Writers know more than enough words to tell a story, but sometimes you want to emphasize a word, and the only way you can think of doing it, is to use the word ‘very’. Avoiding the use of ‘very’ can make your writing even stronger.
Below is a list of words you can use to replace ‘very’ in your text.
As always, consult your dictionary if you are not sure about the proper meaning of the word and whether it will fit your text.
| Avoid ‘very…’ | Rather say |
| accurate | precise, exact, unimpeachable, perfect, flawless |
| afraid | terrified, fearful, alarmed |
| aggresive | forceful, overconfident, insistent, hardline |
| amazed | astounded, flabbergasted, astonished, shocked |
| angry | furious, irate, enraged, incensed, fuming, livid |
| annoying | exasperating, frustrating, irritating, |
| anxious | furious, irate, enraged, incensed, fuming, livid |
| aware | conscious, savvy, apprised, mindful, cognizant |
| bad | awful, deplorable, appalling, rotten, miserable, atrocious |
| basic | rudimentary, primary, fundamental, simple |
| beautiful | exquisite, gorgeous, stunning, magnificent |
| big | immense, massive, bulky |
| bloody | gory, brutal, barbarous, savage, murderous |
| bony | skeletal, angular, spindly, gaunt, emaciated |
| boring | dull, tedious, dreary, uninteresting, mind-numbing |
| bright | dazzling, luminous, briljant, radiant, blinding, intense |
| busy | swamped, active, bustling, engaged |
| calm | serene, hushed, peaceful, tranquil |
| capable | accomplished, efficient, competent, adept, proficient, skillful |
| careful | cautious, meticulous, fastidious, precise, scrupulous |
| caring | compassionate, kind, attentive, sympathetic |
| cheap | stingy, affordable, |
| civil | polite, courteous, respectful, cultured, mannerly |
| clean | spotless, immaculate, stainless, shining, hygienic |
| clear | obvious, transparent, sheer, translucent, glassy, crystal |
| clever | astute, brilliant, shrewd, ingenious, crafty, sharp |
| cold | freezing, frigid, bitter, icy, glacialm frosty, polar |
| colorful | vibrant, kaleidoscopic, variegated, vivid |
| competitive | cutthroat, ambitious, driven, bloodthirsty |
| complete | comprehensive, entire, integral, whole |
| concerned | worried, troubled, upset, distressed, agitated |
| confident | poised, cool, self-assured, self-reliant, secure |
| confused | perplexed, baffled, befuddled, mystified, clueless, dazed |
| conscious | deliberate, intentional, premeditated, willful |
| consistent | constant, unfailing, uniform, harmonious, same |
| contrary | belligerent, argumentative, confrontational |
| conventional | conservative, common, predictable, unoriginal |
| corrupt | fraudulent, crooked, unethical, dishonest, rotten |
| creamy | velvety, buttery, rich, smooth, milky, greasy |
| creative | innovative, imaginative, ingenious, inventive |
| creepy | unnerving, skin-crawling, spooky, sinister, weird |
| critical | vital, crucial, essential, indispensable, integral |
| crowded | bustling, brimming, jammed, loaded, stuffed |
| crunchy | crispy, brittle, crackling, gravelly, crusty, gritty |
| curious | inquisitive, nosy, prying, snoopy, quizzical |
| cute | adorable, endearing, delightful, pretty, charming |
| dangerous | perilous, precarious, unsafe, treacherous, dicey |
| dark | black, inky, ebony, sooty, lightless, starless, unlit |
| dear | cherished, precious, priceless |
| decent | civilized, upright, courteous, respectable, noble |
| deep | abysmal, bottomless, cavernous, yawning, vast, profound |
| deformed | twisted, contorted, misshapen, mutilated |
| delicate | subtle, slight, fragile, frail, flimsy, insubstantial |
| depressed | despondent, downhearted, gloomy, miserable, wretched |
| desperate | frantic, fraught, grave, serious, hopeless, dire |
| detailed | meticulous, thorough, minute |
| determined | resolute, adamant, obstinate, tenacious, dogged |
| different | unusual, distinctive, atypical, dissimilar, unlike, disparate |
| difficult | complicated, complex, demanding, arduous |
| dirty | filthy, foul, grimy, polluted, squalid, dilapidated |
| disagreeable | contrary, obnoxious, offensive, repugnant, rude |
| dismal | miserable, cheerless, depressing, morbid |
