Creative writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s a skill that takes both imagination and precision. One of the golden rules of effective writing (and communication in general) is saying more with less. Great communicators know how to express ideas clearly and powerfully without unnecessary filler. One common habit that often weakens writing is the overuse of the word “very.” While it may seem like a simple way to emphasize something, relying on it too often can make your writing feel dull or repetitive. That’s why we’ve put together an extensive list of words to use instead of very—to help you tighten up your language, enhance your style, and sound more creative and confident in your writing.
- Very angry = Furious
- Very beautiful = Gorgeous
- Very big = Massive
- Very boring = Dull
- Very noisy = Deafening
- Very poor = Destitute
- Very cheap = Stingy
- Very clean = Spotless
- Very short = Brief
- Very difficult = Arduous
- Very dry = Arid
- Very quick = Rapid
- Very bad = Awful
- Very smart = Intelligent
- Very sad = Sorrowful
- Very upset = Distraught
- Very cold = Freezing
- Very strong = Forceful
- Very huge = Colossal
- Very calm = Serene
- Very ugly = Hideous
- Very small = Petite
- Very funny = Hilarious
- Very quiet = Hushed
- Very rich = Wealthy
- Very expensive = Costly
- Very dirty = Filthy
- Very tall = Towering
- Very easy = Effortless
- Very wet = Soaked
- Very slow = Sluggish
- Very good = Excellent
- Very stupid = Idiotic
- Very happy = Ecstatic
- Very exciting = Exhilarating
- Very warm = Hot
- Very weak = Frail
- Very little = Tiny
- Very bright = Luminous
- Very busy = Swamped
- Very careful = Cautious
- Very clear = Obvious
- Very colorful = Vibrant
- Very confused = Perplexed
- Very creative = Innovative
- Very crowded = Bustling
- Very dear = Cherished
- Very deep = Profound
- Very empty = Desolate
- Very excited = Thrilled
- Very fancy = Lavish
- Very fat = Obese
- Very friendly = Amiable
- Very glad = Overjoyed
- Very great = Terrific
- Very heavy = Leaden
- Very hungry = Starving
- Very hurt = Battered
- Very large = Huge
- Very lazy = Indolent
- Very long = Extensive
- Very loose = Slack
- Very accurate = Exact
- Very afraid = Fearful
- Very clever = Intelligent
- Very cute = Adorable
- Very dull = Tedious
- Very eager = Keen
- Very evil = Wicked
- Very fast = Quick
- Very fierce = Ferocious
- Very light = Luminous
- Very lively = Animated
- Very lovely = Adorable
- Very mean = Cruel
- Very messy = Slovenly
- Very nice = Kind
- Very often = Frequently
- Very old = Ancient
- Very open = Transparent
- Very pale = Ashen
- Very perfect = Flawless
- Very powerful = Compelling
- Very pretty = Beautiful
- Very rainy = Pouring
- Very scared = Petrified
- Very scary = Chilling
- Very serious = Grave
- Very sharp = Keen
- Very shiny = Gleaming
- Very shy = Timid
- Very simple = Basic
- Very skinny = Skeletal
- Very smooth = Sleek
- Very soft = Downy
- Very sorry = Apologetic
- Very special = Exceptional
- Very sure = Certain
- Very sweet = Thoughtful
- Very talented = Gifted
- Very tasty = Delicious
- Very thirsty = Parched
- Very tight = Constricting
- Very tiny = Minuscule
- Very tired = Exhausted
- Very wide = Expansive
- Very willing = Eager
- Very windy = Blustery
- Very wise = Sage
- Very worried = Distressed
