Want to Become a Better Writer? Replace These 30 Overused Words with Their 800 + Synonyms.
Arnaba is a professional content writer. She is here to share her experience in impressive and effective writing skills and strategies.
I assume you want to become a better writer because you are reading this article. However, becoming a better writer is an arduous ordeal. You have to learn the science of writing to be able to apply it artistically.
There are many rules of writing, many words to learn, and many possible ways to express or convey your thoughts. However, there is one way you can enhance your writing: stop using the same words over and over again.
Just the way I did in the previous paragraph. I have used “many” too many times.
Let me rewrite that sentence:
“There are several rules of writing, countless words to learn, and numerous possible ways to express or convey your thoughts.”
Can you see the difference? Using synonyms always helps you to improve your writing style and become a finer writer.
There are some specific overused words that you will find in various articles. To help you avoid the overuse of these words, here come approximately 800 synonyms to 30 commonly overused words.
Many
Countless | Abounding | Bounteous | Thousands |
Crowded | Numerous | Plentiful | Tons |
Populous | Umpteen | Uncounted | Piles |
Varied | Various | Several | Oodles |
Multiplied | Multifold | Numberless | Jillion |
Mass | Manifold | Heaps |
New
Advanced | Recent | Fresh | Original |
Brand- New | Contemporary | Current | Recent |
Different | Late | Modern | Strange |
Distinct | Unfamiliar | Unusual | Unique |
Latest | Fresh | Refreshed | Afresh |
Other
Alternative | More | New | Another |
Extra | Else | Additional | Added |
Spare | Supplementary | Further | Farther |
Different | Separate | Contrasting | Disparate |
Divergent | Distinct | Distant | Dissimilar |
Good
Pleasant | Fine | Acceptable | Excellent |
Marvelous | Favorable | Brilliant | Brilliant |
Positive | Satisfactory | Valuable | Wonderful |
Reliable | Proper | Efficient | Exceptional |
Talented | Decent | Appropriate | Desirable |
Best
Finest | First | Outstanding | Overcome |
Leading | Perfect | Terrific | Outclass |
First-Rate | Tough | Most | Surpass |
Biggest | Extremely | Outshine | Outdo |
More
Also | Additional | Greater | Extra |
Other | New | Higher | Further |
Spare | And | Added | Another |
Increase | Increase | Increase | Besides |
Enhanced | Extended | Expanded | Augmented |
Over | Too | Furthermore | Moreover |
Important
Critical | Decisive | Essential | Crucial |
Imperative | Imperative | Extensive | Vital |
Meaningful | Meaningful | Paramount | Relevant |
Noteworthy | Urgent | Significant | Serious |
Effective | Extraordinary | Prominent | Remarkable |
Great
Enormous | Extreme | High | Huge |
Terrible | Strong | Immense | Big |
Tremendous | Vast | Excellent | Fine |
Impressive | Heroic | Grand | Glorious |
Major | Outstanding | Remarkable | Talented |
Superlative | Superior | Noble | Notable |
Awesome | Best | Exceptional | Admirable |
Good | Fine | Fantastic | Absolute |
Marvelous | Perfect | Positive | Terrific |
Proficient | Wonderful | Tremendous | Tough |
First
Early | Beginning | Ancient | Cardinal |
Pioneer | Original | Initial | Antecedent |
Premier | Primary | Inaugural | Elementary |
Opening | Fundamental | Primitive | Introductory |
Dominant | Arch | Champion | Foremost |
Leading | Chief | Main | Principal |
Outstanding | Paramount | Predominant |
Bad
Poor | Lousy | Unacceptable | Awful |
Cheap | Atrocious | Dreadful | Creepy |
Rough | Sad | Dis-Satisfactory | Abominable |
Defective | Incorrect | Substandard | Unsatisfactory |
Imperfect | Inferior | Inadequate | Detrimental |
Dangerous | Damaging | Unhealthy | Wrong |
