squelch, goad, finagle, atone, vacillate: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 312. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. squelch · verb/skwɛltʃ/

   to suppress or silence something forcefully

   The manager decided to squelch any rumors about the company's financial troubles before they could spread further.

   Synonyms: suppress, silence, quash

   Origin: Origin unknown; possibly imitative of a noise made by squishing or crushing

2. goad · verb/ɡoʊd/

   to provoke or annoy someone so as to stimulate some action or reaction

   Her constant teasing seemed to goad him into making a reckless decision.

   Synonyms: provoke, incite, spur

   Origin: Middle English 'goden', from Old English 'gādian'.

3. finagle · verb/fɪˈneɪɡl/

   to obtain or manipulate something by clever or deceitful means

   She managed to finagle a free upgrade to first class by charming the airline staff.

   Synonyms: finesse, manipulate, scheme

   Origin: The word 'finagle' is believed to be of uncertain origin, possibly deriving from a combination of the word 'finagle' which means to use deceit or trickery, and the American slang 'finagle', which was recorded in the early 20th century.

4. atone · verb/əˈtoʊn/

   to make amends or reparation for an offense or wrongdoing

   She tried to atone for her mistakes by volunteering for community service every weekend.

   Synonyms: redeem, rectify, compensate

   Origin: Middle English, from 'at onen', meaning 'to be at one with'.

5. vacillate · verb/ˈvæsɪˌleɪt/

   to waver in opinion or decision

   She tends to vacillate between different career options, unsure of what path to take.

   Synonyms: hesitate, fluctuate, waver

   Origin: Derived from the Latin 'vacillare', meaning 'to sway' or 'to waver'.