500+ Descriptive words for Writing

These descriptive words will help improve your writing. All these words are from my own personal notes. I’m an avid, and active, reader, and over the last couple of years I’ve jotted down the descriptive words that I pop out to me.

This list of descriptive words for writing was born from a desire to become enhance my vocabulary and become a better storyteller, and writer.

I’ve learned that working with words on a page is akin to a potter at the molding wheel. We have to slowly shape our stories.

The list is separated by parts of speech; You’ll find a list of adjectives, descriptive phrases, action verbs, and more.

At the end are some phrases I like, that I have read here or there over the years. 

I hope you use this list of descriptive words, and phrases and garner inspiration to enhance your own tales.

Descriptive Words For Writing: Positive Adjectives

Astonishing

adjective

1 – Something very surprising, amazing, or impressive

Example: The home had an astonishing amount of clutter.

Accompanying

adjective

1 – existence or occurrence with or via a byproduct of something else. 

Example:  The uncomfortable mood, accompanied the atmosphere. 

Atmospheric

adjective

1 – creating a distinctive mood, typically of romance, mystery, or nostalgia.

The atmospheric bar was dimly lit, and full of character.

2 – relating to the atmosphere of the earth

Aglow

adjective

1 – glowing

The night sky was aglow with starlight.

abrupt

adjective

1: sudden, or unexpected.

The train came to an abrupt stop. 

2: brief to the point of being rude.

The teacher was abrupt with the student. 

3: steep, or precipitous

The abrupt cliff looked dangerous.

Acrobatic

adjective

1 – preforming  adept at spectacular gymnastic feats.

The swimmer entered the water with an acrobatic dive. 

Adorable

adjective

1 – inspiring great affection; delightful; charming.

I adorable dog played outside all day. 

2 – covered or flooded with water, especially seawater or rain.

The deck was awash from the rolling waves. 

Adventurous

adjective

1 – willing to take risks or try new methods, ideas, or experiences.

He wanted to live an adventurous life.

Accomplished

adjective

1: highly skilled or trained.

He was an accomplished writer. 

2: brief to the point of being rude.

The teacher was abrupt with the student. 

3: steep, or precipitous

The abrupt cliff looked dangerous.

Albeit

adjective

1 – although.

“he was making headway, albeit rather slowly.”

archetypal

adjective

1 – very typical of a certain kind of person or thing.

“the archetypal country doctor”

aimless

adjective

1 – without purpose or direction.

“Don’t live an aimless life.”

Brave

adjective

1 – To face or endure danger or pain; showing courage.

The brave healthcare workers are putting their life on the line.

bewildered

adjective

1 – perplexed and confused; very puzzled.

“I had a bewildered look on my face”

Bright

adjective

1 – giving out or reflecting a lot of light; shining.

The sun was bright in his eyes. 

2 – vivid and bold color.

The grass in Ireland is bright green. 

Brilliant

adjective

1 – Bright or Radiant.

The brilliant light was blinding.

1 – Clever or Smart

He was a brilliant student.

Boundless

adjective

1 – unlimited, infinite, or immense.

The boundless energy of the kid wore me out.

Boho

adjective

1 – socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative

The artist lead a boho life in the wild.

2 – woman’s fashion aesthetic characterized by flowing print fabrics, layers of clothing, and costume jewelry such as long strings of beads, dangling earrings, and multiple bangles.

she went for the boho look in a floor-length green dress teamed with a fringed jacket and chandelier earrings.

Battered

adjective

1 – hurt by repeated blows or punishment.  

he finished the day battered and bruised. 

2 – damaged by age or used repeatedly.  

I finished the day battered and bruised. 

Bitter

adjective

1 – a taste sensations that is peculiarly sharp or acrid.

The bitter fruit tasted terrible.

Boundless

adjective

1 – unlimited, infinite, or immense.

The boundless energy of the kid wore me out.

blithe

adjective

1 – lacking due thought or consideration

Zack Morris showed a blithe disregard for the rules.

2 – Happy or Lighthearted Character

Want to watch a blithe romantic comedy? .

bluish

adjective

1 – having a blue tinge; somewhat blue.

The bluish tint of the water was stylish. 

brooding

adjective

1 – Lost in deep sadness of thought.

The kid was brooding that his parents wouldn’t by the toy.. 

babyish

adjective

1 – having the characteristic of a baby.

He acted babyish when he lost the game. 

bona fide

adjective

1 – not fake; or counterfeit

This is a bona fide masterpiece. 

baggy

adjective

1 – lose or hanging.

My eyes are baggy after a red eye flight.

beloved

adjective

1 – loved very dearly.

The teacher was beloved by his students. . 

buzzing

adjective

1 – a low mumuring or humming sound.

The buzzing bee flew across the park.  

burly

adjective

1 – strong, or strongly built.

The burly bear was intimidating.  

bouncy

adjective

1 – having a lot of bounce.

The trampoline was extra bouncy.

2 – confident or having a jaunty rhythm.

The man was bouncy and full of life.

buoyant

adjective

1 – very apt to stay afloat.

The pool floaty was extremely buoyant.

2 – cheerful.

The buoyant. salesmen was very charming.

bleak

adjective

1 – lacking plants or life. 

The bleak desert was barren.

2 – Cold and Miserable Outlook. 

After his divorce he had a bleak outlook on life.

