25 words the Digital SAT draws on when a passage turns to speed and pace — 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 speed and pace as a spectrum rather than as 25 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 25 words
Alphabetical. Everything in the Speed & Pace guide.
001
abruptadjective
sudden and unexpected; without warning
The abrupt change in weather caught everyone off guard.
002
abruptadjective
sudden and unexpected
His abrupt departure surprised everyone.
003
acceleratedadjective
happening at a faster rate
The accelerated program finished early.
004
deceleratedadjective
reduced in speed
The decelerated economy worried officials.
005
delayedverb
made late or slow; postponed
The flight was delayed by three hours due to severe weather conditions.
006
deliberateadjective
done consciously and intentionally
Her deliberate pace showed confidence.
007
expediteverb
to make an action happen sooner
Extra staff helped expedite the process.
008
expeditiousadjective
done with speed and efficiency
The expeditious service impressed customers.
009
fleetadjective
fast and nimble in movement
The fleet runner won the race.
010
gradualadjective
taking place slowly over time
There was a gradual improvement in her health.
011
hastilyadverb
with excessive speed or urgency; hurriedly
She hastily packed her bags when she heard about the emergency.
012
hastyadjective
done with excessive speed
The hasty decision proved costly.
013
hurriedadjective
done in a hurry; hasty
The hurried breakfast left her hungry.
014
immediateadjective
occurring or done at once
The situation required immediate action.
015
instantaneousadjective
occurring or done instantly
The effect was almost instantaneous.
016
leisurelyadjective
acting without hurry
They enjoyed a leisurely lunch.
017
measuredadjective
having a slow, regular rhythm
She spoke in measured tones.
018
ploddingadjective
slow-moving and unexciting
The plodding narrative bored readers.
019
precipitousadjective
done suddenly and without consideration
The precipitous decline alarmed investors.
020
promptadjective
done without delay
Your prompt reply is appreciated.
021
rapidadjective
happening in a short time
The rapid growth surprised analysts.
022
steadilyadverb
in a regular and even manner; gradually and consistently
The company has grown steadily over the past decade.
Test Ninjas puts these words back where you will meet them — full-length adaptive practice tests, a complete Reading & Writing course, and an explanation on every question. Free account, no card.
