Banish

c
Boring words!
r

h
Leilen Shelton
c

B
 NEW YORK • TORONTO • LONDON • AUCKLAND •
SYDNEY MEXICO CITY • NEW DELHI • HONG
KONG • BUENOS AIRES
To the teachers at Talbert, especially Amy Junge, Heather Harrison, and
Donna Fraga, who generously shared their ideas; to Beth Fockler at Fulton
for mentoring me early on; and to friend/fellow teacher Jennifer Mendoza.
To my principal, Cathie Abdel, who has always made me feel like a million
bucks; to Fountain Valley School District Superintendent Rosemarie Eadie
who has been an incredible source of encouragement over the years.
To my tutoring students Alexis Coco, Mark Gale, Mike Gale, Kate Gasparro,
Matt Gasparro, Anthony Ho, Jacqueline Ho, Joshua Lim, Leslie Lim, Sarah
Lo, Tiffany Lo, Jason Mar, Sean Myers, Ryan Nguyen, Jeffrey Wang, and
Justine Wang.
Thank you, Donna, for cheering me on. Thank you Mom for watching the
kids so many times while I worked on the book with Dad. Thank you, thank
you, thank you, Dad. Without your countless hours invested in the
typesetting, editing, and design of this book, it never would have happened.
I owe you BIG TIME, Nudgy! s

To Myles for knowing just when Mommy needed you to take a nap, to Sydney u

who brings so much love and joy to my life, and to my husband, Jason, who has always
R

supported me. I’m blessed to have a partner like you. h

n
 o

Banish i

Boring words! o

Scholastic Inc. grants teachers permission to photocopy the reproducible pages from this book for classroom use.
No other part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without
written permission of the publisher.
For information regarding permission, write to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.

Editor: Sarah Longhi

Cover design by Jason Robinson
Interior design by Gene Toth
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-08303-4
ISBN-10: 0-545-08303-6

Copyright © 2009 by Leilen Shelton

All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09

Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Essay Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Action Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 “Said” Synonyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
-ly Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Colors and Shapes . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
s

c
 r

s
Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
e

h
Smell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
c

c
Taste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
i

h
Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
c

t
Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
l

n
Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
e

©
Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
s

W
Face . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
g

o
Character Traits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
B

a
Emotions/Feelings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
B

Big/Small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Beautiful/Ugly . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Good/Bad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Interesting/Boring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 A Little/A Lot . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Easy/Hard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45 Compare/Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Be Specific! . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 50 Boring Words and Phrases to Avoid . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 48 My Own List of Interesting Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
 Introduction
During my first year as a middle school teacher, I quickly discovered that
my students had wonderful ideas for their writing, but struggled to express
them clearly and descriptively. They recognized strong and specific words, but
couldn’t always retrieve them on their own, and using a thesaurus was
time-consuming. What they needed was a fast and easy way to find the “right”
words for their writing.
I developed a list of action verbs, which led to a list of more specific
movement words. Other word lists followed, and I soon had enough lists to
make a small booklet for each student to use. I was thrilled with the
remarkable improvements in their writing and in their confidence. They were
so proud of their ability to choose their words so precisely and powerfully.
The booklet circulated to other teachers, and it wasn’t long before almost every English
teacher at my school was using the booklet. Within a year’s time, the booklet began
showing s

up with the students I privately tutored—students who attended other schools in my

district. e

Apparently, I wasn’t the only teacher searching for ways to empower students with strong, s

specific words. I’m excited to share the culmination of that effort with you in this book. g

Banish Boring Words—a collection of word lists containing dozens of options for T

frequently used words and phrases—supports all types of writing. In some ways, it is like
a s

condensed thesaurus. The purpose of this book is to provide students with shortcuts to
finding c

descriptive words that will enable them to write with greater clarity and sophistication. It
is my o

h
hope that this book helps students achieve their full potential as writers. S

How to Use This Book

s

The word lists are arranged by topics so students can flip quickly between related
i

pages, and example sentences are provided under the title of each word list to
demonstrate h

how each page should be used. B

Some suggestions for using this book flexibly in the classroom include:
   • Making copies of the word lists for each student to use during
independent writing time.    • Providing copies of the word lists for groups of
students to use as a resource during writing workshop.
   • Photocopying one word list or section at a time when introducing a
new lesson. For example, you might use the Character Traits list
(page 36) during a lesson on character development.
   • Copying word lists for vocabulary-building exercises, including
games and test preparation for English language learners.
   • Making poster-size copies of the lists to serve as “word walls” in the
classroom— visible and accessible resources for interesting words.

For more information, visit my Web site at www.leilenshelton.com.