Beseeching

adjective

1 – expressing or marked by earnest entreaty or pleading.

The beseeching peasant feared for his life. 

buttery

adjective

1 – having the taste of butter.

The buttery bread  warmed the soul.

Composed

adjective

1 – having feelings or actions control or remaining calm.

Even though he was afraid he remained composed.

cavernous

adjective

1 – cavern like in either size, shape, or atmosphere.

The cavernous mansion stood empty.

2 – Giving the impression of dark and vast.

The cavernous eyes..

.

Colonnades

adjective

1 – a series on columns set at specif intervals, and supporting a roof.

The ancient marble colonnades are just one reason to explore the best islands in Greece. 

carefree

adjective

1 – free from worry or anxiety.

he was a carefree soul.

coarse

adjective

1 – having a rough texture; large grains.

The treated wood was coarse.

careful

adjective

1 – anxious to protect or avoid potential danger or mishaps.

he was a careful not to get into trouble.

Creaky

adjective

1 – making or liable to make a harsh, high-pitched sound when being moved or when pressure or weight is applied.

“I climbed the creaky stairs”

clean

adjective

1 – dirt free, unmarked, or have been washed.

the room was clean.

Crenulated

adjective

1 – having a wavy outline

The crenelated coast when backpacking Thailand is breathtaking. ..

Cloudy

adjective

1 – covered by clouds.

It was to cloudy to go hiking..

Congenital

adjective

1 – present from birth.

“a congenital defect of the heart.”

Colorful

adjective

1 – striking array of colors.

The colorful painting lit up the room. 

1 – rude language. 

They didn’t allow the colorful speech to get past the sensors. 

Chipper

adjective

1 – Happy / Sprightly

He was chipper after getting married in Sweden.

curt

adjective

1 – rude shortness

The curt manager’s comments angered the waiter.

Confounded

adjective

1 – confused

The chef was confounded by the dinner tickets.

Chronic

adjective

1 – continuing occurrence

I suffer from chronic indigestion.

2 – present and encountered. 

Chronic meddling always causes problems.

Communal

adjective

1 – relating to the community / Collective ownership.

The communal garden gives us great vegetables every year.

Colossal

adjective

1 – huge in size, power, or stupendous.

The colossal rocks blocked the dusty path.

Delectable

adjective

1 – pleasing 

Chicago food has some of the most  delectable meals I’ve ever had.

dainty

adjective

1 – delicate

The dainty glass broke from the fall.

2 – tasty

The dainty sandwich was filling.

Disheveled

adjective

1 – untidy in appearance 

Boys often have a disheveled room.

Dedicated

adjective

1 – devoted to a cause or purpose

Star Wars has dedicated fans.

2 – given a purpose

He has a dedicated server to protect his data.

Decorated

adjective

1 – awarded or receiving mark of honor.

He was decorated with a medal for winning the race. 

2 – furnished with something ornamental

A hallmark of the parade are the decorated floats. 

Designate

adjective

1 – chosen but not yet installed

the ambassador designates the future assignments.

2 – given a purpose

He has a designated server to protect his data.

Dazzling

adjective

1 – bright, brilliant, or showy, colorful and impressive.

The dazzling fireworks were the highlight of the festival. 

devouring

adjective

1 – eating food quickly.

The Lion is a devouring beast.

2 – destructively consuming / totally absorbing

Don’t let devouring loneliness defeat you.

Deep

adjective

1 – below / far from the surface

His joy was buried deep below the surface of  an ocean of swirling emotions. 

dilapidated

adjective

1 – fallen into decay or deteriorated

The dilapidated home needed an intense amount of love and care. 

Decorative

adjective

1 – serving to ornamental decorate .

The decorative replica was made to be displayed. 

Divergent

adjective

1 – moving from the common direction.

Do follow the popular path. Instead go into the unknown, and discover your divergent path..

Elusive

adjective

1 – hard to pin down , identify, or isolate. 

They knew the elusive thief lurked nearby. 

Exuberant

adjective

1 – enthusiastic joy

They were exuberant about there upcoming trip to some of the most beautiful places in the world.

Erect

adjective

1 – vertical position

Few erect columns, were peppered throughout the temple ruins.

Expansive

adjective

1 – having the ability to expand.

The expansive landscape, seemingly never ending.

eclectic

adjective

1 – deriving style, ideas, and taste for a wide range of sources. 

The eclectic mix of opinions caused an argument. 

exasperating

adjective

1 – cause a strong feeling of annoyance

The planes exasperating delay made everyone late. 

elaborate

adjective

1 – fully detailed or well planned.

The elaborate design of Bangkok’s royal palace is breathtaking. 

emphatic

adjective

1 – uttered, or putting emphasis on.

The emphatic refusal helped them close the deal.

efficient

adjective

1 –  productive / desired effects.

The efficient writer finished before the deadline.  

2 –  being involved or an immediate agent.

The efficient action helped make change. 

ever-deepening

adjective

1 –  go deeper

He had an ever-deepening love for sports. 

exhaustive

adjective

1 –  thorough / all possibilities

The exhaustive to do list was intimidating.

Endless

adjective

1 –  seemingly without end

The endless forest instilled a mood on tranquility. 

extravagant

adjective

1 – exceeding normal limits or excessively elaborate

The extravagant building is grand.

