SAT test writers have a strong penchant for using vocabulary words with multiple and sometimes surprising meanings. For example, RECONCILE is a common word that means to restore a relationship. In high school couples often break up and then resolve their problems and RECONCILE.

As you have probably guessed, RECONCILE has a second definition. It can refer to making two apparently conflicting things fit together. I can now confirm that RECONCILE appeared as the answer to TWO vocabulary in context questions on the August 22, 2026 SAT. Let’s take a look:

Micro history is a historical methodology that examines narrow, small-scale topics such as specific communities or the lives of individuals to address broader historical trends. The passage explains that there are popular microhistories that tell sweeping stories of ordinary objects such as bananas and cotton. At the same time, there are also traditional microhistories that rely on detailed historical reconstructions of specific incidents. On first glance, these two approaches seem completely different. But it is possible to RECONCILE their differences because both approaches reveal larger historical processes and relationships.

A second passage focused on a rare, pre-Hispanic Maya dynastic dance-drama known as Rabinal Achi. The dance-drama produced an 18^th century version and an early 19^th century version. Although the two versions had significant difference in structure they are built on common core themes and are thus RECONCILABLE.

Many students chose SUPPLANT thinking that one version of the micro history or Rabinal Achi dance drama would replace the other version. But SUPPLANT is a tempting but incorrect answer because it is not supported by the passage.

RECONCILE – to make two apparently conflicting things fit together

SUPPLANT – to take the place of someone or something

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The new infamous “Water Scarcity” question appeared in Module 2 of the Reading and Writing section of the August 22, 2026 US SAT. The question generated an extensive discussion on Reddit and other online sources. Let’s take a close look at the passage and its two controversial answers.

The Passage

Iraq, Sudan, China and many other nations now face severe shortages of fresh water. Hydrogen production via water electrolysis offers a way of alleviating the crisis. According to the passage, it has a “negligible” or minimal impact on water usage. The sentence containing the blank featured a negative construction, stating that the hydrogen solution wouldn’t ______ the water scarcity problem in vulnerable countries across the world.

The Vocabulary Options

If the sentence reads “would do little to ____ the water scarcity” the blank needs the remedial verb ASSUAGE meaning to lessen or alleviate a problem

BUT, if the sentence reads “is thus unlikely to ______ water scarcity globally,” the blank needs the worsening verb EXACERBATE meaning to make things worse.

So what is the answer?

Students vigorously debated the reasons why both ASSUAGE and EXACERBATE are defensible answers. Everything depends upon the exact way the question is worded. I think it is possible that there are actually TWO versions of this question. If this is correct, then ASSUAGE is the best answer for one version while EXACERBATE best fits a second version

All keep you updated as new information becomes available!

ASSUAGE – to make a situation less severe; alleviate

EXACERBATE – to make a problem or bad situation worse

I can now confirm that there is a version of the question in which the passage states, “the industry’s growth is thus unlikely to ______ water scarcity globally.” EXACERBATE is thus a confirmed answer! I am becoming less and less confident that there is a second version of this question. I’ll keep you posed as new information becomes available!

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Are you interested in Japanese architecture and art? Guess what – SAT test writers are very interested in these topics! During the past year a number of vocabulary in context and even critical reading passages have discussed characteristics of modern Japanese buildings. The August 22, 2026, SAT added to this interest by including a difficult question on traditional Japanese tapestries.

Japanese tapestries feature scenes of sacred mountains, waterfalls, and misty valleys. These images are used to IMBUE or fill a room with a sense of natural beauty and contemplative calm. They thus connect the indoor living space with the natural beauty of the outdoors.

IMBUE officially made its debut as a new One Hit Wonder. The question also included several tempting but incorrect choices. For example, DEPICT, REGALE, and BELIE were all wrong!

IMBUE – to fill, infuse, or instill a feeling or quality

DEPICT – to show or describe something

REGALE – to entertain with interesting stories

BELIE – to misrepresent; give a false impression

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I’m usually LOATH or reluctant to guess the answer to a disputed vocabulary in context question. According to Reddit posters, the August 22, 2026 International SAT contained a question about shipping and/or trucking companies that are reluctant to send out empty or partially empty ships/trucks.

Some students selected PRONE meaning having a tendency to do something. It is possible that PRONE is the correct answer. But I favor LOATH as the best and most logical choice. LOATH means very reluctant to do something. It stands to reason that the owners of ships and/or trucks would be LOATH or reluctant to send them out without a full cargo. So, for now, I’m going with LOATH!

