Enhance Your Writing: Synonyms for Overused Words
Feeling/Emotion Words
Want to describe how a character feels, but "happy" isn't specific enough, or has been used too many times already? Feelings such as "angry," "sad," "hate," and "love" are overused because they are the basic emotions everyone feels at some point, but there are more specific emotions out there that can be used to replace them in order to give the reader a better idea of how a person is really feeling.
Sad
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Miserable
| Extremely unhappy or uncomfortable
| Melancholy
| Feeling or looking sad and without hope, or making you feel sad and without hope
|
Sorrowful
| Feeling, expressing, or causing great sadness
| Bleak
| Without any reasons to feel happy or hopeful
|
Aggrieved
| Feeling angry and unhappy because you think you have been treated unfairly
| Agonized
| Expressing extreme pain or sadness
|
Bereft
| Extremely unhappy and lonely
| Deflated
| Feeling less confident and happy
|
Desolate
| In a state of bleak and dismal emptiness
| Despondent
| Very unhappy because you do not believe that an unpleasant situation will improve
|
Devastated
| Feeling very shocked and upset
| Disconsolate
| Extremely unhappy or disappointed
|
Dismayed
| Very upset, disapointed, or annoyed about something surprising or shocking that has happened
| Distressed
| Very unhappy, worried, or upset
|
Downcast
| Sad or upset
| Forlorn
| Appearing lonely and sad
|
Morose
| Feeling unhappy, in a bad mood, and not wanting to talk to anyone
| Shattered
| Extremely upset
|
Somber
| Serious or sad
| Wistful
| Slightly sad because you want to have or do something
|
Sad (adjective): feeling unhappy, especially because something bad has happened
Mad
Synonym
| Definiton
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Annoyed
| Feeling slightly angry or impatient
| Upset
| Very sad, worried, or angry about something
|
Irritated
| Annoyed or impatient about something
| Displeased
| Annoyed or angry, usually because something is not very good or someone has made a mistake
|
Cross
| (about/to children) Angry
| Belligerent
| Very unfriendly and angry
|
Bitter
| Feeling angry or upset because of a bad experience, especially when you think that you have been treated unfairly
| Disgruntled
| Disappointed and annoyed about something
|
Disgusted
| Feeling very angry and upset about something that you do not approve of
| Exasperated
| Extremely annoyed and impatient because things are not happening in the way you want or people are not doing what you want them to do
|
Excited
| Upset, worried, or angry about something
| Frustrated
| Feeling annoyed and impatient because you are prevented from achieving something
|
Harried
| Tired and annoyed
| Heated
| Someone who becomes angry and excited as they speak
|
Impatient
| Annoyed by something bad
| Indignant
| Annoyed by something bad
|
Miffed
| (informal) Slightly annoyed or offended
| Petulant
| Annoyed and behaving in an unreasonable way because you cannot get what you want
|
Resentful
| Feeling angry and unhappy because you think you have been treated unfairly or without enough respect
| Sharp
| A comment, voice, or expression showing that someone is unfriendly or annoyed
|
Mad (adjective): very angry
Good
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Agreeable
| Enjoyable and pleasurable; pleasant
| Amusing
| Causing laughter and providing entertainment
|
Congenial
| Pleasant or agreeable because it's suited to one's taste or inclination
| Convivial
| Friendly, lively, and enjoyable
|
Delightful
| Causing delight; charming
| Diverting
| Entertaining or amusing
|
Enjoyable
| (of an activity or occasion) Giving delight or pleasure
| Fabulous
| Amazingly good; wonderful
|
Fantastic
| (informal) Extraordinarily good or attractive
| Glorious
| Having a striking beauty or splendor that evokes feelings of delighted admiration
|
Grand
| (informal) Very good or enjoyable; excellent
| Great
| Very good or satisfactory; excellent
|
Jolly
| Lively and entertaining
| Lively
| Intellectually stimulating or perceptive
|
Lovely
| Very pleasant or enjoyable; delightful
| Merry
| Cheerful and lively
|
Nice
| Pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory
| Pleasant
| Giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment
|
Pleasing
| Satisfying or appealing
| Smashing
| Excellent; wonderful
|
Sociable
| Willing to talk and engage in activities with other people; friendly
| Terrific
| Extremely good; excellent
|
Good (adj): Giving pleasure; enjoyable or satisfying
Happy
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonyms
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Blithe
| Happy and not worried about anything
| Bubbly
| Lively, happy, and friendly
|
Delighted
| Very happy, especially because something good has happened
| Ecstatic
| Extremely happy or pleased
|
Elated
| Extremely happy and excited
| Enraptured
| Enjoying something very much
|
Euphoric
| Feeling extremely happy, usually for a short time only
| Excited
| Very happy and enthusiastic
|
Exhilarated
| Extremely happy, excited, and full of energy
| Fondly
| With positive or happy feelings
|
Giddy
| Very excited and happy
| Jovial
| Cheerful and friendly
|
Joyful
| Expressing great happiness
| Jubilant
| Extremely happy because something good has happened
|
Thrilled
| Very pleased and excited
| Triumphant
| Showing that you are very pleased or excited about a victory or success
|
Satisfied
| Contented; pleased
| Content
| In a state of peaceful happiness
|
Chirpy
| Cheerful and lively
| Pleased
| Feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction, especially at an event or a situation
|
Tickled
| Cause (someone) amusement or pleasure
| Intoxicated
| Excite or exhilarate
|
