list of essay synonyms

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Synonyms and antonyms of essay in English

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humanitarian

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(a person who is) involved in or connected with improving people's lives and reducing suffering

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Thesaurus for Essay

Related terms for essay - synonyms, antonyms and sentences with essay, similar meaning.

• dissertation
• composition
• disquisition

Opposite meaning

• admit defeat
• throw in the sponge
• throw in the towel
• abandon hope
• abstain from
• concede defeat
• desist from
• discontinue

Common usage

• comic verse
• apologetics
• religious text
• inspirational
• autobiography
• academic history
• apocalyptic
• christian literature
• christology

Sentence Examples

Proper usage in context.

• The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
• About that essay you wrote yesterday
• And a short essay on the theme of the family
• He wrote an essay last year entitled
• I would like an essay entitled

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10 Other Ways to Say “The Text States” (With Examples)

When analyzing a text or writing about reading, it’s easy to fall into repetitive language like “the text states” over and over. While this phrase isn’t technically wrong, it can make your writing boring for the reader.

Instead, mix it up by using a variety of different phrases to introduce evidence and quotes from the text. This keeps your writing fresh and engaging.

In this blog post, I’ll share different ways to say “the text states” when integrating evidence from reading into your writing. I’ll provide a quick definition and example sentence for each phrase so you can see it in context.

Whether you’re writing an essay for class or analyzing a text as part of a book club or literature discussion, these alternatives to “the text states” will help you smoothly quote the text more dynamically.

Is It Professional to Say “the Text States”?

No, it is not considered professional to overuse the phrase “the text states” in academic writing . While this phrase is direct and clear for introducing a quote or evidence from a text, relying on it too much can make your writing seem repetitive and unsophisticated.

Instead, it is more professional to use a variety of alternative phrases to smoothly integrate quotes and references to the text in your academic work. Phrases like “according to the author” or “as the passage indicates” demonstrate more complex writing skills and make your points flow well.

Varying your language also keeps the reader engaged in your analysis rather than growing tired of seeing the same sentence structure repeated. The occasional use of “the text states” is just fine for clarity.

However academic writing is strengthened when writers use a range of sentence structures and vocabulary , enabling them to express concepts fluidly.

So be sure to break up repetitive phrasing with some of the diverse options available for introducing textual evidence. Your writing will come across more professionally and thoughtfully.

Here is an example text that repetitively uses “the text states”:

In the passage about sea turtles, the text states that these creatures have existed for over 100 million years. The text states that sea turtles migrate long distances between feeding grounds and the beaches where they nest. The text states that sea turtles face many threats from humans, including pollution, habitat loss, and hunting. The text states that six of the seven sea turtle species are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

• Using “ the text states” clearly attributes information to the source text.
• Repeating this phrase creates consistency in introducing quotes and evidence.
• The repetitive use of “the text states” is monotonous and unsophisticated.
• The writing sounds boring and lacks fluidity due to overusing the same phrase structure.

What to Say Instead of “the text states”

• The document asserts
• The passage claims
• The article articulates
• The writing specifies
• The section mentions
• The manuscript declares
• The narrative describes
• The content reveals
• The excerpt indicates
• The piece conveys

1. The document asserts

“The document asserts” is a formal way to convey that the text presents a clear statement or position on a topic. It implies a level of authority and confidence in the information presented.

This expression is particularly useful in academic or professional writing when referring to official reports, research findings, or authoritative sources.

In her groundbreaking research on climate change, the document asserts that global temperatures have risen by 1.5 degrees Celsius over the past century, highlighting the urgent need for action.

2. The passage claims

“The passage claims” suggests that a specific section of text makes a statement or argument , possibly open to interpretation or debate.

It’s a useful phrase when discussing literary works, essays, or articles that present a particular viewpoint or hypothesis.

In the debate on renewable energy sources, the passage claims that solar power could potentially meet the world’s energy needs, underscoring the importance of investing in solar technology.

3. The article articulates

“The article articulates” indicates that the piece of writing clearly and effectively expresses an idea, opinion, or fact. This expression is ideal for discussing well-written articles that convey their points persuasively and coherently.

The article articulates the need for more inclusive policies in the workplace, arguing that diversity and inclusion are not just moral imperatives but also key drivers of innovation.

4. The writing specifies

“The writing specifies” is used when the text clearly defines or details particular information or instructions. It’s particularly relevant in technical writing , legal documents, or any context where precision and clarity are paramount.

Example: In the instruction manual, the writing specifies the exact steps to safely operate the machinery, ensuring that users can follow the procedures without ambiguity.

5. The section mentions

“The section mentions” is a more casual way to refer to a part of the text that briefly refers to or acknowledges a piece of information without going into extensive detail. It’s useful for pointing out where an idea or topic is introduced in a broader context.

In the discussion on sustainable agriculture, the section mentions the role of organic farming in promoting soil health and biodiversity, though it does not delve deeply into the subject.

6. The manuscript declares

“The manuscript declares” conveys a formal and somewhat grandiose announcement or statement within a document, often used in the context of significant findings, declarations, or proclamations in a scholarly or literary work.

In his latest novel, the manuscript declares the protagonist’s unwavering resolve to overcome adversity, setting the stage for a dramatic narrative of resilience and determination.

7. The narrative describes

“The narrative describes” suggests that the story or account provides detailed descriptions , offering vivid imagery or a thorough explanation of events , settings, or characters. It’s especially fitting for literary analysis or discussions about storytelling.

The narrative describes the bustling streets of Paris in the 1920s with such detail that readers feel as though they are walking alongside the characters, experiencing the city’s vibrant culture and energy.

8. The content reveals

“The content reveals” implies that the text uncovers or discloses information, often something not immediately apparent or previously unknown. It’s a compelling way to discuss texts that provide insights, expose truths, or unveil new findings.

The documentary’s script the content reveals the hidden impacts of plastic pollution on marine life, offering a stark depiction of the environmental crisis facing our oceans.

9. The excerpt indicates

“The excerpt indicates” is used when a particular portion of the text suggests or points to a broader idea, trend, or conclusion. It’s useful for drawing attention to evidence or hints within a text that supports a larger argument or theory.

The excerpt indicates that the author’s views on democracy were heavily influenced by his experiences abroad, hinting at a deeper exploration of political ideologies throughout the book.

10. The piece conveys

“The piece conveys” refers to the overall message or emotion that a piece of writing communicates to its readers. It’s an effective expression for discussing the impact, tone, or underlying themes of a work.

Through its poignant storytelling, the piece conveys a deep sense of longing and nostalgia, evoking strong emotional responses from its audience.

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  Vocabulary      

What is another word for essay ?

