Adjective Stravaganza

Stop overusing words. Here’s 11 synonyms to enrich your vocabulary!

Image: Sincerely Media

The English language is vibrant and generous when it comes to describing things. Its adjectives can be precise, poetic, naive, gentle, nasty, humorous, and so much more. Yet, for whatever reason, speakers show a tendency to boil down their lexicon into a very narrow choice of words.

We have assembled a short list of common adjectives and some of the words that can be used to replace them. Depending on the situation, some will be more suitable than others, but all of them will serve to expand your vocabulary in interesting ways!

Image: Andrew Schultz

One of the most overused adjectives in the English language is "nice". We use it for everything: Maybe you had a nice conversation, you live in a nice neighborhood, or you have a nice puppy.

Of course, a puppy can be nice. But it could also be charming, cute, precious, or even adorable. Your neighborhood could be pretty or lovely. Your conversation, captivating or absorbing. You get the idea.

Image: Jason Blackeye

A sunset is beautiful, yes. But a sunset can also very well be golden, gorgeous, spectacular, dramatic, red, magnificent, glowing, burning, dazzling, wonderful, fiery, even breathtaking or glorious. An event so exquisite deserves more than the ubiquitous "beautiful," don't you think?

Image: Drew Coffman

A very useful little word to describe things that are on the positive side of things, but not much further down the line. Not great, but definitely not bad.

Many things in life are, simply put, just good: A decent cup of coffee, a satisfactory day at work, an adequate microwave meal. These are all things that, if done right, are just good, and that's why we tend to over-utilize this humble adjective. However, many words could serve to replace it. Some we've just used here, but you can certainly think of some more.

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The word "expensive" is thrown around quite a lot, and has been for a while. For this very reason, the English language has more than a few synonyms worth its salt to express the same concept.

A pricey item can also be described as exorbitant, extravagant, fancy, lavish, upscale, posh, or steep. Contrary to what they describe, using any of these adjectives is 100% free.

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Another omnipresent descriptor that deserves a rest. And for good reason: the world is, in fact, a big place with plenty of big things worthy of conversation.

However, besides big, things can be called plenty of other things: huge, enormous, substantial, immense, gigantic, spacious, monumental, or even gargantuan if you are looking for the ultimate in matters of size.

Image: Daniel K Cheung

When talking about scale, it's all about nuance. Almost as ubiquitous as its big brother, "small" is another versatile word that, despite its usefulness, loses meaning without context.

Think of words like little, tiny, minuscule, compact, diminutive, microscopic, undersized, and minute. Every one of them offers some nuance and variation, while still expressing the core idea of smallness.

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A great many things in life are difficult and there is no shame in admitting to it. What is a shame is using the same word over and over again when we have such a rich vocabulary to express every nuance of the human experience.

Things can be difficult, but also challenging, demanding, complex, arduous, complicated, tricky, formidable, onerous, laborious, tough, or just hard.

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As many things in life are difficult, many others are outright easy. Whenever you find a straightforward solution to a problem, life gets a little simpler. Other words in the "easy" ballpark are uncomplicated, painless, smooth, undemanding, and breezy. You should try to incorporate them into your lexicon—it's effortless.

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One of those words that can be used to convey many different meanings, "hot" signifies high temperature, but it is also used to express urgency, high demand, beauty, and intensity.

Many synonyms can also be used to describe the spectrum of expressions that "hot" is used for. From the intense "sizzling" to the extreme "scorching" or "boiling", to "blistering" or even "burning", all these are waiting on the sidelines to replace the overused "hot."

Image: Spencer Backman

Another much-used adjective, the direct opposite of the one just mentioned, is "cold". Many things can be cold, from drinks to relationships to places to food and quite a few more. Yet, the word has a few relatives that are seldom used.

"Chilly" suggests a mild and discomforting cold, "frigid" conveys an intense cold, "icy" emphasizes the presence of ice, and "frosty" describes a coldness that is frost-covered. Also, "biting" implies a sharp wind, "freezing" means a temperature at freezing point, and "numb" conveys a lack of sensation.

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In a world of constant rush, running late is inevitable. The term itself signifies a point in time occurring after the expected hour. "You're late" is a much-heard phrase, usually uttered in mild anger.

But for such an ungrateful term, there are plenty of related terms at our disposal: tardy, delayed, belated, behind schedule, overdue, running behind, or behind time can all be used to replace the usual "late".

Inventions from another planet!

Invisalign was invented by NASA? Find that out and more here!

Image: Jametlene Reskp

NASA may be all about exploring space, but they have also improved life on Earth, did you know that? For example, the sneakers you use to go for a run every week, that’s NASA’s work. The agency’s innovations have made their way into our everyday routines in surprising ways. Even if you’ve never dreamed of being an astronaut, you’re probably using NASA-inspired tech right now! Let’s go through some everyday items that wouldn’t exist without those geniuses at NASA.