Happy (adjective): Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment
Bad
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Adverse
| Preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable
| Atrocious
| Of a very poor quality; extremely bad or unpleasant
|
Awful
| Very bad or unpleasant
| Bleak
| (of a situation or future prospect) Not hopeful or encouraging; unlikely to have a favorable outcome
|
Disagreeable
| Not pleasant or enjoyable
| Distressing
| Causing anxiety, sorrow or pain; upsetting
|
Dreadful
| Causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious
| Grim
| Depressing or worrying to consider
|
Harsh
| cruel or severe
| Intense
| Having or showing strong feelings or opinions
|
Nasty
| Highly unpleasant, especially to the senses; physically nauseating
| Parlous
| (archaic) Full of danger or uncertainty; precarious
|
Regrettable
| (of conduct or an event) Giving rise to regret; undesirable; unwelcome
| Regretful
| Feeling or showing regret
|
Terrible
| Extremely or distressingly bad or serious
| Unfavorable
| adverse; inauspicious
|
Unfortunate
| Having or marked by bad fortune; unlucky
| Unlucky
| Having, bringing, or resulting from bad luck
|
Unpleasant
| (of a person or their manner) Unfriendly and inconsiderate; rude
| Unwelcome
| Not much needed or desired
|
Bad (adj): not such as to be hoped for or desired; unpleasant or unwelcome
Scared
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Afraid
| Frightened, for example because you feel you are in danger
| Frozen
| Unable to move because of fear or surprise
|
Horrified
| Very shocked or frightened
| Terrified
| Extremely frightened
|
Traumatized
| Very upset, afraid, or shocked because of a bad experience
| Spook
| Frighten; unnerve
|
Aghast
| Filled with horror or shock
| Anxious
| Experiencing worry, unease, or nervous, typically about an imminent even or something with an uncertain outcome
|
Alarmed
| Cause (someone) to feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger
| Shaken
| Upset the composure of; shock or astonish
|
Petrified
| So frightened that one is unable to move; terrified
| Startle(d)
| Cause (a person or animal) to feel sudden shock or alarm
|
Fearful
| Feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety
| Intimidate
| Frighten someone, especially in order to make them do what one wants
|
Hysteria
| Exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people
| Paralyzed
| Render (someone) unable to think or act normally, especially through panic or fear
|
Trepidation
| A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
| Traumatic
| Emotionally disturbing or distressing
|
Apprehension
| Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen
| Panic
| Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior
|
Scared (adjective): Fearful; frightened
Hate
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Dislike
| To not like someone or something
| Bear
| To dislike something or someone very much
|
Despise
| To hate someone or something and have no respect for them
| Loathe
| To dislike someone or something very much
|
Detest
| To hate someone or something
| Deplore
| To dislike something very much, often because you think it is immoral
|
Abhor
| To dislike something very much, usually because you think it is immoral
| Abominate
| To hate something because you think it is extremely offensive, unpleasant, or wrong
|
Revile
| To hate and criticize someone or something very much
| Execrate
| Feel or express great loathing for
|
Enmity
| A feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism
| Resentment
| The feeling of displeasure or indignation at some act, remark, person, etc regarded as causing injury or insult
|
Antipathy
| A natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion
| Malevolence
| The quality, state, or feeling of being malevolent; ill will; malice; hatred
|
Hate (verb/noun): To dislike someone or something very much; intense or passionate dislike
Tired
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Exhausted
| Extremely tired and without enough energy to do anything else
| Weary
| Very tired, especially because of hard work or activity
|
Drowsy
| Feeling that you want to sleep
| Fatigued
| Feeling extremely tired, either physically or mentally
|
Run-Down
| So tired that one begins to not feel well
| Catatonic
| Not moving or thinking because of being completely bored or very tired
|
Dazed
| Unable to think clearly or understand what is happening because you are surprised, upset, tired, or have been hit on the head
| Enervated
| Feeling tired or weak
|
Frazzled
| (informal) Extremely tired, annoyed, and unable to deal with things
| Groggy
| Feeling tired, weak, or confused, especially because of sickness or not having enough sleep
|
Harried
| Tired and annoyed
| Lethargic
| Lacking energy and not wanting to do anything
|
Somnolent
| Feeling ready to sleep
| Spent
| Very tired
|
Torpid
| Lacking energy or enthusiasm
| Weary
| Tired and impatient about something
|
Tired (adjective): Needing to rest or sleep
Jealous
Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|
Envious
| Unhappy because you want something that someone else has or to do what someone else is doing
|
Covetous
| Wanting to have something that someone else has, especially money
|
Possessive
| Wanting to have all of someone's love and attention
|
Jealous (adjective): Unhappy because someone has something that you would like or can do something that you would like to do
Action Words
Action words, usually called "verbs," show what a person is doing in writing. Maybe the character goes from one side of the room to the other, or maybe they say something to another character. The people do things that have to be described in writing since there is no way to actually see or hear them.
