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SAT Vocabulary Builder Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

SAT Vocabulary Builder practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.

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  1. Q21Assiduous

    • AShowing great care and effort; diligent and persistent
    • BWorking carelessly and without attention
    • CQuick and impulsive in decision-making
    • DOverly cautious to the point of inaction
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Showing great care and effort; diligent and persistent

    Assiduous means hardworking and thorough. 'Her assiduous preparation for the exam — reading every source, reviewing every note — paid off with a top score.'

  2. Q22Attenuate

    • ATo reduce the force, effect, or value of something; to weaken or thin out
    • BTo increase or strengthen something
    • CTo completely eliminate something
    • DTo delay or postpone
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. To reduce the force, effect, or value of something; to weaken or thin out

    To attenuate is to reduce in strength or intensity. 'The drug was found to attenuate the symptoms without fully curing the disease.'

  3. Q23Audacious

    • AShowing a willingness to take bold risks; daring, adventurous
    • BExtremely cautious and risk-averse
    • CPolite and respectful of authority
    • DIndifferent and uninvolved
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Showing a willingness to take bold risks; daring, adventurous

    Audacious means boldly daring, sometimes to the point of being shocking. 'The audacious plan to tunnel under the border seemed impossible, but it succeeded.'

  4. Q24Austere

    • ASevere or strict in manner or attitude; having no comforts or luxuries; plain
    • BExcessively luxurious and indulgent
    • CCheerful and lighthearted
    • DRichly decorated and ornate
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Severe or strict in manner or attitude; having no comforts or luxuries; plain

    Austere can mean both stern in manner and lacking comfort or decoration. 'The monk lived an austere life: simple food, a bare cell, and daily labor.'

  5. Q25Banal

    • ASo lacking in originality that it has become predictable and dull; commonplace, trite
    • BFresh, original, and thought-provoking
    • CComplex and difficult to understand
    • DShocking or offensive
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. So lacking in originality that it has become predictable and dull; commonplace, trite

    Banal means tiresomely ordinary. 'The film's plot was criticized as banal — a predictable love story with no surprises.'

  6. Q26Benevolent

    • AWell-meaning and kindly; disposed to do good
    • BSelfish and concerned only with personal gain
    • CStrictly neutral or impartial
    • DCruel and intending harm
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Well-meaning and kindly; disposed to do good

    Benevolent means generous and kind-hearted. 'The benevolent donor anonymously funded scholarships for hundreds of low-income students.'

  7. Q27Brevity

    • AConcise and exact use of words; briefness in time or expression
    • BExcessive length and wordiness
    • CComplexity and difficulty to understand
    • DClarity and precision of thought
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Concise and exact use of words; briefness in time or expression

    Brevity means shortness or conciseness. 'She admired the author's brevity — he conveyed profound emotions in just a few well-chosen words.' As Shakespeare wrote: 'Brevity is the soul of wit.'

  8. Q28Cacophony

    • AA harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
    • BA pleasant or harmonious combination of sounds
    • CComplete silence or absence of sound
    • DA single, clear musical tone
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds

    Cacophony is a harsh, jarring noise. 'The construction site was a cacophony of drilling, hammering, and shouting that made conversation impossible.'

  9. Q29Candid

    • ATruthful and straightforward; frank and honest, even if uncomfortable
    • BDiplomatic and vague to avoid conflict
    • CSecretly deceptive or two-faced
    • DExcessively polite and flattering
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Truthful and straightforward; frank and honest, even if uncomfortable

    Candid means direct and honest. 'I appreciate your candid feedback on my draft — I'd rather hear hard truths now than submit a flawed essay.'

  10. Q30Caustic

    • ASarcastic in a scathing or bitter way; capable of burning or corroding organic tissue
    • BGentle and complimentary in tone
    • CSoft-spoken and indirect
    • DFunny and warmly playful
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    ✓ Correct answer: A. Sarcastic in a scathing or bitter way; capable of burning or corroding organic tissue

    Caustic means sharply sarcastic or corrosive. 'The critic's caustic review of the novel — 'a masterpiece of mediocrity' — devastated the young author.'

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