Synonyms for essay ˈɛs eɪ or, for 3,5 , ɛˈseɪ; ɛˈseɪ es·say, this thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word essay ., english synonyms and antonyms rate these synonyms: 2.7 / 3 votes.

To attempt is to take action somewhat experimentally with the hope and purpose of accomplishing a certain result; to endeavor is to attempt strenuously and with firm and enduring purpose. To attempt expresses a single act; to endeavor , a continuous exertion; we say I will endeavor (not I will attempt ) while I live. To attempt is with the view of accomplishing; to essay , with a view of testing our own powers. To undertake is to accept or take upon oneself as an obligation, as some business, labor, or trust; the word often implies complete assurance of success; as, I will undertake to produce the witness. To strive suggests little of the result, much of toil, strain, and contest, in seeking it; I will strive to fulfil your wishes, i. e. , I will spare no labor and exertion to do it. Try is the most comprehensive of these words. The original idea of testing or experimenting is not thought of when a man says "I will try ." To attempt suggests giving up, if the thing is not accomplished at a stroke; to try implies using other means and studying out other ways if not at first successful. Endeavor is more mild and formal; the pilot in the burning pilot-house does not say "I will endeavor " or "I will attempt to hold the ship to her course," but "I'll try , sir!"

Synonyms: attempt , endeavor , endeavor , strive , try , undertake

Antonyms: abandon , dismiss , drop , give up , let go , neglect , omit , overlook , pass by , throw away , throw over , throw up

Princeton's WordNet Rate these synonyms: 1.0 / 2 votes

an analytic or interpretive literary composition

a tentative attempt

try, seek, attempt, essay, assay verb

make an effort or attempt

"He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"

Synonyms: attempt , examine , search , stress , adjudicate , strain , seek , look for , assay , try out , try , prove , test , try on , taste , hear , set about , undertake , sample , judge , render

test, prove, try, try out, examine, essay verb

put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to

"This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe"

Synonyms: audition , rise , analyze , leaven , try , sample , show , testify , establish , test , evidence , try out , study , examine , see , seek , try on , probe , quiz , attempt , raise , adjudicate , render , prove , shew , judge , screen , taste , turn out , demonstrate , turn up , experiment , strain , analyse , stress , hear , canvass , assay , canvas , bear witness

Matched Categories

Editors contribution rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes.

piece of writing

write an essay of a students

Dictionary of English Synonymes Rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes

Synonyms: attempt , try , endeavor

Synonyms: attempt , trial , endeavor , effort , struggle , aim

Synonyms: tract , dissertation , treatise , disquisition , brief discourse

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated Words Rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes

Synonyms: dissertation , article , disquisition , thesis , attempt , effort , trial

PPDB, the paraphrase database Rate these paraphrases: 1.0 / 1 vote

List of paraphrases for "essay":

dissertation , test , trial , drafting , composition , testing

How to pronounce essay?

How to say essay in sign language, usage in printed sources from:  .

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Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use essay in a sentence?

Kristerfer Burnett :

This is a real problem right now, because you can’t write an essay on your smartphone - you need a good internet to stay in touch with your teachers. we are getting bombarded with upset families who are saying that only one of their children can be on the internet at a time.

Expert-Writers will help you to write the best essay ever. Your teacher will never recognize that this ws written by professioanls. Get excellent mark without any problems.

Mao Zedong :

A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another.

Zeke Smith :

We started having conversations all the way back in Fiji nine months ago about the care with which this episode was going to be handled, i came to Jeff [Probst] and asked if I could write a personal essay about what happened and he immediately said yes.

Neama Rahmani :

Bail reform and COVID delays claim another innocent victim, george Gascon has been largely criticized for the increase in violent crime in Los Angeles. Los Angeles’s time George Gascon stops acting like a defense attorney and allows prosecutors to charge violent felons with sentencing enhancements. George Gascon, the progressive Los Angeles district attorney, has raised the ire of law enforcement and George Gascon own assistant DAs for George Gascon allegedly soft-on-crime policies. Los Angeles POLICE ID Shawn Laval Smith AS SUSPECTED KILLER OF Brianna Kupfer Homicides are up more than 60 % in the City of Los Angeles and over 90 % in Los Angeles, according to records from the LAPD and sheriff’s office. Eric Siddall, the vice president of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy District Attorneys, excoriated Gascon in an essay published to the union’s website this week.

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Synonyms For 95 Commonly Used Words – A Mini-Thesaurus For Writers

Writers Write creates writing resources and shares writing tips. Use this mini-thesaurus to find synonyms for 95 commonly-used words when you write.

If you do a lot of writing, it’s good to have a selection of synonyms for commonly used words to hand. If you can, keep a thesaurus nearby or use an online thesaurus . Or you could just bookmark this page and use it as needed.

If you are unsure of the replacement word, look it up to see if it has the correct meaning for the sentence you are writing.

