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
Avid
adjective
1 – Having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something.
2 – Having an eager desire for.
Awash
adjective
1 – covered by or exposed by waves or air
Many of the tiny irish towns are awash with local charm.
Amused
adjective
1 – finding something funny or entertaining
Example: “He was amused by the movie”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!