··· 4 ···

Transitions
zBoring: So, dogs make the perfect family pet.
 LInteresting:  Without a doubt, dogs make the perfect family pet.
For the Beginning
At first First of all In the first place The first
It started when To begin
For the One To start
Middle A better Another Yesterday
Accordingly important A
second Furthermore
Additionally
s

c
At the same time However Next
r

u After
o
A worse In addition Second
s
After that
e

Before long In fact Secondly

R

Afterward
g
Besides In the meantime Shortly
n

i All at once
h During Later thereafter Soon
c
All of a sudden
a

Equally Later on after

e

T Along with
important Likewise Suddenly
c

i Also
t
Following this Meanwhile Then
s

Another
For example More
a

o
The next
For instance importantly The second
For the End
h

,
Moreover When
n

o
Accordingly While
t

l
A final
e
For this reason
h

After
S

Furthermore Later on
n
After that
e

l Hence Moreover Therefore

i
All at once
e

In brief Most importantly The worst

All in all
L

©
In conclusion Obviously Thus
All of a sudden
s

dr In fact Of course To conclude

o
As a result
W
In other words In On the whole To summarize To
At last
g

n short Shortly sum up

i
At the end
r

o
In summary thereafter Since To this end
Clearly
B

In the end Soon after Ultimately

h

Consequently
s

i
Last The best Undeniably
n
Eventually
a

Last of all The final Undoubtedly

B

Finally
A bad Lastly The last When
At the beginning
A good Later The most With this in mind
Before
An important Initially important Then Without a doubt
Early on
As soon as In the beginning One important Without question
First

··· 5 ···
 Essay Verbs for Writing
About… zBoring: The article “Butterflies” is about the migration
habits of butterflies.
LInteresting:  The article “Butterflies” investigates the
migration habits of butterflies. Characters
attemp determin experienc learns undergoe
ts es es faces realizes s
battles discovers figures recogniz understan
compet encounte out finds es seeks ds
es rs out sets out undertake
copes endeavor grapples strives s
deals with s endures with struggles

Compare/Contrast Texts
s emphasizes focuses on points out
n

analyzes s
i

classifies contrasts examines highlights e

r
c

compares considers explains identifies u

o
T

explores presents
s

deals with e
i

Description
t

depicts describes illustrates portrays presents s

Informational/Expository Texts n

analyzes Stories confronts denies

answers chronicles defines explores
classifies deals with describes describes features follows
deals with depicts examines details focuses on illustrates
explains explores highlights narrates
Messages/L Persuasive
essons Texts
advises addresses expresses contends illustrates discourages
demonstrates advises focuses on convinces implies disputes
emphasizes argues illuminates criticizes points out emphasizes
asserts deals with encourages
Narrative claims defends evaluates
 l

examines shows insists i

identifies points out L

informs praises stresses reasons ©

investigates presents proposes suggests recommends dr

presents recounts provides teaches refutes

W

relates reports rejects n

reveals suggests o

reminds traces retells supports h

s
h

reveals exposes tells about S

i

focuses on traces n

e
B

··· 6 ···

Movements
zBoring: The soccer player moved fast.
LInteresting:  The soccer player
streaked past opponents and sprinted toward the goal. Fast Slow
biked crashed hurried
n n

h
e

i
flew
c

e
e

L
bolted darted frisked hustled
T

i
©
bounded dashed galloped jabbed
s

burst
t

a
dr

o
dodged grabbed jammed
l W

h
g bustled dove grasped jerked
n
c

e
S
i

o
charged erupted gunned jolted
c ,

u
n

t
B

h
chased flailed hastened jostled
o

jumped
l s
s

R
e

h
i

n
clamored fled hightailed
kicked
S a

g B
knocked scuttled swooped dawdled loafed rocked strolled
lashed shot tackled dillydallied lobbed roved strutted
leapt shoved tore dragged loitered sauntered swaggered
lunged skipped trotted drifted lollygagged shuffled swayed
mauled skittered whirred dripped lounged skipped tiptoed
nabbed slammed whisked edged lugged slinked toddled
outpaced slapped whizzed floated lumbered slithered trailed
slashed wrestled flowed lurked slogged traipsed
outran
sliced yanked frolicked marched slowed traversed
plunged
smacked zapped froze meandered snuck treaded
pounced
smashed gallivanted moped sputtered trekked
quickened zigzagged
snapped glided moseyed staggered tromped
raced zipped
snatched hiked napped stalked trooped
ran zoomed
sped hobbled paced stamped trudged
rode ambled
inched plodded stepped undulate
rushed sprang biked
jogged plopped stomped ventured
scampered sprinted brewed
journeyed poked straggled waited
scooted stampeded coasted
lagged prowled strayed walked
scrambled streaked crawled
limped relaxed strode wallowed
scurried swiped crept
lingered roamed stroked wandered
cruised
··· 7 ···

