Start building your SAT vocabulary with words that begin with A. These words often appear in SAT reading and writing sections. Learning them can help you understand passages and answer questions faster. Each word comes with a meaning and example. Use these words in your writing and speech to grow your vocabulary. Begin with the letter A and get a head start on your SAT prep.
SAT words starting with A
Here are 100 Vabulary words starting with A:
1: Abate
Meaning: To reduce or decrease in intensity or amount.
Usage:
- The storm finally began to abate.
- The noise level will abate once the concert ends.
2: Aberrant
Meaning: Deviating from the normal or expected.
Usage:
- The aberrant behavior of the particle was observed.
- The aberrant weather patterns caused concern.
3: Abhor
Meaning: To feel intense dislike or hatred for something.
Usage:
- She abhors any form of injustice.
- Many people abhor violence and war.
4: Abide
Meaning: To accept or act in accordance with a rule or decision.
Usage:
- We must abide by the rules of the game.
- The company will abide by the new regulations.
5: Abolish
Meaning: To officially end or stop something.
Usage:
- The government decided to abolish the outdated law.
- The movement aimed to abolish slavery.
6: Abound
Meaning: To exist in large quantities; be plentiful.
Usage:
- The forest abounds with wildlife.
- The city abounds with cultural attractions.
7: Abstruse
Meaning: Difficult to understand; obscure.
Usage:
- The abstruse nature of the theory made it hard to grasp.
- The abstruse language in the novel was challenging.
8: Accelerate
Meaning: To increase the speed or rate of something.
Usage:
- The car began to accelerate down the highway.
- The company will accelerate production.
9: Accretion
Meaning: The process of growth or increase through the gradual accumulation of additional layers or matter.
Usage:
- The accretion of sediment formed a new landmass.
- The accretion of wealth over time was impressive.
10: Acumen
Meaning: The ability to make good judgments and decisions.
Usage:
- Her business acumen helped her succeed.
- His acumen in finance was renowned.
11: Adage
Meaning: A short saying that expresses a general truth.
Usage:
- The adage “an apple a day” is well-known.
- The adage about hard work is often cited.
12: Adhere
Meaning: To stick or attach firmly to something.
Usage:
- The glue will adhere to most surfaces.
- The company will adhere to its policy.
13: Admonish
Meaning: To warn or advise someone about their behavior.
Usage:
- The teacher admonished the student for being late.
- The parent admonished the child for misbehaving.
14: Aesthetic
Meaning: Relating to beauty or taste.
Usage:
- The aesthetic appeal of the painting was undeniable.
- The aesthetic design of the building was praised.
15: Affable
Meaning: Friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to.
Usage:
- He was known for his affable nature.
- The affable host made everyone feel welcome.
16: Affinity
Meaning: A natural ability or liking for something.
Usage:
- She has an affinity for languages.
- He has an affinity for music.
17: Aggrandize
Meaning: To increase the power or influence of something.
Usage:
- The politician sought to aggrandize her position.
- The company aimed to aggrandize its market share.
18: Alacrity
Meaning: A cheerful willingness to do something.
Usage:
- She accepted the challenge with alacrity.
- He responded to the opportunity with alacrity.
19: Ambiguous
Meaning: Open to more than one interpretation.
Usage:
- The ambiguous message caused confusion.
- The ambiguous ending of the movie sparked debate.
20: Ameliorate
Meaning: To make something better or more tolerable.
Usage:
- The new policy aims to ameliorate living conditions.
- The charity works to ameliorate the lives of the poor.
21: Amiable
Meaning: Friendly and pleasant.
Usage:
- He was an amiable host.
- The amiable nature of the dog made it a great pet.
22: Anachronism
Meaning: Something that is out of place in terms of time or context.
Usage:
- The modern car was an anachronism in the historical film.
- The smartphone was an anachronism in the medieval setting.
23: Anathema
Meaning: Something or someone that is hated or strongly disapproved of.
Usage:
- The idea of cheating was an anathema to her.
- The practice was considered an anathema by many.
24: Ancillary
Meaning: Providing additional support or assistance.
Usage:
- The ancillary staff helped with the event.
