally; negligently; carelessly 7_7086_SAT_Flash
263inane
inane
adjective
( NN)
lacking a point or sense
Theres no point to what youre saying.
Why are you bothering to make such
inane remarks?
SYNONYMS: silly; senseless; empty-headed 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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264incidental
incidental
adjective
(n(t) s DN tl)
not essential
The scholarship covered his major expenses at college and some of his incidental expenses as well.
SYNONYMS: minor; secondary
265incisive
incisive
adjective
(n S sv)
highly direct and decisive
Television writer Rod Serling once commented,
It is difficult to produce a television documentary that is both incisive and probing when every
twelve minutes one is interrupted by twelve dancing rabbits singing about toilet paper.
SYNONYMS: keen; cutting; acute; sharp 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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266incite
incite
verb
(n ST)
arouse to action
In a fiery speech, Mario incited his fellow students to go out on strike to protest the universitys
antiaffirmative action stand.
SYNONYMS: goad; motivate; provoke; inflame 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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267inclusive
inclusive
adjective
(n KL sv)
tending to include or
take in all
The comedian turned down the invitation to join the club, joking that any organization that would
admit him was too inclusive.
SYNONYMS: comprehensive; all encompassing 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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268incongruous
incongruous
adjective
(n KAHNG gr ws)
logically inconsistent
Towering over the nearby houses, the
McMansion looked wholly incongruous in this historic neighborhood of small Craftsman bungalows.
SYNONYMS: inappropriate; incompatible; not fitting; absurd
269inconsequential
inconsequential
adjective
(n kahn(t) s KWN(T) shl)
l
having no significance
Brushing off Alis apologies for having broken the wineglass, Tamara said, Dont worry about it; its
inconsequential.
SYNONYMS: unimportant; insignificant; minor; trivial 7_7086_SAT_Flash
270incorrigible
incorrigible
adjective
(n KAWR j bl)
incapable of being reformed
Though Widow Douglas had hopes of
reforming Huck, Miss Watson considered him incorrigible and swore he would come to no good end.
SYNONYMS: irredeemable; incurable; unruly; uncontrollable
271indefatigable
indefatigable
adjective
(n d FT t g bl)
incapable of becoming tired
Although the effort of taking out the garbage left Wayne exhausted for the whole morning, when it
came to partying, he was indefatigable.
SYNONYMS: tireless; untiring; inexhaustible; unflagging
272indict
indict
verb
(n DT)

charge with a crime
If the grand jury indicts the suspect, he will go to trial.
SYNONYMS: incriminate; inculpate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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273indifferent
indifferent
adjective
(n D f rnt)
unmoved or unconcerned by
Because Ann felt no desire to marry, she was indifferent to Carls constant proposals.
SYNONYMS: apathetic; detached; uninterested 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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274indiscriminate
indiscriminate
adjective
(n ds KR m nt)
not marked by making
careful distinctions;
choosing at random
Mother disapproved of Juniors indiscriminate television viewing; she wished hed be a little more
discriminating in his choice of shows.
SYNONYMS: haphazard; arbitrary; unselective 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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275indolent
indolent
adjective
(N d lnt)
disinclined to effort;
habitually lazy
Couch potatoes who lie back on their sofas watching television all day are by definition indolent.
SYNONYMS: lazy; idle; slothful; sluggish 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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276induce
induce
verb
(n DS)
move someone to do
something by persuasion
After their quarrel, Tina said nothing could induce her to talk to Tony again.
SYNONYMS: persuade; convince; bring about; stimulate
277ineffable
ineffable
adjective
( N f bl)

unable to be put into words
Looking down at her newborn daughter, Ruth felt such ineffable joy that, for the first time in her adult
life, she had no words to convey what was in her heart.
SYNONYMS: unutterable; indescribable; inexpressible 7_7086_SAT_Flash
278inert
inert
adjective
( NRT)
lacking power to move
Get up, you lazybones, she cried to her husband, who lay in bed inert.
SYNONYMS: still; immobile; sluggish 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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279inexorable
inexorable
adjective
( NKS r bl)
unable to be moved
or stopped
The march of history is thought of as, in some sense, inexorable, likely to take its course despite
our wishes or prayers, an inevitable process to which we all must adjust ourselves.
SYNONYMS: relentless; unyielding; implacable 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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280ingenious
ingenious
adjective
(n JN ys)
resourcefully inventive
Kit admired the ingenious way her iPod shuffled the songs on her playlist.
SYNONYMS: clever; imaginative
281inherent
inherent
adjective
(n HR nt)
firmly established by
nature or habit
Katyas inherent love of justice moved her to champion the cause of anyone she considered unfairly
treated by society.
SYNONYMS: intrinsic; built-in; inborn 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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282innate
innate
adjective
( NT)
existing from birth

The infant Mozarts parents quickly realized that their son had an innate gift for music.
SYNONYMS: inborn; native; natural; inherent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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283innocuous
innocuous
adjective
( NAH ky ws)
not likely to harm or injure
An occasional glass of wine with dinner is relatively innocuous and should have no ill effect on you.
SYNONYMS: harmless; inoffensive; insipid; innocent 7_7086_SAT_Flash
284innovation
innovation
noun
( n V shn)
introduction of something new
Although Richard liked to keep up with the latest technological innovations, he didnt always
abandon tried-and-true techniques in favor of something new.
SYNONYMS: novelty; change
285insipid
insipid
adjective
(n S pd)
lacking in flavor
Flat prose and flat ginger ale are equally insipid; both lack sparkle.
SYNONYMS: dull; bland; flavorless 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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286instigate
instigate
verb
(N(T) st gt)
incite to an action
Rumors of police corruption led the mayor to instigate an investigation into the departments
activities.
SYNONYMS: provoke; stir up; foment; encourage; urge; start
287insularity
insularity
noun
(n(t) s L r t)
narrow provincial point of view
British insularity is proverbial: there is nothing like living on an island, once the center of an empire,
to encourage the island-dwellers in a sense of their superiority to all those foreigners out there.
SYNONYMS: narrow-mindedness; provinciality 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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288integrity
integrity
noun
(n T gr t)
commitment to moral and
ethical principles; state of
being whole
Lincoln, whose personal integrity has inspired millions, fought a civil war to maintain the integrity
of the Republic, that these United States might remain undivided for all time.
SYNONYMS: uprightness; honesty; wholeness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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289intervene
intervene
verb
(n tr VN)
come between in order to
prevent or alter; occur between
(events, periods of time)
If two good friends get into a fight, dont try to intervene: if you do, they may gang up on you.
SYNONYMS: interfere; intrude; happen 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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290intimidate
intimidate
verb
(n T m dt)
make fearful
Bullies loved to intimidate Clark Kent. Little did they know that, despite his timid appearance, Clark
was actually Superman in disguise.
SYNONYMS: frighten; scare; daunt; overawe 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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291intractable
intractable
adjective
(n TRK t bl)
not easily managed
or controlled
Charlie Browns pal Pigpen was intractable: he absolutely refused to take a bath. (Was Pigpen
pigheaded?)
SYNONYMS: stubborn; unyielding; unruly; obstinate
292intrepid
intrepid
adjective
(n TR pd)
exhibiting courage
For her intrepid conduct nursing the wounded during the Crimean War and her many great
contributions to the art of nursing, Florence Nightingale received the Royal Red Cross award from
Queen Victoria.
SYNONYMS: fearless; courageous; bold; undaunted 7_7086_SAT_Flash
293inundate
inundate
verb
( nn dt)
overwhelm
This semester I am inundated with work; you should see the piles of paperwork flooding my desk.
SYNONYMS: flood; submerge
294inure
inure
verb
( nyr)
become accustomed to
something unpleasant or
unwelcome
Although Cinderella was inured to the drudgery of her menial tasks, she still flinched when her
stepsisters hurled insults at her.
SYNONYMS: harden; habituate