Evil | Villainous | Unruly | Mischievousness |
Decayed | Rotten | Sour | Spoiled |
Severe | Distressing | Disastrous | Harsh |
Unfavorable | Unfortunate | Grim | Intense |
Ill | Sick | Grave | Terrible |
Serious | Painful | Unpleasant | Gloomy |
A Comprehensive Guide to Synonyms and Antonyms By The Oxford Dictionary
Big
Colossal | Considerable | Enormous | Bulky |
Gigantic | Hefty | Huge | Capacious |
Immense | Massive | Sizable | Mammoth |
Substantial | Tremendous | Vast | Oversize |
Monstrous | Packed | Roomy | Jumbo |
Large | Spacious | Stuffed | Voluminous |
Generous | Tall | Magnanimous |
Funny
Amusing | Enjoyable | Entertaining | Joker |
Lively | Pleasant | Hilarious | Laughter |
Boisterous | Merry | Witty | Jest |
Happy
Cheerful | Contented | Delighted | Pleased |
Ecstatic | Elated | Glad | Upbeat |
Joyful | Jubilant | Lively | Chirpy |
Merry | Overjoyed | Peaceful | Thrilled |
Playful | Perky | Blissful | Blissful |
Gleeful |
Know
Experience | Learn | Perceive | Take Account Of |
Realize | Recognize | See | Acquainted |
Fathom | Acknowledge | Comprehend | Fraternize |
Cognizant | Conceive | Understand |
Laugh
Chuckle | Giggle | Grin | Chortle |
Howl | Roar | Snort | Shriek |
Smirk | Scream | Burst | Snicker |
Radiate | Smile | Gleam | Glow |
Snigger | Cackle | Grimace | Mock |
Scoff |
Like
Admire | Appreciate | Go For | Related |
Love | Adore | Approve | Allying |
Cherish | Dig | Esteem | Prefer |
Fancy | Relish | Savor | Want |
Prize | Alike | Comparable | Desire |
Little
Insufficient | Limited | Meager | Babyish |
Scant | Slight | Brief | Cramped |
Mini | Wee | Microscopic | Petite |
Teeny | Tiny | Small | Undersized |
Underdeveloped |
Look
View | Glance | Glimpse | Scrutinize |
Peek | Review | Stare | Sight |
Gaze | Introspect | Inspect | Slant |
Attention | Notice | Observe | Squint |
Study | See | Watch | Survey |
Ogle | Spot | Spy | Scan |
Gape | Eye | Seek | Overlook |
Mad
Frantic | Frenzied | Absurd | Unstable |
Demented | Delirious | Kooky | Crazy |
Nutty | Foolish | Psychotic | Insane |
Crazed | Imprudent | Cuckoo | Angry |
Daft | Lunatic | Deranged | Agitated |
Resentful | Furious | Excited | Distraught |
Frenetic | Fuming | Berserk | Infuriated |
Irritated | Raging | Enraged | Nuts |
Nice
Likeable | Agreeable | Fair | Amiable |
Good | Okay | Superior | Precise |
Cordial | Polite | Gentle | Neat |
Fine | Tidy | Trim | Right |
Pretty
Beautiful | Charming | Cute | Cheerful |
Elegant | Graceful | Handsome | Darling |
Lovely | Neat | Pleasant | Delightful |
Sad
Bitter | Mournful | Melancholy | Grieved |
Dismal | Pessimistic | Sorry | Weeping |
Sorrowful | Wistful | Heartbroken | Grief- Stricken |
Gloomy | Distressed | Despondent | Pensive |
Bad | Dark | Depressing | Tragic |
Miserable | Pathetic | Pitiful | Unhappy |
Tearful | Poignant | Regrettable | Saddening |
Said
Say | Speak | Utter | Assert |
Voice | Vocalize | State | Express |
Declare | Announce | Remark | Communicate |
Observe | Reply | Respond | Tell |
Answer | Comment | Note | Convey |
Rejoin | Added | Whisper | Imply |
Mutter | Mumble | Claim | Denote |
Propose | Offer | Plead | Disclose |
Recite | Repeat | Orate | Hypothesize |
Ugly
Awful | Grisly | Grotesque | Loathsome |
Unattractive | Unseemly | Unsightly | Repelling |
Appalling | Beastly | Deformed | Repulsive |
Disfigured | Gross | Frightful | Horrid |
Sordid | Shocking | Messy | Nasty |
Terrible | Disgusting | Despicable |
Very
Actual | Real | Exact | Hugely |
Appropriate | Authentic | Bare | Excessively |
Genuine | Absolutely | Awfully | Overly |
Certainly | Deeply | Extremely | Immensely |
Exceeding | Especially | Vastly |
Went
Flee | Fly | Move | Continue |
Pass | Retire | Leave | Reach |
Travel | Walk | Approach | Range |
Abscond | Escape | Journey | Come |