- The ancillary services were crucial to the project’s success.
25: Animosity
Meaning: A strong feeling of dislike or hostility.
Usage:
- There was animosity between the two teams.
- The animosity between the two nations was evident.
26: Antagonist
Meaning: A person who opposes or is opposed to someone or something.
Usage:
- The antagonist in the story was a complex character.
- The antagonist in the play was well-developed.
27: Antecedent
Meaning: Something that happens or exists before something else.
Usage:
- The antecedent events led to the current situation.
- The antecedent conditions were crucial to the outcome.
28: Antithesis
Meaning: The direct opposite of something.
Usage:
- Freedom is the antithesis of slavery.
- The antithesis of love is hate.
29: Apathy
Meaning: A lack of interest or concern.
Usage:
- The apathy of the voters was evident in the low turnout.
- The apathy towards the issue was surprising.
30: Aphorism
Meaning: A short statement that expresses a general truth.
Usage:
- “All’s fair in love and war” is a well-known aphorism.
- The aphorism about perseverance is often quoted.
31: Apostate
Meaning: A person who has abandoned a religious faith or political party.
Usage:
- The apostate was shunned by his former community.
- The apostate’s decision was met with criticism.
32: Appease
Meaning: To make someone less angry or upset by giving them what they want.
Usage:
- The company tried to appease the protesters with concessions.
- The government attempted to appease the opposition.
33: Apprehensive
Meaning: Feeling worried or fearful about what might happen.
Usage:
- She was apprehensive about the upcoming exam.
- He was apprehensive about the future.
34: Aptitude
Meaning: A natural ability or talent.
Usage:
- He showed an aptitude for music from an early age.
- She demonstrated an aptitude for languages.
35: Arbitrary
Meaning: Based on random choice or whim rather than reason.
Usage:
- The decision seemed arbitrary and unfair.
- The arbitrary rules were confusing.
36: Arcane
Meaning: Mysterious or obscure; difficult to understand.
Usage:
- The arcane rituals were practiced by a select few.
- The arcane language was hard to decipher.
37: Archaic
Meaning: Old-fashioned or outdated.
Usage:
- The archaic language used in the play was hard to follow.
- The archaic technology was replaced.
38: Ardor
Meaning: Great enthusiasm or passion.
Usage:
- Her ardor for the cause inspired others.
- His ardor for music was evident in his performances.
39: Articulate
Meaning: Able to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively.
Usage:
- She was articulate in her presentation.
- He was articulate about his vision.
40: Ascetic
Meaning: Practicing self-denial, especially for religious reasons.
Usage:
- The ascetic monk lived a simple life.
- The ascetic lifestyle was chosen for spiritual growth.
41: Asperity
Meaning: Harshness or severity of manner.
Usage:
- Her asperity made it difficult to approach her.
- The asperity of the critic’s review was surprising.
42: Assiduous
Meaning: Working hard and steadily.
Usage:
- He was assiduous in his pursuit of success.
- She was assiduous in her studies.
43: Assuage
Meaning: To make something unpleasant less severe.
Usage:
- The cold water helped to assuage the burn.
- The medication was used to assuage the pain.
44: Astringent
Meaning: Having a drying or tightening effect on tissues.
Usage:
- The astringent properties of the lotion helped reduce swelling.
- The astringent taste was unpleasant.
45: Asylum
Meaning: A place of safety or refuge.
Usage:
- The asylum provided shelter for those fleeing war.
- The asylum offered protection from persecution.
46: Atrophy
Meaning: To become weaker or smaller due to lack of use.
Usage:
- The muscle began to atrophy from disuse.
- The lack of exercise caused muscle atrophy.
47: Audacious
Meaning: Showing a willingness to take risks; bold.
Usage:
- The audacious plan was both daring and innovative.
- The audacious entrepreneur launched a new venture.
48: Augment
Meaning: To increase or add to something.
Usage:
- The company will augment its staff to meet demand.
- The new technology will augment the existing system.
49: Austerity
Meaning: A state of being severe or strict in manner or appearance.
Usage:
- The austerity of the monastery was evident in its simple decor.
- The austerity measures were implemented to reduce spending.
