Vague Words Tables

In the English language, writers commonly overuse certain words. In an academic setting, writers have the opportunity to broaden their vocabulary, discouraging repetition and the use of informal words. In the matrices below are often misused or overused words and optional replacement words to potentially “spice up” an essay.

Modifiers

The tables below provide alternatives for commonly overused modifiers. Choose replacements that fit your meaning and tone.

Modifier alternatives (mild, moderate, strong)
Modifier	Mild	Moderate	Strong
Very	Clearly, Considerably, Decidedly, Distinctly, Indubitably, Largely, Markedly, Notably, Recognizably	Awfully, Chiefly, Considerably, Especially, Incredibly, Obviously, Particularly, Quite, Substantially, Surprisingly, Uncommonly, Unmistakably, Wonderfully	Astonishingly, Absolutely, Exceedingly, Exceptionally, Extremely, Incontestably, Profusely, Strikingly, Unequivocally, Unquestionably, Vastly
A Lot	Time: Often, Oftentimes, Sometimes Size: Many, Much, Several, Multiple	Time: Frequently, Generally, Usually, Various Size: Bountiful, Considerable, Numerous	Time: Persistent, Recurrent, Regularly Size: Multitude, Profuse, Vast
Big	Above average, Ample, Considerable, Great, Important, Large, Sizable	Copious, Crucial, Magnificent, Ponderous, Significant, Substantial, Vast, Huge	Boundless, Behemoth, Colossal, Endless, Enormous, Essential, Extensive, Gigantic, Gargantuan, Immense, Imposing, Limitless, Paramount, Prodigious, Voluminous
Small	Dinky, Faint, Light, Limited, Minor, Negligible, Puny, Slight, Superficial, Trivial, Undersized	Dwarf, Inconsiderable, Inferior, Miniature, Minimum, Microscopic, Petite, Scant, Tiny, Unsubstantial	Inconsequential, Ineffectual, Infinitesimal, Insignificant, Meager, Minute, Undetectable, Miniscule
Good/Great	Able, Acceptable, Accomplished, Adequate, Adept, Agreeable, Ample, Efficient, Favorable, Pleasing, Profitable, Relevant, Reliable, Satisfactory, Satisfying, Super, Useful	Admirable, Apt, Clever, Commendable, Honorable, Proficient, Qualified, Skillful, Sound, Splendid, Superb, Thorough, Valuable, Wholesome, Wonderful, Worthy	Advantageous, Excellent, Exceptional, Exemplary, Expert, Extensive, Flawless, Gratifying, Marvelous, Perfect, Reputable, Solid, Stupendous, Superior, Virtuous, Spectacular
Bad	Cheap, Dissatisfactory, Faulty, Grim, Low, Mean, Off, Poor, Regretful, Sour, Unpleasant, Unwell, Wrong	Careless, Defective, Deficient, Delinquent, Downcast, Grave, Harsh, Ill-suited, Imperfect, Inadequate, Inferior, Rancid, Rough, Sinful, Terrible, Unruly, Unsatisfactory, Wicked	Adverse, Awful, Corrupt, Detrimental, Dreadful, Diseased, Erroneous, Evil, Putrid, Ruinous, Vile, Villainous, Unacceptable, Degenerate, Debauched

Emotion Words

The tables below provide higher-, moderate-, and lower-intensity alternatives for commonly used emotion words.