Action words such as "run," "walk," and "said" are some of the most overused words in writing and they are very vague. How did they move through the creepy woods at night? In what way did the man speak to someone who made him angry? More specific verbs can be used to replace them!
Walk
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Amble
| To walk in a slow relaxed way
| Climb
| To walk to the top of something high
|
Clump
| To walk with heavy steps
| Continue
| To walk or travel farther in the same direction
|
Crawl
| To move along the ground on one's hands and knees
| File
| To walk in a line
|
Flounce
| To walk quickly in an impatient way, usually in anger
| Follow
| To walk, drive, etc behind someone in the same direction
|
Hike
| A long walk, especially in the country or wilderness; a sharp increase
| Lag
| To walk more slowly than someone who you are with
|
Lumber
| To walk slowly because of being large and heavy
| March
| To walk somewhere quickly and in a determined, confident, or angry way
|
Pace
| To walk with regular steps around a small area, because you are worried, nervous, or impatient
| Pad
| To walk with regular steps around a small area because you are worried, nervous, or impatient
|
Parade
| (showing disapproval) To walk around so that people will look and admire
| Patter
| To walk or run somewhere, making a series of short quiet sounds with your feet
|
Plod
| To walk with slow heavy steps
| Pound
| To walk or run with heavy and regular steps
|
Prance
| To walk or move in a lively confident way that may seem silly or annoying to others
| Prowl
| To walk around in a very nervous or angry way; also often associated with being predatory
|
Ramble
| To go for a long walk in the countryside for enjoyment
| Rove
| To move around an area without a definite direction or purpose
|
Sashay
| To walk somewhere in a relaxed and confident manner
| Saunter
| To walk in a slow and relaxed
|
Shamble
| To walk slowly in a tired or lazy way
| Shuffle
| To walk slowly and noisily without lifting your feet
|
Stalk
| To walk in a way that shows anger or offense
| Step
| To move by putting one foot down in front of the other
|
Stomp
| To walk making a lot of noise; usually done in anger
| Stray
| Move away aimlessly from a group or from the right course/path
|
Stride
| To walk with energy and confidence
| Stroll
| To walk without hurrying, often for pleasure
|
Strut
| To walk in an especially confident and proud way
| Swagger
| To walk in a proud and confident way
|
Tiptoe
| To walk on the toes as to be quiet
| Traipse
| To walk around slowly and without a specific direction
|
Trek
| To go on a long and difficult trip on foot
| Trot
| To walk with short quick steps; almost like jogging
|
Trudge
| To walk somewhere with slow heavy steps
| Waddle
| To walk with short steps that make the body move side to side like a duck
|
Wander
| To travel from place to place, especially on foot, without a particular direction or purpose
|
Walk (verb): To move forward by putting one foot in front of the other
Run
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Bolt
| To run in a sudden way, especially in fright
| Bound
| To run or jump taking large steps when you are full of energy or excitement
|
Caper
| To run or jump around happily
| Dash
| To run or go somewhere very quickly; when someone is in a hurry
|
Gambol
| To run, jump, and play like a young child or animal
| Jog
| To run at a slow steady speed
|
Lope
| To run with long slow steps
| Patter
| To walk or run somewhere, making a series of short quiet sounds with your feet
|
Pound
| To walk or run with heavy and regular steps
| Scamper
| To move quickly with small light steps
|
Scurry
| To move fast with small quick steps
| Scuttle
| To run somewhere with short quick steps
|
Skitter
| To move somewhere quickly and lightly
| Sprint
| To run, swim, etc at a very fast speed for a short period
|
Spurt
| To move somewhere or to do something suddenly and quickly
| Stampede
| Running in a fast and uncontrolled way in fear or excitement
|
Run (verb): To move quickly to a place using your legs and feet
Hit
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Bash
| (informal) To hit someone or something very hard, often causing injury or serious damage
| Batter
| To deliberately hit someone many times
|
Beat
| To hit someone violently several times
| Belt
| (informal) To hit someone or something very hard
|
Bludgeon
| To hit someone with your flat hand or a flat object
| Bombard
| To attack someone or something by hitting them with a lot of objects or hitting them many times
|
Bonk
| (informal) To hit someone gently on the head, or to accidentally hit one's head on something
| Bop
| To hit someone, typically on the head
|
Butt
| Hitting someone with the top of the head (head-butt)
| Chop
| To hit someone or something hard with the side of the hand
|
Clobber
| (informal) To hit someone very hard
| Clock
| (informal) To hit someone
|
Club
| To hit someone with a heavy object
| Crack
| To hit someone on the head with a lot of force
|
Cuff
| (mainly British) To hit someone with an open hand, usually to the head
| Deliver
| To hit them very hard with a blow or punch
|
Elbow
| To push or hit someone with the elbow