50: Autonomy
Meaning: The state of being self-governing.
Usage:
- The region was granted autonomy by the central government.
- The company operates with autonomy.
51: Axiomatic
Meaning: Self-evident or unquestionable.
Usage:
- It is axiomatic that all humans need water to survive.
- The axiom of equality is fundamental to democracy.
52: Axiom
Meaning: A statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true.
Usage:
- The axiom of equality is fundamental to democracy.
- The axiom about honesty is widely accepted.
53: Abundance
Meaning: A large or plentiful amount of something.
Usage:
- The garden was filled with an abundance of flowers.
- The abundance of resources made the project feasible.
54: Acceleration
Meaning: The process of increasing speed or rate.
Usage:
- The acceleration of the car was impressive.
- The acceleration of technological advancements was rapid.
55: Accentuate
Meaning: To emphasize or draw attention to something.
Usage:
- The bright colors accentuate the beauty of the painting.
- The accentuate features of the new model were highlighted.
56: Acceptance
Meaning: The act of accepting something willingly or gladly.
Usage:
- Her acceptance of the award was met with applause.
- The acceptance of the new policy was widespread.
57: Accession
Meaning: The act of coming into power or a position.
Usage:
- The king’s accession to the throne was celebrated nationwide.
- The company’s accession to the market was successful.
58: Acclaim
Meaning: Praise or approval given to someone or something.
Usage:
- The movie received widespread acclaim from critics.
- The artist received acclaim for her work.
59: Accommodate
Meaning: To provide someone with a place to stay or to make room for something.
Usage:
- The hotel will accommodate all guests comfortably.
- The new policy will accommodate the needs of the community.
60: Accrue
Meaning: To accumulate or gather over time.
Usage:
- The interest will accrue on the savings account.
- The benefits will accrue to those who invest wisely.
61: Acquiesce
Meaning: To agree or consent to something without protest.
Usage:
- She chose to acquiesce to the proposal.
- The company decided to acquiesce to the demands.
62: Adamant
Meaning: Unwilling to change one’s mind or position.
Usage:
- She was adamant that she would not back down.
- He was adamant about his decision.
63: Adduce
Meaning: To cite or quote as evidence.
Usage:
- The lawyer sought to adduce new evidence in court.
- The researcher adduced several examples to support the theory.
64: Adjudicate
Meaning: To act as a judge in a dispute.
Usage:
- The panel will adjudicate the competition.
- The judge will adjudicate the case.
65: Admonitory
Meaning: Serving as a warning.
Usage:
- The admonitory signs were posted to prevent accidents.
- The admonitory tone of the message was clear.
66: Adroit
Meaning: Skilled or clever in a way that is impressive.
Usage:
- She was adroit at handling difficult situations.
- He was adroit in his negotiations.
67: Adventitious
Meaning: Originating from an external source.
Usage:
- The adventitious roots grew from the stem.
- The adventitious sounds were distracting.
68: Aestheticism
Meaning: The appreciation of beauty and taste.
Usage:
- The movement emphasized aestheticism in art.
- The aestheticism of the era was notable.
69: Affirmation
Meaning: The act of confirming or supporting something.
Usage:
- The affirmation of her beliefs gave her strength.
- The affirmation of the decision was unanimous.
70: Aggressive
Meaning: Showing a readiness to attack or confront.
Usage:
- The aggressive marketing strategy paid off.
- The aggressive behavior was concerning.
71: Agitation
Meaning: A state of anxiety or unrest.
Usage:
- The news caused agitation among the community.
- The agitation in the crowd was palpable.
72: Alleviate
Meaning: To make something unpleasant less severe.
Usage:
- The medication helped alleviate the pain.
- The charity worked to alleviate poverty.
73: Allure
Meaning: A quality that attracts or tempts.
Usage:
- The city’s allure was its vibrant nightlife.
- The allure of the exotic destination was irresistible.
74: Ambivalence
Meaning: Mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something.
Usage:
- She felt ambivalence towards the decision.
- The ambivalence in the story was intriguing.
75: Amelioration
Meaning: The act of making something better.
Usage:
- The new policy aimed at amelioration of living conditions.