LOATH – reluctant to do something

PRONE – inclined to do something

If LOATH is correct it will become a new “One Hit Wonder!”

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The December 2025 SAT contained several challenging questions. The most disputed vocabulary in context question asked students to read a passage about oil shocks and then decide if the abrupt rise in prices had a DETRIMENTAL or NOMINAL economic impact.

It is easy to see why the question perplexed so many students. DETRIMENTAL or harmful is a very tempting answer. Afterall, a sudden increase in oil prices would logically have a DETRIMENTAL impact on a nation’s economy.

However, a close reading of the question reveals that NOMINAL or very small is actually the best answer: Here’s why: The passage begins with an opening concession that “oil shocks can strongly affect individual consumers.” After citing research by a noted economist, the passage then makes a key counterclaim asserting that the effects of oil shocks on the German economy was “merely _______.”

Merely is the key word. It means very small or just barely. Note that is illogical to place merely in front of the strong negative word DETRIMENTAL. But it is possible for an oil shock to be merely NOMINAL or have a small impact. In fact, the passage concludes by stating that the change in Germany’s gross national product “was only slightly greater than zero.” This clearly supports NOMINAL as the most logical and precise answer.

NOMINAL – very small; a token amount

DETRIMENTAL – very harmful

IMPORTANT UPDATE!

I originally posted the NOMINAL or DETRIMENTAL discussion back in January 2026. In fact, it was my seventh Substack post. It illustrates my strategy of providing students with REAL words and REAL examples.

The nominal question appeared on the December 2025 SAT. The College Board recycled it on today’s August 22, 2026 US test. So, students who are using my Substack platform could have easily answered this question.

The question included three incorrect distracters – DETRIMENTAL, DERIVATIVE, and IDIOSYNCRATIC. I have repeatedly warned my students that IDIOSYNCRATIC has yet to appear as a confirmed correct answer. In fact, I placed it at the top of my WRONG answer list!

I’m very pleased to report that my Substack platform produced a number of Direct Hits on both the August 22, 2026 International and US tests. I’ll file a full report in the coming days. So stay tuned!!

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The expression “pros and cons” refers to the advantages and disadvantages of a particular decision or situation. “PRO” means you are FOR something. A PROponent is therefore a person who supports an idea, plan, or cause.

PROPONENTS are not hard to find. Dr. King was a PROPONENT of civil rights for all Americans. I am a PROPONENT for helping students learn new vocabulary words and perform well on their SAT.

As all students know, SAT test writers are PROPONENTS of using academic examples to illustrate challenging vocabulary words. For example, a recent question focused on an architectural process called modular construction. In this new technique a building is manufactured in modules and then assembled in an intended location. PROPONENTS of this innovative process argue that it reduces waste, cuts building times, and saves money.

PROPONENT – a person who supports an idea, plan, or cause

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Have you ever initially opposed a new idea or plan? If so, you are not alone. Most people resist change. But have you ever changed your position based upon new information? If so, you are AMENABLE or open to accepting change.

Many American presidents initially opposed an idea only to become AMENABLE to changing their minds. For example, historians now rate the Louisiana Purchase as one of Thomas Jefferson’s greatest presidential achievements. But Jefferson originally opposed the purchase because he believed the Constitution did not grant the federal government the power to acquire new territory. Despite his original opposition, Jefferson became more AMENABLE to the purchase as he recognized that it offered a unique bargain that would enable the United States to gain control over the Mississippi River and the vital port of New Orleans.

Scientists also sometimes initially oppose an idea only to become AMENABLE to changing their minds. For example, we now take space telescope pictures of distant galaxies for granted. But, prominent astronomers such as Bergt Stromgren originally opposed the Hubble Space Telescope as an overly expensive and untested idea that would take funds away from proven ground-based observatories. Despite his early opposition, Stromgren gradually became more AMENABLE to the Hubble project as he recognized that a space telescope would eliminate the blurring caused by atmospheric distortion and light pollution.

AMENABLE – willing to accept a proposed plan or new idea

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ICONOCLAST is a difficult word that triggered a disputed question on a recent SAT. Fortunately, ICONOCLAST has an interesting history that clarifies its meaning.