295invert
invert
verb
(n VRT)
turn upside down or
inside out
If you invert your body in a handstand, the blood will rush to your head.
SYNONYMS: upset; overturn
296irate
irate
adjective
( RT)
caused or characterized
by anger
Fuming, the irate customer wrote a scorching letter of complaint to the manager of the store.
SYNONYMS: furious; enraged; angry; infuriated 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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297ironic
ironic
adjective
( RAH nk)
resulting in an unexpected
and poignantly incongruous
or unwanted outcome
It is ironic that his success came when he least wanted it.
SYNONYMS: unexpected; incongruous; sardonic 7_7086_SAT_Flash
298irreproachable
irreproachable
adjective
( r PR ch bl)
free from blame
Homers conduct at the office party was irreproachable; even Marge didnt have anything bad to say
about how he behaved.
SYNONYMS: blameless; impeccable; faultless; unflawed
299itinerant
itinerant
adjective; also noun
( T n rnt)
characterized by traveling
from place to place
During the Civil War, my great-grandfather, an itinerant tailor, followed the Union Army from
Pennsylvania to Virginia as he made uniforms for the troops.
SYNONYMS: traveling; roving; wandering 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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300jocular
jocular
adjective
(JAH ky lr)
characterized by joking
Although Bill knew the boss had no sense of humor, he couldnt resist making one jocular remark.
SYNONYMS: jesting; good-humored; facetious 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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301juxtaposition
juxtaposition
noun
(jk st p Z shn)
state of being placed side by
side or close together
The museum curator placed the Eskimo-carved wooden totem pole in juxtaposition with two
contemporary stone masks from Africa, creating a stunning effect.
SYNONYMS: proximity; adjacency; abutment 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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302labyrinth
labyrinth
noun
(L b rn(t)th)
something very intricate or
winding in structure; place
made up of twisting passages
and blind alleys
Hiding from Indian Joe, Tom and Becky soon lost themselves in the labyrinth of secret underground
caves.
SYNONYMS: maze; warren; tangle 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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303laconic
laconic
adjective
(l KAH nk)
brief and to the point; using
few words
The classic cowboy hero is a laconic figure, someone generally described as the strong, silent type.
SYNONYMS: terse; curt; concise; pithy; succinct 7_7086_SAT_Flash
304lament
lament
verb
(l MNT)

express sorrow
People all over the world lamented the loss of so many lives on 9/11.
SYNONYMS: mourn; grieve; bewail 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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305lampoon
lampoon
verb
(lm PN)
make the subject of ridicule
The satirical website The Onion lampoons anything, no matter how sensitive the subject.
A typical headline: Lucky Dead Student Gets Own Page in Yearbook.
SYNONYMS: satirize; parody; ridicule 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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306lassitude
lassitude
noun
(L s td)
feeling or state of weariness
or listlessness
After a massage and a long soak in the hot tub, I gave in to my growing lassitude and lay down for a
nap.
SYNONYMS: lethargy; tiredness; languor 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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307laud
laud
verb
(LAWD)
give praise to
World leaders lauded the heroic efforts of the rescue workers after the Haitian earthquake.
SYNONYMS: extol; acclaim; glorify 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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308lavish
lavish
adjective; also verb
(L vsh)
occurring or produced in
abundance
Her wealthy suitors wooed her with lavish gifts.
In fact, they lavished lavish gifts upon her.
SYNONYMS: generous; openhanded; extravagant; profuse
309lethargic
lethargic
adjective
(l THAHR jk)

lacking energy
In class, Laura tried to stay alert and listen to the professor, but the stuffy room made her lethargic;
she felt as if she was about to nod off.
SYNONYMS: drowsy; sluggish; torpid; weary 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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310levity
levity
noun
(L v t)
lack of proper seriousness
Stop giggling and wriggling around in the pew; such levity is improper in church.
SYNONYMS: frivolity; lightheartedness; flippancy 7_7086_SAT_Flash
311linger
linger
verb
(L gr)
loiter or dawdle; continue to
exist, although losing strength
Hoping to see Juliet pass by, Romeo lingered outside the Capulet house for hours. Though Mother
made stuffed cabbage on Monday, the smell lingered around the house for days.
SYNONYMS: tarry; persist; remain 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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312listless
listless
adjective
(LST ls)
lacking in spirit or energy
We had expected the young puppy to be lively and playful, and so his drooping head and listless
manner had us worried.
SYNONYMS: languid; spiritless; lethargic; enervated 7_7086_SAT_Flash
313lofty
lofty
adjective
(LAWF t)
very elevated in character;
rising to an impressive height
Though Sonia Sotomayors fellow students used to tease her about her lofty ambitions, she rose to
hold one of the highest positions in the land.
SYNONYMS: noble; exalted; superior; towering 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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314loquacious
loquacious
adjective
(l KW shs)
inclined to talk excessively

Though our daughter barely says a word to us these days, put a cell phone in her hand and youll see
how loquacious she can be: our phone bills are out of sight!
SYNONYMS: wordy; chatty; talkative; chattering 7_7086_SAT_Flash
315malicious
malicious
adjective
(m L shs)
showing ill will
Jealous of Cinderellas beauty, her malicious stepsisters expressed their spite by forcing her to do
menial tasks.
SYNONYMS: spiteful; hateful; malevolent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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316mar
mar
verb
(MAHR)
injure in a way that spoils
perfection
Dont let spelling errors mar your college essay: use Spell Check, for heavens sake!
SYNONYMS: damage; spoil
317materialism
materialism
noun
(m TR l zm)
preoccupation with physical
comforts and things
By its nature, materialism is opposed to idealism, for where the materialist emphasizes the needs of
the body, the idealist emphasizes the needs of the soul.
SYNONYMS: worldliness; pragmatism 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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318mercenary
mercenary
(MR s nr )
interested in money or gain
Mercenary motives inspired Andys every deed: his first question was always, Whats in it for me?
SYNONYMS: venal; avaricious; greedy; monetary 7_7086_SAT_Flash
319metaphor
metaphor
noun
(M t fawr)
implied comparison of one
thing to another (without

the use of like or as); figure
of speech
Is an old-fashioned hairstyle an apt metaphor for being out of step with the times and in need of
change?
SYNONYMS: symbol; image
320methodical
methodical
adjective
(m THAH d kl)
following a system or method
Decide what you intend to do, and then, rather than taking shortcuts, be methodical in carrying out
your plans.
SYNONYMS: systematic; orderly
321meticulous
meticulous
adjective
(m TK ky ls)
excessively careful
Mother was a meticulous housekeeper, unwilling to allow a single speck of dirt to mar her perfect
home.
SYNONYMS: painstaking; scrupulous; fastidious 7_7086_SAT_Flash

