Learn SAT Vocabulary with Mnemonics and Cartoons for the Digital SAT!
Bookmark this page! Every day, you'll get a fresh batch of SAT vocab words, each one illustrated with a funny cartoon and a mnemonic hook so the definition sticks. You get to pick how many words you see per day, too. Scroll down for more about how to use this page.
Table of Contents
How to use these SAT words of the day
This page is meant to be low-effort and high-return. Here's the simplest routine that works:
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Look at the cartoon first. (That's the hook.)
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Cover the definition and try to recall it. If you can't, reread it and try again.
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Say the word out loud once or twice. (Yes, seriously.)
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Write your own sentence (even a dumb one). If you can use the word, you know it.
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Review the word later using spaced repetition:
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later the same day
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2 days later
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1 week later
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If you want the spaced repetition done for you automatically, that's what my app is for. If you want it free, Quizlet works — you just have to be the spaced-repetition algorithm yourself.
If you like this learning style, check out my vocab cartoons app, which illustrates 1,359 words and word roots with cartoons like the ones above. It's branded for the GRE, but most GRE words are words the SAT can test. Every word on this page is in there, plus hundreds more.
No one ever said, "my vocabulary is too big"!
Does SAT vocabulary still matter on the Digital SAT?
Yep. The Digital SAT tests vocab through Words in Context questions in the Reading and Writing module, up to about 8 per module. You'll either fill in a blank in a passage or swap out an underlined word for a better one.
Here's the annoying part: it's usually not testing whether you can recite a dictionary definition. The question is which one fits the logic and tone of that specific sentence. So knowing the word (which is exactly what these cartoons are for) gets you most of the way there, but you still have to read the sentence and pick the word that logically fits the context. Knowing the vocab frees up your working memory so that you can do that.
More free ways to practice
Don't feel like getting the app? I posted all of these cartoons on Quizlet too — free. Downside: no spaced-repetition algorithm, so you have to remember to review them yourself. Upside: free, and Quizlet's own quiz feature is actually pretty fun.
I also post these cartoons on Instagram (@GRE_vocab_cartoons) with quizzes, plus a bunch of hand-drawn YouTube shorts — about 8 seconds each. Everything's branded GRE because that's what I originally made it for, but since SAT words are basically a subset of GRE words, it all still applies here.
SAT Word of the Day FAQ
How many SAT vocabulary words should I learn per day?
The more the better, but I'd shoot for between 10 and 30 - remember, you have to review old words frequently to make sure you don't forget them.
Are these words enough for a high SAT Reading and Writing score?
They're a great start, but vocab is only one piece of the puzzle. You'll still want reps on the passage-based reasoning questions themselves; a bigger vocabulary just means you stop losing points specifically to Words in Context.
What's the best way to stop forgetting SAT words?
Two things: spaced repetition, and using the word in your own sentence. Recognizing a word when you see it is easy. Recalling it on command — which is what Words in Context questions actually demand — is what trips most people up.
Should I learn word roots too?
Yes. Roots won't replace real vocabulary, but they let you make a smart guess when you hit a word you've never seen on test day.
Is Quizlet or the app better?
Quizlet is great and free. You just have to manage your own review schedule. The app's spaced repetition does that for you automatically, which is the whole reason I built it.
Do you offer tutoring if vocab or reading is my weak spot?
Yes, our lead SAT tutor Blake Jensen helps people work on the entire SAT including reading & vocab. He's been doing this 15+ years and it's his full-time job.
Text or call Blake directly at (858) 367-0187, or reach him through the contact page — he'll do a free 15-minute consultation to figure out a game plan. He works out of our Carmel Valley office in San Diego, or over Zoom if you're not local. I've also got a free 10-week SAT study plan if you want a full roadmap, not just vocab.
Blake offers SAT tutoring out of Carmel Valley and online everywhere. Reach Blake directly at (858) 367-0187.