Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for SAT 10 (Scholastic Assessment Test) Words

anthropomorphism (noun) /ˌanθrəpəˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, plants, or inanimate objects.
Example Sentence: "The advertising campaign used anthropomorphism to create a cute and relatable mascot."
Synonyms: ascription; characterizing; embodiment; humanization; imputation; incarnation
Opposite Meaning: dehumanization

assuage (verb) /əˈsweɪdʒ/
Definition: To calm, sooth, or relieve discomfort, pain, or emotional distress.
Example Sentence: "He tried to assuage the pain in his tooth by taking some pain medication."
Synonyms: abate; alleviate; calm; dampen; decrease; dilute
Opposite Meaning: aggravate

austere (adjective) /ɔˈstɪər/
Definition: Stern, strict, or lacking ornamentation or luxury.
Example Sentence: "The austere courtroom set the tone for a serious and somber trial."
Synonyms: ascetic; bare; frugal; harsh; plain; restrained
Opposite Meaning: luxurious

bawdy (adjective) /ˈbɔdi/
Definition: Humorously risqué, vulgar, or sexually explicit in a playful or irreverent way.
Example Sentence: "The comedian's jokes were often bawdy and inappropriate for children."
Synonyms: coarse; crude; dirty; earthy; indecent; naughty
Opposite Meaning: decent

bijou (noun) /ˈbi ʒu/
Definition: Something petite, yet exquisitely crafted, typically prized for its aesthetic appeal.
Example Sentence: "She wore a stunning bijou necklace that shimmered with diamonds and sapphires."
Synonyms: adornment; baubel; bauble; charm; finery; gem
Opposite Meaning: plain

bipartisan (adjective) /ˌbʌɪpɑːtɪˈzan/
Definition: Cooperation or agreement between two political parties or groups.
Example Sentence: "The bipartisan agreement was reached after months of negotiation."
Synonyms: collaborative; concordant; cooperative; harmonious; impartial; joint
Opposite Meaning: partisan

blurt (verb) /bləːt/
Definition: To say something suddenly, impulsively, or without thinking, often revealing information or expressing a thought without prior consideration or intention.
Example Sentence: "She accidentally blurt the answer before the question was fully asked."
Synonyms: blab; blabber; exclaim; jabber; shout; splutter
Opposite Meaning: withhold

burly (adjective) /ˈbɜr li/
Definition: Strong, robust, and heavily built, typically with a large and muscular physique.
Example Sentence: "The burly bouncer kept watch at the entrance of the club."
Synonyms: beefy; brawny; hefty; hench; powerful; rugged
Opposite Meaning: weak

complicit (adjective) /kəmˈplɪsɪt/
Definition: Involved in or associated with an illegal, unethical, or immoral action or situation.
Example Sentence: "The media was complicit in spreading false information."
Synonyms: accessory; aiding; associated; collaborating; colluding; connected
Opposite Meaning: innocent

congenial (adjective) /kənˈdʒiːnɪəl/
Definition: Pleasant or agreeably suited because of shared qualities or interests.
Example Sentence: "The congenial atmosphere was an inspiring place to work."
Synonyms: compatible; convivial; cordial; enjoyable; favorable; friendly
Opposite Meaning: disagreeable

contiguous (adjective) /kənˈtɪɡjʊəs/
Definition: Adjacent or touching, sharing a common boundary or border without any gaps.
Example Sentence: "The two neighboring countries have contiguous borders that require cooperation."
Synonyms: abutting; adjoining; approximal; beside; conterminous; juxtaposed
Opposite Meaning: distant

contrarian (noun) /kənˈtrɛər i ən/
Definition: An individual who consistently takes a contrary or opposing stance to prevailing opinions, beliefs, or trends.
Example Sentence: "Emily's contrarian nature made her question popular trends and opt for unique choices."
Synonyms: deviant; dissenter; eccentric; heretic; iconoclast; individualist
Opposite Meaning: conformist

corporal (noun) /ˈkɔːp(ə)rəl/
Definition: The physical body of a human or animal, specifically the flesh and bones that make up its structure.
Example Sentence: "Corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools."
Synonyms: anatomical; bodily; corporeal; fleshly; physical; physiological
Opposite Meaning: intangible