322misanthrope
misanthrope
noun
(M sn thrp)
one who hates or mistrusts
mankind
Max described himself as an equal opportunity misanthrope: he hated babies (too fussy), children
(too hyper), teenagers (too hormonal), young adults (too complacent), the middle-aged (too
browbeaten), and seniors (too out of touch).
SYNONYMS: cynic; loner
323miserly
miserly
adjective
(M zr l)
marked by stinginess
and greed
The miserly old man greedily counted the gold coins he had hoarded over the years.
SYNONYMS: mean; tightfisted; penny-pinching; parsimonious
324misnomer
misnomer
noun
(ms N mr)
wrong name or incorrect
designation
Morning sickness is a misnomer: it can hit you night or day.
SYNONYMS: misnaming
325mitigate
mitigate
verb
(M t gt)
make less intense or severe
Because solar energy can reduce greenhouse gases and provide increased energy efficiency,
conversion to the use of solar energy may help mitigate the threat of global warming.
SYNONYMS: moderate; alleviate; appease 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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326mollify
mollify
verb
(MAH l f)
moderate in intensity
The airline customer service agent tried to mollify the angry passenger by offering her a seat in first
class.
SYNONYMS: placate; soothe; appease; pacify 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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327morose
morose
adjective
(m RS)
having an ill-humored
disposition
Forced to take early retirement, Bill acted morose for months; then, all of a sudden, he shook off his
sullen mood and was his usual cheerful self.
SYNONYMS: sullen; melancholy; glum; depressed 7_7086_SAT_Flash
328mundane
mundane
adjective
(mn DN)
having to do with transitory,
everyday concerns; worldly
as opposed to spiritual
Uninterested in philosophical or spiritual discussions, Tom talked only of mundane matters such as
the daily weather forecast or the latest basketball results.
SYNONYMS: ordinary; unimaginative; commonplace; secular

329munificent
munificent
adjective
(my N f snt)
very generous in giving
The Annenberg Trust made a munificent gift that supported art programs in the public schools.
SYNONYMS: bountiful; magnanimous; liberal; openhanded
330myriad
myriad
noun
(MR d)
a very large number
Myriads of mosquitoes from the marshes invaded our campground at twilight.
SYNONYMS: multitude; swarm; host 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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331navet
navet
noun
(nah v T)
quality of being
unsophisticated
Touched by the navet of sweet, convent-trained Cosette, Marius pledges himself to protect her
innocence.
SYNONYMS: artlessness; simplicity; innocence; ingenuousness
332nebulous
nebulous
adjective
(N by ls)
not distinct; like a cloud
Phil and Adam tried to come up with a clear, intelligible business plan and not some vague, nebulous
proposal.
SYNONYMS: hazy; indistinct; confused; cloudlike 7_7086_SAT_Flash
333nefarious
nefarious
adjective
(n FR s)
very wicked
The villains crimes, though various, were one and all nefarious.
SYNONYMS: evil; heinous; iniquitous; reprehensible 7_7086_SAT_Flash
334negate
negate
verb
(N gt)
cancel out; deny the truth of
A sudden surge of adrenalin can negate the effects of fatigue: theres nothing like a good shock to
wake you up.
SYNONYMS: nullify; invalidate; rule out 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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335nonchalance
nonchalance
noun
(nahn sh LAHN(T)S)
lack of concern
Cool, calm, and collected, James Bond shows remarkable nonchalance in the face of danger.
SYNONYMS: composure; indifference; insouciance; disinterest
336notoriety
notoriety
noun
(n t R t)
state of having a bad
reputation
Any publicity is good publicity, said the starlet. If I cant have a good reputation, Ill settle for
notoriety.
SYNONYMS: ill fame; disrepute; infamy 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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337novelty
novelty
noun
(NAH vl t)
something new
Inflight WiFi connections are no longer a novelty; most airlines now offer Internet access on their
planes for a fee.
SYNONYMS: newness; innovation; freshness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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338nuance
nuance
noun
(N ahn(t)s)
shade of difference in
meaning or in color
Jody gazed at the Monet landscape for an hour, appreciating every subtle nuance of color in the
painting.
SYNONYMS: gradation; nicety; subtlety; distinction 7_7086_SAT_Flash
339nurture
nurture
verb
(N(R) ch(r))
support and encourage
(growth, development)
The Head Start program attempts to nurture prekindergarten children so that they will do well when
they enter elementary school.
SYNONYMS: nourish; educate; foster; protect; cultivate
340obdurate
obdurate
adjective
(AHB d rt)
stubbornly persistent in
resisting persuasion
Although defeat appeared inevitable, the general was obdurate in his refusal to surrender.
SYNONYMS: stubborn; obstinate; unyielding 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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341obliterate
obliterate
verb
( BL t rt)
destroy completely
The tidal wave obliterated several island villages.

SYNONYMS: demolish; eradicate; wipe out 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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342oblivion
oblivion
noun
( BL v n)
state of being forgotten
After a decade of popularity, Hurstons works had fallen into oblivion; no one bothered to read her
novels and short stories any more.
SYNONYMS: obscurity; unawareness; forgetfulness 7_7086_SAT_Flash
343obscure
obscure
verb
(b SKYR)
make unclear
At times he seemed purposely to obscure his meaning, preferring mystery to clarity.
SYNONYMS: darken; conceal; block 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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344obstinate
obstinate
adjective
(AHB st nt)

(1) unreasonably persistent (in
an opinion, etc.); (2) not easily
controlled, cured, or removed
We tried to persuade Bob to give up smoking, but he was obstinate and refused to change.
Blackberry stickers are the most obstinate weeds I know; once established in a yard, they are
extremely hard to root out.
SYNONYMS: stubborn; pigheaded; mulish; dogged 7_7086_SAT_Flash
345officious
officious
adjective
( F shs)
excessively pushy in offering
ones services
After her long flight, Jill just wanted to nap, but the officious bellboy was intent on showing her all
the special features of the deluxe suite.
SYNONYMS: meddlesome; self-important; intrusive; overeager
346ominous
ominous
adjective
(AH m ns)
having an alarming character

that threatens evil
Those clouds are ominous; they suggest a severe storm is on its way.
SYNONYMS: threatening; menacing; unpromising 7_7086_SAT_Flash
347opaque
opaque
adjective
( PK)
not transparent
The opaque window shade kept the sunlight out of the room.
SYNONYMS: impenetrable (to light); dark; obscure 7_7086_SAT_Flash
348opportunist
opportunist
noun
(ah p(r) T nst)
individual who sacrifices
principles for expediency
by taking advantage of
opportunities
Joe is such a greedy opportunist that he tripled the price of bottled water at his store as soon as the
earthquake struck.
SYNONYMS: money-grubber; speculator 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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349optimist
optimist
noun
(AHP t mst)
one who expects things to turn
out for the best; person who
looks on the bright side
The pessimist says the glass is half empty; the optimist says the glass is half full.
SYNONYMS: positive thinker; idealist; romantic 7_7086_SAT_Flash
350opulence
opulence
noun
(AH py ln(t)s)
extreme wealth
The glitter and opulence of the ballroom took Cinderellas breath away.
SYNONYMS: lavishness; luxury; richness; abundance 7_7086_SAT_Flash
351orator
orator
noun
(AWR tr)
one recognized as a skillful
public speaker
The abolitionist Frederick Douglass was a brilliant orator whose speeches brought home to his
audience the evils of slavery.
SYNONYMS: spokesperson; declaimer; rhetorician 7_7086_SAT_Flash
352ornate
ornate
adjective
(awr NT)
excessively or elaborately
decorated
With its elaborately carved, convoluted lines, furniture of the Baroque period was highly ornate.
SYNONYMS: lavish; sumptuous; opulent; ornamental; elaborate
353ostentatious
ostentatious
adjective
(ahs tn T shs)
trying to attract attention
The rich new student tried to attract friends by making an ostentatious display of his wealth.
SYNONYMS: showy; pretentious

