PSAT: Challenging Words: List 6

We've identified 200 challenging words you may see on the PSAT. Rely on your knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes to guess the meaning of each word as you practice and master each list.
15 words 164 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. polemic
    a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
  2. subterfuge
    something intended to misrepresent the nature of an activity
  3. contentious
    showing an inclination to disagree
  4. luminary
    a celebrity who is an inspiration to others
  5. truculent
    defiantly aggressive
  6. apostate
    not faithful to religion or party or cause
  7. ephemeral
    anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day
  8. eclectic
    selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
  9. circumvent
    surround so as to force to give up
  10. abrogate
    revoke formally
  11. turbid
    clouded as with sediment
  12. abstruse
    difficult to understand
  13. inane
    devoid of intelligence
  14. unilateral
    involving only one part or side
  15. harbinger
    something indicating the approach of something or someone
Created on Thu Jun 05 15:35:17 EDT 2025 (updated Thu Nov 20 13:28:28 EST 2025)

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