deluge (noun) /ˈdɛljuː(d)ʒ/
Definition: A great flood or heavy downpour of rain, often causing widespread damage and destruction.
Example Sentence: "The deluge of rain flooded the streets, causing traffic chaos."
Synonyms: avalanche; cloudburst; gush; influx; inundation; outflow
Opposite Meaning: drought

denigrate (verb) /ˈdɛnɪɡreɪt/
Definition: To speak or write about someone or something in a negative or critical way, often with the intention of damaging their reputation or character.
Example Sentence: "It is unprofessional to denigrate a colleague's work in public."
Synonyms: belittle; besmirch; defame; degrade; demean; depreciate
Opposite Meaning: praise

disaffirm (verb) /ˌdɪs əˈfɜrm/
Definition: To reject, deny, or repudiate something, particularly a legal contract, agreement, or obligation.
Example Sentence: "The defendant attempted to disaffirm the contract, claiming it was signed under duress."
Synonyms: abrogate; annul; cancel; deny; disavow; invalidate
Opposite Meaning: confirm

dissident (noun) /ˈdɪsɪd(ə)nt/
Definition: A person who opposes or challenges the established authority or power structure.
Example Sentence: "The dissident was arrested for speaking out against the government."
Synonyms: demonstrator; dissenter; heretic; maverick; nonconformist; protester
Opposite Meaning: conformist

dorsal (adjective) /ˈdɔrsəl/
Definition: Relating to the back or upper side of an object, organism, or anatomical structure.
Example Sentence: "The dorsal fin of the shark helps it maintain balance in the water."
Synonyms: aft; back; behind; hind; hindmost; intrascapular
Opposite Meaning: ventral

emboss (verb) /ɛmˈbɔs/
Definition: To create a raised or three-dimensional design or pattern on a surface, typically by pressing or stamping.
Example Sentence: "The printer will emboss the wedding invitations with a gold foil."
Synonyms: brand; carve; deboss; engrave; impress; imprint
Opposite Meaning: flatten

empathize (verb) /ˈɛm pəˌθaɪz/
Definition: To understand and share the feelings, emotions, or experiences of another person.
Example Sentence: "The author's writing allowed readers to empathize with the protagonist's struggles and triumphs."
Synonyms: acknowledge; appreciate; comprehend; connect; feel; identify
Opposite Meaning: disregard

endogenous (adjective) /ɛnˈdɒdʒɪnəs/
Definition: Originating or arising from within a particular system, organism, or entity, as opposed to being introduced from outside.
Example Sentence: "The endogenous production of insulin in the pancreas helps regulate blood sugar levels."
Synonyms: inborn; indigenous; inherent; innate; integral; internal
Opposite Meaning: external

epigram (noun) /ˈɛp ɪˌgræm/
Definition: A concise, witty, and often satirical or paradoxical statement or poem.
Example Sentence: "He crafted an epigram that perfectly captured the irony of the situation."
Synonyms: adage; aphorism; axiom; bon-mot; jest; maxim
Opposite Meaning: rambling

esprit-de-corps (noun) /ɛˈspri də ˈkɔr/
Definition: The spirit of camaraderie, unity, and loyalty among members of a group or organization.
Example Sentence: "The military unit's esprit de corps was evident in their unwavering commitment to each other's safety and success."
Synonyms: camaraderie; cohesion; fellowship; harmony; loyalty; morale
Opposite Meaning: discord

evocative (adjective) /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/
Definition: Bringing to mind, or eliciting strong emotions, memories, or associations.
Example Sentence: "The evocative painting stirred emotions and memories in the viewer."
Synonyms: expressive; graphic; indicative; poignant; redolent; reminiscent
Opposite Meaning: forgettable

expropriate (verb) /ɪksˈprəʊprɪeɪt/
Definition: To take property or assets from someone, often with little or no compensation, and transfer ownership to another entity or individual.
Example Sentence: "The government plans to expropriate the land for a new highway."
Synonyms: appropriate; arrogate; assume; commandeer; confiscate; impound
Opposite Meaning: return