354overt
overt
adjective
( VRT)
not hidden from view;
out in the open
Emmas overt antagonism toward Jane made us uncomfortable; we wished she would make some
effort to conceal her hostility.
SYNONYMS: apparent; obvious; unconcealed; public 7_7086_SAT_Flash
355pacifist
pacifist
noun
(P s fst)
one opposed to war or any
other form of violence
Shooting his way through the jungle, Rambo was clearly not a pacifist.
SYNONYMS: peacemaker; dove; antimilitarist 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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356paradox
paradox
noun
(P r dahks)
something apparently
contradictory in nature;
statement that looks false,
but is actually correct
In Legally Blonde, Elle Woods presents a bit of a paradox, for she is at one and the same time a
bubble-headed sorority girl and a keen-witted law school student.
SYNONYMS: puzzle; contradiction 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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357paragon
paragon
noun
(P r gahn)
model of perfection
Im always teasing Margot about being a paragon of virtue these days, and she hates it. Maybe itll
teach her not to be such a goody-goody. (Anne Frank)
SYNONYMS: pattern; ideal; exemplar 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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358parody
parody
noun
(P r d)
humorous imitation (of a

serious literary or musical
work, a person, an event)
The show Forbidden Broadway presents parodies spoofing that years new productions playing on
Broadway.
SYNONYMS: spoof; takeoff; lampoon; travesty; caricature
359partisan
partisan
(PAHR t zn)
committed to a particular
party or cause
On certain issues of principle, the senator refused to take a partisan stand, but let her conscience be
her guide.
SYNONYMS: one-sided; prejudiced; factional; sectarian; biased
360patronize
patronize
verb
(P tr nz)
(1) provide support for; (2) act
superior toward; (3) be a customer of Penniless artists hope to find some wealthy art lover who
will patronize them. If a waiter patronized me, talking down to me because he thought I knew nothing
about gourmet dining, Id refuse to patronize his restaurant.
SYNONYMS: (1) assist; foster; (2) condescend; snub; (3) frequent; shop at
361paucity
paucity
noun
(PAW s t)
smallness of quantity
or number
They closed the restaurant because the paucity of customers made running it a losing proposition.
SYNONYMS: scarcity; lack; dearth; scantiness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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362pedantic
pedantic
adjective
(p DN tk)
overly concerned with small
details, especially when teaching; tending to show off ones learning Leavening her decisions with
humorous, down-to-earth anecdotes, Judge Judy made a pleasant contrast to the typical, pedantic
legal scholar.
SYNONYMS: didactic; nit-picking; academic; bookish 7_7086_SAT_Flash
363pedestrian
pedestrian
adjective
(p DS tr n)
performed in an unimaginative
manner
Unintentionally boring, he turned out page after page of pedestrian prose.
SYNONYMS: dull; monotonous; uninspired; prosaic; mediocre
364perfunctory
perfunctory
adjective
(pr F(K) t r)
lacking interest, care, or
enthusiasm; not thorough
Giving the tabletop only a perfunctory swipe with her dust cloth, Betty told herself shed polish it
thoroughly tomorrow.
SYNONYMS: mechanical; automatic; unthinking; superficial; sketchy; indifferent
365peripheral
peripheral
adjective
(p R f() rl)

related to the surface or outer
part; of minor importance
Rather than live in the crowded city center, we chose to buy a house in one of the peripheral suburbs
ringing the metropolis.
SYNONYMS: marginal; outer; external; superficial 7_7086_SAT_Flash
366pernicious
pernicious
adjective
(pr N shs)
very destructive
Crack cocaine has had a pernicious effect on urban society: it has destroyed families, turned children
into drug dealers, and increased the spread of violent crime.
SYNONYMS: damaging; devastating; deadly; insidious; harmful
367perpetuate
perpetuate
verb
(pr P ch wt)
make something last;
preserve from extinction
Some critics attack The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn because they believe the book perpetuates
a false image of African-Americans.
SYNONYMS: maintain; continue; keep alive 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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368pervasive
pervasive
adjective
(pr V sv)
spread throughout every part
Despite airing her clothes for several hours, she could not rid them of the pervasive odor of mothballs
that clung to them.
SYNONYMS: pervading; enveloping; widespread; omnipresent
369pessimism
pessimism
noun
(P s m zm)
belief that things will turn
out badly; tendency to expect
the worst
Considering how well youve done in class so far, you have no real reason for pessimism about your
final grade.
SYNONYMS: gloominess; gloom; negativity; despondency; cynicism
370phenomena
phenomena
noun
(f NAH m nah)
observable facts; subjects
of scientific investigation
Among the most beautiful natural phenomena, Auroras, also known as the northern and southern
lights, are natural light displays in the sky.
SYNONYMS: facts; events; aspects; wonders 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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371philanthropist
philanthropist
noun
(f LN(T) thr pst)
one who actively attempts
to further human welfare
In his role as philanthropist and public benefactor, John D. Rockefeller, Sr., donated millions to
charity; as an individual, however, he was a tight-fisted old man.
SYNONYMS: humanitarian; patron; donor 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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372piety
piety
noun
(P t)
religious devotion
Saintly Mother Teresa was noted for her piety; radical organizer Mother Jones was not.
SYNONYMS: devoutness; religiousness; godliness 7_7086_SAT_Flash
373pithy
pithy
adjective
(P th)
terse and to the point
While other girls might have gone on and on about how uncool Elton was, Liz summed him up in one
pithy comment: Hes bogus.
SYNONYMS: concise; succinct; pointed 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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374placate
placate
verb
(PL kt)
appease, often by making
concessions
The store manager tried to placate the angry customer, offering to replace the damaged merchandise
or to give back her money right away.
SYNONYMS: pacify; conciliate; mollify 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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375plausible
plausible
adjective
(PLAW z bl)
appearing to be worth
believing (but often not)
Your mother made you stay home from school because she needed you to program the VCR?
Im sorry, youll have to come up with a more plausible excuse than that.
SYNONYMS: credible; believable; persuasive; specious
376polarize
polarize
verb
(P l rz)
split into opposite extremes
or camps
In this fiercely contested election year, illegal immigration is a hot-button issue that will further
polarize the nations electorate into opposing factions.
SYNONYMS: divide; separate
377polemical
polemical
adjective
(p L m kl)
aggressive in verbal attack
Lexy was a master of polemical rhetoric; she should have worn a T-shirt with the slogan
Born to Debate.
SYNONYMS: disputatious; combative; argumentative; controversial; quarrelsome
378ponderous
ponderous
adjective
(PAHN d() rs)
very heavy; awkward because
of its heaviness; tedious and
lacking fluency or grace
The elephant is ponderous, his trumpet call most thunderous. He cannot gallop, jump, or trot. The
reason is he weighs a lot.
SYNONYMS: weighty; massive; cumbersome; unwieldy; dull
379pragmatic
pragmatic
adjective
(prg M tk)
concerned with the practical