Synonyms for 95 Commonly Used Words in the English language

• Amazing  — incredible, unbelievable, improbable, fabulous, wonderful, fantastic, astonishing, astounding, extraordinary
• Anger  — enrage, infuriate, arouse, nettle, exasperate, inflame, madden
• Angry  — mad, furious, enraged, excited, wrathful, indignant, exasperated, aroused, inflamed
• Answer  — reply, respond, retort, acknowledge
• Ask  — question, inquire of, seek information from, put a question to, demand, request, expect, inquire, query, interrogate, examine, quiz
• Awful  — dreadful, terrible, abominable, bad, poor, unpleasant
• Bad  — evil, immoral, wicked, corrupt, sinful, depraved, rotten, contaminated, spoiled, tainted, harmful, injurious, unfavourable, defective, inferior, imperfect, substandard, faulty, improper, inappropriate, unsuitable, disagreeable, unpleasant, cross, nasty, unfriendly, irascible, horrible, atrocious, outrageous, scandalous, infamous, wrong, noxious, sinister, putrid, snide, deplorable, dismal, gross, heinous, nefarious, base, obnoxious, detestable, despicable, contemptible, foul, rank, ghastly, execrable
• Beautiful  — pretty, lovely, handsome, attractive, gorgeous, dazzling, splendid, magnificent, comely, fair, ravishing, graceful, elegant, fine, exquisite, aesthetic, pleasing, shapely, delicate, stunning, glorious, heavenly, resplendent, radiant, glowing, blooming, sparkling
• Begin  — start, open, launch, initiate, commence, inaugurate, originate
• Big  — enormous, huge, immense, gigantic, vast, colossal, gargantuan, large, sizeable, grand, great, tall, substantial, mammoth, astronomical, ample, broad, expansive, spacious, stout, tremendous, titanic, mountainous
• Brave  — courageous, fearless, dauntless, intrepid, plucky, daring, heroic, valorous, audacious, bold, gallant, valiant, doughty, mettlesome
• Break  — fracture, rupture, shatter, smash, wreck, crash, demolish, atomise
• Bright  — shining, shiny, gleaming, brilliant, sparkling, shimmering, radiant, vivid, colourful, lustrous, luminous, incandescent, intelligent, knowing, quick-witted, smart, intellectual
• Calm  — quiet, peaceful, still, tranquil, mild, serene, smooth, composed, collected, unruffled, level-headed, unexcited, detached, aloof
• Come  — approach, advance, near, arrive, reach
• Cool  — chilly, cold, frosty, wintry, icy, frigid
• Crooked  — bent, twisted, curved, hooked, zigzag
• Cry  — shout, yell, yowl, scream, roar, bellow, weep, wail, sob, bawl
• Cut  — gash, slash, prick, nick, sever, slice, carve, cleave, slit, chop, crop, lop, reduce
• Dangerous  — perilous, hazardous, risky, uncertain, unsafe
• Dark  — shadowy, unlit, murky, gloomy, dim, dusky, shaded, sunless, black, dismal, sad
• Decide  — determine, settle, choose, resolve
• Definite  — certain, sure, positive, determined, clear, distinct, obvious
• Delicious  — savoury, delectable, appetizing, luscious, scrumptious, palatable, delightful, enjoyable, toothsome, exquisite
• Describe  — portray, characterize, picture, narrate, relate, recount, represent, report, record
• Destroy  — ruin, demolish, raze, waste, kill, slay, end, extinguish
• Difference  — disagreement, inequity, contrast, dissimilarity, incompatibility
• Do  — execute, enact, carry out, finish, conclude, effect, accomplish, achieve, attain
• Dull  — boring, tiring„ tiresome, uninteresting, slow, dumb, stupid, unimaginative, lifeless, dead, insensible, tedious, wearisome, listless, expressionless, plain, monotonous, humdrum, dreary
• Eager  — keen, fervent, enthusiastic, involved, interested, alive to
• End  — stop, finish, terminate, conclude, close, halt, cessation, discontinuance
• Enjoy  — appreciate, delight in, be pleased, indulge in, luxuriate in, bask in, relish, devour, savour, like
• Explain  — elaborate, clarify, define, interpret, justify, account for
• Fair  — just, impartial, unbiased, objective, unprejudiced, honest
• Fall  — drop, descend, plunge, topple, tumble
• False  — fake, fraudulent, counterfeit, spurious, untrue, unfounded, erroneous, deceptive, groundless, fallacious
• Famous  — well-known, renowned, celebrated, famed, eminent, illustrious, distinguished, noted, notorious
• Fast  — quick, rapid, speedy, fleet, hasty, snappy, mercurial, swiftly, rapidly, quickly, snappily, speedily, lickety-split, post-haste, hastily, expeditiously, like a flash
• Fat  — stout, corpulent, fleshy, beefy, paunchy, plump, full, rotund, tubby, pudgy, chubby, chunky, burly, bulky, elephantine
• Fear  — fright, dread, terror, alarm, dismay, anxiety, scare, awe, horror, panic, apprehension
• Fly  — soar, hover, flit, wing, flee, waft, glide, coast, skim, sail, cruise
• Funny  — humorous, amusing, droll, comic, comical, laughable, silly
• Get  — acquire, obtain, secure, procure, gain, fetch, find, score, accumulate, win, earn, rep, catch, net, bag, derive, collect, gather, glean, pick up, accept, come by, regain, salvage
• Go  — recede, depart, fade, disappear, move, travel, proceed
• Good  — excellent, fine, superior, wonderful, marvellous, qualified, suited, suitable, apt, proper, capable, generous, kindly, friendly, gracious, obliging, pleasant, agreeable, pleasurable, satisfactory, well-behaved, obedient, honourable, reliable, trustworthy, safe, favourable, profitable, advantageous, righteous, expedient, helpful, valid, genuine, ample, salubrious, estimable, beneficial, splendid, great, noble, worthy, first-rate, top-notch, grand, sterling, superb, respectable, edifying
• Great  — noteworthy, worthy, distinguished, remarkable, grand, considerable, powerful, much, mighty
• Gross  — improper, rude, coarse, indecent, crude, vulgar, outrageous, extreme, grievous, shameful, uncouth, obscene, low
• Happy  — pleased, contented, satisfied, delighted, elated, joyful, cheerful, ecstatic, jubilant, gay, tickled, gratified, glad, blissful, overjoyed
• Hate  — despise, loathe, detest, abhor, disfavour, dislike, disapprove, abominate
• Have  — hold, possess, own, contain, acquire, gain, maintain, believe, bear, beget, occupy, absorb, fill, enjoy
• Help  — aid, assist, support, encourage, back, wait on, attend, serve, relieve, succour, benefit, befriend, abet
• Hide  — conceal, cover, mask, cloak, camouflage, screen, shroud, veil
• Hurry  — rush, run, speed, race, hasten, urge, accelerate, bustle
• Hurt  — damage, harm, injure, wound, distress, afflict, pain
• Idea  — thought, concept, conception, notion, understanding, opinion, plan, view, belief
• Important  — necessary, vital, critical, indispensable, valuable, essential, significant, primary, principal, considerable, famous, distinguished, notable, well-known
• Interesting  — fascinating, engaging, sharp, keen, bright, intelligent, animated, spirited, attractive, inviting, intriguing, provocative, though-provoking, challenging, inspiring, involving, moving, titillating, tantalising, exciting, entertaining, piquant, lively, racy, spicy, engrossing, absorbing, consuming, gripping, arresting, enthralling, spellbinding, curious, captivating, enchanting, bewitching, appealing
• Keep  — hold, retain, withhold, preserve, maintain, sustain, support
• Kill  — slay, execute, assassinate, murder, destroy, cancel, abolish
• Lazy  — indolent, slothful, idle, inactive, sluggish
• Little  — tiny, small, diminutive, shrimp, runt, miniature, puny, exiguous, dinky, cramped, limited, itsy-bitsy, microscopic, slight, petite, minute
• Look  — gaze, see, glance, watch, survey, study, seek, search for, peek, peep, glimpse, stare, contemplate, examine, gape, ogle, scrutinise, inspect, leer, behold, observe, view, witness, perceive, spy, sight, discover, notice, recognise, peer, eye, gawk, peruse, explore
• Love  — like, admire, esteem, fancy, care for, cherish, adore, treasure, worship, appreciate, savour
• Make  — create, originate, invent, beget, form, construct, design, fabricate, manufacture, produce, build, develop, do, effect, execute, compose, perform, accomplish, earn, gain, obtain, acquire, get
• Mark  — label, tag, price, ticket, impress, effect, trace, imprint, stamp, brand, sign, note, heed, notice, designate
• Mischievous  — prankish, playful, naughty, roguish, waggish, impish, sportive
• Move  — plod, go, creep, crawl, inch, poke, drag, toddle, shuffle, trot, dawdle, walk, traipse, mosey, jog, plug, trudge, slump, lumber, trail, lag, run, sprint, trip, bound, hotfoot, high-tail, streak, stride, tear, breeze, whisk, rush, dash, dart, bolt, fling, scamper, scurry, skedaddle, scoot, scuttle, scramble, race, chase, hasten, hurry, hump, gallop, lope, accelerate, stir, budge, travel, wander, roam, journey, trek, ride, spin, slip, glide, slide, slither, coast, flow, sail, saunter, hobble, amble, stagger, paddle, slouch, prance, straggle, meander, perambulate, waddle, wobble, pace, swagger, promenade, lunge
• Moody  — temperamental, changeable, short-tempered, glum, morose, sullen, modish, irritable, testy, peevish, fretful, spiteful, sulky, touchy
• Neat  — clean, orderly, tidy, trim, dapper, natty, smart, elegant, well-organized, super, desirable, spruce, shipshape, well-kept, shapely
• New  — fresh, unique, original, unusual, novel, modern, current, recent
• Old  — feeble, frail, ancient, weak, aged, used, worn, dilapidated, ragged, faded, broken-down, former, old-fashioned, outmoded, passé, veteran, mature, venerable, primitive, traditional, archaic, conventional, customary, stale, musty, obsolete, extinct
• Part  — portion, share, piece, allotment, section, fraction, fragment
• Place  — space, area, spot, plot, region, location, situation, position, residence, dwelling, set, site, station, status, state
• Plan  — plot, scheme, design, draw, map, diagram, procedure, arrangement, intention, device, contrivance, method, way, blueprint
• Popular  — well-liked, approved, accepted, favourite, celebrated, common, current
• Predicament  — quandary, dilemma, pickle, problem, plight, spot, scrape, jam
• Put  — place, set, attach, establish, assign, keep, save, set aside, effect, achieve, do, build
• Quiet  — silent, still, soundless, mute, tranquil, peaceful, calm, restful
• Right  — correct, accurate, factual, true, good, just, honest, upright, lawful, moral, proper, suitable, apt, legal, fair
• Run  — race, speed, hurry, hasten, sprint, dash, rush, escape, elope, flee
• Scared  — afraid, frightened, alarmed, terrified, panicked, fearful, unnerved, insecure, timid, shy, skittish, jumpy, disquieted, worried, vexed, troubled, disturbed, horrified, terrorised, shocked, petrified, haunted, timorous, shrinking, tremulous, stupefied, paralyzed, stunned, apprehensive
• Show  — display, exhibit, present, note, point to, indicate, explain, reveal, prove, demonstrate, expose
• Slow  — unhurried, gradual, leisurely, late, behind, tedious, slack
• Stop  — cease, halt, stay, pause, discontinue, conclude, end, finish, quit
• Story  — tale, myth, legend, fable, yarn, account, narrative, chronicle, epic, sage, anecdote, record, memoir
• Strange  — odd, peculiar, unusual, unfamiliar, uncommon, queer, weird, outlandish, curious, unique, exclusive, irregular
• Take  — hold, catch, seize, grasp, win, capture, acquire, pick, choose, select, prefer, remove, steal, lift, rob, engage, bewitch, purchase, buy, retract, recall, assume, occupy, consume
• Tell  — disclose, reveal, show, expose, uncover, relate, narrate, inform, advise, explain, divulge, declare, command, order, bid, recount, repeat
• Think  — judge, deem, assume, believe, consider, contemplate, reflect, mediate
• Trouble  — distress, anguish, anxiety, worry, wretchedness, pain, danger, peril, disaster, grief, misfortune, difficulty, concern, pains, inconvenience, exertion, effort
• True  — accurate, right, proper, precise, exact, valid, genuine, real, actual, trusty, steady, loyal, dependable, sincere, staunch
• Ugly  — hideous, frightful, frightening, shocking, horrible, unpleasant, monstrous, terrifying, gross, grisly, ghastly, horrid, unsightly, plain, homely, evil, repulsive, repugnant, gruesome
• Unhappy  — miserable, uncomfortable, wretched, heart-broken, unfortunate, poor, downhearted, sorrowful, depressed, dejected, melancholy, glum, gloomy, dismal, discouraged, sad
• Use  — employ, utilise, exhaust, spend, expend, consume, exercise
• Wrong  — incorrect, inaccurate, mistaken, erroneous, improper, unsuitable