| Flail
| To hit someone many times with something such as a stick
|
Flay
| To hit or whip a person or animal severely, so that the skin is broken
| Knee
| To hurt someone by hitting them with the knee
|
Lash
| To hit a person or animal with a whip or thin stick, especially as a punishment
| Pummel
| To hit someone or something many times
|
Punch
| To hit someone or something with a fist
| Scourge
| To whip someone
|
Slap
| To hit someone or something quickly with the palm of the hand or a flat object, making a loud noise
| Smack
| To hit someone with the flat hand or object
|
Smite
| An old word meaning to hit someone or something very hard
| Spank
| To hit someone on their bottom with the palm of the hand
|
Strike
| To hit someone or something with the hand, a tool, or a weapon
| Stun
| To hit someone so hard on the head that they cannot defend themselves or they become unconscious for a short while
|
Thrash
| To hit someone hard several times, especially as a punishment
| Thump
| To hit someone or something with the fist
|
Wallop
| (informal) To hit someone or something very hard
| Whack
| (informal) To hit something with a lot of force
|
Whip
| To hit someone with whip or whip-like object
|
Hit (verb): To move your hand or an object onto someone's body with great force, so that they become hurt
Say
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Add
| Say as a further remark
| Allege
| State a fact or believe confidently and forcefully
|
Answer
| Communicate (a message or information)
| Apologize
| Say something in a solemn and emphatic manner
|
Assent
| Make secret or new information known
| Assert
| State a fact or belief confidently and forcefully
|
Babble
| Talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way
| Bellow
| A deep roaring shout or sound
|
Blurt
| Say (something) suddenly and without careful consideration
| Caution
| Say something as a warning
|
Cheer
| Shout for joy or in praise or encouragement
| Claim
| State or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof
|
Comfort
| Ease the grief or distress of; console
| Command
| Give an authoritative order
|
Conclude
| Arrive at a judgement or opinion by reasoning
| Confabulate
| (formal) Engage in conversation; talk
|
Conjecture
| For an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information
| Console
| Comfort (someone) at a time of grief or disappointment
|
Continue
| Carry on speaking after a pause or interruption
| Declare
| Say something in a solemn and emphatic manner
|
Demand
| Ask authoritatively or brusquely
| Descant
| Talk tediously or at length
|
Disclose
| Make (secret or new) information known
| Divulge
| Make (secret or new) information known
|
Drawl
| Speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds
| Enunciate
| Say or pronounce clearly
|
Exclaim
| Cry out suddenly, especially in surprise, anger, or pain
| Express
| Convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct
|
Gasp
| Inhale suddenly with the open, out of pain or astonishment
| Gossip
| Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true
|
Guess
| Estimate or suppose (something) without sufficient information to be sure of being correct
| Gush
| Speak or write with effusiveness or exaggerated enthusiasm
|
Hiss
| Make a sharp sibilant sound as of the letter 's'
| Imply
| Strongly suggest the truth or existence of something not expressly stated
|
Insinuate
| Suggest or hint (something bad or reprehensible) in an indirect and unpleasant way
| Insist
| Deman something forcefully, not accepting refusal
|
Jeer
| Make rude and mocking remarks, typically in a loud voice
| Jest
| Speak or act in a joking manner
|
Lament
| Express regret or disappointment over something considered unsatisfactory, unreasonable, or unfair
| Lecture
| Talk seriously or reprovingly to (someone)
|
Mumble
| Say something indistinctly and quietly, making it difficult for others to hear
| Murmur
| A softly spoken or almost inaudible utterance
|
Order
| An authoritative command, direction, or instruction
| Placate
| Make someone less angry or hostile
|
Prattle
| Talk at length in a foolish or inconsequential way
| Reassurance
| Say or do something to remove the doubts and fears of someone
|
Rebuke
| Express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone) because of their behavior or actions
| Recall
| Bring a fact, situation, or event back into one's mind, especially so as to recount it to others
|
Recite
| Repeat aloud or declaim something from memory
| Relate
| Give an account of; narrate
|
Relent
| Abandon or mitigate a harsh intention or cruel treatment
| Remark
| Say something as a comment
|
Repeat
| Say again
| Report
| Give a spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated
|
Resume
| Begin speaking again after a pause or interruption
| Reveal
| Make previously unknown or secret information known to others
|
Scold
| Remonstrate with or rebuke angrily
| Scream
| Urgently and vociferously call attention to one's views or feelings, especially ones of anger or distress
|
Shout
| Say something very loudly
| Sigh
| Emit a long, deep, audible breath expressing sadness, relief, tiredness, or a similar feeling
|
Snap
| Say something quickly and irritably to someone