Christianity dominated religious life in the Byzantine Empire (330 AD – 1453 AD). Known as icons, paintings and statues of Mary and revered saints played an increasingly important role in state and private religious ceremonies. During the 8^th and early 9^th centuries, a series of Byzantine emperors argued that the icons violated the Old Testament prohibition of worshipping “graven images.” Known as ICONOCLASTS, they ordered the destruction of all sacred icons.

ICONOCLAST thus began as a description of anyone who attempted to destroy physical works of art. During the mid-19^th century, the meaning shifted to describe anyone attacking settled beliefs or cherished institutions.

It is a long way from the Byzantine ICONOCLASTS to an SAT vocabulary in context passage devoted to Dmitri Mendeleev and the first periodic tables. Hang in, I promise the next paragraph will clarify everything!

Mendeleev published the first periodic table in 1869. However, his pioneering work contained flaws such as the incorrect placement of helium and hydrogen. Led by Henry Moseley, reformers addressed the problem of the misplaced elements. These reformers were not ICONOCLASTS because they attempted to correct and not destroy Mendeleev’s periodic table.

Many confused students who didn’t know the meaning of ICONOCLAST chose EMULATE as the best answer. WRONG! EMULATE means to copy or imitate. The periodic table reforms did not want to EMULATE or imitate the mistakes in Mendeleev’s original work.

ICONOCLAST – a person who attacks and ridicules cherished figures, ideas, and institutions

EMULATE – to copy or mimic someone or something

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Reddit posters reported seeing RESTITUTION on their June 2026 SATs. Unfortunately, we don’t know anything about the context of the question. I do know that RESTITUTION baffled Reddit posters and that it also confused my own SAT students.

RESTITUTION refers to the act of restoring something to its original state or compensating someone for specific losses or damages. For example, RESTITUTION often refers to the return of stolen property or paying for damaged goods.

Although my students did not know the meaning of RESTITUTION, they did know the meaning of the related word REPARATION. Students correctly pointed out that the Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to pay REPARATIONS for the damages it caused during World War I.

RESTITUTION and REPARATIONS are both forms of compensation for harm. But they differ in scope and application. RESTITUTION specifically involves returning lost property to its rightful owner. In contrast, REPARATION encompasses broader compensation for damages occurred during wars or periods of historic injustice.

RESTITUTION – the act of restoring something to its original state by compensating someone for specific losses or damages.

DISCONTINUOUS is a relatively easy word to define. Continuous means uninterrupted. Adding the prefix DIS changes the word to mean NOT continuous and therefore broken and interrupted.

Although DISCONTINUOUS is a straightforward word, SAT test writers have featured it as the answer for a challenging June 2026 vocabulary in context question. How did they do it? Good question! Here’s the answer:

The passage provides a highly technical discussion of the distribution of Zoochorous trees in the Xishuangbanna rainforest. I’m lost in the woods already! But wait – it turns out that animal dispensers create a – voila – random or DISCONTINUOUS distribution of trees by randomly scattering seeds across the region.

Unfortunately, ANACHRONISTIC tempted many confused and probably bored students. An ANACHRONISM is an event that occurs in the wrong chronological order. In this passage the trees are DISCONTINUOUS because of their random geographic distribution and not their chronological placement.

DISCONTINUOUS – a broken, interrupted distribution that doesn’t flow

Smoothly

ANACHRONISTIC – anything that is chronologically out of place

BONUS POINT: ANACHRONISTIC appeared as a tempting wrong answer on two different June 2026 SAT questions! If you have been closely following my Substack posts you may recall that a disputed question used ANACRONISTIC to describe “petticoat practitioners,” a name given to early 19^th century women lawyers. Needless to say, the term is now ARCHAIC or out-of-date!

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OK, quick – what does the word CORRESPONDENCE mean? Most people would define CORRESPONDENCE as an exchange of written messages such as letters or emails. But – and this is an important but – CORRESPONDENCE also has a secondary meaning as a close match, agreement, or correlation.

We have repeatedly seen that SAT test writers have a strong predilection for using secondary meanings of common words like CORRESPONDENCE. For example, in one study a climatologist found a strong CORRESPONDENCE between her computer model and the actual outside temperatures.

The message is clear: don’t immediately dismiss CORRESPONDENCE as a correct answer. Be alert for its secondary meaning as a close similarity!

