Words to use instead of “very”

Contents

How to Replace “Very” in English: Expanding Your Vocabulary

The word “very” [ˈverē] is frequently used in English to intensify adjectives and adverbs. However, constantly using “very” does not always allow for more detailed descriptions (for example, “very long”). Moreover, overusing “very” can make your writing and speech seem dull and repetitive. To showcase a rich vocabulary, avoid relying on “very” repeatedly. Instead, use a more precise and descriptive word that conveys the same meaning. Below, we introduce words that can replace “very.”

Why Should You Avoid Overusing “Very”?

Very [\ˈverē] means “extremely” and is used to intensify adjectives and adverbs. For example:

very big (extremely large)
very tired (extremely exhausted)

However, excessive use of “very” makes language monotonous, less expressive, and dull. Imagine a text or conversation where every second word is “very”—it quickly becomes repetitive and uninteresting. Using more precise and vivid words will help you sound more natural and sophisticated.

How to Improve Your English Without “Very”?

Instead of always adding “very”, use words that already contain an intensified meaning. For example:

very cold (extremely cold) → freezing (icy cold)
very smart (extremely intelligent) → brilliant (genius-level)
very happy (extremely happy) → ecstatic (overjoyed)

This approach will not only enhance your speech and writing but also make your English sound more natural and closer to that of native speakers.

List of Alternatives to “Very”

Below is a list of common alternatives to “very” that will help diversify your language:

🔥 Strong Emotions and Characteristics

very angry → furious [\ˈfjʊəriəs] (enraged)
very happy → ecstatic [ɪkˈstætɪk] (overjoyed)
very sad → miserable [ˈmɪzərəbl] (deeply unhappy)
very scared → terrified [ˈtɛrəfaɪd] (extremely frightened)
very sure → certain [ˈsɜːtən] (completely confident)

❄️ Weather and Conditions

very cold → freezing [ˈfriːzɪŋ] (icy cold)
very hot → scorching [ˈskɔːrtʃɪŋ] (blazing hot)
very dry → arid [ˈærɪd] (extremely dry)
very wet → soaked [soʊkt] (completely drenched)

🧠 Intellectual Characteristics

very smart → brilliant [ˈbrɪliənt] (exceptionally intelligent)
very stupid → idiotic [ˌɪdiˈɒtɪk] (extremely foolish)
very wise → sage [seɪdʒ] (profoundly wise)

🚀 Speed and Intensity

very fast → swift [swɪft] (rapid)
very slow → sluggish [ˈslʌɡɪʃ] (lethargic)
very bright → dazzling [ˈdæzlɪŋ] (blindingly bright)
very tired → exhausted [ɪɡˈzɔːstɪd] (completely worn out)

How to Remember New Words?

Here are some tips for effectively learning “very” alternatives:

✅ Use them in sentences — create your own examples.

✅ Apply them in conversations — replace “very” with a more precise word in speech.

✅ Watch movies and read books — notice how native speakers avoid “very”.

✅ Play language games — use flashcards or apps to expand your vocabulary.

Conclusion

To make your English more vibrant and expressive, avoid overusing “very”. Instead, use synonyms that already convey an intensified meaning—this will help you sound more like a native speaker!

📊 Table of alternative words for “Very”. Words instead of “very” (“Very”)

📝 What are some alternatives to using the word ‘very’? Alternative Words for “Very” Table for even more options:

"Very"	Descriptive words
Very angry	Furious
Very beautiful	Gorgeous
Very big	Massive
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