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 18th century version and an early 19th 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