worth or impact of something;
dealing with facts
The coming trip to France should provide me with a pragmatic test of the value of my conversational
French class.
SYNONYMS: practical; realistic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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380precarious
precarious
adjective
(pr KR s)
dependent on unknown
conditions or circumstances,
and therefore dangerous
Saying the stock would be a precarious investment, Tom advised Michael against purchasing it.
SYNONYMS: insecure; unsafe; shaky; risky; dangerous
381preclude
preclude
verb
(pr KLD)
keep from happening;
exclude the possibility
The fact that the band was already booked to play in Hollywood on New Years Eve precluded their
accepting the New Years Eve gig in London.
SYNONYMS: prevent; rule out
382precocious
precocious
adjective
(pr K shs)
advanced in development
Teachers thought Polly was precocious, very gifted for her age, but her classmates agreed she was a
smart aleck.
SYNONYMS: gifted; smart; mature; advanced 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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383precursor
precursor
noun
(pr KR sr)
someone or something that
precedes another
Was Mondays 5.4 earthquake an aftershock of last weeks 7.2 Baja earthquake, or was it the
precursor of an even more powerful earthquake still to come?
SYNONYMS: forerunner; predecessor; herald 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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384predator
predator
noun
(PR d tr)
creature that seizes and
devours another; person
who robs or exploits others
Not just cats, but a wide variety of predators
owls, hawks, weasels, foxescatch mice for dinner.
SYNONYMS: hunter; killer; carnivore 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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385predecessor
predecessor
noun
(PR d s sr)
former occupant of a position
or office now held by another
Commentators who predicted that the new Supreme Court justice would be less liberal than her
predecessor so far have been proved wrong.
SYNONYMS: antecedent; forerunner; precursor 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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386predilection
predilection
noun
(pr d LK shn)
tendency to regard something
favorably
Although Georgia OKeeffe painted many subjects over the years, she had a definite predilection for
painting flowers.
SYNONYMS: partiality; preference; inclination 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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387presumptuous
presumptuous
adjective
(pr SM(P) ch ws)
taking liberties; excessively
forward
Matilda thought it was somewhat presumptuous of the young man to have addressed her without first
having been introduced. Perhaps manners were freer here in the New World.
SYNONYMS: arrogant; overconfident; insolent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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388pretentious
pretentious
adjective
(pr TN(T) shs)
making an exaggerated
show, to attract attention;
making unjustified claims

Because the excessively large new homes in the area struck us as pretentious, we made fun of them,
calling them McMansions.
SYNONYMS: ostentatious; showy; exaggerated; pompous
389prevalent
prevalent
adjective
(PR v lnt)
generally accepted
A radical committed to social change, Reed had no patience with the conservative views prevalent in
the America of his day.
SYNONYMS: widespread; prevailing; common 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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390prodigal
prodigal
(PRAH d gl)
reckless with money
Dont be so prodigal spending my money; when youve earned some money of your own, you can
waste it as much as you want.
SYNONYMS: wasteful; extravagant; spendthrift 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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391profane
profane
verb; also adjective
(pr FN)
treat in an unworthy manner
Tourists are urged not to profane the sanctity of holy places by wearing tank tops and other immodest
garb.
SYNONYMS: violate; desecrate; defile 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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392profound
profound
adjective
(pr FAUND)
having depth (especially
intellectual); coming from
far below the surface
The BP oil spill has caused profound damage to the entire Gulf Coast.
SYNONYMS: deep; thoughtful; intense; extreme 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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393profusion
profusion
noun
(pr FY zhn)
abundant quantity; lavish

expenditure
Along the Mendocino coast, where there is enough moisture, wildflowers flourish in great profusion.
SYNONYMS: abundance; excess; plenty 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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394proliferation
proliferation
noun
(pr l f R shn)
rapid increase in numbers
Times of economic hardship inevitably encourage the proliferation of countless get-rich-quick
schemes.
SYNONYMS: spread; multiplication; propagation; increase
395prolific
prolific
adjective
(pr L fk)
highly productive
My editors must think Im a prolific writer: they expect me to revise six books this semester.
SYNONYMS: fertile; fruitful; inexhaustible 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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396proponent
proponent
noun
(pr P nnt)
one who advocates or
argues for something
In the Senate, proponents of the universal health care measure lobbied to gain additional support for
the controversial legislation.
SYNONYMS: supporter; advocate; champion; adherent
397prosaic
prosaic
adjective
(pr Z k)
dull and unimaginative
Though the ad writers had come up with a wildly imaginative campaign to publicize the new product,
the head office rejected it for a more prosaic, ordinary approach.
SYNONYMS: pedestrian; matter-of-fact; commonplace; ordinary
398provincial
provincial
(pr VN(T) shl)
pertaining to a province;
lacking urban sophistication;
limited in outlook
As provincial governor, Sir Henry administered the queens law in his remote corner of Canada.
Out of touch with London news, he soon became sadly provincial, interested only in local affairs.
SYNONYMS: parochial; unsophisticated; narrow 7_7086_SAT_Flash
399proximity
proximity
noun
(prahk S m t)
state of being close
Blind people sometimes develop a compensatory ability to sense the proximity of objects around
them.
SYNONYMS: nearness; closeness; immediacy 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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400prudent
prudent
adjective
(PR dnt)
shrewd in handling practical
matters; showing wisdom
A miser hoards money not because he is prudent but because he is stingy.
SYNONYMS: cautious; careful; provident; wise 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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401qualified
qualified
adjective
(KWAH l fd)
(1) made fit (by training, experience) to do a specific job; (2) limited in some manner (secondary
meaning)
Was the candidate for tax collector a qualified accountant? Unable to give the candidate full support,
the mayor gave him only a qualified endorsement.
SYNONYMS: (1) competent; capable; fit; (2) restricted; partial
402quandary
quandary
noun
(KWAHN d() r)
state of perplexity
When both Harvard and Stanford accepted Laura, she was in a quandary as to which school she
should attend.
SYNONYMS: dilemma; predicament 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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403quell
quell
verb
(KWL)
put an end to
Miss Minchins demeanor was so stern and forbidding that she could quell any unrest among her
students with one intimidating glance.
SYNONYMS: overwhelm; extinguish; subdue; suppress; quiet
404querulous
querulous
adjective
(KWR y ls)
habitually fussy and full
of complaints
Even the most agreeable toddlers can begin to act querulous if they miss their nap.
SYNONYMS: fretful; whining; petulant; peevish 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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405quiescent
quiescent
adjective
(kw snt)
temporarily inactive; at rest
After the great eruption, fear of Mount Etna was great; people did not return to cultivate its rich
hillside lands until the volcano had been quiescent for a full two years.
SYNONYMS: dormant; quiet; still 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01

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406quixotic
quixotic
adjective
(kwk SAH tk)
idealistic but impractical
Simons head is in the clouds; he constantly comes up with quixotic, unworkable schemes.
SYNONYMS: unrealistic; impracticable; visionary; unpredictable
407ramble
ramble
verb
(RMB bl)
wander aimlessly
(physically or verbally)
Listening to the teacher ramble, Judy wondered whether hed ever get to
his point.
SYNONYMS: amble; stroll; meander; digress 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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408rancor
rancor
noun
(RN kr)
lasting resentment
Thirty years after the war, she could not let go of the past but was still consumed with rancor against
the enemy.
SYNONYMS: bitterness; hatred
409random
random
adjective
(RN dm)
without definite purpose,
plan, or aim
Although the sponsor of the raffle claimed all winners were chosen at random, people had their
suspicions when the grand prize went to the sponsors brother-in-law.
SYNONYMS: haphazard; accidental 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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410rant
rant
verb; also noun
(RNT)
speak wildly, noisily, or
grandiloquently; scold
forcefully
When he heard Id totaled the family car, Dad began to rant at me like a total madman.
SYNONYMS: rave; clamor; carry on; storm; declaim 7_7086_SAT_Flash
411ratify
ratify
verb
(R t f)
approve formally
Because of the lack of a quorum, Congress failed to ratify measures that had been passed by the
Senate, including the Freedom of Information Act.
SYNONYMS: confirm; corroborate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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412rationale
rationale
noun
(r sh NL)
fundamental reason or
justification (not always
reasonable)
Her need to have someplace to hang her earring collection was Doras rationale for piercing fifteen
holes in each ear.
SYNONYMS: logic, basis, grounds, explanation 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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413raucous
raucous
adjective
(RAW ks)
disorderly and boisterous;
harsh and shrill
The raucous crowd of New Years Eve revelers got progressively noisier as midnight drew near.
SYNONYMS: rambunctious; rowdy; hoarse; rasping; strident; grating
414rebuttal
rebuttal
noun
(r B tl)
response with contrary
evidence; reply pointing out
flaws in opponents argument
The defense lawyer confidently listened to the prosecutor sum up his case, sure that she could answer
his arguments in her rebuttal.
SYNONYMS: refutation; disproof; denial 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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415recant
recant
verb
(r KNT)
retract a previous statement;
openly confess error
Those who can, keep true to their faith. Those who cant, recant. Hoping to make Joan of Arc recant
her sworn testimony, her English captors tried to convince her that her visions had been sent by the
Devil.
SYNONYMS: disclaim; disavow; renounce; repudiate
416recluse
recluse
noun
(r KLS)
someone who withdraws
from society
Disappointed in love, Miss Emily became a recluse; she shut herself away in her empty mansion and
refused to see another living soul.
SYNONYMS: hermit; loner
417recount
recount
verb
(r KAUNT)
give a detailed account