folly (noun) /ˈfɒli/
Definition: A lack of good sense or sound judgment that results in foolish or imprudent behavior.
Example Sentence: "The love affair was a romantic folly, doomed from the start."
Synonyms: absurdity; asininity; foolishness; idiocy; imbecility; imprudence
Opposite Meaning: wisdom

forlorn (adjective) /fəˈlɔːn/
Definition: Appearing abandoned, desolate, or in a state of utter loneliness and despair.
Example Sentence: "The small town had a forlorn feel, with empty streets and shuttered shops."
Synonyms: abandoned; bleak; crestfallen; depressed; desolate; destitute
Opposite Meaning: cherished

fortuitous (adjective) /fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/
Definition: Occurring by chance or luck, often resulting in a fortunate and unexpected outcome.
Example Sentence: "The game was decided by a fortuitous rebound off the referee."
Synonyms: accidental; chance; coincidental; favorable; fluky; fortunate
Opposite Meaning: deliberate

furnish (verb) /ˈfɜr nɪʃ/
Definition: To provide or supply something, typically items or materials, to a person, place, or situation in order to make it complete, functional, or comfortable.
Example Sentence: "We need to furnish the guest bedroom before our friends arrive."
Synonyms: adorn; appoint; arrange; deck; decorate; embellish
Opposite Meaning: strip

hippocratic (adjective) /ˌhɪp əˈkræt ɪk/
Definition: Characteristic of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates or his medical principles.
Example Sentence: "The clinic upholds a hippocratic standard of professionalism and ethical conduct."
Synonyms: conscientious; ethical; honest; honorable; just; moral
Opposite Meaning: unmedical

holistic (adjective) /hə(ʊ)ˈlɪstɪk/
Definition: An approach that considers the whole picture, rather than just focusing on individual parts.
Example Sentence: "A holistic approach to education emphasizes the development of the whole child."
Synonyms: cohesive; complete; comprehensive; inclusive; integrated; overall
Opposite Meaning: narrow

homogenous (adjective) /həˈmɒdʒ ə nəs/
Definition: Uniform, consistent, or similar throughout.
Example Sentence: "In a homogenous society, cultural differences are minimal and everyone shares similar values."
Synonyms: alike; cohesive; consistent; consonant; even; identical
Opposite Meaning: diverse

imagery (noun) /ˈɪm ɪdʒ ri/
Definition: The use of language or visual elements that create a mental image or evoke a sensory experience within the mind of the audience or reader.
Example Sentence: "The songwriter's lyrics were filled with beautiful imagery that resonated with listeners."
Synonyms: depictions; evocation; illustrations; pictures; portrayal; representation
Opposite Meaning: plainness

impassioned (adjective) /ɪmˈpaʃnd/
Definition: Deeply or strongly moved by a particular feeling or emotion.
Example Sentence: "The speaker delivered an impassioned speech that moved the audience to tears."
Synonyms: charged; emotional; fervent; fiery; heated; inspired
Opposite Meaning: apathetic

impute (verb) /ɪmˈpjuːt/
Definition: To attribute a particular action, quality, or responsibility to someone or something.
Example Sentence: "It's easy to impute blame, but harder to take responsibility."
Synonyms: accredit; accuse; allocate; ascribe; assign; associate
Opposite Meaning: exonerate

indebtedness (noun) /ɪnˈdɛt ɪd nɪs/
Definition: The state or condition of being in debt or owing someone a financial or moral obligation.
Example Sentence: "She expressed her profound indebtedness to her parents for their unwavering love and guidance."
Synonyms: accountability; arrear; burden; commitment; debt; duty
Opposite Meaning: autonomy

indecorous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɛk(ə)rəs/
Definition: Not appropriate or in keeping with good taste or good manners.
Example Sentence: "He was warned about his indecorous behavior towards his colleagues."
Synonyms: boorish; improper; indecent; irrelevant; rude; unbecoming
Opposite Meaning: proper

infirm (adjective) /ɪnˈfəːm/
Definition: Physical weakness, fragility, or diminished health and strength, often associated with advanced age or illness.
Example Sentence: "The nurse provided care for the infirm patient in the hospital."
Synonyms: ailing; debilitated; decrepit; doddery; enfeebled; feeble
Opposite Meaning: healthy