If you are looking for more resources, you might like these posts:

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28 thoughts on “Synonyms For 95 Commonly Used Words – A Mini-Thesaurus For Writers”

very educative

I love this list. I find the use of a thesaurus both helpful and a hindrance, but it is a necessity at times.

Excellent work.

I especially liked the list for “move”. Maybe “like” could be added to the list?

Can you add “awesome”? Now there’s an overused word.

Hang on, how is improbable an alternative to amazing…? Or arouse an alternative to anger? Not to mention arouse is an adjective and anger is a noun… Angry -> excited? That’s as far as I read. Someone must have been really confused reading some books….

Thanks for the list. I have a thesaurus on my computer which my husband found. The one above is for the basic words that pop up all the time and I appreciate being given the list.

move? You left one out. In reflection seismology a synonym is migrate.

This is an awesome list. Great work!

This is really helpful! It can be very frustrating trying to come up with a word.

Guys checkout an awesome motivational blog to boost your moral.

http://motivationalthoughtsforyou.blogspot.in/

I’m sure you will definitely love it.

How I wish everyone would read this. Conversation would be so much more interesting and accurate.

I live by my thesaurus and this one is really handy!

Such an great list to write something which is simple and catchy to eyes. As a writer it would be helps a great deal to make my writing meaningful and understandable to others. Thats stuff is seriously an applauded work by author.

This is very helpful for student and also word power make a strong, if you give a deaily word power so it could be help us.

nice sir it could be help ful for word power for student .

oh! i always need this thing thank you so much

Thank you so much for posting this. I am constantly trying to expand my every day vocabulary. These words are simple enough for daily use, yet not the average choice for most. Love it.

Thank you for the feedback. We appreciate it.

Good look up table for writers .terrific.

Generally useful list, but it ignores some important distinctions. “Notorious” is not a synonym for famous; it refers to fame as ignominy. You can write about notorious bank robbers, notorious swindlers, even notorious celebrities when their reputations have been muddied. But you would, in contrast, call, Adele a notorious singer. Nonetheless, I found most of the list helpful for everyday words.

