SAT Vocabulary Words : 10 Words to Boost Your Score 3

Gregarious

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: sociable; fond of company

Example: His gregarious nature made him the life of every party.

Illicit

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: not allowed by law or rules

Example: Authorities cracked down on the illicit trade of rare wildlife.

Tenacious

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: persistent; determined to hold on

Example: Her tenacious efforts finally paid off when she got the job.

Verbose

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: using more words than necessary

Example: The instructions were so verbose that they confused rather than helped.

Venerate

Part of Speech: verb

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Definition: to regard with great respect

Example: The community continues to venerate the late teacher’s legacy.

Lackluster

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: dull or uninspired

Example: The team gave a lackluster performance in the final match.

Malleable

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: easily influenced or shaped

Example: Young children have malleable habits that form quickly.

Obsequious

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: overly submissive or eager to please

Example: His obsequious flattery irritated the entire office.

Wary

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: cautious or on guard

Example: She was wary of strangers offering unsolicited help.

Reclusive

Part of Speech: adjective

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Definition: avoiding the company of others; solitary

Example: The author became increasingly reclusive after his best-selling book drew media attention.

📝 SAT Vocab Practice Test 3 — Based on the Flashcards Above

(Answer key is in the comment section below.)

1. Known for his — personality, Jacob made friends wherever he went.
   A. reclusive
   B. wary
   C. gregarious
   D. obsequious


2. The detective remained — of the suspect’s overly friendly demeanor.
   A. tenacious
   B. illicit
   C. malleable
   D. wary


3. The intern’s — behavior around her supervisor annoyed the rest of the team.
   A. obsequious
   B. verbose
   C. reclusive
   D. illicit


4. Due to their — nature, toddlers can easily adopt new habits if guided well.
   A. tenacious
   B. malleable
   C. wary
   D. lackluster


5. Despite a rocky start, her — attitude helped her achieve her goals.
   A. gregarious
   B. verbose
   C. tenacious
   D. reclusive


6. The documentary exposed the — trade of stolen art across borders.
   A. lackluster
   B. illicit
   C. obsequious
   D. reclusive


7. The team’s — performance disappointed fans who expected a strong finish.
   A. lackluster
   B. malleable
   C. tenacious
   D. gregarious


8. Her explanation was so — that the class became confused halfway through.
   A. malleable
   B. verbose
   C. illicit
   D. wary


9. After winning the award, the town held a ceremony to — the local hero.
   A. placate
   B. venerate
   C. discern
   D. coalesce


10. Since the book’s release, the author has grown increasingly — and avoids interviews.
    A. verbose
    B. gregarious
    C. reclusive
    D. malleable

✔️ Check the comment section for the answer key!