PSAT: Challenging Words: List 10

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 106 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. retrenchment
    the process of saving money by cutting expenses
  2. gastronomy
    the art and practice of preparing and eating good food
  3. flaccid
    drooping without elasticity
  4. panacea
    hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases
  5. grandiloquent
    lofty in style
  6. hypodermic
    a piston syringe that is fitted with a needle for injections
  7. gaffe
    a socially awkward or tactless act
  8. liniment
    a topical liquid that relieves muscle stiffness and pain
  9. bellicose
    having or showing a ready disposition to fight
  10. misanthrope
    someone who dislikes people in general
  11. halcyon
    a mythical bird said to breed at the winter solstice
  12. hegemony
    the dominance or leadership of one social group over others
  13. olfactory
    of or relating to the sense of smell
  14. equine
    relating to or resembling a horse
  15. chicanery
    the use of tricks to deceive someone
Created on Thu Jun 05 15:36:37 EDT 2025 (updated Thu Nov 20 13:29:11 EST 2025)

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