This list includes 9 SAT words that start with X, ranging from “xenial” to “xylem”. These words are concise, high-value vocabulary useful for reading passages, sentence completions, and precise writing.

SAT words that start with X are uncommon but often high-impact terms that appear in literature and science. Many come from Greek or Latin roots, so recognizing those roots helps you infer meanings quickly.

Below you’ll find the table with Word, Difficulty, Definition, and Example.

Word: The headword as it appears on the SAT; you use it to focus pronunciation and spelling practice.

Difficulty: A concise tag (easy/medium/hard) to help you prioritize study time and review efficiently.

Definition: A one-line, dictionary-style meaning that you can quickly read and commit to memory.

Example: A single clear sentence showing typical usage, so you see the word in context.

SAT words that start with X

WordDifficultyPart of speechDefinition
xenophobiamediumnounintense or irrational dislike of foreigners or strangers
xenophobicmediumadjectiveshowing hostility or prejudice against foreigners
xenophilehardnounperson who loves foreign peoples, cultures, or customs
xenialhardadjectivehospitable or friendly to guests or strangers
xerichardadjectiveadapted to or characteristic of very dry environments
xylemmediumnounplant tissue that conducts water and dissolved minerals upward
xenografthardnountissue graft transplanted between different species
xenogenesishardnounproduction or origin of offspring unlike the parents
xenodochialhardadjectivekind or hospitable to strangers; welcoming

Descriptions

xenophobia
“The campaign exploited xenophobia to gain votes.” Common in political and social contexts; often appears in prep lists.
xenophobic
“Her xenophobic remarks alienated international colleagues.” Useful adjective for passages about bias; common in current-events vocabulary.
xenophile
“A self-described xenophile, she collected languages and world music.” Less common than xenophobia but appears in dictionaries and advanced vocab lists.
xenial
“Their xenial hosts welcomed every unexpected visitor warmly.” Rare and slightly archaic; found in advanced vocab lists and dictionaries.
xeric
“Many desert plants are xeric and conserve water efficiently.” Technical ecology term; appears in science passages and higher-level vocab lists.
xylem
“Water rises from roots to leaves through the xylem.” Common biology term; appears in science passages and some prep materials.
xenograft
“Researchers monitored immune response after implanting the xenograft.” Technical medical term; appears in biomedical passages but rare on core lists.
xenogenesis
“Early sci‑fi novels toyed with the idea of xenogenesis.” Rare literary/scientific term; seldom on SAT lists but listed in major dictionaries.
xenodochial
“The inn’s xenodochial staff made weary travelers feel at home.” Very rare; useful only for advanced vocabulary learners and large dictionaries.
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