| Sneer
| Smile or speak in a contemptuous or mocking manner
|
Sob
| Say while crying noisily
| Soothe
| Gently calm
|
Spat
| Utter in a hostile or aggressive way
| Squeal
| Say something in a high-pitched, excited tone
|
Stammer
| Speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial letters of words
| State
| Express something definitely or clearly in speech or writing
|
Stutter
| Utter with involuntary repetition of sounds
| Suggest
| Put forward for consideration. Can also mean to state or express something indirectly
|
Tease
| Make fun of or attempt to provoke in a playful way
| Tell
| Communicate information, facts, or news to someone in spoken or written words
|
Threaten
| Express one's intention to harm or kill
| Utter
| Say something aloud, though quietly
|
Urge
| Try earnestly or persistently to persuade someone to do something
| Verbalize
| Speak, especially at excessive length and with little real content
|
Voice
| Express something in words
| Whisper
| Speak very softly using one's breath without one's vocal cords, especially for the sake of privacy
|
Say (v): utter words so as to convey information, an opinion, a feeling or intention, or an instruction
Look
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Admire
| Regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval
| Analyze
| Examine methodically and in detail the constitution of something, typically for the purposes of explanation or interpretation
|
Appraise
| Assess the value or quality of
| Assess
| Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of
|
Beam
| Express an emotion with a radiant smile
| Behold
| See or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable or impressive one
|
Blink
| Try to control or prevent tears by shutting and opening the eyes quickly; react to something with surprise or disapproval
| Browse
| An act of casual looking or reading
|
Consider
| Look attentively at
| Examine
| Inspect something or someone in detail to determine their nature or condition; investigate thoroughly
|
Eye
| Look at or watch closely or with interest
| Flash
| Give a sift or sudden look
|
Follow
| To pay close attention to. To keep track of; trace the movement or direction of
| Glimpse
| See or perceive briefly or partially
|
Glower
| Have an angry or sullen look on one's face; scowl
| Inspect
| Look at someone or something closely, typically to assess their condition or to discover any shortcomings
|
Judge
| Form an opinion or conclusion about
| Leer
| Look pr gaze in an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious way
|
Monitor
| Maintain regular surveillance over
| Moon
| Act in a dreamily infatuated manner
|
Note
| Notice or pay particular attention to
| Observe
| Watch someone or something carefully and attentively
|
Ogle
| Stare at in a lecherous manner
| Peek
| A quick and typically furtive look
|
Peer
| Look keenly or with difficulty at someone or something
| Perceive
| Interpret or look on someone or something in a particular way; regard as
|
Probe
| Examine something or someone
| Rake
| Move across something with a long sweeping movement
|
Read
| Discern (a fact, emotion, or quality) in someone's eyes or expression
| Regard
| Gaze at steadily in a specified fashion
|
Scan
| Look at all parts of (something) carefully in order to detect some feature. Also to look quickly but not very thoroughly through in order to identify relevant information
| Scope
| Assess or investigate something
|
Scout
| Make a search for someone or something in various places
| Scrutinize
| Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly
|
Search
| Examine (a pace, vehicle, or person) thoroughly in order to find something or someone
| See
| Perceive with the eyes; discern visually
|
Skim
| Read (something) quickly or cursorily so as to note only the important points
| Spot
| See, notice, or recognize (someone or something) that is difficult to detect or that one is searching for
|
Spy
| Observe furtively
| Squint
| Look at someone or something with one or both eyes partly closed in an attempt to see more clearly or as a reaction to strong light
|
Stare
| A long fixed or vacant look
| Study
| Look at closely in order to observe or read
|
Survey
| Look carefully and thoroughly at someone or something, especially so as to appraise them
| Sweep
| Search (an area) for something
|
Watch
| Follow closely or maintain an interest in
| Wink
| Close and open one eye quickly, typically to indicate that something is a joke, secret, or as a signal of affection
|
Winnow
| Find or identify
| Witness
| See something take place
|
Look (verb): Direct one's gaze toward someone or something or in a specified direction
Laugh
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Cackle
| To laugh especially in harsh or sharp manner
| Chuckle
| To laugh quietly or inwardly
|
Chortle
| To laugh in a breathy, gleeful
| Giggle
| To laugh lightly in a nervous, affected, or silly manner
|
Guffawed
| A loud and boisterous laugh
| Hooted
| A short outburst of laughter
|
Howl
| To laugh loudly
| Roar
| To laugh loudly
|
Scoff
| To laugh and talk about a person or idea in a way that shows one thinks they are stupid or silly
| Snicker