| distinct | clear, definite, patent, evident, apparent |
| dramatic | theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic, vivid |
| dry | arid, parched, sere, dehydrated, withered |
| dubious | suspicious, skeptical, cynical, unconvinced |
| dull | tedious, arid, boring, ponderous, wearisome |
| eager | impatient, ardent, fervent, keen, earnest |
| easy | effortless, uncomplicated, unchallenging, simple |
| educational | enlightening, edifying, informative, revealing |
| efficient | competent, proficient, resourceful, able |
| embarrassed | mortified, humiliated, discomfited, ashamed |
| emotional | demonstrative, sensitive, temperamental |
| empty | desolate, devoid, barren, impassive, numb |
| enthusiastic | zealous, eager, fervent, vehement, ebullient |
| excited | thrilled, frenzied, hyperactive, enthused |
| exciting | exhilarating, electrifying, thrilling, breathtaking |
| expensive | costly, exorbitant, overpriced, extravagant |
| fair | equitable, impartial, neutral, nonpartisan |
| faithful | loyal, devoted, staunch, unwavering, stalwart |
| familiar | common, established, typical, traditional |
| famous | renowned, eminent, legendary, celebrated |
| fancy | lavish, excessive, sophisticated, complex |
| far | distant, remote, isolated, secluded, extrasolar |
| fast | rapid, swift, fleet, blistering, supersonic |
| fat | obese, corpulent, rotund, blubbery, round |
| fertile | prolific, productive, fruitful, rich, lush, fecund |
| few | meager, scarce, scant, limited, negligible |
| fierce | vicious, ferocious, savage, keen, intense, feral |
| firm | solid, hard, rigid, set, frozen, unyielding |
| fizzy | effervescent, frothy, foamy, sudsy |
| fluffy | downy, fuzzy, fleecy, feathery, cottony |
| fond | devoted, attentive, enamored, doting |
| fragile | tenuous, unstable, precarious, frail, delicate |
| friendly | gregarious, outgoing, chummy, demonstrative, amiable |
| frightened | alarmed, horrified, shocked, spooked, |
| frightening | terrifying, alarming, horrendous, intimidating |
| frustrating | exasperating, infuriating, disheartening, vexing |
| full | overflowing, bursting, crammed, packed, sated |
| funny | hilarious, hysterical, sidesplitting, rollicking |
| glad | overjoyed, delighted, pleased, tickled, satisfied |
| good | superb, superior, excellent, outstanding |
| graceful | flowing, supple, lithe, willowy, lissome |
| great | terrific, sublime, awesome, expert, masterly |
| greedy | gluttonous, avaricious, materialistic, insatiable |
| hairy | hirsute, shaggy, furry, bushy, unshaven |
| happy | ecstatic, overjoyed, euphoric, blissful, elated, jubilant |
| hard | inflexible, stony, steely, unyielding, tough, rigid, difficult |
| healthy | hale, hardy, flourishing, fit, robust, vigorous |
| heavy | leaden, ponderous, weighty, dense, hefty |
| helpful | supportive, obliging, accommodating, invaluable |
| high | soaring, elevated, increased, advanced, progressive |
| honest | candid, sincere, authentic, forthright, frank |
| hot | burning, scalding, blistering, scorching, searing, sweltering |
| huge | colossal, astronomical, humongous, massive, monumental, tremendous |
| hungry | starving, famished, ravenous, hollow, voracious |
| hurt | battered, distressed, tormented, tortured, damaged |
| ill | infirm, bedridden, frail, terminal, incurable |
| immature | childish, infantile, naive, jejune, callow, green |
| immoral | depraved, decadent, debauched, iniquitous |
| important | crucial, vital, essential, paramount, imperative |
| impressive | extraordinary, remarkable, awe-inspiring |
| inebriated | intoxicated, drunk, soused, smashed, plastered |
| informal | casual, unceremonious, easygoing, simple |
| intelligent | brainy, clever, bright, gifted, intellectual, astute, brilliant |
| intense | severe, extreme, fierce, overpowering, acute |
| interesting | fascinating, remarkable, riveting, compelling, captivating |
| jealous | envious, resentful, grudging, green, bitter |
| juicy | succulent, moist, ripe, luscious, fleshy, syrupy |
| large | huge, humongous, mammoth, gargantuan, colossal |
| lavish | excessive, opulent, posh, luxurious, sumptuous |
| lazy | indolent, slothful, negligent, idle |
| light | buoyant, insubstantial, weightless, airy, ethereal |