2 – extremely high in price

The extravagant purchase maxed out his credit card purchase. 

Elegant

adjective

1 – elegance

The elegant clothes belonged to the king.

Eponymous

adjective

1 – relating to or named after

The eponymous landscape outside Dingle is one of the best places to visit in Ireland.

Festive

adjective

1 – relating to a celebration, festival, or feast. 

The festive dinner got a little out of hand. 

Flushed

adjective

1 – tinged with red in the face, from shame, heat, or physical exertion.

Caught in a lie, his face became flushed with embarrassment. 

Fervent

adjective

1 – very hot or passionate desire. 

I have a fervent desire to explore the world. 

Fast-moving

adjective

1 – moving quickly

The fast-moving current washed away our supplies.

Fantastical

adjective

1 – based on fantasy

Game of Thrones takes place in a fantastical world, filled with dragons, and magic. 

Ferocious

adjective

1 – unrestrained violence or brutality

The ferocious lion hunted his prey.  

Funerary

adjective

1 – having to do with burial.

They found treasure in the Pharaohs funerary chamber. 

Fixated

adjective

1 – focused on something.

The dog was fixated on the squirrel. 

Fun-loving

adjective

1 – loving having fun.

The fun-loving locals love putting on their annual festival. 

Grassy

adjective

1 – covered with grass

The grassy knolls are stunning.

Galore

adjective

1 – a large number of

He had charm galore.

Gruesome

adjective

1 – repulsion, or inspiring horror. 

The movie was too gruesome for me.

Glorious

adjective

1 – possessing glory

When backpacking New Zealand you see glorious landscapes. . 

harrowing

adjective

1 – painful or distressing

It was a harrowing adventure filled with unexpected twist, turns, and sacrifice.

hearty

adjective

1 – unrestrained expression

I was greeted with a hearty welcome. 

2 – wholesome or substantial 

I enjoyed the hearty meal.

herbaceous

adjective

1 – relating to an herb

Those herbaceous flora was savory.

isolated

adjective

1 – alone

He was isolated during the exam.

intolerable

adjective

1 – not tolerable or unbearable

The intolerable noise kept me up all night. 

idyllic

adjective

1 – picturesque or pleasing

The idyllic Irish landscapes is some of the best in Europe. 

immense

adjective

1 – great in size or degree

Our immense Universe is without limits.

intense

adjective

1 – extreme degree

The intense amount of work was overbearing. 

irksome

adjective

1 – irk or tedious

Sometimes we all have to do Irksome task. 

impulse

adjective

1 – prone to act, acting momentarily

To lose weight sometimes we have to deny our impulses for bad food.

inviting

adjective

1 – tempting

The inviting meal made my mouth water.

innate

adjective

1 – existing in, or belonging to

The innate behavior of child was to cause trouble.

irksome

adjective

1 – irk or tedious

Sometimes we all have to do Irksome task. 

indelible

adjective

1 – memorable or cannot be washed away or erased.. 

The indelible landscape means there are hundreds of places to visit in the United States.

infuriating

adjective

1 – feeling of extreme anger. 

The infuriating delay at the airport made him miss his flight.

immaculate

adjective

1 – spotless / extremely clean

Singapore is an immaculately clean country.

2 – having no flaw

The glass in Venice is immaculate.

Intricate

adjective

1 – having many complex parts

Mona Lisa is an intricate painting. Making it the most famous in the world. 

Interior

adjective

1 – belonging to the inside,

I great battles happen inside the interior of our mind.

jaunty

adjective

1 – sprightly

he took a jaunty stroll through the park. 

Jarring

adjective

1 – having disorienting effect

The jarring truth is that dreams without goals, remain dreams.

Keen

adjective

1 – ready, or in favor of

I am keen to go to the bar.

2 – sensitive perception

He had a keen nose.

Lunged

adjective

1 – having lungs

The lunged fish swan in the pond.

Limpid

adjective

1 – transparent or clear ; Glasslike

The limpid waters in Thailand or famed around the world.

Lavish

adjective

1 – expending or bestowing excess

The lavish palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris.

Ludicrous

adjective

1 – outlandish, or eccentric

Some ludicrous movies aren’t bad. 

Lascivious

adjective

1 – filled with desire or lust

She was filled with lascivious thoughts. 

listless

adjective

1 – lack of interest, or energy

His listless attitude held him back in life. .

Lonesome

adjective

1 – sad or lonely

Ah, the lonesome road, has many trails, but many rewards.

Monumental

adjective

1 – highly significant, outstanding

The monumental task can be accomplished by taking little steps everyday.

Melancholy

adjective

1 – expressing sadness

A melancholy nature will keep you stuck. 

Meritorious

adjective

1 – deserving reward or praise.

A meritorious life of service.

Meddlesome

adjective

1 – intrusive or getting involved in

The meddlesome raccoon knocked over the trash can. 

Mammoth

adjective

1 – Huge, exceedingly large

Many of the mammoth caves in United States are worth visiting.

Modern-day

adjective

1 – existing today

Many modern-day advances give our lives ease. 

Minor

adjective

1 – inferior in size or degree

The minor problems in life or nothing to sweat over – life is too short. 

Misty

adjective

1 – covered by mist.

The heavy air of the misty morning endowed the park with an eerie coolness.

Mysterious

adjective

1 – covered by mystery

The monk has a mysterious nature. 