Action Verbs
zBoring: The hungry students ate their lunches.
LInteresting:  The hungry
students scarfed down sandwiches and devoured cookies.
attacked noshed bombarded stormed
arrived chowed pecked charged struck
alighted consumed picked combated
devoured porked infiltrated began
appeared activated
disembarked feasted scarfed invaded
gobbled snacked jumped commenced
dismounted incited
entered gorged wolfed mugged
grazed initiated
landed overwhelmed
inhaled attacked instigated
reached pounced
munched ambushed instituted
raided
ate nibbled assaulted introduced
rushed
besieged launched
originated rattled modified rooted R

pioneered shook mutated saluted n

started slammed reformed yelled c

smacked remodeled
e

clapped
T

broke thudded renovated c

busted thumped reorganized applauded s

cheered
l

cracked thwacked restyled o

crushed revolutionized patted c

demolished caught transfigured slapped ,

fractured apprehended
o

transformed t

climbed
l

severed bagged transposed

e

shattered busted ascended S

smashed captured chased clambered e

snapped hooked charged crawled e

split lassoed drove escalated ©

tore nabbed followed mounted s

dr

nailed hounded rose W

bumped scaled g

netted hunted n

banged plucked pursued soared r

bounced snagged rushed h

butted snared sped

i

collided snatched tracked

a

jarred trailed
jerked changed
jolted adapted cheered
jostled altered applauded
knocked converted clapped
s

pounded evolved hailed

r

metamorphosed
o

praised s

··· 8 ···
 Action Verbs
clenched bewailed frolicked wasted
clogged blubbered hopped wrecked
corked grieved hustled disappeared
locked groaned jigged absconded
obstructed howled jitterbugged dissolved
plugged lamented jived ebbed
screened moaned jumped evanesced
sealed mourned sniffed leapt evaporated
shut sniveled pranced faded
stuffed sobbed rocked fled
wailed shimmied melted
covered wept spun receded
blanketed buried whimpered
s

c
strutted retreated
camouflaged
r

o whined swayed vanished

s

e
carpeted swung waned
cloaked cut
R

g
tangoed
n

h
clothed amputated tapped dragged
c

a
coated carved twisted hauled
e

T
concealed chiseled waltzed lugged
disguised schlepped
c

s
chopped whirled
a
eclipsed cleaved towed
destroyed
l

h enclosed clipped trailed

annihilated
c

S
enfolded cropped transported
curtailed diced crushed
,

o
enshrouded tugged
t

e
enveloped hid gashed decimated yanked
h

S masked hacked demolished

n

e obscured lacerated lopped eradicated drank

exterminated chugged
l

e screened nicked
L

shaded pierced extinguished consumed

©

s
shrouded punctured leveled downed
quashed gargled
dr

W
veiled ripped
g
wrapped sheared quelled gulped
ravaged guzzled
n

r
slashed
o

crashed razed lapped

B

sliced
h
crunched ruined sipped
s

i slit
n
sideswiped sabotaged slurped
a
snipped
B
smashed shattered swallowed
closed totaled
split
smashed swigged
blocked whacked
cried totaled toasted
bolted danced trashed
bawled
buttoned
bemoaned
boogied vandalized escaped
absconded bolted circumvented deserted disappeared
·· · 9 ···

...more Action Verbs

overhauled feuded united stretched
escaped (cont’d) patched grappled
gave
swelled
rebuilt jousted thickened waxed
dodged awarded
reconstructed quarreled widened
ducked bequeathed
repaired scuffled
eluded bestowed held
restored skirmished
evaded conferred clasped
revamped sparred
fled contributed
flew tussled cleaved
exploded buzzed warred donated clenched
backfired circled wrestled endowed clung
blasted crossed found entrusted gifted clutched
blazed darted discovered granted cradled
burst dashed located handed embraced
detonated dove pinpointed presented enclosed
erupted drifted recovered provided grasped
ruptured floated spotted relinquished gripped
shattered fluttered uncovered supplied hugged
split glided unearthed palmed
thundered hovered grew squeezed
jetted gathered abounded
fell maneuvered aggregated amplified
collapsed scudded assembled broadened
declined skimmed clustered developed
descended soared collected doubled
dropped swooped congregated enlarged
plunged whisked convened expanded
poured whooshed zippedconverged extended
stumbled zoomed corralled flourished
sunk crowded heightened
toppled fought flocked increased s

