ACT word list

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• abandon verb to leave completely, especially with intent to cease all further involvement or care
• abandonment noun the act of leaving or forsaking something or someone, especially with intent or neglect
• aberration noun a significant deviation from the normal, expected, or typical pattern or behavior
• abhor verb to feel intense dislike or hatred toward someone or something
• abnormal adjective not conforming to what is normal or typical; deviating from the standard or expected pattern
• above all conjunctive adverb Signals emphasis by identifying the most important or overriding consideration among several points; it establishes a hierarchy of importance, where the following idea is presented as the supreme or primary factor, even if other factors are also relevant.
• absorption noun the process of taking in or receiving something, especially by a substance or organism, often implying a complete or deep uptake.
• abstain verb to deliberately refrain from doing or taking something, especially something that is desirable or forbidden
• abstract adjective not concrete or tangible; existing only in thought or theory rather than in physical form
• abstraction noun the process of removing concrete details to focus on essential or general principles; a concept formed by mental separation from physical reality
• academic adjective theoretical or of no practical relevance; lacking real-world application (as opposed to the common everyday meaning of relating to education or schools)
• academy noun an institution established for the purpose of teaching or training, especially in a specialized field such as science, arts, or military discipline
• accelerate verb to increase the speed, rate, or intensity of something
• acceleration noun the process or state of increasing speed or rate of change over time
• accessibility noun the quality or state of being accessible or available to people or things
• accessible adjective able to be reached, understood, or used easily
• acclaim verb to express strong approval or praise, especially publicly or enthusiastically
• acclaimed past tense of 'acclaim' to be widely praised or honored by public opinion or experts
• accolade noun a formal expression of praise or recognition, often given in honor of achievement
• accommodate verb to adjust or modify to meet the needs or requirements of someone or something
• accommodation noun a modification or adjustment made to meet the needs or requirements of a particular situation or individual
• accompaniment noun a supporting element or feature that accompanies or enhances a primary element
• accordingly conjunctive adverb Accordingly signals a logical consequence or result that follows directly from a prior statement, establishing a cause-effect or responsive relationship. It implies that a subsequent action, decision, or outcome is a direct response to what has just been stated, often indicating a natural or necessary progression in reasoning.
• accountable adjective liable or responsible for something, especially in terms of actions or outcomes
• accumulate verb to gather or collect gradually over time
• accumulation noun the gradual gathering or buildup of something over time
• accuracy noun the quality or state of being exact or precise; the degree to which something is correct or free from error
• accurate adjective correct in fact or measurement; free from error or inaccuracy
• acerbic adjective sharp and biting in tone or manner, often expressing criticism or hostility
• achievable adjective capable of being achieved or attained; realizable
• achieve verb to succeed in attaining or accomplishing something
• achievement noun a successful outcome or result, especially one that is significant or long-desired
• acidic adjective having a pH less than 7; characterized by sharpness, hostility, or a tendency to corrode or dissolve substances
• acknowledge verb to recognize formally or explicitly the existence, validity, or truth of something
• acknowledgement noun the act or instance of recognizing or admitting something, especially something that is owed or due
• acquire verb to obtain or gain possession of (something) through effort, experience, or time
• acquisition noun the act or process of obtaining or gaining something, especially through effort or study
• acrid adjective having a sharp, unpleasant, or irritating smell or taste, often associated with burning or chemical substances
• activate verb to bring into operation or cause to become active or functional
• acumen noun sharp insight or practical intelligence, especially in judgment or decision-making
• acute adjective sharp, severe, or intense in degree or intensity
• adamant adjective firmly determined; unyielding in opinion or stance
• adapt verb to modify oneself or something to suit new conditions or circumstances
• adaptability noun the capacity to adjust to new conditions or changing environments
• adaptable adjective able to adjust or change in response to new conditions or circumstances
• adaptation noun a change or modification in an organism or system to suit new conditions or environments
• adaptive adjective capable of adjusting to new conditions or changes in environment or circumstances
• additionally conjunctive adverb Additionally signals the addition of a related idea or supporting point to an existing argument or statement, establishing a logical connection that expands upon or reinforces the previous information without introducing a new category or contrast.