| likely | expected, imminent, probable, unavoidable |
| little | tiny, slight, petty, brief, short |
| lively | energetic, vivacious, exuberant, spirited |
| logical | rational, cogent, credible, consistent, sound |
| lonely | isolated, deserted, forlorn, solitary, abandoned |
| long | extended, extensive, interminable, protracted |
| long-term | enduring, extended, lengthy |
| loose | slack, insecure, unsecured, relaxed |
| loud | deafening, thunderous, booming, blaring |
| loved | adored, precious, cherished, revered, beloved |
| lucky | charmed, blessed, favored, fortunate, fluky |
| mean | cruel, brutal, average, intermediate |
| messy | slovenly, sloppy, cluttered, jumbled, unkempt |
| moody | morose, temperamental, unstable, changeable |
| much | plenty, oceans, heaps, scads, oodles, loads |
| much so | of course, okay, yes, absolutely, precisely |
| musical | melodic, melodious, harmonious, dulcet |
| near | handy, close-by, alongside, convenient, nearby |
| neat | orderly, tidy, uncluttered, immaculate, spotless |
| necesssary | essential, compulsory, mandatory, certain, inescapable |
| negative | pessimistic, defeatist, cynical, critical, fatalistic |
| nervous | apprehensive, edgy, insecure, troubled, worried |
| new | novel, innovative, fresh, original, cutting-edge |
| nice | enjoyable, pleasant, agreeable, satisfying |
| noisy | deafening, rackety, showy, resounding |
| numerous | abundant, copious, myriad, profuse |
| obvious | apparent, clear, evident, plain, visible |
| occasionally | seldom, rarely, infrequently, sporadically |
| often | frequently, continually, oftentimes, repeatedly |
| old | grizzled, aged, hoary, ancient, grey, decrepit |
| old-fashioned | archaic, antique, quaint, vintage |
| open | transparent, unobstructed, public, exposed, direct |
| opinionated | dogmatic, cocksure, biased, partisan |
| optimistic | enthusiastic, buoyant, encouraged, positive |
| painful | excruciating, agonizing, searing, unbearable |
| pale | white, pallid, ashen, sallow, colorless, pasty |
| perfect | flawless, absolute, immaculate, unblemished |
| persuasive | convincing, believable, compelling, charming |
| pleasant | satisfying, fulfilling, rewarding, gratifying |
| poor | destitute, indigent, penniless, impoverished |
| popular | trendy, fashionable, admired, prevalent |
| positive | optimistic, upbeat, affirmative, constructive |
| powerful | compelling, influential, potent, significant |
| practical | realistic, sensible, functional, doable, viable |
| presentable | shipshape, well-groomed, tidy, personable |
| pretty | beautiful, enjoyable, becoming, attractive, handsome |
| pure | unadulterated, wholesome, pristine, clean |
| quick | rapid, swift, exceptional, brilliant, intelligent |
| quiet | noiseless, silent, still, hushed, soundless |
| rainy | pouring, stormy |
| rare | scarce, sparse, unique, exceptional, peerless |
| realistic | genuine, credible, authentic, rational, true |
| reasonable | equitable, judicious, sensible, practical, fair |
| recent | the latest, current, fresh, up-to-date |
| relevant | germane, pertinent, appropriate, significant |
| religious | spiritual, devout, pious, fervent, dedicated |
| responsible | dependable, conscientious, reliable, steadfast |
| rich | wealthy, affluent, opulent, loaded |
| risky | perilous, hazardous, treacherous, precarious |
| roomy | spacious, expansive, vast, palatial, commodious |
| rough | coarse, jagged, rugged, craggy, gritty, broken |
| rowdy | boisterous, disorderly, raucous, unruly, wild |
| rude | vulgar, insolent, offensive, derogatory, boorish |
| sad | desolate, disconsolate, wretched, dejected |
| safe | harmless, benign, secure, protected, sheltered |
| same | identical, matching, indistinguishable, exact |
| sassy | impertinent, cheeky, insolent, disrespectful |
| scared | terrified, petrified, terror-stricken, panicked |
| scary | chilling, dreadful, fearsome, intimidating |
| serious | solemn, somber, stern, dour, melancholy, grim, grave |
| severe | acute, grave, critical, serious, brutal, relentless |
| sexy | seductive, steamy, provocative, erotic, sensual |
| shaky | tremulous, quaking, vibrating, unsteady |