Oops. I meant to say that you would NOT call Adele a notorious singer. Sorry for the word lapse.

Wow, Its so lovely post, So many vocabularies to know into the knowledge.

Very useful. Thank you!

Comments are closed.

© Writers Write 2022

Synonym Lists

A list of common synonyms grouped in categories: for teachers, writers and students of English alike.

Common Synonyms

Sorted by category.

These lists also contain examples for the most common 100 words or so; however, the intention is not to replace a thesaurus. Within the categories the sorting is alphabetical. For the selection of the words the top 50 lists of the most "common words in English" (provided by the makers of the Oxford English Dictionary) were a preferred inspiration - mostly verbs and adjectives, only rarely nouns and adverbs. Also, these are not exact synonyms, consider them as grouped in semantic fields - the reason being to provide a help for inspiration with these 50 examples of the most common synonyms and antonyms .

A synonym is a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or a phrase. Antonyms are words which have the opposite (or nearly opposite) meaning. For example: new and old. Words that are synonyms are referred to as being synonymous, and the state of being a synonym is called synonymy. A thesaurus is a resource similar to a dictionary that helps writers to search synonyms - as a device to compose a verbose and scintillating text. This list provides some examples of commonly employed synonyms.

Utilizing synonyms is an elegant and frequently applied method to to make a text more pleasant to read. If the same word is used very often in several sentences, it might very well be the case, that this same word should describe something different in each of the sentences. Since synonyms are usually nuanced variations with slightly different meanings, their use will emphasize special characteristics, and thus the text will be more precise.