• address verb to deal with or attend to systematically, especially a problem or issue (as opposed to the common meaning of 'to speak to someone or give a speech')
• adept adjective skilled or proficient in a particular activity or subject
• adequate adjective sufficient in amount, quality, or quantity to meet a need or standard
• adhere verb to follow or conform strictly to a rule, principle, or standard; to remain firmly attached or committed to something
• adjacent adjective lying next to or in immediate proximity to something else
• adjust verb to modify or change something to fit a new situation or requirement
• adjustment noun a change or modification made to bring something into a better or more suitable condition
• administrative adjective relating to the management or organization of an institution, office, or system, especially in a routine, procedural, or bureaucratic capacity
• admittedly conjunctive adverb Admittedly signals a concession in formal writing — it acknowledges a point that may seem counterintuitive or contrary to the main argument, thereby softening the claim by recognizing a valid but secondary consideration before advancing the primary position. It functions as a logical pivot that establishes a temporary acceptance of a truth or fact before refuting or qualifying it with a stronger claim.
• admonish verb to warn or caution someone, often seriously, against a particular action or behavior
• adolescent adjective characterizing a person in the stage of life between childhood and adulthood, typically aged 12 to 18, marked by physical and emotional development.
• adorn verb to decorate or embellish with beauty or elegance
• adroit adjective skilled and resourceful, especially in handling difficult situations or tasks
• adulation noun excessive praise or admiration, often unwarranted or overly flattering
• advance verb to propose or put forward a theory, idea, or plan (less common in everyday use; distinct from the common sense of moving forward in time or space)
• advantageous adjective providing a benefit or favor; favorable in outcome or result
• advent noun the arrival or coming of something, especially a significant event or period
• adversary noun a person or entity that opposes or is hostile to another, especially in competition or conflict
• adverse adjective unfavorable or detrimental to a situation or outcome
• adversity noun a state of hardship or difficulty, especially one that is prolonged or severe
• advisable adjective recommended or considered prudent by reason or judgment
• advocate noun or verb a person who supports or promotes a cause, policy, or idea; to support or defend a position or cause
• aesthetic noun a set of principles or standards relating to beauty, taste, or artistic expression
• affable adjective pleasantly friendly and easy to approach or get along with
• affect verb to adopt, feign, or put on (as a manner, attitude, or appearance); to pretend or simulate; contrasted with the common meaning of 'to influence' or 'to have an effect on'.
• affective adjective relating to emotions or feelings; influencing mood or emotional state
• affinity noun a natural attraction or strong liking for something or someone
• affirm verb to state or declare firmly and positively; to confirm or validate officially or emotionally
• affluent adjective having a large amount of money or wealth
• afford verb to provide, offer, or give (as in offering an opportunity or resource); note: this is a less-common, context-dependent sense distinct from the everyday meaning of 'to have enough money to pay for something'.
• aggrandize verb to increase in size, power, or importance, especially through expansion or acquisition
• aggregate noun a large collection or sum of individual parts or elements combined into a whole
• aggregation noun the act or process of gathering or collecting things into a single group or mass
• aghast adjective extremely shocked or horrified, often to the point of disbelief
• air verb to express or make public, especially in a formal or official manner; to bring something into open discussion or awareness (distinct from the common meaning of 'air' as the invisible substance surrounding Earth)
• alacrity noun the quality of being eager and prompt in action or response
• albeit conjunction although; even though
• alien adjective unfamiliar or foreign, especially in origin, nature, or behavior; not belonging to a particular group or place
• allay verb to reduce or relieve (fear, anxiety, or tension)
• allegiance noun loyalty or devotion to a person, cause, or country
• alleviate verb to reduce the severity or intensity of (a problem, pain, or difficulty)
• alliance noun a formal or informal association or partnership between two or more parties, typically for mutual benefit or shared goals
• allocate verb to assign or distribute resources, time, or responsibilities to specific uses or individuals
• allocation noun the act of assigning or distributing resources, funds, or responsibilities among different entities or purposes
• allude verb to make a brief, indirect reference to something without directly stating it
• aloof adjective uninterested, distant, or indifferent in manner or attitude; showing emotional or social detachment
• aloofness noun the quality of being emotionally distant or indifferent; a lack of warmth or interest in social interactions
• alter verb to change or modify, especially in form, structure, or content
• alteration noun a change or modification of something existing
• alternate verb to take turns or occur in a regular switching pattern
• alternatively conjunctive adverb Introduces an alternative option, course of action, or perspective; signals a shift to a different possibility.
