You probably say “very” all the time — like “very happy,” “very cold,” or “very tired.” It’s one of those words we use without thinking. But guess what? There are so many better, more interesting words to use instead! Words like absolutely, incredibly, or truly can make your speech or writing sound more powerful and fun. So if you’re tired of sounding the same and want to spice things up a little, this list is for you.
1. Absolutely
Absolutely is a strong word that shows complete agreement or certainty. It means something is totally true or very real. For example, you might say, “I’m absolutely sure I left my keys on the table.” It adds confidence to what you’re saying. You can also use it to describe how much you feel something: “She’s absolutely thrilled with the results.” Absolutely helps show that you’re not just a little bit something — you’re totally that. It’s a great way to make your sentence more powerful without using “very.”
2. Amazingly
Amazingly means something happens in a surprising or impressive way. Instead of saying “very good,” you might say “amazingly good.” It makes the feeling sound bigger and more exciting. For example, “The magician was amazingly talented and left everyone speechless.” It adds extra excitement and positivity to whatever you’re describing. It’s perfect for situations where something is better than expected or leaves you impressed. Amazingly can help turn a basic sentence into something more fun and full of life. Use it when you want to sound surprised in a good way!
3. Awfully
Awfully is a funny one. Even though it sounds bad, it’s often used in a positive way. You might say “She’s awfully kind,” which really means she’s very kind. It adds strength to the sentence, just like “very,” but it sounds a little old-fashioned or playful. Of course, you can also use it in negative ways, like “That smells awfully bad,” to describe something really unpleasant. So, depending on how you use it, awfully can sound cheerful or serious. Either way, it makes what you’re saying stronger and more expressive.
4. Colossally
Colossally means something is huge in size or importance. It’s a great word to replace “very big” or “very important.” For example, “The company made a colossally bad decision last year.” It shows that something is not just a little big — it’s massive or extreme. It makes your sentence sound more dramatic and powerful. You can use it for big mistakes, big successes, or even big emotions. It adds energy and seriousness. Try it when you want your words to have more weight and impact than just saying “very.”
5. Completely
Completely is used when something is done or felt to the fullest. If you say, “I’m completely sure,” you mean there’s no doubt at all. It replaces “very sure” in a stronger, more definite way. You can also say “The room was completely silent,” meaning there wasn’t a single sound. It’s useful in both emotional and physical settings, helping your sentences sound more exact. Completely shows that nothing is missing — the thing is 100% done, felt, or true. It’s a strong word that brings clarity and strength to your statements.
6. Considerably
Considerably means much more or a lot. It’s perfect for showing a big difference or change. For example, “She’s considerably better at math now than last year.” It replaces “very much” or “very different” in a smooth, smart-sounding way. This word fits well in casual or formal conversation. It shows a big level of increase or change without sounding too extreme. Considerably is great when you want to sound thoughtful and make it clear that something changed in a noticeable or important way.
7. Decidedly
Decidedly shows that something is clear or obvious, without doubt. If something is “decidedly better,” it’s not just a little better — it’s clearly better. For example, “He’s decidedly more confident than before.” It sounds like you’ve made up your mind and there’s no debate. Decidedly gives your sentence strength and certainty. It helps when you want to point out a big difference or express a firm opinion. It’s a great replacement for “very” when you want to be clear and sound sure of yourself.
8. Deeply
Deeply means something is felt or done with great intensity. For emotions, it’s very useful. For example, “I was deeply moved by the story.” It shows the feeling wasn’t just strong — it touched your heart. You can also say “She is deeply focused on her work,” to show serious concentration. It’s a meaningful word that makes things feel more serious or important. Instead of just saying “very sad” or “very grateful,” try “deeply sad” or “deeply grateful.” It adds emotional depth and makes your language more expressive.
9. Effing
Effing is a slang word that adds strong emotion, often in frustration or surprise. It stands in for a stronger curse word. For example, “That movie was effing amazing!” It gives the sentence an edge or a feeling of intensity. While it’s not appropriate for all situations (especially formal ones), people often use it casually when they’re really excited or annoyed. Effing replaces “very” in a way that adds strong emphasis. Just be careful where and how you use it — it’s informal and can be seen as rude in the wrong place.
10. Enormously
Enormously means something is done or felt in a huge way. It’s more than just big — it’s massive. For example, “She was enormously grateful for the help.” It shows a big, generous amount of something, like love, appreciation, or size. It works for both emotions and physical things. Instead of “very big” or “very thankful,” you could say “enormously big” or “enormously thankful.” It makes your sentence more vivid and descriptive. Enormously gives your words a huge boost in meaning and makes them feel larger than life.
11. Entirely
Entirely means 100%, with nothing missing. It replaces “very” when you want to say something is totally true or complete. For example, “He’s entirely responsible for the mistake.” It sounds serious and clear. You can also say “That’s entirely my opinion,” to show your full belief. It adds clarity and emphasis without sounding too strong. It’s perfect for when you want to be clear and sure in your speech or writing. Entirely helps you say things in a confident and complete way.
12. Especially
Especially means more than usual or more than others. It’s used to point out something that stands out. For example, “I love all fruits, especially strawberries.” It replaces “very much” or “particularly.” It highlights what you care about the most or what stands out most. It’s helpful in both speaking and writing when you want to draw attention to one thing. “Especially” helps your sentences feel more focused and specific, making it a smart way to upgrade from plain “very” language.
13. Exceptionally
Exceptionally means much more than usual — in a rare or excellent way. If someone is “exceptionally smart,” they’re not just smart — they’re smarter than almost everyone else. For example, “She performed exceptionally well on the test.” This word is great for giving praise or showing how rare or outstanding something is. It takes your compliment up a level from “very good” to “exceptional.” Use it when you want to show that something is not just better — it’s way better than expected.
14. Excessively
Excessively means something is done or felt too much. It’s more than just “very” — it might be too much. For example, “He’s excessively worried about every little thing.” It’s great for describing situations where something feels over-the-top or more than what’s needed. It can be serious or playful, depending on the tone. Use it when you want to show that the feeling or action has gone beyond normal. It adds a little drama or warning, and it’s a great word to use instead of saying “very, very.”
15. Extensively
Extensively means something is done in a large, wide, or thorough way. For example, “She has traveled extensively across Europe.” It replaces “very widely” or “very thoroughly.” It’s great for describing research, travel, reading, or experience. This word makes your sentence sound more thoughtful and professional. It helps show that something was not done quickly or lightly — it was done on a big scale. Use “extensively” when you want to sound detailed and smart, while still keeping it simple and clear.
16. Extremely
Extremely is one of the most common replacements for “very.” It adds a high level of intensity or seriousness to your sentence. For example, “That roller coaster was extremely fast!” It shows that something is not just a little, but a lot. You can use it for emotions, size, speed, temperature, and more. It’s flexible, easy to use, and instantly makes your message stronger. When you want to say “very” but sound a bit more exciting, “extremely” is always a great choice.
Final Thoughts
There are so many better and more interesting ways to say “very.” Whether you’re trying to sound more confident, more descriptive, or just more fun, words like “absolutely,” “amazingly,” or “deeply” help you say exactly what you mean. These synonyms bring color and energy to your language and can make your writing or speech much more powerful. Try swapping out “very” with some of these words the next time you write or talk — you’ll be surprised how much better it sounds!