List of Synonyms

• Come — advance, approach, arrive, near, reach
• Go — depart, disappear, fade, move, proceed, recede, travel
• Run — dash, escape, elope, flee, hasten, hurry, race, rush, speed, sprint
• Hurry — rush, run, speed, race, hasten, urge, accelerate, bustle
• Hide — conceal, cover, mask, cloak, camouflage, screen, shroud, veil
• Move — plod, go, creep, crawl, inch, poke, drag, toddle, shuffle, trot, dawdle, walk, traipse, mosey, jog, plug, trudge, slump, lumber, trail, lag, run, sprint, trip, bound, hotfoot, high-tail, streak, stride, tear, breeze, whisk, rush, dash, dart, bolt, fling, scamper, scurry, skedaddle, scoot, scuttle, scramble, race, chase, hasten, hurry, hump, gallop, lope, accelerate, stir, budge, travel, wander, roam, journey, trek, ride, spin, slip, glide, slide, slither, coast, flow, sail, saunter, hobble, amble, stagger, paddle, slouch, prance, straggle, meander, perambulate, waddle, wobble, pace, swagger, promenade, lunge
• Do — execute, enact, carry out, finish, conclude, effect, accomplish, achieve, attain
• Have — hold, possess, own, contain, acquire, gain, maintain, believe, bear, beget, occupy, absorb, fill, enjoy
• Use — employ, utilize, exhaust, spend, expend, consume, exercise
• Get — acquire, obtain, secure, procure, gain, fetch, find, score, accumulate, win, earn, rep, catch, net, bag, derive, collect, gather, glean, pick up, accept, come by, regain, salvage
• Keep — hold, retain, withhold, preserve, maintain, sustain, support
• Put — place, set, attach, establish, assign, keep, save, set aside, effect, achieve, do, build
• Take — hold, catch, seize, grasp, win, capture, acquire, pick, choose, select, prefer, remove, steal, lift, rob, engage, bewitch, purchase, buy, retract, recall, assume, occupy, consume
• Make — create, originate, invent, beget, form, construct, design, fabricate, manufacture, produce, build, develop, do, effect, execute, compose, perform, accomplish, earn, gain, obtain, acquire, get
• Break — fracture, rupture, shatter, smash, wreck, crash, demolish, atomize
• Destroy — ruin, demolish, raze, waste, kill, slay, end, extinguish
• Kill — slay, execute, assassinate, murder, destroy, cancel, abolish
• Cut — gash, slash, prick, nick, sever, slice, carve, cleave, slit, chop, crop, lop, reduce
• Fall — drop, descend, plunge, topple, tumble
• Fly — soar, hover, flit, wing, flee, waft, glide, coast, skim, sail, cruise
• Decide — determine, settle, choose, resolve
• Help — aid, assist, support, encourage, back, wait on, attend, serve, relieve, succor, benefit, befriend, abet
• Mark — label, tag, price, ticket, impress, effect, trace, imprint, stamp, brand, sign, note, heed, notice, designate
• Plan — plot, scheme, design, draw, map, diagram, procedure, arrangement, intention, device, contrivance, method, way, blueprint
• Show — display, exhibit, present, note, point to, indicate, explain, reveal, prove, demonstrate, expose
• Begin — start, open, launch, initiate, commence, inaugurate, originate
• End — stop, finish, terminate, conclude, close, halt, cessation, discontinuance, cease, halt, stay, pause, discontinue, conclude, finish, quit
• Big — large, enormous, huge, immense, gigantic, vast, colossal, gargantuan, sizable, grand, great, tall, substantial, mammoth, astronomical, ample, broad, expansive, spacious, stout, tremendous, titanic, mountainous
• Little — small, tiny, diminutive, shrimp, runt, miniature, puny, exiguous, dinky, cramped, limited, itsy-bitsy, microscopic, slight, petite, minute
• New — fresh, unique, original, unusual, novel, modern, current, recent
• Old — feeble, frail, ancient, weak, aged, used, worn, dilapidated, ragged, faded, broken-down, former, old-fashioned, outmoded, passe, veteran, mature, venerable, primitive, traditional, archaic, conventional, customary, stale, musty, obsolete, extinct
• False — wrong, fake, fraudulent, counterfeit, spurious, untrue, unfounded, erroneous, deceptive, groundless, fallacious, incorrect, inaccurate, mistaken, erroneous, improper, unsuitable
• True — right, accurate, proper, precise, exact, valid, genuine, real, actual, trusty, steady, loyal, dependable, sincere, staunch, correct, accurate, factual, true, good, just, honest, upright, lawful, moral, proper, suitable, apt, legal, fair
• Fast — quick, rapid, speedy, fleet, hasty, snappy, mercurial, swiftly, rapidly, quickly, snappily, speedily, lickety-split, posthaste, hastily, expeditiously, like a flash
• Slow — unhurried, gradual, leisurely, late, behind, tedious, slack
• Cool — chilly, cold, frosty, wintry, icy, frigid
• Hot — feverish, warm, heated, sweltering, torrid, equatorial, tropical, erotic, passionate, spicy, peppery, pungent, sharp tangy, tart, fiery, flaming, sizzling, charged, burning, seared, chafed´, inflamed, irritated, red, smarting, stinging
• Quiet — silent, still, soundless, mute, tranquil, peaceful, calm, restful, hushed, inaudible reticent, reserved, taciturn, secretive, uncommunicative, tightlipped
• Noisy — loudly, earsplitting, stentorian, strident, clamorous, boisterous, clangorous, deafening, roisterous, uproarious, pandemoniac
• All — complete, entire, full, gross, outright, perfect, total, utter, whole, any, complete, every, sum, totality, each and every, every bit of, bar none, every single, everything, everyone
• None — nothing, nobody, no one, zero, zilch, no one at all, no part, not a bit, not a soul, not a thing, not any, not anyone, not anything, not one, nonexistent, null nadir, nil, naught, void, nada, blank, nix
• Normal — daily, traditional, familiar, routine, proper, ordinary, typical, everyday, usual, commonplace, natural, classic, standard, general, bona fide, established, habitual, orthodox, prevalent, run-of-the-mill, time-honored, unvarying, average, conventional, customary, common, regular, garden-variety, household, plain, simple, balanced
• Strange — abnormal, aberrant, anomalous, bent, bizarre, deviant, queer, eccentric, freakish, fanatical, odd, eerie, peculiar, weird, unorthodox, nonstandard, atypical, different, irregular, nonconforming, offbeat, unusual, extraordinary, insane, irrational, disorderly, rare, exceptional, extreme, outlandish
• Describe — portray, characterize, picture, narrate, relate, recount, represent, report, record
• Difference — disagreement, inequity, contrast, dissimilarity, incompatibility
• Explain — elaborate, clarify, define, interpret, justify, account for
• Idea — thought, concept, conception, notion, understanding, opinion, plan, view, belief
• Look — gaze, see, glance, watch, survey, study, seek, search for, peek, peep, glimpse, stare, contemplate, examine, gape, ogle, scrutinize, inspect, leer, behold, observe, view, witness, perceive, spy, sight, discover, notice, recognize, peer, eye, gawk, peruse, explore
• Story — tale, myth, legend, fable, yarn, account, narrative, chronicle, epic, sage, anecdote, record, memoir
• Tell — disclose, reveal, show, expose, uncover, relate, narrate, inform, advise, explain, divulge, declare, command, order, bid, recount, repeat
• Think — judge, deem, assume, believe, consider, contemplate, reflect, mediate
• Anger — enrage, infuriate, arouse, nettle, exasperate, inflame, madden
• Angry — mad, furious, enraged, excited, wrathful, indignant, exasperated, aroused, inflamed
• Calm — quiet, peaceful, still, tranquil, mild, serene, smooth, composed, collected, unruffled, level-headed, unexcited, detached, aloof
• Eager — keen, fervent, enthusiastic, involved, interested, alive to
• Fear — fright, dread, terror, alarm, dismay, anxiety, scare, awe, horror, panic, apprehension
• Happy — pleased, contented, satisfied, delighted, elated, joyful, cheerful, ecstatic, jubilant, gay, tickled, gratified, glad, blissful, overjoyed
• Hate — despise, loathe, detest, abhor, disfavor, dislike, disapprove, abominate
• Love — like, admire, esteem, fancy, care for, cherish, adore, treasure, worship, appreciate, savor
• Moody — temperamental, changeable, short-tempered, glum, morose, sullen, mopish, irritable, testy, peevish, fretful, spiteful, sulky, touchy
• Sad — miserable, uncomfortable, wretched, heart-broken, unfortunate, poor, downhearted, sorrowful, depressed, dejected, melancholy, glum, gloomy, dismal, discouraged, unhappy
• Scared — afraid, frightened, alarmed, terrified, panicked, fearful, unnerved, insecure, timid, shy, skittish, jumpy, disquieted, worried, vexed, troubled, disturbed, horrified, terrorized, shocked, petrified, haunted, timorous, shrinking, tremulous, stupefied, paralyzed, stunned, apprehensive
• Awful — dreadful, terrible, abominable, bad, poor, unpleasant
• Bad — evil, immoral, wicked, corrupt, sinful, depraved, rotten, contaminated, spoiled, tainted, harmful, injurious, unfavorable, defective, inferior, imperfect, substandard, faulty, improper, inappropriate, unsuitable, disagreeable, unpleasant, cross, nasty, unfriendly, irascible, horrible, atrocious, outrageous, scandalous, infamous, wrong, noxious, sinister, putrid, snide, deplorable, dismal, gross, heinous, nefarious, base, obnoxious, detestable, despicable, contemptible, foul, rank, ghastly, execrable
• Crooked — bent, twisted, curved, hooked, zigzag
• Dangerous — perilous, hazardous, risky, uncertain, unsafe
• Dark — shadowy, unlit, murky, gloomy, dim, dusky, shaded, sunless, black, dismal, sad
• Dull — boring, tiring,, tiresome, uninteresting, slow, dumb, stupid, unimaginative, lifeless, dead, insensible, tedious, wearisome, listless, expressionless, plain, monotonous, humdrum, dreary
• Fat — stout, corpulent, fleshy, beefy, paunchy, plump, full, rotund, tubby, pudgy, chubby, chunky, burly, bulky, elephantine
• Gross — improper, rude, coarse, indecent, crude, vulgar, outrageous, extreme, grievous, shameful, uncouth, obscene, low
• Hurt — damage, harm, injure, wound, distress, afflict, pain
• Lazy — indolent, slothful, idle, inactive, sluggish
• Predicament — quandary, dilemma, pickle, problem, plight, spot, scrape, jam
• Trouble — distress, anguish, anxiety, worry, wretchedness, pain, danger, peril, disaster, grief, misfortune, difficulty, concern, pains, inconvenience, exertion, effort
• Ugly — hideous, frightful, frightening, shocking, horrible, unpleasant, monstrous, terrifying, gross, grisly, ghastly, horrid, unsightly, plain, homely, evil, repulsive, repugnant, gruesome
• Amazing — incredible, unbelievable, improbable, fabulous, wonderful, fantastic, astonishing, astounding, extraordinary
• Beautiful — pretty, lovely, handsome, attractive, gorgeous, dazzling, splendid, magnificent, comely, fair, ravishing, graceful, elegant, fine, exquisite, aesthetic, pleasing, shapely, delicate, stunning, glorious, heavenly, resplendent, radiant, glowing, blooming, sparkling
• Brave — courageous, fearless, dauntless, intrepid, plucky, daring, heroic, valorous, audacious, bold, gallant, valiant, doughty, mettlesome
• Bright — shining, shiny, gleaming, brilliant, sparkling, shimmering, radiant, vivid, colorful, lustrous, luminous, incandescent, intelligent, knowing, quick-witted, smart, intellectual
• Delicious — savory, delectable, appetizing, luscious, scrumptious, palatable, delightful, enjoyable, toothsome, exquisite
• Enjoy — appreciate, delight in, be pleased, indulge in, luxuriate in, bask in, relish, devour, savor, like
• Famous — well-known, renowned, celebrated, famed, eminent, illustrious, distinguished, noted, notorious
• Funny — humorous, amusing, droll, comic, comical, laughable, silly
• Good — excellent, fine, superior, wonderful, marvelous, qualified, suited, suitable, apt, proper, capable, generous, kindly, friendly, gracious, obliging, pleasant, agreeable, pleasurable, satisfactory, well-behaved, obedient, honorable, reliable, trustworthy, safe, favorable, profitable, advantageous, righteous, expedient, helpful, valid, genuine, ample, salubrious, estimable, beneficial, splendid, great, noble, worthy, first-rate, top-notch, grand, sterling, superb, respectable, edifying
• Great — noteworthy, worthy, distinguished, remarkable, grand, considerable, powerful, much, mighty
• Mischievous — prankish, playful, naughty, roguish, waggish, impish, sportive
• Neat — clean, orderly, tidy, trim, dapper, natty, smart, elegant, well-organized, super, desirable, spruce, shipshape, well-kept, shapely
• Popular — well-liked, approved, accepted, favorite, celebrated, common, current
• Answer — reply, respond, retort, acknowledge
• Ask — question, inquire of, seek information from, put a question to, demand, request, expect, inquire, query, interrogate, examine, quiz
• Cry — shout, yell, yowl, scream, roar, bellow, weep, wail, sob, bawl
• Say/Tell — inform, notify, advise, relate, recount, narrate, explain, reveal, disclose, divulge, declare, command, order, bid, enlighten, instruct, insist, teach, train, direct, issue, remark, converse, speak, affirm, suppose, utter, negate, express, verbalize, voice, articulate, pronounce, deliver, convey, impart, assert, state, allege, mutter, mumble, whisper, sigh, exclaim, yell, sing, yelp, snarl, hiss, grunt, snort, roar, bellow, thunder, boom, scream, shriek, screech, squawk, whine, philosophize, stammer, stutter, lisp, drawl, jabber, protest, announce, swear, vow, content, assure, deny, dispute
• Mean (Something) — add up to, affect, be important, be of value, be substantive, carry weight, connote, count, denote, express, imply, intend, involve, signify, spell, stand for, suggest, value, weigh in,
• Somewhat — a little, sort of, kind of, a bit, relatively, slightly, moderately, to some extent / degree , reasonably, partially, more or less, not much rather, quite, fairly, by a long shot, by far, rather, significantly, well
• Somehow — in a way, virtually, to a certain extent, in some measure, to some extent, to a certain degree, quasi , in a manner of speaking, effectively anyhow, anyway, anywise, by hook or by crook, another, howsoever, in any way, somehow or other, someway, by some means
• Definite — certain, sure, positive, determined, clear, distinct, obvious
• Fair — just, impartial, unbiased, objective, unprejudiced, honest
• Important — necessary, vital, critical, indispensable, valuable, essential, significant, primary, principal, considerable, famous, distinguished, notable, well-known
• Interesting — fascinating, engaging, sharp, keen, bright, intelligent, animated, spirited, attractive, inviting, intriguing, provocative, thought-provoking, challenging, inspiring, involving, moving, titillating, tantalizing, exciting, entertaining, piquant, lively, racy, spicy, engrossing, absorbing, consuming, gripping, arresting, enthralling, spellbinding, curious, captivating, enchanting, bewitching, appealing
• Part — portion, share, piece, allotment, section, fraction, fragment
• Place — space, area, spot, plot, region, location, situation, position, residence, dwelling, set, site, station, status, state