Misty

adjective

1 – covered by mist.

The heavy air of the misty morning endowed the park with an eerie coolness.

Out-of-place

adjective

1 – not where it should be

The restaurant felt out-of-place. 

ornate

adjective

1 – elaborate or excessively decorated

The ornate.ruins draw in visitors.

Outstanding

adjective

1 – standing out

His outstanding skills put him in line for a promotion. 

2 – unpaid

Outstanding bills can be stressful.  

Obtuse

adjective

1 – lack of sharpness

His obtuse answer made no sense. 

oblivious

adjective

1 – lacking remembrance, or memory

Don’t be oblivious to opportunities that life presents you.

opulent

adjective

1 – wealth, abundance

The opulent hotel is worth the price tag.

peculiar

adjective

1 – characteristic on a person

His hot temper was peculiar.

2 – different from the normal

The book had a peculiar plot twist in the book.

pristine

adjective

1 – not spoiled, or corrupted

The pristine beaches had soft sandy.

2 – earliest state

The pristine state of the forest

Peaceful

adjective

1 – a sense of peace

The peaceful forest instilled a peace of tranquility.

Pugnacious

adjective

1 – argumentative quarrelsome 

He has a pugnacious nature.

panic

adjective

1 – mental and emotional state of fear

Don’t panic. Breathe and slow down.

Passable

adjective

1 – able to be passed

The currents were passable during the low tide.

Pivotal

adjective

1 – turning, a pivot

Taking my first trip to Ireland was a pivotal moment in my life.

1 – important or critical

It was pivotal piece of the puzzle. 

Polished

adjective

1 – polishing, smooth, glossy

Polish your writing before publishing the piece.

Posied

adjective

1 – by or in itself

That’s not the facts per se, but valuable to know.

Plush

adjective

1 – notably luxurious or rich

His plush life made him soft.

Pompous

adjective

1 – elevated or arrogant

The pompous rhetoric is hurtful.

2- exhibiting an air of self importance.

The pompous politician lost site of his vision..

Rigorous

adjective

1 – extreme or severe

After rigorous training he was ready to test himself.

Thunderous

adjective

1 – like thunder

The thunderous roar of the waves beating along the coast. 

Descriptive Words For Writing: Action Verbs

Attest

verb

1 – provide clear evidence of ; declare that something exist. 

I attest that life is good

Amend

verb

1 – make minor changes to.

I had to amend your application before sending it in.

Admire

verb

1 – regard (an object, quality, or person) with respect or warm approval.

I admire your commitment to excellence. 

Acclaimed

verb

1 – praise enthusiastically

I acclaimed actor won best actor for his deep performance.

Accomplish

verb

1 – achieve or complete successfully. 

I accomplish my goals.  

Amplify

verb

1 – increase in sound 

They amplify the sound at the concert.

2 – make copies of something 

The notes amplify that new evidence. ..

Alter

verb

1 – change, or make changes too 

They altered the rules of the game.  

arose

verb

1 – (of a problem, opportunity, or situation) emerge; become apparent.

“a string of new difficulties have arisen“

2 – get or stand up.

“he arose at 5:30 to work out.”

Bail

verb

1 – to clear out or save (Usually water from a boat)

They bailed him out of trouble.

Babble

verb

1 – talk enthusiastically for a long time

Just one of the many fun facts about me. Sometimes I like babble about travel.

Beset

verb

1 – to set upon

We were beset with locals trying to make a sale.

2 – to set with ornaments

The roses are beset with thrones. 

Belie

verb

1 – fail to give a true notion or impression of (something); disguise or contradict.

I newspaper story belied the facts.

2 – fail to fulfill or justify (a claim or expectation); betray.

The notebooks belie Darwin’s later recollection. 

Batter

verb

1 – hit repeatedly with blows.

He battered the broken car.    

Bewilder

verb

1 – become perplexed and confused. 

I was bewildered by lack of work the team had done.  

Bow

verb

1 – bend the head or upper part of the body as a sign of respect, greeting, or shame.

It is common to bow in Asia. 

2 – play (a stringed instrument or music) using a bow.

The techniques by which the pieces were bowed. 

Brood

verb

1 – think deeply about something that makes the person unhappy.

He brooded over the his bad day. 

Boost

verb

1 – encourage or help

I need to boost my spirits.

2 – push from below

She needs to boost to reach the top. .  

Bewitched

verb

1 – cast a spell or enchant. 

I was bewitched by the lush landscape.  

Buzz

verb

1 – low murmuring or humming sound. 

Flies buzz when they fly.  

Bolt

verb

1 – lock with a bar that slides into a socket. 

He bolted the door for protection.

2 – ran away quickly. 

He bolted down the street.  

Bash

verb

1 – strike hard. 

He bashed the wall in anger. 

2 – criticize . 

He bashed the smoking industry..  

Bust

verb

1 – break or burst

They bust the water balloon.

2 – lose something 

He went went bust at the poker table.. .  

Compress

verb

1 – squeeze together

Compress the laptop’s file to save space. 

Conclude

verb

1 – to bring to an end.

The summit concluded with world peace. 

2 – to reach a logical end or decision. 

The magazine concludes that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.   

Clean

verb

1 – unmarked, free dirt

He cleaned the room every other week. 

Cascade

verb

1 – fall or hang in copious or luxuriant quantities.