A born storyteller, my father loved to recount anecdotes about his early years in New York City.
SYNONYMS: tell; narrate
418rectify
rectify
verb
(RK t f)
set right
You had better rectify your accounting errors before the auditors arrive.
SYNONYMS: correct; remedy; fix 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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419redundant
redundant
adjective
(r DN dnt)
excessively wordy;
more than needed
The bottle of wine I brought to Bobs party was certainly redundant. How was I to know that he
owned a winery?
SYNONYMS: superfluous; unneeded; unnecessary 7_7086_SAT_Flash
420refute
refute
verb
(r FYT)
prove false; overthrow by
means of evidence
The defense attorney found several respectable witnesses who were able to refute the lies told by the
prosecutions sole witness.
SYNONYMS: disprove; counter
421regimen
regimen
noun
(R j mn)
systematic program or plan;
regular course of training
Reggie prepared for the marathon by following a strict regimen: he began every day with a brisk run
to the Starbucks down the block.
SYNONYMS: routine; rule
422relegate
relegate
verb
(R l gt)

consign to an inferior position
After Ralph dropped his second tray of drinks that week, the manager swiftly relegated him to a
minor post behind the bar.
SYNONYMS: assign; delegate; banish 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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423remorse
remorse
noun
(r MAWRS)
deep regret for past misdeeds
After his mothers death, Minh felt remorse for all the times he had laughed at her broken English and
old-fashioned ways.
SYNONYMS: self-reproach; penitence; guilt 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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424renounce
renounce
verb
(r NAUN(T)S)
give up voluntarily
Even though she knew she would be burned at the stake as a witch, Joan of Arc refused to renounce
her belief that her voices came from God.
SYNONYMS: abandon; disown; repudiate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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425repel
repel
verb
(r PL)
drive away; create distaste in
At first the Beasts grotesque appearance repelled Beauty, but she came to love the tender heart
hidden behind that beastly exterior.
SYNONYMS: resist; discourage; disgust; revolt; nauseate
426reprehensible
reprehensible
adjective
(r pr HN(T) s bl)
deserving blame
Shocked by the viciousness of the bombing, politicians of every party uniformly condemned the
terrorists reprehensible deed.
SYNONYMS: culpable; blameworthy; disgraceful; wicked
427reprimand
reprimand
noun; also verb
(R pr mnd)
strong rebuke
Every time Ermengarde made a mistake in class, she was terrified that she would receive a harsh
reprimand from Miss Minchin.
SYNONYMS: scolding; reproof
428reprove
reprove
verb
(r PRV)
scold, generally in a
gentle manner
Though Aunt Bea at times had to reprove Opie for inattention in church, she believed he was at heart
a God-fearing lad.
SYNONYMS: correct; censure; rebuke 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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429repudiate
repudiate
verb
(r PY d t)
refuse to have anything to do
with; reject the authority of
On separating from Tony, Tina announced that she would repudiate all debts acquired by her soon-tobe ex-husband.
SYNONYMS: disown; disavow
430rescind
rescind
verb
(r SND)
make (an act or contract) void
Thanks to the adoption of new economy measures, with a savings of $140 million, the school board
was able to rescind the layoffs of 540 teachers.
SYNONYMS: cancel; repeal; void; retract; revoke 7_7086_SAT_Flash
431reserve
reserve
noun
(r ZRV)
formal but distant manner;
avoidance of intimacy
Although some girls were attracted by Marks air of reserve, Judy was put off by it, for she felt his
aloofness indicated a lack of openness.
SYNONYMS: self-restraint; aloofness; distance 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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432resigned
resigned
adjective
(r ZND)
accepting ones fate

Resigned to his downtrodden existence, the day laborer was too meek to protest his supervisors
bullying.
SYNONYMS: unresisting; submissive; acquiescent 7_7086_SAT_Flash
433resolution
resolution
noun
(r z L shn)
firmness of purpose; formal
expression of opinion;
separation into elements
Nothing could shake Philips resolution that his children would get the best education that money
could buy.
SYNONYMS: determination; resolve; purposefulness 7_7086_SAT_Flash
434resolve
resolve
noun
(r ZAHLV)
firmness of purpose
How dare you question my resolve to take up skydiving? Of course I havent changed my mind!
SYNONYMS: determination; resolution; steadfastness 7_7086_SAT_Flash
435restraint
restraint
noun
(r STRNT)
influence that curbs or
brings under control
Control yourself, young lady! Show some restraint!
SYNONYMS: self-discipline; self-control; command; limitation
436reticent
reticent
adjective
(R t snt)
inclined to be silent
Compared to Jo, who was perfectly ready to chat with anyone about anything, Beth was reticent about
what she considered personal matters.
SYNONYMS: uncommunicative; reserved; taciturn 7_7086_SAT_Flash
437retract
retract
verb
(r TRKT)
take back; draw back

When I saw how Fred and his fraternity brothers had trashed the frat house, I decided to retract my
offer to let them use our summer cottage over spring break.
SYNONYMS: withdraw; disavow
438reverent
reverent
adjective
(R v rnt)
showing deep respect
or adoration
Though I bow my head in church and recite my prayers, sometimes I dont feel particularly reverent.
SYNONYMS: respectful; worshipful; awed 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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439rhetorical
rhetorical
adjective
(r TAWR kl)
concerned with the persuasive use
of language; pertaining to effective communication; used merely for style Never try to answer a
rhetorical question like
Is the Pope Catholic? The speaker asks it only to make a point, not to elicit a reply, and if you
respond, Yes, he is, you will just sound foolish.
SYNONYMS: oratorical; bombastic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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440rigorous
rigorous
adjective
(R g() rs)
demanding strict attention
to meeting standards
Disliked by his superior officers, the officer candidate in An Officer and a Gentleman went through
an extremely rigorous training program.
SYNONYMS: severe; harsh; exacting 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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441robust
robust
adjective
(r BST)
possessing or showing
strength
After pumping iron and taking karate for six months, the little old lady was so robust that she could
break a plank with her fist.
SYNONYMS: strong; hardy; hearty; healthy 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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442sage
sage
noun; also adjective
(SJ)
person celebrated for wisdom
Hearing tales of a mysterious Master of All Knowledge who lived in the hills of Tibet, Sandy was
possessed with a burning desire to consult the legendary sage.
SYNONYMS: pundit; savant; guru 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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443sanction
sanction
verb; also noun
(S(K) shn)
make valid; give consent to
Nothing will convince me to sanction the engagement of my daughter to such a worthless young man.
SYNONYMS: approve; ratify
444satirical
satirical
adjective
(s TR kl)
using biting wit to attack folly
Through the comments of the characters in his cartoon strip Doonesbury, cartoonist Gary Trudeau
makes fun of political corruption; his humor is satirical.
SYNONYMS: mocking; ironical; sardonic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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445scrupulous
scrupulous
adjective
(SKR py ls)
conscientious and exact;
extremely thorough
Although Alfred is scrupulous in fulfilling his duties at work, he is less conscientious about meeting
his obligations at home.
SYNONYMS: principled; painstaking; meticulous 7_7086_SAT_Flash
446scrutiny
scrutiny
noun
(SKR t n)
close and critical examination
At evening block inspection, the recruits
bunkroom, washroom, and gear came under the inspecting officers close scrutiny.
SYNONYMS: inspection; examination; search 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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447seclusion
seclusion
noun
(s KL zhn)

state of being removed
from social contact
One moment she loved being surrounded by crowds; the next, she sought seclusion.
SYNONYMS: isolation; solitude; privacy; separation 7_7086_SAT_Flash
448servile
servile
adjective
(SR vl)
slavishly submissive
Constantly fawning on his employer,
Uriah Heep was a servile creature.
SYNONYMS: fawning; subservient; abject; cringing
449skeptic
skeptic
noun
(SKP tk)
person who suspends
judgment until the evidence
supporting a point of view
has been examined