Download this List of Synonyms & Antonyms as a PDF file (300KB, 5 pages).

It contains all the synonyms & antonyms listed on this site. The image to the left gives you an impression how it looks like.

Exact Synonyms

According to one definition (attributed to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 - 1716)) two expressions are synonymous if the substitution of one for the other does not change the "truth value" of a sentence in which the substitution is made. This is a rather mathematical definition. However, true synonyms are rare; most so called synonyms have subtle differences in their meaning. Examples of true synonyms are rare in any language , if they exist at all.

In practice, some words are called synonyms, just because they are used to describe the same "fact" in different parts of the world. For example, autumn and fall are synonyms, but the former is used in British English and the latter in American English.

English is rich in synonyms because during the centuries it adopted a variety of foreign languages - most notably French, German and Latin.

Now, what does this mean? If a word in a sentence is changed, usually the meaning and perception of the sentence is also slightly altered - hopefully to the point of being more precise in its description.

Popular Synonyms (also Antonyms)

Often we are looking for another word, to express something we have in mind. Existing online dictionaries can be used; however most of them are either slow, packed with advertisement, or not very helpful concerning their result lists . Here are sites which I tested, and found acceptable:

Ever wondered what the expression Holy Cow exactly means and what its origin is? The site also lists the 20 or so most common synonyms.

For further resources related to learning and teaching English, see also here

I have tried my best to make this list as clearly arranged as possible. I apologize for any mistakes - which are not deliberately committed. Both suggestions and criticisms to enhance the quality of this list are sincerely welcomed. Use the address at the "Disclaimer" site to submit both your suggestions and criticisms.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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12 Alternatives to “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly” in an Essay

Essays are hard enough to get right without constantly worrying about introducing new points of discussion.

You might have tried using “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in an essay, but are there better alternatives out there?

This article will explore some synonyms to give you other ways to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing.

Can I Say “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”?

You can not say “firstly, secondly, thirdly” in academic writing. It sounds jarring to most readers, so you’re better off using “first, second, third” (removing the -ly suffix).

Technically, it is correct to say “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” You could even go on to say “fourthly” and “fifthly” when making further points. However, none of these words have a place in formal writing and essays.

Still, these examples will show you how to use all three of them:

Firstly , I would like to touch on why this is problematic behavior. Secondly , we need to discuss the solutions to make it better. Thirdly , I will finalize the discussion and determine the best course of action.

• It allows you to enumerate your points.
• It’s easy to follow for a reader.
• It’s very informal.
• There’s no reason to add the “-ly” suffix.

Clearly, “firstly, secondly, thirdly” are not appropriate in essays. Therefore, it’s best to have a few alternatives ready to go.