tottered battled herded inflated c

tripped
u

bickered hoarded lengthened o

tumbled boxed huddled matured e

brawled rallied multiplied g

fixed clashed produced rose

n

reunited h

adjusted contended shot

c

stockpiled e

corrected disputed spread

T

swarmed c

doctored dueled sprouted

i

thronged s

mended a

l
 t i o
o
B
l
e
h
W
e
c L h
h
g s
S
S i
© n
,
i n

n n s r a
e
o dr o
B
l

· · · 10 · · ·

...more Action Verbs

S

,
clubbed cuffed enveloped flogged
grasped nestled harmed
n

t
flailed
l

h
hooked pressed impaired injured
S

jabbed squeezed kicked

n

l
knocked nailed lacerated lashed
i

L
pelted hung mauled
© popped attached dangled nipped
s

dr pounded draped pierced

o

W punched slapped drooped pinched

g

n slugged fastened hooked pricked

i

o smacked socked suspended pummeled

B

struck punched
hurt
s
h

r
s

i
swatted thrashed punctured
u

o
n

thumped abused slapped

B
s

hit walloped ached slugged

R

g
bashed whacked afflicted ailed squeezed
n

h
beat belted stabbed
hugged clung bit
c

e boxed stung
T

clipped cradled bruised throbbed tore

c

clobbered cuddled burned whacked

s

l
clocked embraced cut whipped
disabled flailed
o

c
enfolded wounded wrung
jumped tripped tee-heed tittered vacated
bobbed vaulted whooped vanished mended
bounced withdrew cured
bucked laughed left doctored
cantered dove burst abandoned made fixed
hopped chortled departed assembled healed
chuckled giggled deserted built improved
hurdled
guffawed disappeared constructed patched
jerked
leapt hee-hawed ditched created rebuilt
loped howled eloped fashioned reconstructed
lunged roared embarked forged recovered
lurched screamed escaped formed recuperated
parachuted shrieked exited framed remedied
plummeted simpered fled invented repaired
skipped snickered scrammed manufactured restored
sprang sniggered split produced revised
snorted shaped
· · · 11 · · ·

...even more Action

Verbs
unlatched schemed tugged shoved improved
opened unlocked sketched wrenched squashed mended
bore unsealed strategized yanked squeezed patched
burst unwrapped played squished rebuilt
vented cavorted pushed steamrolled reconstructed
cleared
clowned bulldozed thrust recovered
exposed ventilated
frolicked crowded reached recuperated
jimmied elbowed restored
reveled extended
revealed planned gored revised
romped grasped
ruptured arranged impelled lunged
slit brainstormed pulled jammed seized ripped
spread devised dragged jostled strained clawed
unblocked engineered hauled launched stretched frayed
unbolted formulated heaved muscled gashed
uncorked mapped jerked nudged repaired shredded
uncovered organized lugged poked cured slashed
unfastened plucked railroaded doctored slit
outlined
schlepped rammed fixed split
unfurled plotted
towed shouldered healed tore
 trembled shortened gyrated
n

shook slept
h

tremored shriveled pirouetted c

chattered twittered waned catnapped reeled T

jarred vibrated wasted crashed revolved i

jerked waggled weakened dozed rotated a

jogged waved dreamed twirled

o

withered h

joggled wobbled wrinkled hibernated S

jolted skipped napped n

shrunk
t

quaked bounded reposed l

retired
h

quivered compressed cantered S

rattled condensed flitted slumbered n

constricted hippety-hoppe snoozed

i

reeled e

snored
L

rocked contracted d hopped ©

ruffled decreased leapt s

smiled
dr

deflated
o

shimmered pranced W

shimmied diminished scampered beamed g

shivered dwindled scooted grinned s

i

shuddered lessened skedaddled simpered e

r
B

swayed narrowed skittered smirked u

s
h

reduced
n

tottered
e

sprang a

spun
R
B

· · · 12 · · ·

...even more Action

Verbs
 whirled ceased dove bagged confused
discontinued floated borrowed deceived
stayed disrupted glided captured defrauded
continued finished paddled clutched duped
lodged halted raced commandeere fooled
remained hindered stroked d confiscated hoodwinked
sojourned impeded submerged filched misled
visited intercepted waded grabbed outwitted
obstructed hooked scammed
stole paused swung lifted shafted
abducted quit dangled nabbed swindled
s
blackmailed refrained flapped pinched trapped
e

r
burglarized restrained oscillated plucked
u

cheated stalled twisted

o

s pivoted pocketed
e
defrauded terminated
R
rocked seized coiled
g
embezzled
swayed snagged contorted
suffered
n