innumerate (adjective) /ɪˈnjuːm(ə)rət/
Definition: Unable to understand and manipulate numbers or mathematical concepts.
Example Sentence: "Innumerate individuals often struggle with managing their finances."
Synonyms: ignorant; uneducated; uninstructed; unlearned; unlettered; unschooled
Opposite Meaning: numerate

kernel (noun) /ˈkɜr nl/
Definition: The core, essential, or central part of something.
Example Sentence: "The kernel of truth in his statement was difficult to ignore."
Synonyms: center; core; crux; essence; gist; heart
Opposite Meaning: periphery

kilter (noun) /ˈkɪltər/
Definition: A state of balance or harmony, particularly in regard to physical or mental well-being.
Example Sentence: "The sudden change in routine threw his whole schedule out of kilter."
Synonyms: alignment; congruity; equilibrium; order; poise; proportion
Opposite Meaning: imbalance

kitsch (noun) /kɪtʃ/
Definition: Art, design, or other forms of popular culture that are considered to be in poor taste, overly sentimental, or lacking in originality.
Example Sentence: "The kitsch jewelry was a fun and playful accessory."
Synonyms: chintzy; crude; flashy; garish; gaudy; gimcrack
Opposite Meaning: tasteful

labyrinthine (adjective) /ˌlæb əˈrɪn θɪn/
Definition: Complex, intricate, and bewildering in nature, often resembling or relating to a labyrinth.
Example Sentence: "Navigating through the city's labyrinthine streets was a daunting task for newcomers."
Synonyms: bewildering; complex; complicated; convoluted; intricate; knotty
Opposite Meaning: straightforward

largesse (noun) /lɑːˈ(d)ʒɛs/
Definition: The act of giving generously or liberally, often in the form of money, gifts, or favors.
Example Sentence: "The celebrity's largesse towards charity was admirable."
Synonyms: altruism; benefaction; benevolence; bestowal; bountifulness; bounty
Opposite Meaning: stinginess

latency (noun) /ˈleɪt n si/
Definition: The measure of delay or the amount of time it takes for a specific action, process, or response to occur.
Example Sentence: "The financial trader relied on a low-latency trading platform for quick and accurate transactions."
Synonyms: deferment; delay; gap; hindrance; holdup; interval
Opposite Meaning: immediacy

loyalist (noun) /ˈlɔɪ ə lɪst/
Definition: An individual who is steadfastly loyal, devoted, and supportive to a person, group, cause, or organization.
Example Sentence: "The rebel group faced resistance from the loyalists who remained loyal to the government."
Synonyms: adherent; advocate; ally; backer; defender; devotee
Opposite Meaning: traitor

Machiavellian (adjective) /ˌmakɪəˈvɛlɪən/
Definition: Cunning, deceptive, and willing to use unethical means to achieve one's goals.
Example Sentence: "The Machiavellian leader's tactics were characterized by deceit and manipulation."
Synonyms: amoral; artful; astute; calculating; crafty; cunning
Opposite Meaning: ethical

negate (verb) /nɪˈɡeɪt/
Definition: To nullify, deny the truth or existence of something, or make it ineffective.
Example Sentence: "His apology did not negate the damage caused by his actions."
Synonyms: annul; disallow; invalidate; neutralize; nullify; refute
Opposite Meaning: affirm

nonchalance (noun) /ˌnɒn ʃəˈlɑns/
Definition: A state or quality of being unconcerned, indifferent, or appearing casual and relaxed in the face of circumstances that might typically evoke a stronger reaction.
Example Sentence: "He handled the criticism with a nonchalance that surprised his critics."
Synonyms: apathy; casualness; composure; coolness; detachment; ease
Opposite Meaning: concern

octogenarian (adjective) /ˌɒk tə dʒəˈnɛər i ən/
Definition: An individual who is between the ages of 80 and 89, specifically someone who is in their eighth decade of life.
Example Sentence: "The octogenarian couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by friends and family."
Synonyms: aged; ancient; decrepit; elderly; geriatric; grizzled
Opposite Meaning: youth

