Words to Use Instead of "Very"

Instead of "very" plus an adjective, use one stronger word: very good becomes excellent, very bad becomes atrocious, very big becomes enormous, and very happy becomes elated.

Instead of "very good"

Instead of "very bad"

Instead of "very big"

Instead of "very small"

Instead of "very happy"

Instead of "very tired"

Instead of "very angry"

Instead of "very important"

Frequently asked questions

Why should you avoid "very"?

"Very" is a weak intensifier that adds length without adding meaning. A single precise word — enormous instead of very big, exhausted instead of very tired — is shorter and far more vivid.

What is a strong word for "very good"?

Excellent, superb, outstanding, and exceptional all say "very good" in one word, and each carries more weight than the phrase it replaces.

Back to Top