48 words the Digital SAT draws on when a passage turns to praise and criticism — each with its part of speech, a plain-English definition, and an example sentence showing how it behaves in context.
Vocabulary on the Digital SAT is tested in context, not in isolation: a Words in Context question hands you a sentence with a blank and four plausible-looking candidates, and the winner is the one whose shade of meaning fits. Studying words in a meaning-group like this one is the fastest way to build that discrimination — you learn praise and criticism as a spectrum rather than as 48 unrelated definitions.
Read the definition, then the example sentence. Say the word aloud. Come back to this theme a few days later and cover the definitions — recalling a word cold is what fixes it, and rereading it is not.
The 48 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Praise & Criticism guide.
001
acclaimverb
to praise enthusiastically and publicly
The film was acclaimed by critics worldwide.
002
admireverb
to regard with respect and approval
I admire her dedication to helping others in need.
003
admireverb
to regard with respect and approval
She admired his dedication to the cause.
004
adulateverb
to praise excessively or uncritically
Fans adulated the rock star.
005
applaudverb
to show approval or praise
The audience applauded the brilliant performance.
006
appreciatedverb
recognized the value or significance of something
Her hard work was appreciated by everyone on the team.
007
berateverb
to scold or criticize angrily
The coach berated the players for their mistakes.
008
castigateverb
to reprimand severely
The review castigated the director's poor choices.
009
celebratedadjective
widely known and praised; honored with festivities
The celebrated author received a standing ovation at the ceremony.
010
censureverb
to express severe disapproval formally
The senate voted to censure the politician for misconduct.
011
commendverb
to praise formally or officially
The mayor commended the firefighters for their bravery.
012
complainingverb
expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance
Instead of complaining, he decided to take action.
013
complaintnoun
an expression of dissatisfaction or grievance
The customer filed a formal complaint about the defective product.
014
complimentverb
to politely express praise or admiration
She complimented him on his excellent work.
015
complimentedverb
expressed praise or admiration
The chef was complimented on the exquisite presentation of the meal.
016
condemnverb
to express complete disapproval of
World leaders condemned the terrorist attack.
017
criticismnoun
the expression of disapproval based on perceived faults
She accepted the constructive criticism gracefully.
018
criticizeverb
to express disapproval of someone or something
It is easy to criticize but harder to offer solutions.
019
denigrateverb
to criticize unfairly or disparage someone or something
It is unprofessional to denigrate your competitors in public forums.
020
denigrateverb
to criticize unfairly; disparage
His comments denigrated the entire profession.
021
denounceverb
to publicly declare as wrong or evil
Human rights organizations denounced the government's actions.
022
deprecateverb
to express disapproval of
She deprecated the use of violence.
023
derideverb
to express contempt through ridicule
Critics derided the film as pretentious.
024
despiseverb
to feel contempt or deep dislike for something or someone
She began to despise the monotonous routine of her daily commute.
025
disapprovingadjective
expressing an unfavorable opinion; showing displeasure
Her disapproving glance made it clear she was unhappy with the decision.
026
disparageverb
to speak of in a disrespectful or critical way; to belittle
It is wrong to disparage someone based on their background or appearance.
027
disparageverb
to regard as being of little worth
He disparaged his rival's achievements.
028
esteemnoun/verb
respect and admiration; to regard highly
She is held in high esteem by her colleagues and students alike.
029
eulogizeverb
to praise highly in speech or writing
The minister eulogized the deceased at the funeral.
030
exaltverb
to hold in very high regard
The culture exalted warriors above all others.
031
extolverb
to praise enthusiastically and highly
Critics continue to extol the virtues of the classic novel.
032
flatterverb
to lavish insincere praise on
He flattered the boss to gain favor.
033
glorifyverb
to describe as more splendid than in reality
The movie was accused of glorifying violence.
034
insultverb
to speak or treat disrespectfully
His remarks insulted the entire community.
035
laudverb
to praise highly
Critics lauded her performance as magnificent.
036
laudableadjective
deserving praise and commendation
Their laudable efforts improved the community.
037
malignverb
to speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner
Competitors tried to malign his reputation.
038
praiseverb
to express approval or admiration for someone or something
Critics praise the film for its innovative storytelling.
039
praisesverb
expresses approval or admiration
The review praises the author's vivid descriptions.
040
prestigenoun
widespread respect and admiration based on achievement or quality
The university has gained international prestige for its research.
041
rebukeverb
to express sharp disapproval or criticism
The manager rebuked the employee for arriving late repeatedly.
042
reputationnoun
the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something
She built her reputation through years of honest business dealings.
043
respectedverb/adjective
admired deeply as a result of one's abilities, qualities, or achievements
He is widely respected in the scientific community.
044
revereverb
to feel deep respect for
The students revered their inspiring teacher.
045
ridiculeverb
to subject to mockery and derision
Colleagues ridiculed his unconventional ideas.
046
scornverb
to feel or express contempt for
She scorned his attempts to apologize.
047
venerateverb
to regard with great respect
The community venerated their elders.
048
vilifyverb
to speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
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