“the cool water cascading down the waterfall.”

Contract

verb

1 – decrease in size, number, or range.

“glass contracts as it cools.”

2 – become shorter and tighter in order to effect the movement of part of the body.

“The heart is a muscle that contracts about seventy times a minute”

Coil

verb

1 – wind into rings

The sailor coiled the rope.

Canopy

verb

1 – to cover something

Massive trees canopied the small island. 

Crinkle

verb

1 – to form short bends or ripples / Wrinkle

Don’t crinkle my shirt. 

2 – a think crackling sound

The crinkling bag woke up the dog. 

Chortle

verb

1 – chuckle or laugh

He chortled with amusement. 

2 – sing or chant

She chortled in her happiness. 

Crumble

verb

1 – broken into small parts.

The Greek Islands are filled with crumbling ruins. 

cadge

verb

1 – beg or sponge

He cadge for a free cup of coffee. 

crackle

verb

1 – sharp, quick, repeated noises 

The crackling fire.

Dredge

verb

1 – to dig and bring to light.

Don’t dredge up those painful memories. 

Dash

verb

1 – travel somewhere in a hurry

I dashed through the forest. 

2 – strike, or destroy

The ship was dashed upon the rocks.

She dashed his spirits.

dismay

verb

1 – cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress.

A deep feeling of dismay over took the room. 

dumbfound

verb

1 – greatly astonish or amaze

I’m often dumbfounded after watching the task force meetings.. 

devour

verb

1 – eat / destroy / adsorb quickly

I want to devour the big meal.

2 – read eagerly

Amy always devours a good book. 

Dishevel

verb

1 – make (someones) clothes or hair messy. 

Boris Johnson disheveled his hair before being on camera.

daunt

verb

1 – to lessen the courage of

A lesser man would be daunted by this challenge. 

designate

verb

1 – to set apart for a purpose . to distinguish as a class

We designate this room as the class lab.

2 – to point out a location

A marker designating where the trial starts.

distaste

verb

1 – to feel aversion to (Offend)

His distaste in the joke was apparent. 

delve

verb

1 – to dig 

Suspicion led him to delve in his wife’s bag.

1 – to search for information

He delved into the past to find the problem. 

drift

verb

1 – to get carried along (by water, air, etc)

The windy drift pushed the hot air balloon to the west.

1 – a pile of something in heaps

Snow drifts covered the landscape.

deviate

verb

1 – to stray or move from a principle, standard, or topic.

Don’t deviate from your goals. Stayed focused even when life is tough. 

exasperate

verb

1 – to cause annoyance or irritation

I hope you’re not exasperated by this list of descriptive words.

erect

verb

1 – Set up /  to fix / put together in an upright position

The father and son erected the tree house.

Emerge

verb

1 – to become known, 

Jane emerged for her travels a most well rounded person.

embellish

verb

1 – To make ornamental or make more attractive. 

Frank embellished his life story to impress his date.

endow

verb

1 – to furnish / to provide with 

I’m endowed with a good sense of humor.

entice

verb

1 – allure or tempt

He was enticed by smell of the chocolate.

efface

verb

1 – eliminate by wearing away surface

The rocks effaced by wear and tear..

Fester

verb

1 – rot slowly

Don’t let your anger fester.

Filch

verb

1 – steal secretly

He filch the cookie from the jar.

Feign

verb

1 – give a false appearance

The company feigned how bad his leg hurt.

Frescoed

verb

1 – containing frescoes

The frescoed walls of the chapel inspired my love to art. 

Flit

verb

1 – to pass quickly or shift

The chortling birds flitted around the forest. 

gurgle

verb

1 – to flow in a irregular current

The stream gurgling stream swept over the rocks.

2 – ta gurgling sound

The gurgling stream blocked the path.

Garner

verb

1 – to gather, 

Tim garnered his courage before skydiving. 

Frescoed

verb

1 – containing frescoes

The frescoed walls of the chapel inspired my love to art. 

Flit

verb

1 – to pass quickly or shift

The chortling birds flitted around the forest. 

gurgle

verb

1 – to flow in a irregular current

The stream gurgling stream swept over the rocks.

2 – ta gurgling sound

The gurgling stream blocked the path.

Garner

verb

1 – to gather, 

Tim garnered his courage before skydiving. 

Hasten

verb

1 – move quickly

He hastened his journey home.. 

Hoist

verb

1 – lift or raise by tackle

Hoist the flag.

Heave

verb

1 – lift or raise or pull

He heaved the trunk onto the oak table.

Haunt

verb

1 – a harmful or disquieting occurrence

The past mistakes haunted him.

2 – to visit often to seek the company of

I spend a lot of time haunting the book store.

Intertwine

verb

1 – cross one with another. 

The intertwined vines were impassable.. 

Inter

verb

1 – place a body in a tomb or grave

The king was interred with all the honor due him.

Interweave

verb

1 – weave. 

It’s dangerous to interweave lies and the truth.

Irk

verb

1 – to make, irritated, or weary

He was irked by the lack of candy.

Imbue

verb

1 – endow or influence

He imbued the spirit of the old times. 

Intersperse

verb

1 – spaced in intervals 

The interspersed paintings covered the east wing. 

jagged

verb

1 – sharp uneven surface

The jagged mountains dotted the horizon.  

jostle

verb

1 – come into contact or pushing

The jostling crowd flooded to the door..  

