Vague Word Matrix
October 06, 2025
Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources
When writing, you may often use the same vague words to describe a person, place, conversation, or situation. However, you can help your readers better understand and make your writing more interesting and precise by simply using stronger, more descriptive words.
Here are some commonly used descriptive words as well as many alternatives. For example, if you want to describe something as good, you can choose from many options, all of which have specific meanings and connotations.
| Word | Mild | Moderate | Bold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very | clearly, decidedly, distinctly, markedly, considerably, notably, largely, recognizably, especially, indubitably | especially, surprisingly, substantially, uncommonly, chiefly, incredibly, obviously, unmistakably, considerably, awfully, wonderfully, particularly | profusely, unequivocally, strikingly, astonishingly, exceedingly, absolutely, exceptionally, extremely, unquestionably, vastly, incontestably |
| A lot (time) | often, oftentimes, sometime | frequently, usually, various, generally | regularly, recurrent, persistent |
| A lot (size) | many, much, several | numerous, bountiful, considerable | multitude, profuse, vast |
| Big | sizable, ample, large, considerable, great, above average, important | ponderous, significant, crucial, vast, copious, magnificent, substantial | enormous, immense, colossal, extensive, endless, paramount, boundless, prodigious, imposing, gigantic, voluminous, limitless, essential |
| Small | slight, limited, trivial, minor, light, puny, superficial, undersized, dinky, negligible, faint | scant, petite, inconsiderable, microscopic, dwarf, unsubstantial, minimum, miniature, tiny | insignificant, minute, meager, infinitesimal, ineffectual, undetectable, inconsequential |
| Good | acceptable, favorable, agreeable, pleasing, satisfactory, satisfying, super, able, relevant, accomplished, efficient, reliable, ample, useful, profitable, adequate, adept | great, honorable, admirable, commendable, sound, splendid, superb, valuable, wonderful, worthy, clever, proficient, qualified, apt, skillful, thorough, wholesome | excellent, exceptional, gratifying, marvelous, reputable, stupendous, superior, exemplary, virtuous, expert, solid, advantageous, flawless, extensive, perfect |
| Bad | cheap, dissatisfactory, faulty, off, mean, wrong, unpleasant, unwell, low, grim, sour, regretful | careless, defective, inferior, imperfect, deficient, rough, ill-suited, inadequate, unsatisfactory, delinquent, sinful, unruly, wicked, rancid, grave, harsh, terrible, downcast | awful, unacceptable, corrupt, dreadful, putrid, erroneous, detrimental, ruinous, vile, villainous, diseased, adverse, evil |
“Utter Articulation: Instructional Potential of Word Matrices”
Kris Gottlieb, Cami Whitehead, and David Clarke
Used with permission by the Sam Houston State University Writing Center, 3/2008
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