I am a skeptic about the proposed new health plan; I want some proof that it can work.
SYNONYMS: doubter; disbeliever; cynic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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450sluggish
sluggish
adjective
(SL gsh)
disinclined to exert oneself;
slow to react
After two nights without sleep, she felt sluggish and incapable of exertion.
SYNONYMS: lethargic; indolent; listless; slow; lazy 7_7086_SAT_Flash
451somber
somber
adjective
(SAHM br)
dark and gloomy; depressing
in nature
From the doctors grim expression, I could tell he had somber news.
SYNONYMS: dismal; grave; melancholy; drab 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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452soporific
soporific
(sah p R fk)
marked by or inducing
sleepiness
Because John once had fallen asleep reading War and Peace, he thought that all Russian novels were
soporific.
SYNONYMS: sleep-causing; dull; monotonous 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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453specious
specious
adjective
(SP shs)
seemingly reasonable but
incorrect; superficially
plausible
This alleged crisis is no crisis at all. It is based on specious claims about financial institutions, on
scare stories about impending economic ruin.
SYNONYMS: false; erroneous; misleading 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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454sporadic
sporadic
adjective
(sp R dk)

occurring irregularly;
recurring unpredictably
Because his attendance in class had been at best sporadic, the teacher was tempted to flunk him.
SYNONYMS: irregular; intermittent; random 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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455spurious
spurious
adjective
(SPYR s)
not genuine or authentic
Natashas claim to be the lost heir of the Romanoffs was spurious; the only thing Russian about her
was the vodka she drank.
SYNONYMS: false; counterfeit; forged; fake 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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456squander
squander
verb
(SKWAHN dr)
spend foolishly
If you squander your allowance on video games and manga, you wont have enough money to buy the
new bike you want.
SYNONYMS: waste; dissipate; throw away 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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457stagnant
stagnant
adjective
(STG nnt)
not flowing; not advancing
Mosquitoes commonly breed in pools
of stagnant water. When the economy is stagnant, even college graduates struggle to find work.
SYNONYMS: motionless; inactive; stale; dull 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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458static
static
adjective
(ST tk)
showing little or no change;
lacking development
Bob and Jane had been dating for months but things didnt seem to be going anywhere: their
relationship was static.
SYNONYMS: still; stationary; motionless; unchanging 7_7086_SAT_Flash
459strident
strident
adjective
(STR dnt)

loud and harsh
Whenever Sue was angry, she tried to avoid raising her voice because she had no wish to sound
strident.
SYNONYMS: shrill; raucous
460submissive
submissive
adjective
(sb M sv)
giving way to someone or
something that one is unable
to resist
Crushed by his authoritarian father, Will had no defiance left in him; he was totally submissive in the
face of authority.
SYNONYMS: yielding; obedient; docile; meek; unassertive
461subordinate
subordinate
(s BAWR d nt)
occupying a lower rank
Bishop Proudies wife expected all the subordinate clergy to behave with great deference to the wife
of their superior.
SYNONYMS: inferior; lesser
462subside
subside
verb
(sb SD)
settle down; sink to
the bottom
The doctor assured Johnnys parents that their sons fever would eventually subside.
SYNONYMS: decrease; dwindle; abate; lessen 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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463substantiate
substantiate
verb
(sb STN(T) sh t)
establish by evidence
or proof
These endorsements written by satisfied customers substantiate our claim that Barrons SAT is the
best SAT-prep book on the market.
SYNONYMS: verify; support; affirm; corroborate 7_7086_SAT_Flash
464succinct
succinct
adjective
(sk SN(K)T)
without wasted words;
short and to the point
Dont bore your audience with excess
verbiage; be succinct.
SYNONYMS: brief; terse; compact; concise 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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465superficial
superficial
adjective
(s pr F shl)
on the surface; not thorough
To revise a textbook properly, you must do more than make a few superficial changes to the
manuscript.
SYNONYMS: trivial; shallow; insignificant; external 7_7086_SAT_Flash
466superfluous
superfluous
adjective
(s PR fl s)
more than required

Please try not to include so many superfluous details in your report; the bare facts are all I need.
SYNONYMS: unnecessary; excessive; unessential; extra
467supplant
supplant
verb
(s PLNT)
replace another, especially
by force
In early Anglo-Saxon times, one tribe would drive out and supplant another until that tribe was
driven out in turn by a third.
SYNONYMS: displace; unseat; supersede; oust 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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468surpass
surpass
verb
(sr PS)
go beyond the powers of
The legendary athlete Jim Thorpe, who surpassed all his competitors at the 1912
Olympic Games, made a name for himself in baseball, football, and track.
SYNONYMS: exceed; outdo; transcend 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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469surreptitious
surreptitious
adjective
(s rp T shs)
done by stealth
Government agents have been known to use wiretapping and other surreptitious methods to spy on
suspected terrorists.
SYNONYMS: secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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470susceptible
susceptible
adjective
(s SP t bl)
easily influenced; open to
impression; having little
resistance, as to a disease
Said the con man to the extremely susceptible customer, Buy this new miracle drug and you will no
longer be susceptible to the common cold.
SYNONYMS: impressionable; receptive 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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471sustain
sustain
verb
(s STN)

live through; keep up; give
support to; bear up under
Stuart sustained such heavy losses in the stock market that he could no longer sustain his jet-setting
lifestyle.
SYNONYMS: experience; maintain; nourish; support 7_7086_SAT_Flash
472taciturn
taciturn
adjective
(T s trn)
disinclined to talk
The stereotypical cowboy is a taciturn soul, answering lengthy questions with a terse
Yep or Nope.
SYNONYMS: silent; laconic; reserved; uncommunicative
473tantamount
tantamount
adjective
(TN t maunt)
corresponding in some
respects; alike in quantity,
effect, or value
Because so few Southern blacks could afford to pay the poll tax, imposing such a tax on prospective
voters was tantamount to denying black voters the right to vote.
SYNONYMS: equivalent; synonymous 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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474tenacity
tenacity
noun
(t N s t)
stubborn determination to
reach a goal, and unwillingness
to admit defeat
Jean Valjean could not believe the tenacity of Inspector Javert. All Valjean had done was to steal a
loaf of bread, and nonetheless the inspector had pursued him doggedly for twenty years!
SYNONYMS: persistence; doggedness; stubbornness; resolve
475tentative
tentative
adjective
(TN t tv)
showing uncertainty;
not fully developed
Unaccustomed to strangers, Bobby at first was tentative about approaching the new babysitter.
SYNONYMS: hesitant; cautious; unsure; provisional