Emotion word alternatives (high, moderate, low intensity)
Emotional Word	High Intensity	Moderate Intensity	Low Intensity
Confused	Amazed, Astonished, Baffled, Bewildered, Disoriented, Flabbergasted, Perplexed, Stunned	Befuddled, Disorganized, Distracted, Doubtful, Perplexed, Puzzled, Surprised, Bemused, Nonplussed	Dazed, Indecisive, Lost, Misled, Uncertain, Undecided, Unsure
Scared	Alarmed, Fearful, Overwhelmed, Panicked, Petrified, Terrified	Afraid, Anxious, (Full of) Dread, Panicked, Panicky, Shaken, Tense, Worried	Apprehensive, Edgy, Hesitant, Startled, Surprised, Uncomfortable, Uneasy
Angry	Exasperated, Furious, Hateful, Hostile, Incensed, Indignant, Irate, Outraged, Raging	Aggravated, Annoyed, Fuming, Irked, Irritated, Mad, Offended, Provoked, Sullen, Sulky, Ticked	Bothered, Displeased, Fret, Fuss, Hassled, Peeved, Perturbed
Sad	Crushed, Despairing, Despondent, Hopeless, Devastated, Distraught, Gloomy, Grieved, Miserable, Heartbroken, Heavyhearted	Cheerless, Dejected, Disillusioned, Dismayed, Downcast, Forlorn, Glum, Hurt, Hurting, Melancholy	Blue, Discouraged, Disappointed, Down, Low, Somber, Sorry, Unhappy
Weak	Anemic, Ashamed, Depleted, Decrepit, Exhausted, Frail, Powerless, Useless	Fragile, Helpless, Inadequate, Inept, Run down, Sluggish, Spent, Vulnerable, Worn out	Feeble, Ineffective, Limp, Soft, Tired, Unable, Weary, Wimpy
Happy	Captivated, Ecstatic, Elated, Excited, Euphoric, Intoxicated, Joyous, Jubilant, Overjoyed, Thrilled	Cheerful, Delighted, Enthusiastic, Gleeful, Hopeful, Lively, Joyful, Optimistic, Peppy, Tickled, Upbeat	Blissful, Chipper, Content, Glad, Jolly, Light, Merry, Perky, Playful, Pleased, Up
Strong	Active, Emphatically, Potent, Fearless, Forceful, Vigorous, Mighty, Powerful, Unyielding, Virile	Mighty, Powerful, Unyielding, Virile	Able, Adequate, Assured, Capable, Firm, Stable, Steady, Solid

Vague Verbs and Nouns

The table below provides alternatives for vague verbs and nouns that appear frequently in writing.

Vague verbs/nouns and replacement options
Vague Verb or Noun	Alternatives / Replacements
Do	Accomplish, Complete, Conclude, End, Finalize, Finish, Finish up, Prepare, Ready, Terminate
Fix	Repair: Attach, Clinch, Connect, Fasten, Install, Mend, Repair, Secure Decide/Make Right: Conclude, Correct, Decide, Define, Determine, Direct, Establish, Find a solution, Organize, Plan for, Settle, Solve, Stabilize All Words Together: Attach, Clinch, Conclude, Connect, Correct, Decide, Define, Determine, Direct, Establish, Fasten, Find a solution, Install, Mend, Organize, Plan for, Repair, Settle, Solve, Stabilize, Secure
Get	Communicate: Call, Communicate with, Contact, Talk, Telephone, Write Evolve/Change: Change into, Come to be, Grow, Transport, Turn into, Transform Hurt: Aggravate, Agitate, Anger, Annoy, Apprehend, Damage, Disquiet, Exasperate, Harm, Hit, Hurt, Injure, Irritate, Perturb, Punch, Shoot, Slap, Strike, Unsettle, Wound Purchase: Acquire, Attain, Buy, Collect, Earn, Excite, Inherit, Obtain, Pick up, Pocket, Purchase, Receive, Retrieve, Seize, Take Understand: Comprehend, Fathom, Follow, Hear, Learn, Perceive, Phone, Realize, Understand, Win over Touch/Inspire: Affect, Arouse, Capture, Catch, Grab, Grasp, Grip, Have an impact on, Hold, Influence, Make an impression on, Melt, Move, Persuade, Reach, See, Sense, Soften, Stimulate, Stir, Sway, Touch With a goal in mind: Achieve, Attain, Become, Benefit, Gain, Profit, Secure, Realize
Things/Stuff	Accomplishments, Achievements, Acts, Actions, Adventures, Affairs, Articles, Belongings, Circumstances, Components, Concern, Condition, Contraption, Deed, Design, Detail, Device, Effort, Element, Endeavor, Enterprise, Entity, Episode, Event, Experience, Facet, Fact, Factor, Feat, Gadget, Gimmick, Goal, Idea, Incident, Ingredient, Instance, Item, Intent, Job, Matter, Meaning, Measure, Move, Object, Objective, Occasion, Occurrence, Operation, Organism, Particle, Performance, Point, Proceeding, Purpose, Reference, Relation, Scheme, Situation, Substance, Task, Tool, Unit, Work