This list includes 24 SAT words that start with K, from “kaleidoscope” to “kudos”. These entries range from everyday words to harder, exam-focused terms useful for Reading and Writing practice.
SAT words that start with K are a focused group of vocabulary items you encounter on high-stakes verbal questions and in advanced reading passages. Many are loanwords or imagery-rich terms—like “kaleidoscope”—that reveal roots and nuance useful for context clues.
Below you’ll find the table with the columns Word, Difficulty, Definition, and Example.
Word: The vocabulary entry itself; you use it to check spelling and identify the exact term to study.
Difficulty: An easy, medium, or hard tag that helps you prioritize study and focus on higher-value items.
Definition: A concise, dictionary-style line giving the core meaning so you quickly grasp proper usage.
Example: A single clear sentence showing typical usage so you learn context and natural phrasing.
SAT words that start with K
| Word | Part of speech | Difficulty | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| keen | adj. | easy | Having a sharp edge or intense interest or enthusiasm. |
| kinetic | adj. | medium | Relating to motion or movement. |
| kindle | v. | medium | To ignite, arouse, or begin (emotion or interest). |
| kindred | adj. | medium | Similar in character or related by nature or ancestry. |
| kin | n. | easy | One’s family or relatives. |
| kinship | n. | medium | A close connection or relationship between people or groups. |
| kismet | n. | medium | Fate or destiny, often used figuratively. |
| kernel | n. | medium | The core, central part, or essential idea of something. |
| keystone | n. | medium | A central, supporting element or piece that holds things together. |
| kaleidoscope | n. | medium | A constantly changing pattern or sequence of elements. |
| kaleidoscopic | adj. | medium | Rapidly changing in pattern or appearance. |
| kudos | n. | medium | Praise or public recognition for achievement. |
| kowtow | v. | medium | To act in an excessively subservient way; to grovel. |
| kleptocracy | n. | hard | A government ruled by corrupt leaders who steal public funds. |
| kleptocrat | n. | hard | A political leader who exploits power to steal public wealth. |
| kleptomania | n. | hard | A psychiatric impulse-control disorder involving stealing items impulsively. |
| kleptomaniac | n./adj. | hard | Someone affected by kleptomania; relating to that disorder. |
| kiosk | n. | medium | A small stand or booth for selling goods or providing information. |
| kilter | n. | medium | Proper order or working condition (often in phrase “in/out of kilter”). |
| keel | v./n. | medium | To turn over (v.) or the central structural piece of a ship (n.). |
| kiln | n. | medium | A heated oven for firing pottery, bricks, or ceramics. |
| kinesthetic | adj. | medium | Relating to bodily movement or physical activity. |
| kiosk | n. | medium | A small stand or booth for selling goods or providing information. |
| kismet | n. | medium | Fate or destiny, often used figuratively. |
Descriptions
keen
She had a keen interest in debate, which made her essays vivid; useful for describing sharp senses or strong feelings on the SAT.
kinetic
The scientist discussed kinetic energy in the experiment; useful in science passages and metaphors about motion.
kindle
His speech kindled enthusiasm among students, a good verb for describing the start of feelings or ideas on the SAT.
kindred
They felt a kindred connection over the novel; often used to show similarity or familial ties in passages.
kin
She preferred to keep family matters private from her kin; common in passages about family or social structure.
kinship
The novel explored kinship across generations; useful for discussing social bonds or anthropology contexts.
kismet
He believed their meeting was kismet, a handy word for describing destiny or ironic outcomes in passages.
kernel
At the essay’s kernel was a question about freedom; frequently used metaphorically to mean core idea on SAT passages.
keystone
Freedom was the keystone of her argument; useful for metaphors about central importance in reading tasks.
kaleidoscope
The city’s culture was a kaleidoscope of languages and cuisines; vivid metaphor often used in descriptive passages.
kaleidoscopic
The author’s kaleidoscopic narrative shifts scenes and tones; useful for describing varied or shifting perspectives.
kudos
She received kudos for her research; common in articles and essays acknowledging achievement.
kowtow
He refused to kowtow to pressure from corporate leaders; useful to describe deference or capitulation in passages.
kleptocracy
Reporters condemned the country’s kleptocracy for embezzling resources; appears in political and economic analysis passages.
kleptocrat
Critics accused the kleptocrat of enriching himself; useful in discussions of corruption and governance.
kleptomania
The novel portrayed kleptomania with sensitivity; appears in psychology or character-analysis contexts.
kleptomaniac
The character was a kleptomaniac, compelled to take trivial items; useful in character studies or psychological profiles.
kiosk
She bought the magazine at a subway kiosk; common in descriptive urban or commerce passages.
kilter
When the schedule was disrupted, nothing was in kilter; useful idiom for balance or order.
keel
When the overloaded boat began to keel, passengers feared capsizing; good for literal and figurative uses about stability.
kiln
The potter removed the vase from the kiln; appears in passages about craft, industry, or archaeology.
kinesthetic
Her kinesthetic learning style favored hands-on experiments; useful in education and psychology contexts.
kiosk
She bought the magazine at a subway kiosk; common in descriptive urban or commerce passages.
kismet
He believed their meeting was kismet, a handy word for describing destiny or ironic outcomes in passages.