| sharp | keen, perceptive, sensitive |
| shiny | gleaming, dazzling, radiant, splendid |
| short | stubby, squat, dwarf, diminutive, petite |
| shy | timid, backward, introverted, withdrawn |
| significant | key, noteworthy, momentous, major, vital |
| silky | sleek, smooth, satiny, glossy, lustrous, shiny |
| similar | alike, akin, analogous, comparable, equivalent |
| simple | easy, straightforward, effortless, uncomplicated, basic |
| skinny | skeletal, bony, slender |
| slow | sluggish, sedate, plodding, creeping, snail-like |
| small | tiny, miniscule, infinitesimal, microscopic, wee, petite |
| smooth | flat, glassy, polished, level, even, unblemished, sleek |
| soft | malleable, yielding, spongy, muted, doughy, downy |
| sorry | remorseful, repentant, penitent, contrite, apologetic |
| sour | acerbic, tart, vinegary, biting, harsh, caustic |
| special | exceptional, cherished, beloved |
| specific | precise, exact, explicit, definite, unambiguous |
| stinky | putrid, fetid, rank, rancid, putrescent, noxious |
| strange | weird, eerie, bizarre, uncanny, peculiar, odd |
| strict | stern, austere, severe, rigorous, harsh, rigid |
| strong | muscular, brawny, rugged, powerful, tough, unyielding, forceful |
| stupid | idiotic, dense, vacuous, ridiculous, inane |
| substantial | considerable, significant, extensive, ample |
| successful | lucrative, productive, thriving, prosperous |
| sudden | unexpected, abrupt, precipitous, unforeseen |
| suitable | appropriate, fitting, seemly, proper, correct |
| sure | positive, persuaded, certain, convinced, absolute |
| suspicious | skeptical, distrustful, wary, guarded, leery |
| sweet | syrupy, sugary, honeyed, cloying, candied |
| tactile | touchable, palpable, physical, perceptible |
| tall | towering, lofty, multistory, soaring, statuesque |
| tame | docile, submissive, meek, compliant, subdued |
| tasty | delectable, mouthwatering, scrumptious, divine, delicious |
| tempting | irresistible, enticing, tantalizing, alluring |
| tense | overwrought, rigid, taut, strained, agitated |
| terrible | dreadful, horrendous, horrific, shocking |
| thin | gaunt, scrawny, emaciated, haggard, skeletal |
| tight | constricting, impenetrable, compact, rigid |
| tiny | minuscule, miniature, microscopic |
| tired | exhausted, spent, frazzled, bushed, drained |
| traditional | conventional, established, customary, habitual |
| treacherous | traitorous, disloyal, unfaithful, perfidious |
| ugly | hideous, revolting, repugnant, grotesque |
| unfair | unjust, bigoted, prejudiced, inequitable |
| unhappy | miserable, heartbroken, wretched, downhearted |
| unlikely | improbable, implausible, doubtful, dubious |
| unusual | abnormal, extraordinary, uncommon, unique |
| upset | distraught, anxious, jumpy, troubled |
| useful | expedient, effective, nifty, handy, valuable |
| valuable | precious, priceless, treasured, inestimable |
| violent | abusive, savage, barbarous, cutthroat, cruel |
| visible | conspicuous, exposed, obvious, prominent |
| warm | stifling, hot, sultry, sweltering, oppressive |
| wary | skeptical, suspicious, leery, vigilant, distrustful |
| weak | feeble, frail, delicate, debilitated, fragile, sickly |
| well | superb, fine, fabulous, all right, okay, good |
| wet | saturated, soaked, waterlogged, sopping |
| wicked | evil, sinful, villainous, nefarious, fiendish |
| wide | vast, expansive, sweeping, boundless, distended |
| widespread | extensive, pervasive, prevalent, rampant |
| wild | untamed, feral, unmanageable, uncontrollable |
| willing | eager, amenable, prompt, unforced |
| windy | roaring, blustery, turbulent, howling, wild |
| wise | sagacious, sage, astute, enlightened, shrewd |
| worried | distressed, distraught, overwrought, upset, anxious |
| young | undeveloped, fledgling, immature, budding |
| zealous | driven, ambitious, motivated, passionate |
Image from The Writing Piazza
I love this list and know I will come back to it – after all why say “very xxx” with two words when you can do it with one. Brilliant. I know I use “very” to often so each time I write it I am going to check out this post…
I feel like this may have been written for me, lol. I am very bad (terrible, see I can learn) for using very!