Vague Words Tables
Blinn College – Bryan Writing Center
Spring 2023
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.
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
Emotional Word
High Intensity
Moderate Intensity
Confused
Amazed, Astonished, Baffled,
Bewildered, Disoriented,
Flabbergasted, Perplexed,
Stunned
Befuddled, Disorganized,
Distracted, Doubtful,
Perplexed, Puzzled, Surprised,
Bemused, Nonplussed
Vague Words Tables
Blinn College – Bryan Writing Center
Spring 2023
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
Emotional Word
High Intensity
Moderate Intensity
Scared
Alarmed, Fearful,
Overwhelmed, Panicked,
Petrified, Terrified
Afraid, Anxious, (Full of) Dread,
Panicked, Panicky, Shaken,
Tense, Worried
Angry
Exasperated, Furious, Hateful,
Hostile, Incensed, Indignant,
Irate, Outraged, Raging
Aggravated, Annoyed, Fuming,
Irked, Irritated, Mad, Offended,
Provoked, Sullen, Sulky, Ticked
Sad
Crushed, Despairing,
Despondent, Hopeless,
Devastated, Distraught,
Gloomy, Grieved, Miserable,
Heartbroken, Heavyhearted,
Cheerless, Dejected,
Disillusioned, Dismayed,
Downcast, Forlorn, Glum, Hurt,
Hurting, Melancholy
Weak
Anemic, Ashamed, Depleted,
Decrepit, Exhausted, Frail,
Powerless, Useless
Fragile, Helpless, Inadequate,
Inept, Run down, Sluggish,
Spent, Vulnerable, Worn out
Happy
Captivated, Ecstatic, Elated,
Excited, Euphoric, Intoxicated,
Joyous, Jubilant, Overjoyed,
Thrilled
Cheerful, Delighted,
Enthusiastic, Gleeful, Hopeful,
Lively, Joyful, Optimistic,
Peppy, Tickled, Upbeat
Strong
Active, Emphatically, Potent,
Fearless, Forceful, Vigorous
Mighty, Powerful, Unyielding,
Virile
Brave, Confident, Daring,
Hardy, Hefty, Robust, Sound,
Tough