Exit | Depart | Run | Turn |
Advance | Remove |
Thing
Anything | Object | Concept | Machine |
Concern | Element | Item | Action |
Material | Matter | Information | Doing |
Fact | Part | Phenomenon | Event |
Situation | Stuff | Person | Task |
Piece | Point | Word | Detail |
Article | Device | Creature | Factor |
Idea | Feature | Quality | Thought |
Attribute |
Beautiful
Alluring | Appealing | Charming | Enticing |
Cute | Dazzling | Delicate | Sightly |
Fascinating | Exquisite | Elegant | Sublime |
Delightful | Gorgeous | Graceful | Ideal |
Marvelous | Handsome | Lovely | Divine |
Magnificent | Pleasing | Splendid | Admirable |
Pretty | Stunning | Wonderful | Radiant |
Superb | Grand | Fine | Ravishing |
And
Furthermore | Also | Moreover | As Well As |
Plus | Along | With | Together With |
Besides | Further | Too | Including |
Along With |
|
|
Able
Adept | Adequate | Apt | Effectual |
Capable | Competent | Easy | Savvy |
Smart | Intelligent | Agile | Practiced |
Equipped | Fitted | Worthy | Masterful |
Bright | Dexterous | Alert | Masterly |
Effective | Efficient | Keen | Qualified |
Prepared | Skilled | Accomplished |
Conclusion
Writing is a form of self- expression. You have to learn different words to be able to express yourself in a better and enhanced way.
Every word has synonyms and every synonym has a different connotation. Understanding the connotation of every word is essential to become a better writer.
Don't just use a synonym because you want to; use a synonym because you need to.
These above-mentioned synonyms are picked to help you nurture your writing skills. They will help you to express your thoughts, messages, opinion, and knowledge with finesse and authority.
From now on, don't just repeat your words; try a synonym to improvise your write-ups and give a refined touch your expressions.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2020 Arnaba Saha
Comments
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on May 08, 2020:
Hi Navin Ji,
I am glad that you like this hub of mine. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I was able to help a fellow writer with his journey of writing.
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on May 08, 2020:
Yes Risha, you are right. Forming a daily reading and writing habit is essential for a writer. A warrior needs a sword, a painter needed brushes and a writer needs words to excel in their field of expertise.
As for synonyms, they are tricky little beasts who need special attention when used.
I hope I will be able to keep you entertained with my future hubs as well.
Till then have a nice a time.
Praveen Srivastava on May 01, 2020:
Hi, Arnaba
After going through your article, I have found immense value for myself as well as for the aspirants, who are aspiring to create a career as content writer.
You have suggested 30 most commonly used words' synonyms,that can beautify an article.
Thanking you, for helping the aspiring content writers out.
Nikhil Sharma from India on May 01, 2020:
Hello Arnaba. It was an extremely valuable article for all the aspiring writers and people who want to improve their grammar like me.
Since starting my writing career in 2017, I always had an issue of using common words. I found it really difficult to write synonyms of all these commons words you've mentioned here.
I'm surely gonna bookmark this extremely helpful article for my future reference. Thank you very much Arnaba once again for bringing this informative article.
Navin Srivastava from Serampore on May 01, 2020:
Hello, Arnaba !!
I went through your work and found it very helpful as a beginner in writing. It was very informative and depicts that you are really good at this. Keep up the good work as it's helpful to many like me.