filched
h

c swerved snatched corkscrewed

a
fleeced ached
e

swiveled stole curled

T

kidnapped agonized
c

twirled swiped entwined

i

t
lifted ailed
s

endured whirled intertwined

looted
a

pilfered grieved trapped spiraled

threw spun
c

, pillaged strained ambushed

n

tormented catapulted beguiled squirmed

o
pinched
swiveled
t

e
pirated winced chucked cornered
h

plagiarized writhed fired corralled turned

n

l plundered flung deceived twined

surrounded hurled twirled
i

L
poached duped
© purloined besieged launched ensnared weaved
s

dr ransacked circled lobbed entangled wiggled

o

W
shoplifted encased pegged entrapped wound
g

n snatched encircled pelted fooled wrapped

i

o stripped enclosed pitched wrenched

encompassed scattered tricked wriggled
B

h
swindled
s

n
swiped engulfed showered bamboozled writhed
a

B
thieved inundated tossed beguiled wrung
spun (cont’d) stopped wrapped volleyed charmed zigzagged
twisted barred swam took cheated
wheeled blocked bathed abducted conned
· · · 13 · · ·
 “Said”
Synonyms
zBoring: “I don’t want to go,” she said.

LInteresting:  “I don’t want to go!” she

whimpered.
responded quizzed jabbered grieved broadcasted
agreed retorted requested prattled groaned confirmed
acknowledged returned howled informed
assented begged commented lamented proclaimed
conceded argued beseeched mentioned moaned professed
concurred bickered entreated noted mourned
consented contended implored opined exaggerated
sighed
seconded contested petitioned remarked boasted
sniffled
contradicted pleaded stated bragged
animal sniveled
countered prayed distorted
sounds sobbed
debated pressed complained wailed elaborated
barked denied requested bemoaned wept embellished
chirped disagreed urged bewailed whimpered enhanced
croaked disputed fretted yammered expanded
crowed objected blamed fussed expounded
growled accused yowled
opposed griped fabricated
hissed protested alleged groaned criticized inflated
howled quarreled attacked grumbled blasted romanticized
panted quibbled charged moaned chastised overstated
roared squabbled claimed pouted chided
snarled rebuked sniveled disapproved explained
squawked asked reproved whimpered lambasted clarified
squeaked challenged whined described
yapped grilled chatted nitpicked
yammered reprimanded detailed
yelped inquired babbled
zinged illustrated
interrogated blabbed cried interpreted
answered pried chitchatted bawled
reacted gabbed declared paraphrased
probed bemoaned summarized
remarked gibbered announced
queried bewailed translated
replied gossiped asserted
questioned blubbered
 echoed interfered
g n

gasped
n e

i l

impersonated interjected
i
h
e
c

choked mimicked
a

e
L

gulped mocked intimidated T

c
©

badgered
i

heaved
dr
t

parodied
o

s
W

panted parroted browbeat a

o
g

snorted bullied h

c
n

wheezed interrupted coerced s

c
S

,
o

blurted harassed
n
r
h
o

imitated
u
t s

inserted hounded
o l

s n
e

aped e

R
h

S
a

· · · 14 · · ·

“Said” Synonyms s
R

dr
jived
nagged ordered
o
g

i
W
joshed
h

c
g

n
kidded badgered charged
commanded
a i

e r
hounded
laughed
T o

i
B

needled decreed
cackled
h
t

a
s

i pestered demanded
l

o
n

a chortled prodded directed

B

intimidated chuckled
h

c
instructed
observed
S

n (cont’d) giggled persuaded

o

howled detected cajoled

t

l taunted
e

roared discerned coaxed

h
threatened
S

snickered discovered convinced

joked
n

e
e

i
sniggered noted exhorted
c

u
e

L
bantered snorted noticed insisted
o

s © jested perceived urged

e
wheedled bristled repeated chastened hesitated
wooed foamed chided sputtered teased
fumed revealed criticized stammered bugged
predicted ranted announced lectured stumbled harassed
conjectured raved confessed rebuked trembled mocked
forecasted spit confided reprimanded needled
foretold stormed declared reproached suggested pestered
guessed rejoiced disclosed advised razzed
inferred celebrated divulged screamed hinted ribbed
presumed cheered expressed bawled implied roasted
prognosticate exulted proclaimed bellowed inferred taunted
d prophesied hooted professed blared insinuated
speculated uttered blurted warned
jubilated intimated
supposed cried admonished
reveled offered
surmised sang exclaimed proposed
advised
remembered chanted hollered alerted
recommended
promised brooded chirped roared cautioned
agreed recalled crooned shouted tattled exhorted
assured hummed shrieked blabbed forewarned
recollected
ensured serenaded shrilled blurted
reflected whispered
guaranteed reminisced trilled squealed gossiped
breathed
pledged twittered wailed leaked
buzzed
swore retold warbled yelled rumored
hissed
vowed narrated yodeled yowled snitched
mumbled
quoted spilled
raged scolded stuttered murmured
recited squeaked
boiled berated faltered muttered
recounted
· · · 15 · · ·