• altitude noun the vertical distance above a reference point, such as sea level
• altruism noun the concern for the well-being of others, especially at the expense of one's own interests
• aluminum noun a lightweight, silvery-white metallic element (symbol Al) that is highly resistant to corrosion and widely used in construction, transportation, and packaging.
• amass verb to gather or collect in large quantities, especially in a rapid or extensive manner
• ambiguity noun the quality of being unclear or open to more than one interpretation
• ambiguous adjective having more than one possible interpretation or meaning; unclear or open to different interpretations
• ambivalent adjective feeling mixed or conflicting emotions about something; neither fully favorable nor fully unfavorable
• ameliorate verb to make better or less severe
• amenable adjective willing to agree or comply; open to suggestion or change
• amend verb to change or modify, especially to correct or improve
• amendment noun a formal change or addition made to a text, law, or document
• amiable adjective friendly, pleasant, and easy to get along with
• amicable adjective friendly, peaceful, and willing to cooperate or resolve differences without conflict
• amorphous adjective lacking a definite shape, form, or structure; indistinct or formless
• ample adjective sufficient in amount or quantity; more than enough
• anachronism noun a person, thing, or idea that is out of place in a particular time period, especially one that belongs to a different era and is therefore historically inaccurate or inappropriate
• analogous adjective having a similar structure, function, or relationship despite differences in form or origin
• analogy noun a comparison between two things that are alike in some way, used to explain or illustrate a concept
• analyse verb to examine or investigate something in a systematic and detailed way, often to understand its underlying structure or causes
• analytic adjective involving or characterized by analysis, especially the systematic examination of data or ideas to derive conclusions or understand patterns.
• analytical adjective capable of being broken down into parts for careful examination or evaluation; involving logical reasoning and systematic analysis
• anarchy noun the absence of government or organized authority, resulting in disorder and chaos
• ancestor noun a person from whom a family or lineage descends, typically a predecessor in a direct line of descent
• anchor verb to secure firmly in place or provide a stable foundation for something; to fix or stabilize (a system, belief, or structure) so that it does not shift or collapse
• anecdotal adjective based on or derived from personal stories or informal observations rather than systematic evidence or formal data
• anecdote noun a brief, often informal story, typically involving a personal experience or a notable event, used to illustrate a point or add color to a narrative.
• animated adjective full of energy, enthusiasm, or lively motion; expressing excitement or liveliness
• animosity noun a strong feeling of hostility or ill will toward someone or something
• annex verb to add to or incorporate into a larger entity, especially a building or organization, often formally or legally
• anomaly noun a deviation from the expected, normal, or typical pattern or condition
• antagonize verb to provoke hostility or opposition in someone
• antecedent noun a person, event, or thing that precedes or serves as the basis for a subsequent event or statement
• anthropology noun the scientific study of human societies, cultures, and biological origins
• anticipate verb to expect or foresee something that will happen in the future
• anticipation noun the state of expecting or looking forward to something with excitement or interest
• antipathy noun a strong feeling of dislike or aversion toward someone or something
• antiquated adjective outdated or obsolete, especially in a way that seems old-fashioned or no longer in use or relevant
• antiquity noun the state or condition of being ancient; the period or quality of something old or historically distant
• antithesis noun a direct opposite or contrast in nature, quality, or meaning
• apathetic adjective lacking interest, concern, or emotion; indifferent
• apathy noun a lack of interest, concern, or emotion toward a situation, event, or person
• apex noun the highest point or peak of something, especially in a structure, process, or development
• aplomb noun confident ease or composure, especially in difficult or stressful situations
• apparent adjective Clearly visible or evident to the senses or understanding; obvious or noticeable without needing explanation.
