10 Most Difficult SAT Words That You Must Know

Definition: Difficult to understand; obscure.

Basic Example: The professor’s lecture was abstruse for most beginners.

Intermediate Example: Quantum physics can seem abstruse if you lack a strong math foundation.

Advanced Example: Although the paper was abstruse, it introduced groundbreaking concepts in theoretical science.

Synonyms: arcane, esoteric, perplexing

Memorization Tip: Think of “abstruse” as “abstract + confuse.” If it confuses you in an abstract way, it’s abstruse.

Definition: To deliberately make something unclear or confusing.

Basic Example: Politicians sometimes obfuscate the truth.

Intermediate Example: The lawyer’s convoluted language seemed designed to obfuscate the facts.

Advanced Example: The new policy obfuscated the line between lawful and unlawful activities, raising ethical concerns.

Synonyms: complicate, muddle, obscure

Memorization Tip: Link “obfuscate” with “obscure”—both suggest making things less clear.

Definition: Clear and easy to understand.

Basic Example: Her writing style is pellucid.

Intermediate Example: The professor’s pellucid explanation made advanced math accessible to everyone.

Advanced Example: With pellucid clarity, the guidebook demystified complex historical events.

Synonyms: lucid, transparent, unambiguous

Memorization Tip: Think “pellucid = pure lucid” — it’s crystal clear.

Definition: Stubbornly resistant to authority or control.

Basic Example: The toddler was recalcitrant.

Intermediate Example: The recalcitrant teenager refused to follow curfew rules.

Advanced Example: The board’s recalcitrant stance on budget cuts led to prolonged negotiations.

Synonyms: defiant, insubordinate, obstinate

Memorization Tip: “Re-calc” can remind you of “recalculate” because they keep pushing back the final answer!

Definition: A person who flatters someone in power to gain advantage.

Basic Example: He’s a sycophant who praises the boss daily.

Intermediate Example: Office sycophants often gain promotions but lose peer respect.

Advanced Example: The politician was surrounded by sycophants, clouding his judgment with constant flattery.

Synonyms: flatterer, toady, bootlicker

Memorization Tip: “Sycophant” → “Sick of ants”? People who flatter are often “sickening” in their approach!

Definition: Present or found everywhere.

Basic Example: Smartphones are ubiquitous these days.

Intermediate Example: Social media’s ubiquitous presence affects our daily interactions.

Advanced Example: The technology boom made high-speed internet ubiquitous in developed nations.

Synonyms: pervasive, omnipresent, universal

Memorization Tip: “Ubiquitous” → “You be (everywhere).”

Definition: A change or variation, often unwelcome.

Basic Example: Life’s vicissitudes can be tough.

Intermediate Example: The vicissitudes of the economy affect small businesses significantly.

Advanced Example: Throughout the vicissitudes of her career, she remained steadfast in her mission.

Synonyms: fluctuation, shift, twist

Memorization Tip: “Vicissitude” → “vicious attitude” from life’s changes, though that’s a stretch—it helps some recall!

Definition: Showing great enthusiasm or passion for a cause.

Basic Example: She’s zealous about environmental protection.

Intermediate Example: A zealous advocate for education, he volunteered at multiple literacy programs.

Advanced Example: Her zealous commitment to social justice inspired legislative changes at the local level.

Synonyms: fervent, ardent, passionate

Memorization Tip: “Zealous” sounds like “zeal”—meaning eager interest or enthusiasm.

Definition: Unrealistically idealistic; impractical.

Basic Example: His dream of a perfect society was quixotic.

Intermediate Example: It’s quixotic to think you can solve global issues overnight.

Advanced Example: Despite its quixotic nature, his grand vision sparked an international conversation on climate change.

Synonyms: idealistic, romantic, visionary

Memorization Tip: “Quixotic” → “Don Quixote,” who was famous for his unrealistic, idealistic quests.

Definition: Wicked, evil, or criminal.

Basic Example: The plot was nefarious.

Intermediate Example: Investigators uncovered a nefarious scheme to launder money.

Advanced Example: The novel’s villain executed a series of nefarious acts that terrorized the city.

Synonyms: villainous, malicious, depraved

Memorization Tip: “Nefarious” → “Ne-fairy-ous.” Fairies are typically good—this is the opposite!