| To give a smothered or half-suppressed laugh; usually done in a negative way
|
Snort
| An explosive sound made by the sudden forcing of breath through one's nose, used to express indignation, derision, or incredulity
| Spluttered
| To make a series of short explosive spotting or choking sounds
|
Titter
| To give a short, half-suppressed laugh
| Whooped
| A loud cry of joy or excitement
|
Laugh (verb): Make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement and sometimes also of contempt or derision
Smile
Synonyms
| Definition
| Synonyms
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Beam
| To have a big smile
| Cheese
| To smile, usually for a camera
|
Grin
| To smile broadly, especially in an unrestrained manner and with the mouth open
| Mug
| (informal) To make faces, especially silly or exaggerated ones, before an audience or camera
|
Simper
| To smile or gesture in an affectedly coquettish, coy, or ingratiating manner
| Smirk
| To smile in an irritatingly smug, conceited, or silly way
|
Sneer
| To smile, laugh, or contort the face in a manner that shows scorn or contempt
|
Went
Synonyms
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Approach
| Come near or nearer to something or someone in a distance
| Ascend
| Go up or climb
|
Barrel
| Drive or move fast, often heedless of surroundings or conditions
| Bounce
| Move in an energetic or happy manner
|
Clamber
| Climb, move, or get in/out of something in an awkward and laborious way
| Creep
| Move slowly and carefully
|
Cruise
| Drive or move fast, often heedless of surroundings or conditions
| Dance
| Move in a quick and lively way
|
Dart
| Move or run somewhere suddenly or rapidly
| Drift
| Walk slowly, aimlessly, or casually
|
Enter
| Come or go into a place
| Flee
| Run away from a place or situation
|
Flit
| Move swiftly and lightly
| Float
| Move or hover slowly and lightly in a liquid or the air; drift
|
Glide
| Move with a smooth continuous motion, typically with little noise
| Hurry
| Move or act with haste; rush
|
Inch
| Move slowly and carefully in a specified direction
| Leap
| Move quickly and suddenly
|
Meander
| Wander at random
| Progress
| Move forward or onward in a space or time
|
Recede
| Go or move back or further away from previous position
| Snake
| Move or extend with the twisting motion of a snake
|
Spring
| Move rapidly or suddenly from a constrained position by or if by the action of a spring
| Totter
| Move in a feeble or unsteady way
|
Vault
| Leap or spring while supporthing or propelling oneself with one or both hands, usually done with the help of a pole
| Whisk
| Take or move in a particular direction suddenly and quickly
|
Zoom
| Move or travel very quickly
|
Go (past tense: went): Move from one place or point to another; travel
Want
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Begrudge
| Envy (someone) the possession or enjoyment of (something)
| Covet
| Yearn to possess or have
|
Crave
| Feel a powerful desire for (something)
| Demand
| Pressing requirements
|
Desire
| A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen
| Envy
| A feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck
|
Fancy
| Feel a desire or liking for
| Hope
| Want something to happen or be the case
|
Longing
| A yearning desire
| Lust
| Have a very strong (sexual) desire for someone
|
Need
| Require (something) because it is essential or very important
| Seek
| Attempt or desire to obtain or achieve (something)
|
Starve
| Deprive of something necessary
| Wish
| Feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable; want something that cannot or probably will not happen
|
Yearn
| Have an intense feeling of longing for something, typically something that one has lost or been separated from
|
Want (verb): Have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for
Descriptive Words
Words that describe a person, place, or thing are called adjectives. They often describe how someone or something looks, how long something takes, how many of something there is, or the size of an object. Using words like "big" or "pretty" is fine, but they don't offer much of an image of something. When writing, the job of these words is to paint a picture in the reader's mind exactly what is being described.
So, are there "a lot" of zebras, or are there "a legion of zebras spread across the plains"?
A Lot
Synonyms
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Ample
| Enough or more than enough; plentiful
| Bunch
| A large number or quantity
|
Copious
| Abundant in supply or quantity
| Heaps
| An untidy collection of things piled up haphazardly
|
Infinite
| Limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate
| Legion
| A vast host, multitude, or number of people/things
|
Loads
| To indicate a large amount of something
| Many
| A large number of
|
Masses
| A coherent, typically large, body of matter with no definite shape
| Millions
| Several million things or people
|
Myriad
| A countless or extremely great number
| Numerous
| Great in number; many
|
Plenty
| A large or sufficient amount or quantity; more than enough
| Several
| More than two but not many. A smaller amount of something
|
Thousands
| An unspecified large number
| Vast
| of very great extent or quantity; immense.
