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ACT Vocabulary Words

The ACT leans on vocabulary-in-context more than isolated hard words — this list covers the words that actually turn up in ACT passages and questions.

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20 Words

  1. 1 candid Honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable.
  2. 2 pragmatic Focused on practical results and workable solutions rather than theory or ideals.
  3. 3 ambiguous Open to more than one interpretation; unclear in meaning.
  4. 4 benevolent Kind, generous, and wishing to do good for others.
  5. 5 meticulous Extremely careful and precise about details.
  6. 6 arbitrary Based on personal choice or chance rather than any clear reason, rule, or system.
  7. 7 inevitable Certain to happen; impossible to avoid or prevent.
  8. 8 eloquent Able to express ideas fluently, persuasively, and with polish, especially in speech.
  9. 9 altruistic Showing genuine concern for others rather than oneself; unselfish.
  10. 10 cynical Distrustful of people's sincerity, believing that self-interest is the real motive behind most actions.
  11. 11 optimistic Hopeful and expecting a good outcome.
  12. 12 empirical Based on observation, experiment, or experience rather than pure theory.
  13. 13 anomaly Something that deviates from what is normal or expected; an irregularity.
  14. 14 catalyst In chemistry, a substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up itself.
  15. 15 paradox A statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still be true.
  16. 16 quintessential Representing the most perfect or typical example of something.
  17. 17 ubiquitous Seeming to be everywhere at once; found absolutely everywhere.
  18. 18 mitigate To make something less severe, harmful, or serious.
  19. 19 placate To calm someone down and ease their anger.
  20. 20 cacophony A harsh mixture of loud, clashing sounds.