• append verb to add something to the end of something else, especially in a formal or official context
• appreciable adjective able to be perceived or measured; noticeable or significant in amount or degree
• appreciate verb to increase in value or worth
• appreciation noun the recognition and value placed upon something, especially in terms of its worth, beauty, or importance
• apprehension noun a feeling of worry, anxiety, or concern about a possible negative outcome
• apprehensive adjective feeling or showing anxiety or worry about a possible negative outcome
• approachable adjective easily approached or friendly; open to conversation or interaction
• appropriateness noun the quality or state of being suitable or fitting in a given context or situation
• approximate adjective close to, but not exactly, the true or exact value or form
• approximation noun a rough estimate or close representation of a value, quantity, or concept, not exact but sufficient for practical purposes
• apt adjective well-suited or capable of doing something; fitting or appropriate in a particular context
• aptitude noun an inherent ability or natural talent for doing something
• arable adjective capable of being cultivated or used for farming
• arbiter noun a person who has the authority to make a decision or judgment, especially in a dispute or conflict
• arbitrary adjective based on personal choice or whim rather than reason, logic, or established rules
• arbitration noun the process of resolving a dispute between two or more parties by a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator
• archaeology noun the scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains from past cultures.
• archaic adjective outdated or no longer in use, especially in language or customs, from a previous era
• archetype noun a fundamental model or pattern of behavior, character, or idea that is widely recognized and repeated across cultures or stories
• architect noun a professional who designs buildings, structures, or systems, especially in the field of architecture or engineering
• ardent adjective intensely passionate or enthusiastic
• arduous adjective difficult, laborious, or requiring great effort
• arid adjective extremely dry; lacking moisture
• arrest verb to stop, halt, or slow down the progress of a process or development (as opposed to the common meaning of 'to detain or capture' a person)
• arresting adjective striking and immediately capturing attention; causing a sudden, strong sense of fascination or wonder (distinct from the common meaning of 'to stop or detain' or 'to detain legally')
• arrogant adjective showing an excessive sense of pride or superiority, often to the point of being disrespectful or condescending toward others
• articulate adjective able to express ideas clearly and precisely; capable of expressing thoughts in a logical, coherent manner
• artifact noun an object made or created by human activity, especially one of historical or archaeological significance
• artificial adjective not natural; man-made or simulated rather than occurring in nature or being genuine
• artistic adjective relating to or showing skill, imagination, and creativity in the expression of ideas or emotions, especially in visual or performing arts
• as a result conjunctive adverb Signals a cause-effect relationship by introducing a consequence that logically follows from a previously stated cause. It is used to clarify that a particular outcome arises directly from an earlier event, condition, or action, thereby establishing a clear sequence of reasoning in formal writing.
• ascend verb to move upward in position, rank, or level
• ascertain verb to determine or establish with certainty
• ascetic adjective characterized by severe self-discipline, especially in regard to personal pleasures or material comforts, often to the point of deprivation
• askew adjective not straight or aligned properly; tilted or out of position
• aspect noun a particular feature, part, or phase of something; a distinct element or viewpoint within a whole
• aspiration noun a strong desire or goal, especially one that is ambitious or long-term
• aspire verb to have a strong desire or intention to achieve something, especially something ambitious or long-term
• assail verb to attack or assault violently or aggressively, often with intent to harm or provoke
• assemble verb to gather or collect things into a single unit or structure, often in a systematic or organized way
• assert verb to state firmly or confidently, especially in opposition to a contrary claim or fact
• assertion noun a confident and forceful statement of belief or opinion
• assess verb to examine or evaluate carefully in order to determine value, quality, or significance
• assessment noun a careful evaluation or judgment of something, especially in terms of value, quality, or condition
• assiduous adjective showing persistent and careful attention or effort
• assign verb to give responsibility, duty, or a specific role to someone
• assignment noun a task or duty formally given to someone to perform
• assist verb to help or support someone in accomplishing a task or achieving a goal
• assistance noun help or support provided to someone in need or to facilitate a task or process
• assuage verb to reduce or alleviate the intensity of (pain, anxiety, anger, or distress)
• assume verb to take on or adopt (a role, form, or responsibility) — distinct from the common meaning of 'to suppose or believe'; in this tested sense, it refers to formally accepting or accepting a position, duty, or identity.