|
A Lot: A large number or amount; a great deal
Pretty
Synonyms
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Adorable
| Inspiring great affection; delightful; charming
| Alluring
| Powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating; seductive
|
Angelic
| (of a person) Exceptionally beautiful, innocent, or kind
| Arresting
| Striking; eye-catching
|
Attractive
| Appealing to look at; sexually alluring
| Bewitching
| Enchant and delight (someone)
|
Bodacious
| Excellent, admirable, or attractive
| Breathtaking
| Astonishing or awe-inspiring in quality, so as to take one's breath away
|
Captivating
| Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming
| Charming
| Pleasant or attractive
|
Dazzling
| Extremely impressive, beautiful, or skillful
| Desirable
| Wanted or wished for as being an attractive, useful, or necessary course of action. In terms of people, it is often used to mean arousing sexual desire
|
Divine
| Excellent; delightful
| Dreamy
| Delightful; gorgeous
|
Elegant
| Pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner
| Enchanting
| Delightfully charming or attractive
|
Enthralling
| Capturing and holding one's attention; fascinating
| Entrancing
| Fill (someone) with wonder and delight, holding their entire attention
|
Ethereal
| Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world
| Exquisite
| Extremely beautiful and, typically, delicate
|
Fabulous
| Amazingly good; wonderful
| Fetching
| Attractive
|
Fine
| Worthy of or eliciting admiration
| Flawless
| Without any blemishes or imperfections; perfect
|
Glamorous
| Beauty or charm that is sexually attractive
| Glowing
| Feel deep pleasure or satisfaction and convey it through one's expression and bearing
|
Gorgeous
| Beautiful; very attractive.
| Heavenly
| Very pleasing; wonderful
|
Incomparable
| Without an equal in quality or extent; matchless
| Intoxicating
| Exhilarating or exciting
|
Lovely
| Exquisitely beautiful
| Otherworldly
| Unworldly (in appearance or beauty)
|
Pleasing
| Satisfying or appealing.
| Radiant
| Emanating powerfully from someone or something; very intense or conspicuous.
|
Ravishing
| Delightful; entrancing
| Refined
| Elegant and cultured in appearance, manner, or taste
|
Remarkable
| Worthy of attention; striking.
| Striking
| Dramatically good-looking or beautiful
|
Stunning
| Extremely impressive or attractive
| Stylish
| Fashionably elegant and sophisticated
|
Thrilling
| Cause (someone) to have a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure
| Vivacious
| (especially of a woman) Attractively lively and animated
|
Pretty (adjective): Attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful or handsome
Nice
Synonyms
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Admirable
| Arousing or deserving respect and approval
| Affable
| Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to
|
Amiable
| Having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner
| Amusing
| Causing laughter and providing entertainment
|
Appealing
| Attractive or interesting
| Benevolent
| Well meaning and kindly
|
Caring
| Displaying kindness and concern for others
| Charismatic
| Exercising a compelling charm which inspires devotion in others
|
Charming
| Pleasant or attractive
| Considerate
| Careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others
|
Delightful
| Causing delight; charming
| Distinguished
| Showing dignity or authority in one's appearance or manner
|
Enjoyable
| (of an activity or occasion) Giving delight or pleasure
| Entertaining
| Providing amusement or enjoyment
|
Fair
| In accordance with the rules or standards; legitimate
| Fascinating
| Extremely interesting
|
Friendly
| Kind and pleasant
| Gracious
| Courteous, kind, and pleasant
|
Gregarious
| (of a person) Fond of company; sociable
| Honest
| Simple, unpretentious, and unsophisticated
|
Humble
| Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance
| Interesting
| Arousing curiosity or interest; holding or catching the attention
|
Kind
| Having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature
| Lovely
| Very pleasant or enjoyable; delightful
|
Marvelous
| Extremely good or pleasing; splendid
| Peaceful
| (of a person) Inclined to avoid conflict; not aggressive
|
Pleasant
| (of a person or their manner) Friendly and considerate; likable
| Polite
| Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people
|
Satisfying
| Giving fulfillment or the pleasure associated with this
| Tender
| Showing gentleness and concern or sympathy
|
Thoughtful
| Showing consideration for the needs of other people
| Unassuming
| Not pretentious or arrogant; modest
|
Virtuous
| Having or showing high moral standards
| Welcoming
| Behaving in a polite or friendly way to a guest or new arrival
|
Wonderful
| Inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good; marvelous
|
Nice (adjective): Pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory
Hard
Synonyms
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Abstract
| Disassociation from a practical reference that would aid in comprehension
| Abstruse
| Difficult because of technical considerations
|
Arduous
| Great physical exertion
| Augean
| Unpleasantly, overwhelmingly hard
|
Arduous
| Great physical exertion
| Backbreaking
| Tiring and often dispiriting physical work
|
Brutal
| Unpleasantly difficult