pabulum (noun) /ˈpabjʊləm/
Definition: Something that is bland, insipid, or lacking in intellectual substance.
Example Sentence: "The TV channel offers nothing but pabulum for its viewers."
Synonyms: banality; drivel; inanity; monotony; mush; pap
Opposite Meaning: stimulating

peccadillo (noun) /ˌpɛkəˈdɪləʊ/
Definition: A minor or trivial offense, mistake, or fault, often of a moral or ethical nature.
Example Sentence: "His habit of interrupting others was his most annoying peccadillo."
Synonyms: foible; impropriety; indiscretion; infraction; misconduct; misdeed
Opposite Meaning: virtue

perforation (noun) /ˌpɜr fəˈreɪ ʃən/
Definition: A hole or series of holes that have been intentionally made or created in a material.
Example Sentence: "The perforation in the postage stamp made it easy to tear off from the sheet."
Synonyms: aperture; breach; break; cut; fissure; gap
Opposite Meaning: unbroken

prolepsis (noun) /proʊˈlɛp sɪs/
Definition: The act of addressing or refuting potential arguments or objections before they are even presented.
Example Sentence: "The politician used prolepsis to address potential criticisms of his policy proposal."
Synonyms: anticipation; forecast; foreknowledge; foresight; preclusion; preemption
Opposite Meaning: disregard

propensity (noun) /prəˈpɛnsɪti/
Definition: A natural inclination, preference, or tendency that an individual or entity possesses towards a particular behavior, activity, or trait.
Example Sentence: "The child has a propensity for getting into trouble."
Synonyms: habit; inclination; leaning; penchant; predisposition; proclivity
Opposite Meaning: aversion

recumbent (adjective) /rɪˈkʌmb(ə)nt/
Definition: In a reclining or lying-down position, often referring to a person or object that is resting horizontally or at a gentle incline.
Example Sentence: "The recumbent position of the patient was a sign of severe exhaustion."
Synonyms: flat; horizontal; leaning; level; prone; prostrate
Opposite Meaning: upright

remuneration (noun) /rɪˌmyu nəˈreɪ ʃən/
Definition: The compensation or payment received in exchange for work, services, or employment.
Example Sentence: "The company offered an attractive remuneration package to attract top talent."
Synonyms: compensation; earnings; emolument; fee; honorarium; income
Opposite Meaning: nonpayment

renounce (verb) /rɪˈnaʊns/
Definition: To formally give up, reject, or disown something, typically a belief, right, or claim.
Example Sentence: "The monk chose to renounce all worldly possessions and live a simple life."
Synonyms: abandon; abdicate; abjure; abnegate; decline; eschew
Opposite Meaning: claim

reputed (adjective) /rɪˈpjuːtɪd/
Definition: Commonly believed or considered to be true, based on its reputation or general perception, even though it might not be definitively confirmed.
Example Sentence: "He is reputed to be one of the best surgeons in the country."
Synonyms: alleged; assumed; believed; considered; deemed; presumed
Opposite Meaning: disproven

revenant (noun) /ˈrɛv ə nənt/
Definition: A supernatural or mythical being, often depicted as a ghost, spirit, or specter, that has returned from the dead.
Example Sentence: "The legend spoke of a revenant seeking justice for a past betrayal."
Synonyms: apparition; ghost; haunt; phantasm; phantom; poltergeist
Opposite Meaning: living

revolutionary (adjective) /ˌrɛv əˈlu ʃəˌnɛr i/
Definition: Bringing about significant and far-reaching changes or innovations, often challenging established norms and practices.
Example Sentence: "The invention of the internet was a revolutionary breakthrough that transformed communication worldwide."
Synonyms: avant-garde; disruptive; groundbreaking; iconoclastic; innovative; insurgent
Opposite Meaning: conventional

rife (adjective) /raɪf/
Definition: Widespread, prevalent, or abundant, often in a negative or undesirable context.
Example Sentence: "The area was rife with crime, making it unsafe to walk alone at night."
Synonyms: awash; bursting; fraught; jammed; packed; raging
Opposite Meaning: scarce

