The Scorch Trials — Vocabulary
James Dashner
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	19	top 100
focusconcentrate I find that studying in the library helps me to focus.more Show sample from book He scanned the room, trying his best not to focus on the corpses, looking for a door that might lead to her room.p.15.121 more concentrate, or look Show general definition for focus (as in: Turn your focus to question #2.) to direct attention or effort toward a single thing; or the ability to do so without getting distracted
	3	top 2000
focus#2into view (as an area of attention) The bridge collapse brought aging infrastructure into focus as a political issue.more Show sample from book The things that had first come back to him with the Changing in the Maze were slowly starting to come into focus, solidify.p.303.121 more a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly Show general definition for focus (as in: bring into focus; or out of focus) a state where something has come into view or can be seen clearly; or an adjustment made to permit a clear view
	3	top 100
howeverdespite that (a transition word use to connect contrasting ideas) Most college application deadlines are in January and February. However, early admission deadlines are around November and some scholarships require even earlier deadlines.more Show sample from book By midnight, however, when Minho finally called on them to stop and get more sleep, the city and its now-burning fires ever closer, the wind had become even stronger.p.124.33 more a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc. Show general definition for however (as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas) Show editor's word notes Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrast and but.
	1	top 2000
however#2in whatever way However we do it, someone is going to be unhappy.more Show sample from book He didn't mention Teresa, however—she was the only thing he left out.p.154.73 more Show general definition for however (as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way
	12	top 2000
hideousextremely ugly, offensive, and/or frightening The beast had hideous fangs.more Show sample from book Minho yelled, turning to glower at the closest one, a woman who looked even more hideous than the first man Thomas had seen.†p.10.711 more
	4	top 100
distinctdifferent Martinez and his colleagues identified 21 distinct emotions made by the human face.more Show sample from book It stood out so distinctly he couldn't believe he hadn't noticed it until now "Hey!" he yelled, pointing toward it.†p.111.13 more distinct → distinctly:in a manner that is clear, easily noticed, and/or identifiable as different or separate Show general definition clear, easily noticed, and/or identifiable as different or separate
	5	top 1000
perplexperplex → perplexed:confused She was perplexed by the rules of the game.more Show sample from book He was completely perplexed.†p.23.24 more perplex → perplexed:confused or puzzled Show general definition to confuse
	5	top 1000
retortquickly reply She wanted to retort that he that he sounded foolish, but she made herself count to ten and thought better of it.more Show sample from book "Those freaks aren't breaking through the window bars anytime soon," Frypan retorted.†p.11.94 more retort → retorted:quickly replied Show general definition for retort (as in: quick retort) a quick reply to a question or remark -- especially a witty or critical one
	5	top 1000
bizarreexceedingly unusual The paparazzi love her bizarre outfits and behavior.more Show sample from book Every breath, every sigh in the room was like an explosion compared to the bizarre haze of quiet.†p.35.34 more exceedingly odd or unusual Show general definition for bizarre (as in: is bizarre) exceedingly odd or unusual
	4	top 1000
fleetinglasting a short time Her moments of happiness were few and fleeting.more Show sample from book Exhaling a deep breath, he relaxed into his pillow, his razor-edged nerves settling down from that fleeting moment of terror.†p.1.73 more Show general definition lasting a short time
	4	top 1000
rationalrational → rationally:in a reasonable manner It's hard to think rationally when I'm this upset.more Show sample from book He hoped it was because the Crank had finally accepted that his new visitor was going to take a rational and calm approach to their situation.†p.152.93 more reasonable Show general definition for rational (as in: rational behavior) reasonable, able to think clearly, or based on logic rather than emotion
	2	top 100
analyzeexamine in detail to better understand Analyze the situation and tell me what you think we should do.more Show sample from book I'm assuming you've figured this out by now, but many of the things that happen to you are solely for the purpose of judging and analyzing your responses.†p.55.31 more analyze → analyzing:examining in detail to better understand Show general definition to examine and consider something in detail to better understand it
	16	top 1000
variablechangeable The weather in this region is highly variable, shifting from sunshine to thunderstorms within hours.more Show context notes The suffix "-able" in variable means able to be. This is the same pattern you see in words like breakable, understandable, and comfortable. Note that when "-able" is placed at the end of a word that ends in "Y", the "Y" is often replaced with "I" as in enviable and deniable. Show sample from book Our comas had to be part of the Variables, so maybe we could communicate just so we wouldn't go crazy.†p.310.515 more variable → variables:things that are able to change Show general definition able to change, or something that is able to change Show editor's word notes A variable in mathematics refers more specifically to a symbol that represents a value or a set of values.
	6	top 2000
stupora state in which there is little ability to think Someone stole her purse while she was in a drunken stupor.more Show sample from book The last word seemed to finally snap everyone out of their stupor, all of them speaking up at once.†p.61.15 more Show general definition a state in which there is little ability to think -- as from being very sleepy, drunk, or stunned
	2	top 500
replenishreplace what was used up The recent storms helped replenish the city's water supply.more Show sample from book You've been given this time to eat and replenish yourselves, and I strongly suggest you take advantage of it, young man.†p.52.11 more replace what was used up; or restore to a previous condition Show general definition replace what was used up; or restore to a previous condition
	3	top 2000
abominableexceptionally bad She described the abominable treatment of prisoners.more Show sample from book Thomas looked on in horror as the abominable thing flopped and wiggled until it lurched over the edge of the open pod and stumbled to the ground.p.329.22 more exceptionally bad or detestable Show general definition exceptionally bad or intensely disliked
	3	top 2000
stimulateencourage activity or development At the beginning of her lectures, she typically starts with a question to try to stimulate curiosity.more Show sample from book Stimulating the killzone and collecting the resultant patterns.†p.55.32 more stimulate → stimulating:interesting or exciting; or encouraging interest or excitement; or causing something to happen Show general definition to encourage growth, interest or excitement, or to cause something to happen
	2	top 1000
listlesslacking energy and normal enthusiasm She was listless and bored.more Show sample from book Listless sleep—without any more of the memory-dreams he'd experienced.†p.46.91 more
	3	top 2000
positivecertain I'm positive I've seen her before.more Show sample from book "I'm positive."p.242.23 more Show general definition for positive (as in: I'm absolutely positive!) certain (having no doubt; or used for emphasis)
	1
positive#2it found the condition present The pregnancy test was positive.more Show sample from book I caught it just a few weeks ago, tested positive at the quarantine checkpoint—government's trying their damnedest to keep the sick and the well separate.p.156.33 more indicating that a condition was found Show general definition for positive (as in: The test came back positive.) found a condition or substance to be present indicating the presence of something being tested for -- especially a disease, condition, or substance