2 – vying for a position.

The workers began to jostle for the new job.   

Lavish

verb

1 – expend or bestow 

His lavish habits cost him a lot of money.

Linger

verb

1 – slow parting 

The effects lingered long after it was over.

Loom

verb

1 – take a large shape or an impending occurrence 

The teacher loomed over the student to make sure he wasn’t cheating.

lay-by

verb

1 – an area to stop

Lay-by the dock the ship tied up. 

mutter

verb

1 – utter barely audible sounds in a low voice.

He muttered to himself about his workload.

mesmerize

verb

1 – hypnotizing

The mesmerizing beauty of the best islands in Croatia is not easily forgotten. 

nestled

verb

1 – settle snugly

A small town nestled among the mountains. 

nab

verb

1 – grab or catch

He nabbed the best spot on the bus.

Ooze

verb

1 – a slow trickle, to seep out of something

The oozing gunk stained the floor.

ostracize

verb

1 – exiled 

He was ostracized after his betrayal was made public. 

peek

verb

1 – to peer through / to look furtively.

Don’t peek around the corner.

plunge

verb

1 – to go deep into, or thrust into something.

I plunged into the task of self-development. .

plateau

verb

1 – landscape with a level surface, and little change 

He wandered the plateau looking for his lost wallet.

probe

verb

1 – to search for information. 

His friend probed him with questions about the girl..

peppered

verb

1 – sprinkled throughout

The olive trees peppered throughout the Greek countryside. .

plod

verb

1 – work laboriously

The book plodded along slowly. .

steeped

verb

1 – soaked in

The city was steeped in charm. 

shriek

verb

1 – a loud sharp noise

He shirked when he thought he saw a ghost..

sprawl

verb

1 – to spread without restraint

The sprawling landscape of the dessert is one of the best things to do in Tucson.

stuffed

verb

1 – fill with things or with satiety

He was stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner.

tempt

verb

1 – feeling to do something (usually wrong)

He was tempted to eat the candy..

Descriptive Words For Writing: List of Adverbs

Abruptly

adverb

1 – Suddenly or Unexpectedly.

The car stopped abruptly. 

2 – In a rude manner.

His mom abruptly cut him off.

3 – Steep

The hill ascends abruptly. 

Additionally

adverb

1 – extra factor or circumstance.

brokers finance themselves additionally by short-term borrowing. 

2 – used to introduce a new fact or argument.

Additionally, the regulations require a clean environment. 

Alternately 

adverb

1 – one after the other or next

Alternately, don’t give up when things get hard.

effectively

adverb

1 – being effective or in effect

John effectively finished his to do list before stopping for the day.

Evidently

adverb

1 – evident or provide evidence

He was evidently born in Ohio.

expertly

adverb

1 – expert in something

He expertly navigated his way through the maze of alleyways.

Furthermore

adverb

1 – what precedes

Furthermore, people should travel more. 

Grimly

adverb

1 – a gloomy or somber

He grimly walked to the see his boos. 

1 – a sinister character

The dark figure had a grimly stance that shadows seemed to cling too. 

Immensely

adverb

1 – to a great degree

The immensely talented writer self published his book.

Intentionally

adverb

1 – intentional manner or awareness

He intentionally arrived at the airport early.

Intensely

adverb

1 – intense

He intensely focused on the problem at hand.

Impulsively 

adverb

1 – from impulse

He impulsively got up early every morning. 

Invitingly

adverb

1 – tempting

He invitingly offered me a free drink.

Infuriatingly

adverb

1 – extreme anger

Moving to my wife in Sweden is an infuriatingly slow process. 

Innately

adverb

1 –  born or existing in.

He innately loved filling his head with quotes about adventure.

Indelibly

adverb

1 –  lasting or unforgettable cannot be removed.

He indelibly hued landscape when backpacking Italy changed my life.

Intricately

adverb

1 –  complex with many parts

The intricately designed plot has levels of details. 

Keenly

adverb

1 –  eager or intense

They are keenly attuned to your bad behavior. 

Limpidly

adverb

1 –  clear ; glassiness

The limpidly rushing water of the cascading waterfall.

Ludicrously

adverb

1 –  meriting laughter or exaggeration

He ludicrously lost his wallet.

Lavishly

adverb

1 –  marked by excess

The lavishly decorated crown marked him as king.

monumentally

adverb

1 –  large, or to an extreme degree

He monumentally failed in his task.

patently

adverb

1 –  without doubt

The claims were patently false.

peacefully

adverb

1 –  peace or tranquility 

he peacefully listened to the sounds of birds singing outside his window.

rigorously

adverb

1 –  strict 

He rigorously worked at his craft every day. 

romantically

adverb

1 –  romantic 

He was romantically involved with her. 

Descriptive Words For Writing: Nouns

Absorption

noun

1 – the process of absorbing. 

The absorption of the spilled water.

2 – The whole occupation of the mind..

The absorption of my work overtakes every other desire.  

Ambition

noun

1 – strong desire to do or to achieve something which unless takes hard work.

People trying to improve their skills with this list of descriptive words for writing have a lot of ambition. 

2 – determination to achieve success.

life offers many opportunities for those with ambition.. 

abundance

noun

1 – a large quantity of something.