- The amelioration of the environment was a priority.
76: Amenity
Meaning: A feature that makes something more pleasant or enjoyable.
Usage:
- The hotel offered many amenities to its guests.
- The amenities in the new apartment were impressive.
77: Amulet
Meaning: An object believed to bring good luck or protection.
Usage:
- She wore an amulet around her neck.
- The amulet was passed down through generations.
78: Anachronistic
Meaning: Out of place in terms of time or context.
Usage:
- The modern car was an anachronistic element in the historical drama.
- The anachronistic reference was confusing.
79: Anarchy
Meaning: A state of society without government or law.
Usage:
- The country descended into anarchy after the coup.
- The anarchy in the region was chaotic.
80: Animus
Meaning: A strong feeling of dislike or hostility.
Usage:
- There was animus between the two political parties.
- The animus towards the policy was evident.
81: Annihilate
Meaning: To completely destroy something.
Usage:
- The asteroid threatened to annihilate the planet.
- The goal was to annihilate the enemy’s defenses.
82: Anomaly
Meaning: Something that deviates from what is normal or expected.
Usage:
- The anomaly in the data was investigated further.
- The anomaly in the weather pattern was unusual.
83: Antagonism
Meaning: A feeling of opposition or hostility.
Usage:
- The antagonism between the two groups was evident.
- The antagonism in the room was palpable.
84: Anticlimax
Meaning: A disappointing or unsatisfying conclusion.
Usage:
- The ending of the movie was an anticlimax.
- The anticlimax of the event was surprising.
85: Antipathy
Meaning: A strong feeling of dislike or hostility.
Usage:
- There was antipathy between the two teams.
- The antipathy towards the new policy was strong.
86: Antiquated
Meaning: Old-fashioned or outdated.
Usage:
- The antiquated technology was replaced with modern systems.
- The antiquated laws needed revision.
87: Antithetical
Meaning: Directly opposed or contrasting.
Usage:
- Freedom and slavery are antithetical concepts.
- The antithetical views on the issue were debated.
88: Apathetic
Meaning: Showing a lack of interest or concern.
Usage:
- The apathetic response to the crisis was surprising.
- The apathetic attitude towards politics was concerning.
89: Aphasia
Meaning: A condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate effectively.
Usage:
- The stroke left her with aphasia.
- The aphasia made it difficult for him to express himself.
90: Apocryphal
Meaning: Of doubtful authenticity or spurious.
Usage:
- The apocryphal story was not supported by evidence.
- The apocryphal texts were questioned by scholars.
91: Apostasy
Meaning: The act of abandoning a religious faith or political party.
Usage:
- The apostasy was seen as a betrayal by many.
- The apostasy from the traditional beliefs was surprising.
92: Apparatus
Meaning: A set of equipment or machinery.
Usage:
- The laboratory was equipped with complex apparatus.
- The apparatus used in the experiment was sophisticated.
93: Appellation
Meaning: A name or title given to someone or something.
Usage:
- The appellation “doctor” is a title of respect.
- The appellation of the wine was prestigious.
94: Aptness
Meaning: The quality of being suitable or appropriate.
Usage:
- Her aptness for the role made her a strong candidate.
- His aptness for leadership was recognized.
95: Abstemious
Meaning: Practicing self-control, especially in eating and drinking.
Usage:
- He was abstemious in his diet.
- The abstemious lifestyle was chosen for health reasons.
96: Abut
Meaning: To touch or border on something.
Usage:
- The two properties abut each other.
- The garden abuts the park.
97: Accomplish
Meaning: To succeed in doing something.
Usage:
- She accomplished her goal with dedication.
- He accomplished the task efficiently.
98: Accretive
Meaning: Adding value or growth.
Usage:
- The accretive acquisition boosted the company’s profits.
- The accretive effect of the investment was significant.
99: Adumbrate
Meaning: To foreshadow or indicate something.
Usage:
- The signs adumbrated a major change.
- The adumbrated threat was taken seriously.
100: Axiolitic
Meaning: Relating to values or worth.
Usage:
- The axiolitic analysis explored the inherent worth of the artwork.
- The axiolitic approach focused on ethical considerations.