• assumption noun a belief or idea accepted as true without proof or evidence
• assurance noun the confidence or certainty that something will happen or is true
• assure verb to make certain or confident that something is true or will happen; to guarantee or provide comfort about a situation
• astute adjective showing sharp insight or intelligence; perceptive and able to judge situations accurately
• asylum noun a place of refuge or safety, especially one providing protection to individuals fleeing persecution or danger
• atrophy noun the gradual weakening or wasting away of a body part or organ, especially due to disuse or disease
• attach verb to connect or join something to another thing, either physically or conceptually
• attachment noun a strong emotional or physical connection or bond to a person, place, or object
• attain verb to achieve or obtain (a goal, position, or state)
• attainable adjective capable of being achieved or obtained; reachable
• attainment noun the achievement or accomplishment of a goal or objective
• attentive adjective showing careful attention to details or surroundings
• attitude noun a fixed mental stance or disposition toward a person, situation, or idea, often reflecting beliefs or emotions
• attributable adjective capable of being assigned or attributed to a particular cause or source
• attribute noun or verb to assign a quality, characteristic, or value to something; to consider as a feature or property
• attribution noun the act of assigning a cause, responsibility, or origin to something or someone
• auction noun a public sale in which items are offered for bid and sold to the highest bidder
• audacious adjective showing boldness or courage in a way that is daring or reckless, often to the point of being considered impolite or inappropriate
• audit noun a systematic and independent examination of financial records or operations to verify accuracy, compliance, or efficiency
• augment verb to increase in size, amount, or intensity
• auspicious adjective favorable or promising, especially in regard to future events or outcomes
• austere adjective characterized by simplicity, severity, or lack of ornamentation; often implying a cold or unyielding quality
• authentic adjective genuine, original, and true to its source or nature, not counterfeit or imitation
• authoritative adjective having the power or right to give orders, make decisions, or provide information that is accepted as correct or reliable
• automate verb to operate or control a process or system with machinery or technology, without human intervention
• automatic adjective occurring without conscious effort or intention; self-operating
• automation noun the process or system of using machines or technology to perform tasks that were previously done by humans
• autonomy noun the right or ability of an individual or group to make independent decisions without external control or interference
• availability noun the state or quality of being accessible or available for use
• avarice noun an excessive and often greedy desire for wealth or material gain
• averse adjective disposed or inclined to avoid something; showing a strong reluctance or dislike
• aversion noun a strong dislike or negative feeling toward something
• avid adjective intensely enthusiastic or eager about something
• awareness noun the state or quality of being conscious of or sensitive to something, especially in a way that involves understanding or perception
• axiom noun a self-evident truth or principle accepted as true without proof
• banal adjective lacking originality or depth; commonplace to the point of being uninteresting or trite
• bar verb to prohibit, exclude, or prevent (from doing something); to officially or formally stop an action or participation
• bargain noun a favorable deal or arrangement, especially one in which a person receives a good value for a price
• bearing noun the relevance or connection between two things; the extent to which something is related to or influences another matter (this is the sense tested on the SAT, distinct from the common meaning of 'support' or 'capacity')
• behalf preposition in place of or on the account of someone else
• behavioral adjective relating to behavior or the way in which a person or organism acts, especially in response to stimuli or in social contexts
• belie verb to contradict or undermine the truth of; to suggest falsehood or deception
• belittle verb to treat or speak of something or someone in a way that diminishes their importance, value, or dignity
• bellicose adjective readily inclined to fight or engage in conflict; aggressively hostile
• belligerent adjective showing or characterized by aggression, hostility, or a readiness to fight
• bemused adjective puzzled, confused, or mildly amused by something unexpected or strange
• beneficial adjective producing or contributing to a positive outcome or advantage
• beneficiary noun a person who receives a benefit or advantage from a situation, action, or arrangement
• benevolent adjective showing kindness, compassion, and goodwill toward others
• benign adjective kind, gentle, and harmless; not harmful or threatening
• bequeath verb to pass on (something, especially property or an inheritance) to someone by will or inheritance
• berate verb to criticize severely or harshly, often in a way that is emotionally offensive or unjustified
• besides conjunctive adverb In addition; also; moreover.
• betray verb to reveal or disclose something unintentionally, especially a feeling or emotion (as opposed to the common sense of 'to act treacherously' or 'to deceive'); this is the sense tested on the SAT in context
• bewilder verb to confuse or disorient someone so that they lose the ability to think clearly or make decisions
• bias noun a systematic prejudice or inclination in favor of or against something, often leading to distorted judgment or decision-making
• bilingual adjective Capable of speaking and understanding two languages.