I have a abundance of ambition. 

2 – The condition of having a copious quantity of something; bountifulness.

The vineyard has an abundance of grapes.

aficionado

noun

1 – a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime.

“He’s a wine aficionado.”

Basalt

noun

1 – a dark volcanic rock that displays a columnar structure and made of fine-grained.

The fertile soil was made of decomposed basalt.

Behemoth

noun

1 – something of monstrous size

That’s a behemoth sized lion.

Boho

noun

1 – a person who is socially unconventional in a way regarded as characteristic of creative artists; a bohemian.

The town bohos opened an art gallery. .

Boost

noun

1 – an increase

A boost in the economy..

Buttery

noun

1 – a room or pantry used for storing wine or hard liquor.

Can you grab the wine out of the buttery?.

Bitter

noun

1 – beer that has a strong hop taste; or liquor with sharp taste of plant extracts.

What bitters do you have on tap?.

Beauties

noun

1 – a combination of qualities of color, such as shape, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight.

“I was struck by her beauty.”

Boulder

noun

1 – a large rock, mostly worn smooth by years of erosion.

The boulder blocked the path.

Buzz

noun

1 – move quickly.

He buzzed through these descriptive words.

clochán

noun

1 – Irish name for a beehive hut. 

The ruins of an clochán sat on the other side of the field.

Contract

noun

1 – a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

“both parties must sign employment contracts“

Cascade

noun

1 – a mass of something that falls or hangs in copious or luxuriant quantities.

“”A cascade of pink bougainvillea.”

2 – a large number or amount of something occurring or arriving in rapid succession.

“a cascade of antiwar literature”

Cresting

noun

1 – an ornamental decoration at the ridge of a roof or top of a wall or screen.

High on the roof was a cresting decoration.

Chipper

noun

1 – Someone who chips

The chipper was hard at working cutting down the tree. 

Commissary

noun

1 – one delegated by a superior to execute a duty or an office

The commissary was tasked with finding a cure..

Coil

noun

1 – a series of loops

The coil of pumps was confusing. 

2 – everyday troubles

Sometimes we all need to shrug off the coils of the workday.

Conifer

noun

1 – any of an order (Coniferales) of mostly evergreen trees and shrubs having usually needle-shaped or scalelike leaves like pine , cones, and arillate fruit.

The group of conifer trees took over the forest.

Creation

noun

1 – to create

Christians believe in the creation story. 

commitment

noun

1 – an agreement or promise / attached to someone or something

I have a commitment to my wife.  

canopy

noun

1 – a cover carried above by a person of rank / or a cloth suspended

The canopy covered the diners on the patio.  

Cairn

noun

1 – a heap of stones in a heap. Usually a landmark or memorial. Typically on a hilltop or skyline.

The stony cairn marked the way back.

Delicacy

noun

1 – something to eat considered rare and luxurious

What is your favorite delicacy in Italy?  

2 – the quality of state of being dainty of someone or something

Spiderwebs have a delicacy.

drift

noun

1 – to flow along

To drift through life is sad.

2 – an underlying meaning or design.

The spy understood the drift of his orders.

distaste

noun

1 – dislike food or drink

Many have a distaste for mushrooms.

Depiction

noun

1 – representation in images or words depicting something or someone.

The depiction of the movie wasn’t congruent with the book.. 

Depth

noun

1 – a deep place or state of being

The depths of our abilities remains unknown until we push for greatness.. 

Engagement

noun

1 – an arrangement, or state of being engaged

The social engagement took most of my day.

Edifice

noun

1 – a massive structure

The social edifice holds together certain rules.  

Environs

plural noun

1 – city districts / or surroundings in your space or vicinity

The crystal environs of the waterfalls. 

Environs

plural noun

1 – city districts / or surroundings in your space or vicinity

The crystal environs of the waterfalls. 

Exhibition

noun

1 – a public showcase

The art exhibition was a success. 

Eminence

noun

1 – a high position of superiority, Commanding or in a profession. . 

His eminence in film made him a legend.  

Elegance

noun

1 – refined taste, dignified gracefulness

The novel had a air of elegance, and wit.

Exasperation

noun

1 – a state of exasperated or exasperating someone / feeling irritation

He was exasperated after working all day. 

Expression

noun

1 – the act of representing a medium

I don’t under stand the expression that artists is trying to achieve. .    

focal point

noun

1 – point of attention. 

The focal point of this blog post is words for descriptive writing.  

faux pas

noun

1 – an embarrassing mistake or error.

Interpreting someone is considered a social faux pas.. 

facade

noun

1 – the front of the building

The stores facade was highly decorated. 

1 – a false, or fake appearance

His friends saw through his thinly veiled facade.

Guffaw

noun

1 – a boisterous and loud burst of laughter. 

The joke caused a guffaw in the room. 

Gusto

noun

1 – enthusiastic and filled with joy.

The joke caused a guffaw in the room. 

Grim

plural noun

1 – a gloomy or somber outlook

He had a grim disposition on life.

1 – a sinister character

The grim tale left me afraid.

Grandeur

noun

1 – quality or current state

The grandeur of ancient Rome inspired our world. 

1 – grand

Many of the best places to visit in Europe are grand in design, scope, and scale.

Gust

noun

1 – strong wind

The gust of wind caused the bike to tip over.

1 – out burst of feeling

He had a gust of energy that came with the good news. 