Keep reading to learn the best synonyms showing you what to use instead of “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” Then, we’ll provide examples for each as well.

What to Say Instead of “Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly”

• First of all
• One reason is
• Continuing on
• In addition

1. First of All

“First of all” is a great way to replace “firstly” at the start of a list .

We recommend using it to show that you have more points to make. Usually, it implies you start with the most important point .

Here are some examples to show you how it works:

First of all , I would like to draw your attention to the issues in question. Then, it’s important that we discuss what comes next. Finally, you should know that we’re going to work out the best solution.

2. To Begin

Another great way to start an essay or sentence is “to begin.” It shows that you’re beginning on one point and willing to move on to other important ones.

It’s up to you to decide which phrases come after “to begin.” As long as there’s a clear way for the reader to follow along , you’re all good.

These examples will also help you with it:

To begin , we should decide which variables will be the most appropriate for it. After that, it’s worth exploring the alternatives to see which one works best. In conclusion, I will decide whether there are any more appropriate options available.

“First” is much better than “firstly” in every written situation. You can include it in academic writing because it is more concise and professional .

Also, it’s somewhat more effective than “first of all” (the first synonym). It’s much easier to use one word to start a list. Naturally, “second” and “third” can follow when listing items in this way.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it:

First , you should know that I have explored all the relevant options to help us. Second, there has to be a more efficient protocol. Third, I would like to decide on a better task-completion method.

4. One Reason Is

You may also use “one reason is” to start a discussion that includes multiple points . Generally, you would follow it up with “another reason is” and “the final reason is.”

It’s a more streamlined alternative to “firstly, secondly, thirdly.” So, we recommend using it when you want to clearly discuss all points involved in a situation.

This essay sample will help you understand more about it:

One reason is that it makes more sense to explore these options together. Another reason comes from being able to understand each other’s instincts. The final reason is related to knowing what you want and how to get it.

“Second” is a great follow-on from “first.” Again, it’s better than writing “secondly” because it sounds more formal and is acceptable in most essays.

We highly recommend using “second” after you’ve started a list with “first.” It allows you to cover the second point in a list without having to explain the flow to the reader.

Check out the following examples to help you:

First, you should consider the answer before we get there. Second , your answer will be questioned and discussed to determine both sides. Third, you will have a new, unbiased opinion based on the previous discussion.

6. Continuing On

You can use “continuing on” as a follow-up to most introductory points in a list.

It works well after something like “to begin,” as it shows that you’re continuing the list reasonably and clearly.

Perhaps these examples will shed some light on it:

To begin, there needs to be a clear example of how this should work. Continuing on , I will look into other options to keep the experiment fair. Finally, the result will reveal itself, making it clear whether my idea worked.

Generally, “next” is one of the most versatile options to continue a list . You can include it after almost any introductory phrase (like “first,” “to begin,” or “one reason is”).

It’s great to include in essays, but be careful with it. It can become too repetitive if you say “next” too many times. Try to limit how many times you include it in your lists to keep your essay interesting.

Check out the following examples if you’re still unsure:

To start, it’s wise to validate the method to ensure there were no initial errors. Next , I think exploring alternatives is important, as you never know which is most effective. Then, you can touch on new ideas that might help.

One of the most effective and versatile words to include in a list is “then.”

It works at any stage during the list (after the first stage, of course). So, it’s worth including it when you want to continue talking about something.

For instance:

First of all, the discussion about rights was necessary. Then , it was important to determine whether we agreed or not. After that, we had to convince the rest of the team to come to our way of thinking.

9. In Addition

Making additions to your essays allows the reader to easily follow your lists. We recommend using “in addition” as the second (or third) option in a list .

It’s a great one to include after any list opener. It shows that you’ve got something specific to add that’s worth mentioning.

These essay samples should help you understand it better:

First, it’s important that we iron out any of the problems we had before. In addition , it’s clear that we have to move on to more sustainable options. Then, we can figure out the costs behind each option.

Naturally, “third” is the next in line when following “first” and “second.” Again, it’s more effective than “thirdly,” making it a much more suitable option in essays.

We recommend using it to make your third (and often final) point. It’s a great way to close a list , allowing you to finalize your discussion. The reader will appreciate your clarity when using “third” to list three items.

Here are some examples to demonstrate how it works:

First, you need to understand the basics of the mechanism. Second, I will teach you how to change most fundamentals. Third , you will build your own mechanism with the knowledge you’ve gained.

11. Finally

“Finally” is an excellent way to close a list in an essay . It’s very final (hence the name) and shows that you have no more points to list .

Generally, “finally” allows you to explain the most important part of the list. “Finally” generally means you are touching on something that’s more important than everything that came before it.

For example:

First, thank you for reading my essay, as it will help me determine if I’m on to something. Next, I would like to start working on this immediately to see what I can learn. Finally , you will learn for yourself what it takes to complete a task like this.

12. To Wrap Up

Readers like closure. They will always look for ways to wrap up plot points and lists. So, “to wrap up” is a great phrase to include in your academic writing .

It shows that you are concluding a list , regardless of how many points came before it. Generally, “to wrap up” covers everything you’ve been through previously to ensure the reader follows everything you said.

To start with, I requested that we change venues to ensure optimal conditions. Following that, we moved on to the variables that might have the biggest impact. To wrap up , the experiment went as well as could be expected, with a few minor issues.

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What to Know About Mpox

The World Health Organization declared a global health emergency over an outbreak that has spread to more than a dozen African countries.

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By Eve Sampson

Mpox was declared a global health emergency on Wednesday for the second time in three years, as the World Health Organization urged action on a virus spreading rapidly through more than a dozen African countries.

The outbreak is most severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has reported 15,600 mpox cases and 537 deaths, according to the U.N. agency . The mpox epidemic there has already proved more deadly than one in 2022, the last time an emergency was announced.

Here is what to know about mpox, which was known as monkeypox before health officials, responding to complaints about the word, recommended its current name in 2022.

What is mpox and how is it spread?

The mpox virus is endemic to Central and Western Africa. The disease is similar to smallpox but less contagious, and the virus is spread primarily through close contact with infected animals or people, and the consumption of contaminated meat.

Mpox can also be spread through sexual contact, and there is a risk of transmission to a fetus.

Who is currently being affected?

Ninety-six percent of the mpox deaths reported in June were in Congo, a country already assailed by an internal conflict and humanitarian crisis . But the disease has now been identified in 13 countries, including for the first time in the East African nations of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

There are differences between the outbreaks in various regions and countries, depending on the circumstances in each community, according to Dr. Sylvie Jonckheere, an adviser on emerging infectious diseases for Doctors Without Borders. But they share a common feature, she said: “We do not know how to control this outbreak.”

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