476terse
terse
adjective
(TRS)
concise and to the point
There is a fine line between speech that is terse and to the point and speech so abrupt that it verges on
being rude.
SYNONYMS: abrupt; pithy; clipped; curt 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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477tirade
tirade
noun
(T rd)
extended forceful speech,
generally critical in nature
The cigar smoker went into a bitter tirade, denouncing the antismoking forces that had succeeded in
banning smoking from most restaurants and planes.
SYNONYMS: harangue; rant; outburst; diatribe 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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478transient
transient
adjective
(TRN z nt)

staying for a short time
Youths beauty is transient; it quickly fades with age.
SYNONYMS: momentary; temporary; fleeting 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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479trepidation
trepidation
noun
(tr p D shn)
nervous apprehension
As she entered the office of the dean of admissions, Sharon felt some trepidation about how her
interview would go.
SYNONYMS: fear; anxiety; uneasiness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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480trifling
trifling
adjective
(TR f()li)
of very little significance
Why bother going to see a doctor for such a trifling, childish complaint?
SYNONYMS: unimportant; trivial; negligible; petty 7_7086_SAT_Flash
481trite
trite
adjective
(TRT)
not fresh or original
Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl backwhat a trite plot!
SYNONYMS: hackneyed; unoriginal; commonplace; tired; stale; pedestrian
482turbulent
turbulent
adjective
(TR by lnt)
violently agitated
Warned of turbulent weather conditions ahead, the pilot told the passengers to fasten their seat belts.
SYNONYMS: tumultuous; chaotic; unruly 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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483turmoil
turmoil
noun
(TR moyl)
great commotion and
confusion
Lydia running off with a soldier! Mother fainting at the news! The Bennet household was in turmoil.
SYNONYMS: chaos; disorder; uproar; tumult 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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484undermine
undermine
verb
(n dr MN)
chip away at
The recent corruption scandals have undermined many peoples faith in the city government.
SYNONYMS: weaken; sap; undercut; damage 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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485uniformity
uniformity
noun
(y n FAWR m t)
the quality of always having
the same form or manner
After a while, the uniformity of television sitcoms becomes boring.
SYNONYMS: sameness; monotony; standardization 7_7086_SAT_Flash
486unprecedented
unprecedented
adjective
(n PR s dn td)

never before experienced
or known
The producers claimed that New Moons box-office success was unprecedented, but the opening
night sales for Pirates of the Caribbean 3 were at least as good.
SYNONYMS: unparalleled; exceptional; extraordinary; novel
487unwarranted
unwarranted
adjective
(n WAHR n td)
having no justification
or grounds
We could not understand Warrens
unwarranted rudeness to his mothers guests.
SYNONYMS: unjustified; groundless; baseless 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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488usurp
usurp
verb
(y ZRP)
seize anothers power, rank,
or authority
Judicial activism is the alleged tendency of some judges to usurp the power of elected legislatures
by making the law rather than merely interpreting it.
SYNONYMS: take; commandeer; appropriate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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489vacillate
vacillate
verb
(V s lt)
hesitate in making a choice
Uncertain which suitor she ought to accept, the princess vacillated, first favoring one, then the other.
SYNONYMS: waver; oscillate; fluctuate 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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490venerate
venerate
verb
(V n rt)
regard with esteem
In Tibet today, the common people still venerate their traditional spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
SYNONYMS: revere; worship; idolize 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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491verbose
verbose
adjective
(vr BS)

using or containing more
words than needed
Someone mute cannot talk; someone verbose can hardly stop talking.
SYNONYMS: long-winded; wordy; talkative; redundant
492vestigial
vestigial
adjective
(v ST j l)
relating to visible traces
left by something that no
longer exists
The ostrich has vestigial wings, appendixlike, the silly things. Why wings? you ask, and so do I.
Wings or not, this bird cant fly.
SYNONYMS: residual; primitive
493viable
viable
adjective
(V bl)
practical or workable;
capable of maintaining life

The plan to build a new stadium, though lacking a few details, is viable and stands a good chance of
winning popular support.
SYNONYMS: feasible; practicable 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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494vigor
vigor
noun
(V gr)
active physical or mental
strength
Although he was over seventy years old, Jack had the vigor of a man in his prime.
SYNONYMS: energy; force; vitality; drive 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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495vindicate
vindicate
verb
(VN d kt)
(1) clear from blame;
(2) provide justification
or support for
The lawyers goal was to vindicate her client and prove him innocent of all charges. The critics
uniformly poor reviews vindicate my opinion that Prince of Persia is a lousy movie.
SYNONYMS: exonerate; exculpate; justify; defend

496virulent
virulent
adjective
(VR y lnt)
(1) extremely severe; highly
noxious (2) spitefully hostile
Laid up with a virulent case of measles, Vera blamed her doctors because her recovery took so long.
In fact, she became quite virulent on the subject of the quality of modern medical care.
SYNONYMS: (1) poisonous; toxic; destructive; (2) bitter
497volatile
volatile
adjective
(VAH l tl)
(1) evaporating rapidly;
(2) tending to explode into
violence or to change
unexpectedly
Acetone is an extremely volatile liquid: it evaporates instantly. The divas temper was extremely
volatile: the only thing you could predict was that she would blow up.
SYNONYMS: changeable; fickle; explosive; evanescent

498voluble
voluble
adjective
(VAHL y bl)
tending to talk easily
or rapidly
Excessively voluble speakers suffer from logorrhea: they run off at the mouth a lot!
SYNONYMS: fluent; glib; talkative 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01
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499whimsical
whimsical
adjective
(WM z kl)
full of sudden, eccentric
notions
The Beatles expressed themselves through capricious, flip humor and whimsical displays of carefree
abandon.
SYNONYMS: fanciful; capricious; quirky 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash
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500zealot
zealot
noun
(Z lt)
person who shows excessive
religious or political fervor
Though Glenn was devout, he was no zealot: he never tried to force his beliefs on his friends.
SYNONYMS: fanatic; militant
Document Outline
Box Front
Introduction
Copyright
Make Your Own Flash Cards
Pronunciation Guide
Body

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4-7086_SAT_Vocab_FC_Box Lid Wrap_Layout 1 7/30/12 2:34 PM Page 1

Make Your Own

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having skill or resourcefulness

The beauty of Tiffanys stained glass appealed to Esthers aesthetic sense.

SYNONYMS: mention; citation; reference 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

Cards_01 9/29/10 5:16 PM Page 63

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SYNONYMS: indifference; impassiveness 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

take possession of for ones

English classics, not from everyday conversation.

explain by pointing out

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use of force to compel

SYNONYMS: consistency; intelligibility; logic 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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SYNONYMS: congregate; approach; unite 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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choice of two unsatisfactory

7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01 9/29/10 5:17 PM Page 283

(ds KAWR dnt)

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tending to move or draw apart

SYNONYMS: inactive; quiescent; latent 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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SYNONYMS: spell out; itemize; detail; name; count 7_7086_SAT_Flash

increase or intensify the

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SYNONYMS: extremism; zeal; fervor 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01

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SYNONYMS: severity; solemnity

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not meant to be taken literally)

not authorized by law

Judys great fear was that she might

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existing from birth

SYNONYMS: narrow-mindedness; provinciality 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

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inclined to talk excessively

thing to another (without

SYNONYMS: painstaking; scrupulous; fastidious 7_7086_SAT_Flash

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The tidal wave obliterated several island villages.

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having an alarming character

SYNONYMS: money-grubber; speculator 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash

SYNONYMS: showy; pretentious

humorous imitation (of a

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SYNONYMS: maintain; continue; keep alive 7_7086_SAT_Flash Cards_01_7_7086_SAT_Flash