Haunch

noun

1 – either side of an arch.

The dog loves to have his back haunches scratched. 

Host

noun

1 – great number

A host of ants took over the picnic. 

Indication

noun

1 – something to indicate

He gave the indication that he was going to travel this summer.

Instance

noun

1 – a stage or exception

In this instance we all need to be quiet.

2 – example

For instance, pasta taste better in Italy.

Interior

noun

1 – inside limits or inner constitution

Travelers loved the lavish interior of the modern-day art gallery.

karst

noun

1 – limestone land or limestone plateau

The karst lands were filled with sinkholes and caverns. 

lichen

noun

1 – plant like organism made up of alge

Working the lichen spotted lake held a natural charm rarely found.

Loom

noun

1 – machine for interlacing

Working the loom is hard and painful.

Loam

noun

1 – soil made of silt, sand and clay. 

The loam ground was hard to walk.

Launderette

noun

1 – a self-service laundry

The launderette was packed with others.

Marvel

noun

1 – causing wonder and astonishment

Abu SImbal, in Egypt, is a marvel to behold.

Myriad

noun

1 – a great number of

This myriad list of descriptive words is very helpful.

Midday

noun

1 – middle of the day

The midday meal made him want a nap. 

Monolith

noun

1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk

Monoliths pepper the old landscape. 

Menhir

noun

1 – a single massive stone in a column or obelisk from prehistoric origin.

The Menhir’s of Stonehenge tower over all who stand before it. 

Metropolitan

noun

1 – one who lives in a metropolis

The metropolitan knew the city backwards and forwards. 

Opulence

noun

1 – wealth and Abundance

The opulence of Blue Mosque make it one of the best things to do in Turkey.

Outsize

noun

1 – of an unusual size

The outsize bed wouldn’t fit. 

pigpen

noun

1 – a dirty of slovenly place

Clean up this pigpen of a room.

pizzazz

noun

1 – quality of excitement or attractive

He was charming and had a large amount of pizzazz.

Plea

noun

1 – an earnest entreaty

The plead for another helping of mashed potatoes.

perch

noun

1 – a bar something is hung on

The bird sat on the perch.

probe

noun

1 – a medical instrument for exploring

The doctor used a probe to discover what was wrong. 

pariah

noun

1 – a person despised or rejected

The  thief was treated as a pariah.

Pursuits

noun

1 – chasing after

Are pursuits define our lives..

paradox

noun

1 – contradictory phases or conclusions.

Life is full of many a paradox. .

panic

noun

1 – state of fear

Don’t panic about your writing. Just learn more descriptive words that will improve your writing. 

scrutiny

noun

1 – a close inspection; under a microscope

He paper was under a lot of scrutiny. 

tumult

noun

1 – riot or commotion

 Tumult uprisings are a big part of history.

2 – loud noise

a tumult of noise kept me from sleeping.

tiling

noun

1 – tiles

The tiling walls were stunning.

2 – loud noise

a tumult of noise kept me from sleeping.

Descriptive Words For Writing: list of prepositions

Amid

preposition

1 – surrounded by; in the middle of

He walked amid the rolling hills and lush landscape.

2 – in an atmosphere or against a background of..

 Amid accusations of cheating the student was suspended. 

Descriptive Words For Writing: descriptive phrases

arid steppe

1 – one of the vast treeless tracts in Europe and Asia.

The arid steppe of Mongolia are famous around the world.

Atlantic Swells

1- Waves crashing on the coast. 

The Atlantic swells crashed against the crenelated coast.

Brooding summits

1 – sad terrain, why to describe mountain ranges. 

The brooding summits, covered in clouds, look like a storm is coming. 

Behind the Times

1 – not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques; out of date.

When it came to tech, he was behind the times.

crystalline lakes

1 – a good descriptive to describe a still lake. Or a lake on a nice day. 

The crystalline lake boasted the perfect space to camp.

crumbling castles

1 – a castle falling apart.  

Ireland’s peppered with crumbling castles.

Cresting mountains

1 – descriptive for a scenic mountain range. 

The cresting mountains of New Zealand are unforgettable. 

Ever- Deepening

1 – getting deeper

The ever-deepening snow made the terrain impassable.

Historical Significance

The historical significance of Rome echoes even until today.

Infinite Hills

The infinite hills of New Zealand lure thousands of visitors a year.  This is one of my favorite descriptive phrases.

Icy Rollers

1 – cold waves

The icy rollers of the Atlantic Ocean beat along the coast.

indelibly wild

1 – cold waves

The indelibly wild forest on Peru.

Lunar-Scaped

1 – landscape similar to that on the moon

The Lunar-scaped beaches on Milos, put it high on many travelers list of Greek Islands to visit. 

Long-Forgotten

The long forgotten castle has centuries of neglect. 

Moss-Clad

1 – covered by moss

The moss-clad rocks sat along the stream.

modern high-rise skyscapers

The hundreds of workers wasted their lives in modern high-rise skyscrapers.

There we go! Over 500 descriptive words that will help you improve your writing! This list is always being updated as I find new words I like through reading, and writing. Becoming a good writers an endless quest.

And I hope that you found the list of adjectives, nouns, descriptive phrases, and verbs useful. And helps you get a little better and expand your vocabulary. 

Check back for new descriptive words monthly!