• biodiversity noun The variety of life in all its forms and habitats, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.
• biologist noun a scientist who studies living organisms and their interactions with the environment
• biology noun the scientific study of living organisms and their life processes
• bizarre adjective strange or unusual in a way that is difficult to understand or accept; utterly odd or eccentric
• blank adjective lacking expression or emotion; showing no visible reaction or feeling
• blatant adjective openly obvious or obvious in a way that is offensive or unacceptable; not subtle or discreet
• bleak adjective describing a situation or environment that is desolate, hopeless, or devoid of hope or comfort
• blithe adjective lacking seriousness or concern; carefree and cheerful in a way that may seem indifferent or insincere
• bolster verb to support or strengthen, especially in a way that provides additional confidence or stability
• bombastic adjective excessively grandiose or showy in style or language, often to the point of being pretentious or insincere
• bond noun a strong connection or relationship between individuals or entities, often based on trust, shared interests, or mutual obligations
• boon noun a great advantage or benefit, especially one that is unexpectedly or greatly welcomed
• brazen adjective showing a bold, unashamed, or defiant lack of fear or restraint, especially in doing something morally wrong or inappropriate
• breakdown noun or verb a sudden failure or disintegration of a system, machine, or process; also, a mental or emotional collapse
• brevity noun the quality or state of being brief or concise
• bridge verb To connect, span, or reconcile differences or divisions; to resolve a gap or conflict between people, ideas, or groups (less common than the everyday sense of a physical structure).
• brief adjective short in duration or length; not extended or prolonged
• brusque adjective harsh, abrupt, and lacking in courtesy or politeness
• bulk noun a large quantity or amount of something, especially when it is substantial in size or volume
• buttress noun a structural support or reinforcement that strengthens a building or structure
• by contrast conjunctive adverb Signals a contrast or opposition to a previously stated idea, highlighting a difference in quality, outcome, or nature.
• cacophony noun a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
• cajole verb to persuade someone gently or subtly, often through flattery or charm, to do something they might otherwise resist
• callous adjective lacking empathy or sensitivity; indifferent to the suffering of others
• candid adjective honest and straightforward, without concealment or deception
• candor noun honesty and openness, especially in speech or expression
• capability noun the ability or potential to do something
• capacious adjective having a large capacity or ability to hold or contain
• capacity noun a specific role, position, or function someone holds in an organization or context (distinct from the common meaning of physical or potential ability); used to indicate the official or assigned responsibilities of a person in a particular setting.
• capitalism noun an economic system in which private individuals own and control property and businesses, and in which production and distribution are based on the principles of free markets and profit motive.
• capitalist noun a person who owns and operates a business or property, relying on profit from production or investment rather than labor or government support
• capricious adjective unpredictable or changeable in behavior or mood, often without clear reason
• captivate verb to completely attract and hold the attention of, often in a powerful or irresistible way
• cardinal adjective chief, primary, or most important; fundamental or essential.
• carrier noun a person or thing that transports or carries something
• castigate verb to severely criticize or condemn, often with strong or harsh words
• catalyst noun a substance or factor that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction or a process
• catalyze verb to cause a chemical reaction or a change to occur more rapidly or effectively
• categorical adjective expressing or relating to a clear, definite, and unambiguous classification or judgment; not open to interpretation or exception
• categorization noun the process of classifying items into distinct groups or categories based on shared characteristics
• category noun a group of things classified together based on shared characteristics or attributes
• caustic adjective harshly critical or offensive in tone; damaging or destructive, especially to feelings or relationships
• caveat noun a warning or qualification that limits or qualifies a statement
• cease verb to stop doing something, especially permanently or formally
• ceaseless adjective continuing without interruption or pause; unceasing
• ceiling noun an upper limit or maximum, especially a restriction placed on a quantity, amount, or level of activity (as in a budget or spending ceiling)
• cement verb to strengthen, solidify, or make firm; to establish a stable foundation or relationship (distinct from the common meaning of 'a hard material used in construction')
• censor verb to examine or restrict content to remove offensive, inappropriate, or undesirable material
• censorious adjective severely critical and fault-finding; inclined to find fault with others' actions or character