| Challenging
| Requiring special effort; can be positive or negative
|
Daunting
| Inspiring a feeling of great difficulty
| Grueling
| Requiring unrelenting or extreme effort
|
Intimidating
| So difficult that the task or prospect inspired fear or hopelessness
| Labored/Laborious
| Requiring wearying physical or mental exertion
|
Oppressive
| Harshly difficult
| Overwhelming
| Too hard to do or bear without suffering
|
Punishing
| Difficulty heedless of consequences of physical or mental strain
| Recondite
| Difficult to comprehend because of obscurity or the need to possess more knowledge
|
Rigorous
| Difficulty caused by conditions of inflexibility or requirements of great precision
| Severe
| Difficult because of the nature of requirements or constraints or because of the need to expend great effort
|
Trying
| Requiring great endurance
|
Hard (adj): with a great deal of effort
Big
Synonym
| Definition
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Ample
| Large and accombodating
| Astronomical
| (informal) Extremely large
|
Broad
| Large in area; spacious
| Bulky
| Taking up much space, typically inconveniently, large and unwieldy
|
Capacious
| Having a lot of space inside; roomy
| Colossal
| Extremely large
|
Considerable
| Notably large in size, amount, or extent
| Cosmic
| Inconceivably vast
|
Elephantine
| Of, resembling, or characteristic of an elephant or elephants, especially in being large, clumsy, or awkward
| Enormous
| Very large in size, quantity, or extent
|
Extended
| Made larger; enlarged
| Extensive
| Large in amount or scale
|
Giant
| Of very great size or force; gigantic
| Immense
| Extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree
|
Large
| Of considerable or relatively great size, extent, or capacity
| Leviathan
| A thing that is very large or powerful, especially a ship
|
Macroscopic
| Visible to the naked eye; not microscopic
| Major
| Important, serious, or significant
|
Massive
| Large and heavy or solid
| Monstrous
| Extremely and dauntingly large
|
Over-sized
| Bigger than the usual size
| Significant
| Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy
|
Spacious
| (especially of a room or building) Having ample space
| Substantial
| Of considerable importance, size, or worth
|
Titanic
| Of exceptional strength, size, or power
| Tremendous
| Very great in amount, scale, or intensity
|
Voluminous
| Loose and ample
| Whopping
| Very large
|
Big (adj): of considerable size, extent, or intensity
Smart
Synonyms
| Definitions
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Astute
| Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage
| Bright
| (of a person, idea, or remark) Intelligent and quick-witted
|
Brilliant
| Exceptionally clever or talented
| Calculating
| Acting in a scheming and ruthlessly determined way
|
Clever
| Quick to understand, learn, and devise or apply ideas; intelligent
| Discerning
| Having or showing good judgment
|
Educated
| Having been educated
| Erudite
| Having or showing great knowledge or learning
|
Facetious
| Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant
| Genius
| Exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability
|
Ingenious
| (of a person) Clever, original, and inventive
| Intelligent
| Having or showing intelligence, especially of a high level
|
Intuitive
| Using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive
| Logical
| Characterized by or capable of clear, sound reasoning
|
Perceptive
| Having or showing sensitive insight
| Pragmatic
| Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
|
Precocious
| (of a child) Having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual
| Scholarly
| Involving or relating to serious academic study
|
Sharp
| Having or showing speed of perception, comprehension, or response
| Shrewd
| Having or showing sharp powers of judgement; astute
|
Wise
| Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgement
| Witty
| Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor
|
Smart (adj): Having or showing a quick-witted intelligence
Slow
Synonyms
| Definitions
| Synonym
| Definition
|
|---|---|---|---|
Behind
| Less advanced than (someone else) in achievement or development
| Creeping
| Occuring or developing gradually and almost imperceptibly
|
Gradual
| Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees
| Leisurely
| Acting or done at leisure; unhurried or relaxed
|
Lethargic
| Sluggish or apathetic
| Prolonged
| Continuing for a long time or longer than usual; lengthy
|
Sluggish
| Slow-moving or inactive
|
Slow (adj): taking a long time to perform a specified action
Suddenly
Synonym
| Define
| Synonym
| Define
|
|---|---|---|---|
Abruptly
| Suddenly and unexpectedly
| Immediately
| At once; instantly
|
Instantaneously
| Instantly; at once
| Promptly
| With little or no delay; immediately
|
Swiftly
| Without delay; after a very short time
| Unexpectedly
| In a way that was not expected or regarded as likely
|
Suddenly (adverb): Quickly and unexpectedly
Questions & Answers
© 2019 Caitlyn Booth
Comments
This is a really informative article with lots of alternative words to improve your writing skills. Thank you for sharing.
Great list here. It's been a while since I've seen gambol! Am trying to finish a story and found "bleak" to use in it, a wonderful old word that says so much more than" things looked bad". :)