-ly Adverbs
zBoring: He backed away from the growling dog.
LInteresting:  Slowly and
carefully, he backed away from the growling dog.
alluringly gracefully boldly harmoniously
angrily apparently charmingly majestically courageously peacefully
bitterly allegedly daintily radiantly daringly placidly
coldly evidently delicately stunningly fearlessly serenely
furiously incidentally elegantly gallantly soothingly
indignantly seemingly enchantingly bravely heroically tranquilly
sharply exquisitely adventurously valiantly
beautifully glamorously audaciously calmly carefully
attentively absentmindedl skeptically
e

y accidentally dramatically finally

r

cautiously tentatively u

conscientiousl awkwardly charismaticall conclusively uncertainly e

y gingerly carelessly y emotionally decisively g

honestly
n

mindfully ungracefully melodramatic eventually i

lastly
c

prudently ally admittedly a

vigilantly continually suspensefully ultimately frankly T

warily ceaselessly theatrically genuinely

i

gently
s

watchfully constantly easily sincerely a

delicately
o

continuously coolly truly h

endlessly effortlessly faintly truthfully

S

casually meekly
,

eternally
n

aimlessly freely veraciously o

incessantly simply mildly l

informally softly humorously

h

perpetually skillfully S

nonchalantly persistently sweetly n

smoothly amusingly e

offhandedly relentlessly
l

tenderly comically
i

unceremoniou enthusiastic happily jokingly

L

sly creatively ally ardently cheerfully playfully s

dr

artistically
o

eagerly contentedly
certainly
W

cleverly energetically ecstatically initially g

clearly imaginatively excitedly joyfully firstly

i

naturally passionately merrily originally B

obviously cruelly zealously primarily

h

surely brutally hesitantly n

malevolently fearfully
B

undeniably dubiously
undoubtedly maliciously alarmedly falteringly
unmistakably ruthlessly apprehensivel haltingly
unquestionabl savagely y cowardly indecisively
y viciously frantically irresolutely
clumsily wickedly tremblingly reluctantly
s
 · · · 16 · · ·

-ly Adverbs
S

clamorously irregularly smugly

regularly
n

l deafeningly periodically
purposely
i

L
noisily sporadically commonly
©
piercingly politely consciously faithfully
riotously deliberately frequently
s

dr

o affably
W
shrilly cordially intentionally generally
g

n thunderously courteously knowingly habitually

i

o uproariously graciously voluntarily invariably

B

respectfully willfully normally

luckily
h

tactfully ordinarily
quickly periodically
n

B
auspiciously
intelligently favorably powerfully briskly repeatedly
fortunately steadily
s

c brilliantly forcefully busily

r

cleverly happily hastily systematically

u

o intensely
s

ingeniously opportunely hurriedly tirelessly

e

mightily
R

prosperously impatiently typically

strongly
kindly
g

speedily unchangingly
i

nervously vigorously
c
affectionately swiftly usually
a

anxiously violently
e

compassionat
T

apprehensivel quietly rudely

c

i ely fondly pridefully

t

y restlessly breathlessly
s

graciously churlishly
a

shakily arrogantly gently

o
lovingly disrespectfully
h

skittishly boastfully inconspicuous

c

S sweetly harshly
worriedly egotistically ly noiselessly
,

n impertinently
o

loudly haughtily silently

t

impolitely
occasionally pompously
l

h boisterously
impudently amazingly wearily
inconsideratel shyly sneakily stupidly astonishingly
y insolently bashfully cunningly foolishly incredibly wildly
humbly deviously indolently interestingly ferociously
sadly modestly secretly mindlessly ironically fiercely
cheerlessly sheepishly slyly moronically remarkably passionately
dejectedly skittishly stealthily obnoxiously recklessly
shockingly
despondently timidly surreptitiously suddenly roughly
unbelievably
dismally suspiciously abruptly viciously
slowly immediately
unknowingly
dolefully unpredictably
mournfully
casually strangely instantly wisely
eventually magically startlingly
sorrowfully tiredly discerningly
gradually miraculously unexpectedly
tragically exhaustedly judiciously
hesitantly mysteriously
unfortunately lazily drowsily perceptively
unhappily
oddly surprisingly sleepily prudently
patiently supernaturally actually
wistfully weakly sagaciously
sluggishly
· · · 17 · · ·

Colors and Shapes

zBoring: The blue sky had some white clouds.

