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Guide 20 of 31

SAT words about praise and criticism.

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.

48 words · Free PDF · No account needed

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

The tabloid vilified the celebrity unfairly.

Prefer paper? The printable Praise & Criticism guide adds a memory cue to every entry, ready to print — 45 of the 48 words on this page. For the alphabetical master list, see the SAT vocabulary list; to be quizzed on these words instead of reading them, use the vocabulary trainer or try some Words in Context practice.

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