rousing (adjective) /ˈraʊ zɪŋ/
Definition: Capable of stirring strong emotions, excitement, or enthusiasm in people.
Example Sentence: "The motivational speaker delivered a rousing speech that inspired the crowd."
Synonyms: animating; captivating; dynamic; electrifying; energizing; exciting
Opposite Meaning: uninspiring

sanitize (verb) /ˈsanɪtʌɪz/
Definition: To clean something thoroughly in order to eliminate harmful microorganisms, dirt, or contaminants.
Example Sentence: "The hospital staff regularly sanitize all surfaces to prevent the spread of germs."
Synonyms: cleanse; decontaminate; deodorize; disinfect; fumigate; purify
Opposite Meaning: contaminate

serum (noun) /ˈsɪər əm/
Definition: A liquid component of blood or any bodily fluid that separates when the blood or fluid clots.
Example Sentence: "The serum was carefully stored in a refrigerated compartment to maintain its stability."
Synonyms: blend; brew; concoction; elixir; essence; extract
Opposite Meaning: whole blood

sporadic (adjective) /spəˈradɪk/
Definition: Occurring irregularly, infrequently, and without a consistent pattern or schedule.
Example Sentence: "The sporadic availability of the product frustrated customers."
Synonyms: episodic; fitful; haphazard; infrequent; intermittent; irregular
Opposite Meaning: regular

surrogate (noun) /ˈsʌrəɡət/
Definition: A person or thing that acts or serves as a substitute for another person or thing.
Example Sentence: "The surrogate mother carried the baby to term for the couple who couldn't conceive."
Synonyms: alternate; backup; delegate; deputy; makeshift; proxy
Opposite Meaning: original

tautology (noun) /tɔːˈtɒlədʒi/
Definition: A statement or phrase in which the same information is repeated twice, using different words or phrases.
Example Sentence: "The phrase 'exact same' is a tautology, as 'exact' and 'same' mean the same thing."
Synonyms: iteration; pleonasm; prolixity; redundancy; repetition; repetitiveness
Opposite Meaning: originality

tempestuous (adjective) /tɛmˈpɛstʃʊəs/
Definition: Strong and often violent emotions, actions, or behavior.
Example Sentence: "She had a tempestuous relationship with her husband."
Synonyms: emotional; gusty; heated; impassioned; intense; passionate
Opposite Meaning: calm

underwrite (verb) /ˌʌndəˈrʌɪt/
Definition: To assume financial responsibility for a particular risk or investment.
Example Sentence: "The bank agreed to underwrite the construction loan for the new building."
Synonyms: bankroll; endorse; finance; fund; guarantee; sanction
Opposite Meaning: disavow

unprincipled (adjective) /ʌnˈprɪn sə pəld/
Definition: Lacking moral or ethical standards, characterized by a disregard for principles or values.
Example Sentence: "The unprincipled lawyer would stop at nothing to win his cases, even if it meant bending the truth."
Synonyms: amoral; corrupt; deceitful; dishonest; dishonorable; fraudulent
Opposite Meaning: principled

veneer (noun) /vɪˈnɪə/
Definition: A thin layer of material applied to the surface of an object to conceal or protect it.
Example Sentence: "The veneer on the antique table was beautifully polished."
Synonyms: cladding; covering; façade; finish; gloss; guise
Opposite Meaning: core

ventral (adjective) /ˈvɛntrəl/
Definition: Relating to the underside or lower surface of an organism, object, or anatomical structure.
Example Sentence: "The ventral side of the jellyfish is covered in tiny tentacles."
Synonyms: abdominal; anterior; belly; celiac; frontal; hypogastric
Opposite Meaning: dorsal

visceral (adjective) /ˈvɪs(ə)r(ə)l/
Definition: Deeply and instinctively felt, often in a physical or emotional sense.
Example Sentence: "The music elicited a visceral sense of nostalgia for the listener."
Synonyms: core; emotional; fundamental; gut; inborn; innate
Opposite Meaning: intellectual

wassail (verb) /ˈwɒseɪl/
Definition: To celebrate by drinking alcohol and singing loudly with friends, especially during Christmas time.
Example Sentence: "The villagers gathered to wassail and sing carols around the Christmas tree."
Synonyms: carouse; celebrate; cheer; commemorate; drink; honor
Opposite Meaning: abstain