This list includes 23 SAT words that start with Q, from “quagmire” to “quotidian”. These entries range from conversational to formal registers and help you improve reading comprehension and written expression.
SAT words that start with Q are select vocabulary items that test nuanced meanings, roots, and contextual usage. Many trace to Latin or French and feature in classic literature and high-value practice questions.
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Difficulty, Definition, and Example Sentence.
Word: The headword itself; you see the exact spelling and form used on the SAT, including useful variants.
Difficulty: A concise tag (easy, medium, hard) that tells you which words to prioritize in study sessions.
Definition: A one-line, dictionary-style meaning that focuses on typical SAT usage, common senses, and quick recall cues.
Example Sentence: A single clear sentence showing the word used naturally, so you see context and register at a glance.
SAT words that start with Q
| Word | Difficulty | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| quagmire | medium | A complex or hazardous situation from which it is difficult to escape. | The political debate devolved into a messy quagmire of accusations. |
| quail | medium | To feel or show fear or apprehension; to cower. | The young soldier quailed at the sound of cannon fire. |
| qualm | medium | An uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one’s own conduct. | He had no qualms about reporting the cheating he witnessed. |
| quandary | medium | A state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. | She was in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer. |
| quash | medium | To reject as invalid, especially by legal procedure; to put an end to. | The judge quashed the subpoena, rendering it invalid. |
| quasi | hard | Seemingly; apparently but not really; being partly or almost. | He held a quasi-official role in the company’s management. |
| quaver | easy | To shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion. | Her voice quavered as she delivered the emotional eulogy. |
| queasy | easy | Feeling sick; inducing a feeling of nausea. | The turbulent flight made some of the passengers feel queasy. |
| quell | medium | To put an end to a rebellion or disorder, typically by the use of force. | The police were called in to quell the riot. |
| quench | easy | To satisfy one’s thirst by drinking; to extinguish a fire. | He quenched his thirst with a glass of cold water. |
| querulous | hard | Complaining in a petulant or whining manner. | The querulous child was unhappy with every toy he received. |
| query | easy | A question, especially one addressed to an official organization. | I submitted a query to the library about their rare book collection. |
| quest | easy | A long or arduous search for something important. | The knight’s quest was to find the Holy Grail. |
| quibble | medium | To argue or raise objections about a trivial matter. | They spent hours quibbling over a few cents on the bill. |
| quiescent | hard | In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy. | The volcano had been quiescent for hundreds of years before the eruption. |
| quietude | medium | A state of stillness, calmness, and quiet in a person or place. | He enjoyed the quietude of the early morning before the city awoke. |
| quintessential | medium | Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. | He was the quintessential gentleman, always polite and well-dressed. |
| quip | easy | A witty remark. | She responded to the serious question with a clever quip. |
| quirk | easy | A peculiar behavioral habit; a strange chance occurrence. | His most notable quirk was his habit of wearing mismatched socks. |
| quiver | easy | To tremble or shake with a slight rapid motion. | The scared animal quivered with fear. |
| quixotic | hard | Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical. | His quest to end all world poverty was a noble but quixotic endeavor. |
| quota | easy | A fixed share of something that a person or group is entitled to or must contribute. | Each salesperson had a monthly sales quota to meet. |
| quotidian | hard | Of or occurring every day; daily; ordinary. | The novel described the quotidian moments of family life in great detail. |
Descriptions
quagmire
Literally a swamp, but almost always used metaphorically for a difficult, entrapping situation. A classic SAT word for describing a predicament or complex problem. Synonyms: morass, predicament.
quail
Don’t confuse this with the bird! As a verb, it means to shrink back in fear. A good word for describing a character’s reaction in a literary passage. Synonyms: flinch, recoil.
qualm
Often used in the plural (“have qualms”). Refers to a pang of conscience or a feeling of doubt, useful for describing internal conflict or moral uncertainty.
quandary
A very common SAT word. It’s a stronger, more formal synonym for “dilemma” or “predicament.” If a passage describes a character stuck between two choices, this word applies.
quash
Often appears in legal or political contexts. It means to suppress or put a stop to something forcefully and definitively. Think of squashing a bug. Synonyms: suppress, nullify.
quasi
This word is a high-level modifier. It signals that something is not the real deal but is similar or has some of the same features. Look for it to create nuance.
quaver
This descriptive verb is perfect for analyzing tone or a character’s emotional state in reading passages. It specifically refers to the voice shaking with emotion.
queasy
While it can literally mean nauseous, it’s often used figuratively to mean “uneasy” or “uncomfortable” with a situation, especially one that is morally questionable.
quell
Similar to “quash,” but often used for suppressing rebellions, feelings, or fears. It implies calming or pacifying something that is turbulent. A strong, active verb.
quench
Often tested in its figurative sense: to “quench a desire for knowledge” or “quench one’s curiosity.” The meaning is always about satisfying a need or extinguishing something.
querulous
A classic high-difficulty SAT word. It’s a very specific and sophisticated way to say someone is habitually complaining or fretful. A great vocabulary word for describing character tone.
query
A more formal word for a question or inquiry. Can be used as a noun or a verb (“to query the database”). Useful in academic or professional contexts.
quest
While common, this word fits the epic or historical tone of some SAT passages. It implies a more significant and challenging search than simply “looking for” something.
quibble
A key word for arguments and rhetoric. To quibble is to focus on minor, insignificant details to avoid the main point. Can be a noun (a minor complaint) or a verb.
quiescent
A sophisticated word from Latin for “quiet.” It describes a state of temporary stillness or inactivity, not necessarily permanent. Great for science or history passages.
quietude
A more literary and formal noun for “quietness” or “tranquility.” Often used to describe a peaceful atmosphere or a serene state of mind. Test-worthy for its formal register.
quintessential
A very useful and common word in formal writing. It means “the perfect embodiment of something.” It helps to define or categorize a person, idea, or object.
quip
A short, witty, and often clever comment. Can be a noun or a verb (“to quip”). Useful for analyzing dialogue, humor, and tone in literary passages.
quirk
A common word, but its specific meaning of a peculiar or unexpected trait is useful for character analysis. It’s not necessarily negative, just distinctive.
quiver
Similar to “quaver,” but “quiver” is usually for the whole body or an object (like a leaf), while “quaver” is typically for the voice. A good descriptive verb.
quixotic
A top-tier SAT word from Don Quixote. It describes someone who is romantically and impractically idealistic, often pursuing a lofty but unattainable goal.
quota
Common in passages about business, economics, or social policy (e.g., immigration quotas). It refers to a prescribed number or limit. A straightforward but important term.
quotidian
A very sophisticated, academic-sounding synonym for “daily” or “commonplace.” It’s the kind of word the SAT uses to elevate the language of a passage. Opposite of “extraordinary.”