CORRESPONDENCE – a close similarity, match, or correlation

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According to Reddit posters, REPERTORY generated a correct answer on the June 2026 SAT. We commonly associate REPERTORY with the performing arts. For example, a theater company has a REPERTORY of prepared plays and singers like Taylor Swift and Beyonce have a REPERTORY of rehearsed songs. However, REPERTORY’S broader definition can refer to a SUPPLY or collection of items, skills, or resources.

Here’s what we know about the REPERTORY question: It was actually part of a “what this word most nearly means” question. The correct answer was SUPPLY. Other tempting but incorrect answers included DISGUISE and CONCEALED. Unfortunately, we do not know the full passage. But reports indicate that the passage actually focused on the REPERTORY or SUPPLY of options available to participants in an experiment.

REPERTORY = SUPPLY

SAT test writers are famous for writing questions that are packed with academic and sometimes esoteric content. The term INANE means silly and foolish. What is it doing as the answer for a recent vocabulary in context question?

It is important to never underestimate the cleverness of an SAT test writer. The INANE question used a clever reversal. The passage began by stating that a host promised a “rigorous debate on economic policy.” But the broadcast “quickly devolved into an exchange of INANE quips and superficial sound bites.” So there you have it – a perfect combination of academic content leading to INANE as the correct answer!

INANE – silly, foolish; lacking meaning

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During the first decade of the twentieth century, a group of French artists began creating revolutionary new paintings that featured bright, non-natural colors and rough brushstrokes. Andre Derain’s Waterloo Bridge illustrates this new style. As you can see in our post, Derain used unnatural colors to depict the Waterloo Bridge, Thames River, and London skyline.

Personally, I like Derain’s paintings. But early critics lambasted the new style calling Derain and other avant-garde artists les fauves (“the wild beasts”) because their art looked shocking and completely unrealistic. Outraged critics found the new “Fauvist” art INIMICAL or hostile to their traditional artistic standards.

Normally SAT test writers use positive words to describe works of art. However, a difficult recent question broke this pattern by using the negative word INIMICAL to describe how critics felt about a bold new artistic style.

The question also listed INURE as a tempting but wrong answer. INURE means to become accustomed to something that is unpleasant. The early French critics did not become INURED to Fauvism. However, events have proven that they were shortsighted. Fauvist works are now coveted by museums and collectors. Paintings by Derain have recently sold for over $20 million dollars.

INIMICAL – harmful, hostile, or opposed to something

INURED – to become accustomed to something that is unpleasant

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Can you identify the machines shown in the pictures that form the border of today’s image? Look closely and you will see manual typewriters and rotary phone. At one time these machines were an essential and ubiquitous part of everyday life. But now they are ARCHIAC or out of date tools that have been replaced by word processors and cell phones.

At this point I often say that “of course, SAT test writers are not interested in….” But not today! SAT test writers are interested in ARCHAIC machines AND ARCHAIC names. For example, a vocabulary in context question on the 2026 March-April School Days text featured a discussion about how early 19^th century Americans called female doctors “petticoat practitioners.” Of course, this name is now totally ARCHAIC!

The question also used ANACHRONISTIC as a tempting but incorrect wrong answer. While ARCHAIC is used to describe something that is out of date, ANACHRONISTIC is used to describe something that is in the wrong time. For example, if a petticoat practitioner had used a cell phone to call in a prescription that would have been an ANACNRONISM!

ARCHAIC – old and out of date; no longer in use

ANACHRONISTIC – something that is chronologically out of place

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The emoji in today’s picture vividly illustrates MAUDLIN’s meaning as tearful and excessively sentimental. For example, fans of the Harry Potter books and movies will recall that Moaning Myrtle lives up to her name by crying incessantly and thus being MAUDLIN. And the movie Avengers: Endgame contains a particularly MAUDLIN scene in with a tearful and inconsolable Thor retreats to New Asgard where he is wracked with guilt over his failure to stop Thanos.

Students on Reddit reported that MAUDLIN appeared on various versions of the March-April 2026 School Days SAT. Unfortunately, I do know if MAUDLIN was a correct or an incorrect answer.

However, I do know MAUDLIN’S interesting etymology or history. Mary Magdalene played an important and recurring role in the Gospel accounts of Christ’s life and death. According to the Gospels, she stood at the foot of the Cross, saw Christ laid in the tomb, and was the first recorded witness of the Resurrection. During the 15^th century, artists frequently portrayed Mary Magdalene weeping as Christ was being taken down from the Cross. The word MAUDLIN is an alteration of the name Magdalene.

