30 SAT Vocabulary Words with Examples – Politics to Emotions
Learning SAT vocabulary words with examples can dramatically improve your reading and writing section scores. This curated list of 30 words spans critical SAT themes like Politics, Law, Science, and Emotions. Whether it’s a reading passage or sentence completion task, these words show up more often than you’d think.
🗳️ Politics & Power
- Allegation – A claim or assertion, often without proof
The press released allegations of misconduct against the senator. - Allege – To assert without definite proof
He alleged that the policy violated human rights. - Allegiance – Loyalty or commitment to a group or cause
Soldiers take an oath of allegiance to the Constitution. - Ally – A supporter or partner, especially in politics or war
France and the U.S. were allies during the revolution. - Align – To bring into cooperation or agreement
The bill aligns with the environmental party’s goals.
⚖️ Law & Justice
- Alias – A false or assumed identity
The suspect was caught using an alias. - Alibi – Evidence that one was elsewhere at the time of a crime
The video recording confirmed her alibi. - Alien – A foreigner or non-citizen
Laws for alien residents differ from those for citizens. - Alienate – To make someone feel isolated
His arrogance alienated his closest friends. - Allegation / Allege – Often used in legal proceedings
The allegations were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
🔬 Science & Technology
- Algorithm – Step-by-step problem-solving procedure
Google’s search algorithm updates frequently. - Alchemy – Medieval precursor to chemistry
Ancient alchemists tried turning lead into gold. - Albino – Organism lacking pigmentation
The albino rabbit had white fur and pink eyes. - Aliment – Food or nourishment
The dietitian emphasized healthy aliments. - Alimentary – Relating to digestion or nutrition
The alimentary canal plays a key role in digestion.
📜 History & Tradition
- Alchemy – Also a significant historical discipline
Alchemy influenced early scientific methods. - Allegory – Symbolic story with a deeper meaning
“Animal Farm” is an allegory of political revolution. - Agrarian – Related to land or farming
The agrarian economy depended on seasonal crops.
💞 Relationships & Emotions
- Alienate – Emotionally isolate
She felt alienated by her peers after the argument. - Allure – The power to attract
The allure of fame was irresistible to him. - Allay – To relieve or calm
Her speech allayed public fears.
💰 Economics & Finance
- Alimony – Court-ordered spousal support
He was ordered to pay monthly alimony. - Allocate – To assign or distribute resources
Funds were allocated for school improvements. - Allot – To distribute in portions
Each student was allotted ten minutes for the presentation. - Allowance – A fixed amount given regularly
He received a weekly allowance from his parents.
✍️ Literature & Language
- Allegory – Also fits literary narratives
The story functioned as a political allegory. - Allude – To hint or refer indirectly
She alluded to the scandal without naming names. - Albeit – Although
The movie was entertaining, albeit a bit long.
🌆 Culture & Society
- Aloft – In the air
The drone hovered aloft above the crowd. - Alight – To land or descend
The butterfly alighted on the flower gently.
🎯 SAT-Style Practice Questions
- Which word means “to distribute shares or portions”?
A) alienate B) allot C) alight D) allure
Answer: B) allot - A story with symbolic meaning and moral lessons is called:
A) allegiance B) allegory C) alias D) aliment
Answer: B) allegory - Which word is used to describe artificial identity used by criminals?
A) alienate B) alias C) allure D) affidavit
Answer: B) alias
💬 SAT Vocabulary Tip
Pay attention to subtle meaning shifts. Allege vs accuse, allude vs mention—these are frequent SAT traps. Understanding tone, not just definitions, helps avoid common errors in reading questions.
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📚 Related Resources
- 30 Must-Know Vocabulary Words for the SAT Reading & Writing Section – Week 1
- 30 Must-Know Vocabulary Words for the SAT Reading & Writing Section
- From Adulate to Agile: 30 Powerful SAT Vocabulary Words to Know by Theme (Week 3)
- Learn about SAT exam formats on the Official SAT Website
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