Here you’ll find 37 SAT words that start with N, organized from “nadir” to “nutritious”. These words are mostly nouns and adjectives you meet in reading passages and essay prompts.
SAT words that start with N are vocabulary items chosen for their usefulness on the exam and in academic reading. For example, “nadir” comes from astronomy and appears often in figurative contexts.
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Difficulty, Definition, and Example.
Word: The vocabulary term listed so you can recognize, pronounce, and drill the exact form for tests and quizzes.
Difficulty: A simple easy/medium/hard tag to help you prioritize study time and review effectively.
Definition: A concise, dictionary-style meaning that shows how the word works in academic contexts you face on the SAT.
Example: A single clear sentence showing typical usage so you can see context and practice application.
SAT words that start with N
| Word | Part of Speech | Difficulty | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| nadir | n. | medium | The lowest or most unsuccessful point. |
| naive | adj. | medium | Lacking experience or sophistication. |
| naivete | n. | medium | Lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. |
| nascent | adj. | hard | Just coming into existence; beginning to develop. |
| nebulous | adj. | hard | Vague, unclear, or ill-defined. |
| nefarious | adj. | hard | Wicked or criminal in intent. |
| negate | v. | medium | To make ineffective or invalid; deny or contradict. |
| negligence | n. | medium | Failure to exercise proper care or attention. |
| negligent | adj. | medium | Failing to take proper care in doing something. |
| negligible | adj. | medium | So small as to be unworthy of consideration. |
| negotiate | v. | easy | To discuss terms to reach an agreement. |
| negotiation | n. | medium | Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. |
| neologism | n. | hard | A newly coined word or expression. |
| neophyte | n. | medium | A beginner or recent convert. |
| nepotism | n. | hard | Favoritism shown to relatives, especially in hiring. |
| nexus | n. | hard | A connection or series of connections linking things. |
| nicety | n. | medium | A fine detail or subtle distinction. |
| niche | n. | medium | A specialized role, position, or market segment. |
| nomenclature | n. | hard | A system or set of names in a field. |
| nominal | adj. | medium | Existing in name only; insignificantly small. |
| nominate | v. | easy | To formally propose someone for a position or award. |
| nocturnal | adj. | medium | Active during the night rather than the day. |
| nonchalant | adj. | medium | Casually unconcerned or indifferent. |
| nonplussed | adj. | hard | Perplexed and unsure how to react. |
| normative | adj. | hard | Establishing, relating to, or prescribing norms or standards. |
| nostalgia | n. | medium | A sentimental longing for the past. |
| nostalgic | adj. | easy | Experiencing sentimental longing for the past. |
| notable | adj. | easy | Worthy of attention; remarkable. |
| notorious | adj. | medium | Famous or well known, typically for a bad reason. |
| novel | adj. | medium | New, original, or different from anything before. |
| novice | n. | medium | A person new to or inexperienced in a field. |
| noxious | adj. | medium | Harmful, poisonous, or unpleasant. |
| nuance | n. | hard | A subtle difference in meaning or expression. |
| nullify | v. | medium | To make legally void or cancel out. |
| nurture | v. | easy | To care for and encourage growth or development. |
| nutrient | n. | easy | A substance that provides nourishment for growth or health. |
| nutritious | adj. | easy | Providing nourishment; healthy to eat. |
Descriptions
nadir
Example: After the scandal, the company hit its nadir in public trust. Common on SAT lists for metaphorical uses.
naive
Example: She was naive about investment risks as a newcomer. Frequently tested on the SAT for contrast and tone.
naivete
Example: His naivete led him to trust everyone too readily. Often appears in SAT reading and vocabulary lists.
nascent
Example: The nascent industry attracted early investors despite risks. Appears on SAT lists for academic passages.
nebulous
Example: The policy remained nebulous, frustrating stakeholders seeking clarity. Common SAT word for ambiguous or vague contexts.
nefarious
Example: The plan was exposed as a nefarious scheme to defraud customers. High-frequency on prep lists about character and motive.
negate
Example: New evidence may negate the prosecution’s key claim. Often tested in logical reasoning contexts on the SAT.
negligence
Example: The lawsuit alleged negligence in maintaining safe premises. Common on SAT lists about responsibility or causation.
negligent
Example: The negligent driver ignored traffic signals and caused an accident. Appears frequently in SAT contexts about duty and fault.
negligible
Example: The error’s impact on results was negligible. Common SAT adjective for diminishing significance.
negotiate
Example: The union will negotiate wages with management next month. Basic but useful SAT verb about compromise and diplomacy.
negotiation
Example: Negotiation between the countries ended the trade dispute. Frequently appears in passages about politics or economics.
neologism
Example: The tech boom produced several neologisms. Appears on SAT lists about language and word formation.
neophyte
Example: As a neophyte journalist, she shadowed an experienced reporter. Common SAT word for novice status.
nepotism
Example: Critics accused the mayor of nepotism in appointments. Frequent on SAT lists discussing ethics or corruption.
nexus
Example: The city is a nexus for international trade routes. Appears in SAT passages linking ideas or causes.
nicety
Example: He argued about the niceties of legal interpretation. Often shows up on SAT lists about precision in meaning.
niche
Example: The company found a profitable niche in eco-friendly toys. Common on SAT lists about economics and roles.
nomenclature
Example: Scientific nomenclature ensures consistent species names. Frequently used on SAT reading passages about science or classification.
nominal
Example: The fee was nominal, barely covering costs. Common SAT adjective for minimal or symbolic amounts.
nominate
Example: They will nominate a candidate for the award next week. Useful SAT verb in political or organizational contexts.
nocturnal
Example: Owls are primarily nocturnal predators. Appears on SAT science passages and vocabulary lists.
nonchalant
Example: He remained nonchalant despite the looming deadline. Frequently appears on SAT lists about tone and attitude.
nonplussed
Example: She was nonplussed by the unexpected question. Common SAT word for stunned or bewildered reactions.
normative
Example: The essay addressed normative ethical theories. Appears on SAT lists discussing standards and norms.
nostalgia
Example: Hearing that song filled her with nostalgia for college. Common on SAT lists about emotion and tone.
nostalgic
Example: He grew nostalgic seeing old photographs. Frequently tested for tone and mood on the SAT.
notable
Example: The scientist made a notable contribution to genetics. Common SAT adjective for significance.
notorious
Example: The intersection is notorious for frequent accidents. Appears in SAT passages about reputation or history.
novel
Example: The researchers proposed a novel solution to the problem. Frequently appears on SAT lists for innovation or uniqueness.
novice
Example: As a novice climber, she hired an instructor. Common SAT synonym for beginner.
noxious
Example: The spill released noxious fumes into the air. Appears in SAT science and environmental contexts.
nuance
Example: Her argument captured the nuance of the debate. High-value SAT word for subtle distinctions.
nullify
Example: The contract was nullified after fraud was proven. Common on SAT lists about law or cause and effect.
nurture
Example: Parents nurture their children’s talents over time. Appears frequently in SAT passages about development and influence.
nutrient
Example: Plants absorb nutrients from soil. Common in SAT science contexts.
nutritious
Example: A balanced meal is nutritious and satisfying. Often appears on SAT passages about health and diet.