MAUDLIN – tearful; excessively sentimental

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JETTISON means to throw away or get rid of an unwanted item, idea, or person. For example, ships are sometimes forced to JETTISON cargo during an emergency.

Here’s what I know and don’t know about the use of JETTISON on the June 2025 SAT: Based upon a thorough review of Reddit posts about the June 2026 US SAT, I can confirm that JETTISON played an important role in a question. I can also report that most students in my SAT classes do not know what JETTISON means.

Unfortunately, I do not know precisely how SAT test writers used JETTISON. It is possible that the board of directors of a large company were forced to JETTISON a costly international project and redirect their financial resources to domestic operations.

JETTISON – to throw away or get rid of an unwanted item, idea, or person.

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EVINCE is a challenging word that means to reveal, show, or display a feeling, quality, or trait. The hit movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the great Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer provide vivid examples of EVINCE. Let’s take a look!

Spider-Man (aka Peter Parker) spends most of his time fighting crime in New York City. However, he regularly visits the grave of his beloved Aunt May. These silent visits EVINCE the deep, lingering grief Peter carries for his aunt. The quote on her tombstone - “When you help someone, you help everyone” – provides Spider-Man with a moral compass that guides his career as a champion of justice.

SAT test writers may or may not be aware of Spider-Man. But they are definitely aware of the renowned 17^th century Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. A recent vocabulary in context question pointed out that Vermeer’s iconic masterworks EVINCE a number of signature traits that include richly detailed portraits of quiet interior domestic scenes, a masterful handling of natural light, and the prominent use of luminous yellow pigments.

The Vermeer question included ESCHEW as a tempting wrong answer. ESCHEW means to deliberately avoid or abstain from something. Although ESCHEW has been a correct answer on several recent tests, it can also be a wrong answer!

EVINCE – to clearly reveal, show, or demonstrate something

ESCHEW – to deliberately avoid, shun, or abstain from something

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CONSONANCE is an adjective that can be used to describe the harmonious combination of images and music. For example, famous “I’m flying!” scene in the movie Titanic takes place on the forward tip of the ship during a golden ocean sunset. Jack holds Kate’s waist from behind to keep her balanced. The CONSONANT or harmonious image builds to a soaring and unforgettable moment as Celine Dion sings, “Love can touch us one time and last for a lifetime.”

SAT test writers are aware of how movies can create CONSONANCE between images and music. Although they have yet to use the scene from Titanic, they have described the “rhythmic intercutting” between image and music in the experimental film Koyaanisqatsi. All in all, I prefer the indelible CONSONANCE in Titanic!

CONSONANCE – the harmonious combination of images and music

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FOREGROUND can be used as either a noun or as a verb. When it is used as a noun, FOREGROUND refers the scene in a painting or photograph that is in front of the viewer. Placing a person or object in the FOREGROUND emphasizes its importance. Similarly, when FOREGROUND or FOREGROUNDED is used as a verb, it means to emphasize by bringing a topic to the center of attention.

SAT test writers are currently using FOREGROUND as a correct answer in passages that discuss art and dance. Let’s take a look at both recent examples:

The Romantic versus Realist Cluster contains a set of vocabulary in context questions that contrast the works of these two nineteenth century schools or art. Romantic artists exaggerated their subjects’ beauty or heroism while hiding all imperfections. In contrast, Realist artists placed average working people in the FOREGROUND of their paintings. This deliberate choice FOREGROUNDED or emphasized the often tedious working conditions endured by common people.

During the 1960’s innovative dancers affiliated with the Judson Dance Theater redefined the concept of dance by rejecting traditional dance conventions. Instead, the group invented the precepts of postmodern dance by prioritizing or FOREGROUNDING everyday movements built around everyday actions like walking, running, sitting and even eating. The passage contained tempting wrong answers that included CONTRIVED (artificial and therefore lacking a natural feel), AMENDED (revised), and REPUDIATED (rejected).

FOREGROUND has become a ubiquitous presence on recent SAT questions. For example, it appeared as a key word in a dual passage question. But beware: FOREGROUNDING is also frequently being used as a tempting wrong answer!

FOREGROUND – to emphasize by bringing a topic to the center of attention; accentuate

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