SAT words in context practice
Reading and Writing
Mixed

SAT Words in Context Practice

Words in Context questions are not vocabulary flash cards. The right answer must fit the sentence's logic, tone, and nearby clues.

What this page covers

Skill-focused practice with answers and explanations.

Words in Context
Craft and Structure

Free practice questions

Try these first, then use the app to build a full adaptive set.

1

The team's first result was anomalous: unlike every other trial, it showed a sudden drop in temperature. As used in the text, 'anomalous' most nearly means

Aunusual
Bcareless
Chelpful
Dtemporary
Correct answer: A

The result differed from every other trial, so 'anomalous' means unusual or out of the expected pattern.

2

The critic's review was measured, praising the film's acting while also noting its uneven pacing. As used in the text, 'measured' most nearly means

Acalculated with numbers
Brestrained and balanced
Cspoken aloud
Dextremely brief
Correct answer: B

The critic gives both praise and criticism. In this context, 'measured' means restrained and balanced.

3

The mayor described the transit plan as ambitious because it would require new stations, more drivers, and a larger budget. As used in the text, 'ambitious' most nearly means

Apopular
Bdemanding
Cuncertain
Dordinary
Correct answer: B

The plan requires major resources, so 'ambitious' means demanding or requiring significant effort.

How to practice this topic

A few rules that make review sessions more useful.

  • Cover the answer choices and predict a simple meaning from the sentence first.
  • Do not choose a definition just because it is familiar. Choose the meaning that fits the passage.
  • Tone matters. A neutral context usually needs a neutral answer.

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