LInteresting:  In the azure sky dangled marshmallow white clouds.

Black
ebony auburn apple delft dun
charcoal beige aquamarine denim dusky
clouded brick avocado grizzled electric
coal bronze beryl heather indigo
buff celery chestnut navy
Blue burnt sienna chartreuse chocolate midnight
aqua crow cinnamon emerald peacock
aquamarine Gray dingy cocoa evergreen fir
azure ashen dusky coffee forest
baby blue clouded ink copper grassy hazel
beryl dapple fawn jade henna
dingy ginger jet khaki
Brown dove blueberry licorice mahogany
almond cerulean murky mud
amber Green cobalt drab obsidian muddy
 ,

mulch shaded spinach n

nut silvery verdure

t

porcelain sorrel viridian h

robin’s egg tan willow n

iron royal moss

l

tawny i

lead sapphire sky olive teak L

leaden pea terra-cotta s

metallic peacock pine

dr

toast o

mousy nutmeg pistachio umber g

oak
n

shadowy walnut i

ochre slate
o

s
B
e

kelly pine soot c

r
h

u i

leafy russet starless slate o

s
n

lime rust smoky

e

R
B

lush sandy somber g

malachite sepia steel steel h

mint teal stone a

onyx turquoise c

pitch oyster ultramarine t

sage
a

raven pearly violet l

sable peppery sea h

· · · 18 · · ·

Colors and
 Shapes Orange

glowing

heliotrope
lavender
lilac
amethyst magenta
bluish red
s
fuchsia
e

r
grape cherry
u

claret
Red
o

R
coral
g

n
cranberry
i

h
crimson
c

e
fiery
T

c
flame
i

c
chalky
S
cream
,

n alabaster fair
o

l
ashen frosted
e

S
blanched frosty
n

e
blood bleached ghostly
l

e
bloodshot blond
L
blush bloodless
©

brick buff
s

dr

burgundy Yellow butter

o

amber
W

g
candy-apple apricot buttercup
n

r
cardinal aureate butterscotch
o

beige canary
B

White champagne
h

i
bleached
n

a
blond
B

apricot Shapes conical

brass angular cylindrical
bronze circular elliptical
burnt sienna concave gold
copper ochre
Purple coral peach
flame persimmon
 marble shrimp pallid titian pure
marshmallow pasty topaz silvery
maroon milky pearl snowy
mauve pansy platinum spotless
mulberry plum royal stainless
orchid chartreuse pomegranate violaceous
chrome puce lemon violet
citron mustard wine straw
flushed cream ochre sunny
fuchsia gold pink orange tan
garnet golden raspberry saffron russet tangerine
geranium rose sand rust tawny
magenta rosy salmon topaz
maroon hexagonal rouge scarlet
persimmon octagonal ruby proportional strawberry
oval ruddy rectangular tomato spherical
pumpkin squared wine spiraled
immaculate salmon tangerine triangular
ivory sandy oyster terra-cotta
light pale powdery

· · · 19 · · ·

Sight
zBoring: The cave was dark.
LInteresting:  A
shadowy gloom settled in the pitch-black cave. To See
admire display golden glower
examine exhibition goggle
eye inspect
eyeball Dark crystalline inky
focus Clear black distinct lightless
apparent blackish muddy
gape
cloudless hallucination mark
gawk blackness
gaze illusion note
illuminated
glance image notice
A Sight Light incandescent
observe
glare
appearance alight lighted
glimpse ogle
fluorescent
 T

peek stare sunshiny c

peep survey well-lit s

view o

nebulous transparent c

watch S

obscure unclouded ,

impression witness o

pitch-black sooty l

mirage peer
h

sunless S

picture perceive unlit

e

moonlit i

recognize view e

phosphoresce
review vision ©

nt starry
s

dr

scan vista o

lucid W

search
g

translucent n

sight o

pitch-dark unobscured
s

e
h

i
c

pitchy
r n

visible u a

lit
o B

reflection somber e

lucent
R

spot g

scene n

luminous spy
i

spectacle c

sunny a

· · · 20 · · ·
 Sig
ablaze beaming
ht
aglow blazing
brilliant

flaming
Dim
dusky
s

c
faded
r

e
faint fuzzy
R

n
foggy gloomy
i

e
gray
T

s
lackluster
a

o
burnished glassy
h

,
crystal gleaming
bleary
n

e
dazzling glimmering glistening
blurred
h

e
flickering glinting glittering
l

e
cloudy
L
glossy
©

s
dreary
dr

o
Dull jeweled
W

ashen
g

n
drab
i

Shiny cloudy
dreary
o

colorless hazy
dusky
i

Bright dead indistinct

faded
dismal lackluster
flat
low
matte opaque tarnished

overcast unclear
opaque
mousy
pale plain
muddy
radiant
subdued
murky shining
glaring vivid
toned-down
polished muted silvery
glowing unlit
satiny obscure sparkling

sheeny shadowy twinkling

murky shimmering shady

· · · 21 · · ·

Sound
zBoring: Suddenly, a sound came from the basement.
LInteresting: 
Suddenly, an ear-piercing shriek came from the basement.