Image: Ty Carlson

Do you know how your mattress molds to your body? Don’t you just love it? That’s memory foam, baby! Developed by NASA to protect astronauts during takeoff, this squishy wonder found its way into mattresses, pillows, and even bras!

It’s pressure-relieving, comfy, and perfect for sweet dreams. In short, thank you NASA! We owe you all of our good sleep nights!

Image: Niko C

NASA didn’t invent the selfie, but they sure made it possible! Back in the 1990s, their scientists developed digital imaging sensors to snap pictures of planets and stars. These sensors became the foundation for your phone’s camera, DSLRs, and even GoPros.

It was only a matter of time until this technology was developed to make picture-perfect memories for ourselves, right?

Image: Brecht Denil

Ever been saved by Google Maps? We know you have, we’ve all been there! You can thank NASA for helping you find the way back.

In the 1990s, they perfected precision GPS software to correct navigation errors. This technology helps you avoid wrong turns, but it also assists ships, planes, and even tractors. Getting lost is so last century!

Image: Patrick Tomasso

Your favorite energy-saving light bulbs? Yep, NASA had a hand in that too! They studied how light impacts astronauts’ sleep cycles and created LEDs to mimic natural daylight or cozy nighttime hues.

Now, your home lighting can help you feel more alert in the morning or relaxed at bedtime. If you want to know what the vibe up there is, turn your light bulb on!

Image: Lucy Wolski

Here’s a NASA win for these cute, little humans! While developing food for astronauts, researchers discovered omega-3 fatty acids. You may not know this, but they are vital for brain and eye development.

Today, over 90% of infant formulas include this breakthrough ingredient. Even babies benefit from NASA’s genius!

Image: Giorgio Trovato

Have you got one of those cordless handheld vacuums you can use for quick cleanups? No surprise over here, but they came straight from outta space!

NASA partnered with Black & Decker to develop tools for collecting moon samples. The result? The iconic Dustbuster! Now we use it for picking up cookie crumbles, but if anyone asks, you can say you’re using technology inspired by moon missions.

Image: Claudio Schwarz

Do you toss your glasses into your bag without a case? Thank NASA that they’re still scratch-free! Originally designed to protect astronaut helmets, this tough coating made its way to glasses, sunglasses, and safety goggles.

We don’t know about you, but we know a few nearsighted that are eternally grateful for this one!

Image: Anthony Camerlo

NASA didn’t just look to the stars, and visually impaired people are not the only ones who benefited! They also helped people hear them. Specifically a hearing-impaired astronaut, Adam Kissiah Jr.

In the late 1970s, this NASA engineer worked on improving the design behind cochlear implants, which turn sound into digital signals for the brain. This life-changing invention has restored hearing for millions.

Image: Chad Madden

Have you ever noticed those shiny emergency blankets? NASA developed them in 1973 to protect the spacecraft from sunlight.

Today, they’re lifesavers for hikers, campers, and disaster relief. Compact and heat-reflective, they’re a must-have in any survival kit.

Image: Mor Shani

NASA discovered that plants release ethylene gas in closed environments like space stations, which can cause spoilage. To fix it, they developed an ethylene scrubber.

Today, this tech is used in grocery stores to keep produce fresh and in homes to purify the air. Who knew astronauts and houseplants had so much in common?

Image: Rachel Park

In some cases, NASA didn’t work alone. Take food safety standards, for example. They worked with Pillsbury to create food safety protocols for space missions. These guidelines set the gold standard for food storage, which ensured longer shelf lives and less contamination.

Every time you snack on freeze-dried fruit or camp food, you’re experiencing NASA’s tasty legacy. Bon appétit, space-style of course!

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Braces don’t have to be clunky anymore, thanks to NASA. Their work with clear ceramics for space equipment inspired the materials used in invisible braces like Invisalign.

Now you can straighten your teeth without looking like a teenager again. NASA’s tech doesn’t just fix rockets, it fixes smiles too. Is there anything they can’t do?

Image: Sarah Labuda

Some things were not invented to solve an outer space problem, but the resources they have helped a lot!

For example in 2008, NASA helped Speedo design the LZR Racer swimsuit by testing materials in their wind tunnels. The result? A swimsuit so sleek that Olympic swimmers shattered records wearing it.

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Ever felt like your sneakers had a little bounce? Well, that’s actually NASA’s doing! They developed shock-absorbing materials for astronauts’ boots, which later inspired the cushioned soles in today’s athletic shoes.

Every time you take a comfortable step, you’re walking on spacial tech.

Image: Erik Mclean

Radiant barrier insulation, which was actually first created to regulate temperatures in spacecraft, found a home on Earth in 2004.

Applied to attics and walls, it can keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Thanks to NASA, staying comfy indoors is easier and cheaper than ever!