Looking forward to reading more from you !!
Risha Khan from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh on May 01, 2020:
Hi Arnaba,
I have read your article.This is worth sharing. I have realized that developing a daily writing habit can help eliminate some common grammar mistakes. Also, a daily reading habit can help improve our vocabulary. I firmly believe that reading daily helps us to understand the proper user of synonyms.
There is so much to learn from you and your articles.
Swati Khandelwal from Nainital on May 01, 2020:
Hi arnaba very informative article
Even i use to commit such mistakes often. Very well written. All new writers will definitely get benefitted by this useful information provided in this article. Nice one.
POONAM MALIK from Faridabad on May 01, 2020:
A very refreshing and interesting take indeed. Needless to add that it is something very useful for budding authors.
Looking forward to more such articles from you,
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on April 30, 2020:
Hi Angela,
I am glad you like it. I hope you will be able to use your words wisely and effectively with its help in the future. Do let me know, which words you liked the most and which are ones you are going to replace for the betterment of your writing?
Happy reading and writing!
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on April 30, 2020:
Hi Sowspeaks,
Yes, for a writer, words are crucial tools to win their everyday battle to writings something meaningful. Something that will add value to other's life.
It is an inner battle of self-expression as well; where the writer struggles to find one particular word that will give meaning to his/her thoughts.
Synonyms are a great way to achieve that feat.
I glad you like my hub. Do let me know, which where are the words you are going to replace with the help of this list of synonyms.
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on April 30, 2020:
Hello Muralikrishna Ji,
As an avid reader (blogs, articles, online content), I have observed many writers keep on repeating the same words. And it is very irritating and jarring at times.
With this hub, I hope to inspire writers to pick synonyms wisely and enhance their writings.
Frankly, I personally do not advocate the use of complex words. But I strongly recommend using different yet simple words that suit their context and style of writing. Using a wide variety of words empowers writers with a better self- expression. That's it and nothing more.
And thanks for your appreciation!
Angela Padilla on April 29, 2020:
Hi thanks for this post. I found it very helpful for us aspiring writers.
Heres my first ever blog post. https://gelpadilla1987.wixsite.com/alphava/post/in...
sowspeaks from Bengaluru on April 29, 2020:
Like an artist needs his brushes, paints and other tools your article provides a writer some tools to polish his artistry with the language.
What a nearly comprehensive list that is . We can 2X our writing with this list.
Halemane Muralikrishna from South India on April 29, 2020:
You have supplied us with a good collection of words and alternatives. Ms, Arnaba, now it is we who have to take action to use them. Great effort to help the writing community, especially the careless writers like me. We just put our thoughts into words without thinking much for much refinement. In fact, in science we do not use many complex or intricate words, Thank you
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on April 28, 2020:
Thanks Suchismita Ji,
Yes, I hope more and more writers will find it helpful. I want writers to write effectively and creatively.
Suchismita Pradhan from India on April 28, 2020:
Another masterpiece,thanks for sharing such a wonderful insightful knowledge based article.It will definitely add value to all the writers who wants to write in a more creative way.
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on April 28, 2020:
Hello Cijini Ji,
IELTS can be very tricky for non- native English speakers. I hope this hub will help others whose native language is not English.
Thanks for your appreciation.
Arnaba Saha (author) from New Delhi on April 28, 2020:
Hi Prateek ji,
Thanks for your appreciation and my constant source of encouragement. They mean a lot to me.
Cijini Manoj from Kerala on April 28, 2020:
hey thank you for the great information.....it is very useful in writing and for IELTS preparation.
Prateek Jain from Madhya Pradesh, India on April 28, 2020:
This is really very informative and useful article Arnaba mam. I recommend everyone to read this article because this will really help them to enhance the writing skills. You have triggered the sensitive area where writers lake to focus on which influence their writing adversly.
Personally for me this article is really valuable and you said rightly that don't use synonym because you want to use synonyms because you need to. I will remember your advice and follow this practice in my upcoming articles.
Also, if possible then kindly share the resource from where we can find the synonyms of some more words which are not mention in your article.