To Hear
catch detect eavesdrop listen overhear

A Sound
din noise note resonance tone

Pleasant s

harmonic boom
harmonious Loud burst Scared
bang cry ear-piercing clamor
Unpleasant bawl Angry gasp ear-popping clang
boisterous bellow bark mellifluous ear-splitting clank
clamorous blare bellow melodic clap
deafening blast growl clash
clatter symphonic snarl whir
c

crack whoop
,

crackle e

crash piercing stammer S

grumble holler raucous stutter snort e

hiss pop riotous symphonious sputter e

holler racket tuneful yell ©

rattle dr

rumble W

scream g

scream screech rowdy whimper i

screech shriek shrill yelp B

melodious
h

jeer slam whiny o

s
s

rhythmical roar slurp e

R
n

scream smash g

snore h

stomp c

grating thud T

monotonous shriek thump i

noisy squall shout whack a

sonorous snap wham

o

· · · 22 · · ·

Sound
Sad
 beat howl shriek
boom moan
chant
chime hum
giggle hush
cackle Animal guffaw mumble
chortle howl murmur
chuckle mutter
s

Quiet
e

u
creak
o

e
drone muted
R
fizz noiseless
gurgle
g

a
hiss
e

c
peal
plunk
i

l
breathless inaudible rattle
mouthed
o

c
hushed ring
rumble
S

Musical
n

l
bubble
e

h buzz clang
S

n
calm clink honk
click hum
e

i
hoot
clink jingle
e

L
howl
©

s
jangle meow
dr

o Silent mew
W

g
moo
n

i
cluck neigh
r

B coo peep
h

s croak sob
i

n
crow squall
a

gobble wail
bawl
growl
blubber bark grunt
cry bleat hiss snicker
bray sigh snigger
Happy buzz sniffle squeal
cackle snivel
caw
cheep
chirp pitter-patter
laugh plink
bang groan
roar rustle
sigh tinkle squawk still
sizzle toll squeak
toot weep swish squeal
whimper tick twitter
trill
quiet yowl tinkle whimper
twang
soundless purr twitter warble whinny
quack whisper whistle yap
roar tee-hee yodel yelp
screech titter yip
strum
snarl whoop speechless yowl
thump
snort

· · · 23 · · ·

Smell
zBoring: The milk smelled bad.
LInteresting:  The
stench of the curdled milk turned his stomach. To Smell
inhale scent sniff snuff whiff

A Smell
aroma fragrance odor perfume scent
s

No Smell s

deodorized odorless scentless unseasoned unscented i

Good Smelling S

l
appealing enticing flowery sugary g toothsome
nectarous
delightful exquisite luscious rich tempting vanilla
e

divine heavenly mouthwaterin savory well-seasoned h

g pleasing tantalizing zestful e

Fresh
L

earthy
s

antiseptic dr

clean fragrant minty pure starchy g

crisp laundered new sanitary sterile r

piney soapy washed h

Sweet
a

aromatic citrus
buttery cloying fragrant perfumed rich sweet-scented
candied coconut fruity saccharine sweet-smellin
chocolaty honeyed

· · · 24 · · ·

ell
detestable malodorous
disgusting nasty
fishy nauseating
foul noxious

Sm
gross
Bad
Smelling loathsome odious
Burnt
 offensive repellent tainted
putrid repugnant unappealing
rancid repulsive unpleasant
rank

raunchy sickening
reeking stinky

s
burning fumy gaseous smoky sooty
e

i
Rotten
h

c
fetid musty
i

s
decomposed
a

o
foul noisome
h

S
Sharp gross noxious
,

t
mildewed offensive
l

h moldy overripe
S

s
biting harsh
dr

intense
o

W
cutting
g

acrid
o

i astringent acidic fermented soured

n

B
curdled rancid sourish
curdled
Sour
damp Spicy
dank cinnamic piquant
gingery
decayed distinctive seasoned
peppery
polluted
turned ruined vinegary
putrefied
spoiled
putrid piercing zesty
tainted
rancid pungent spiced unwholesom zippy
rank spirited e vinegary
repulsive
salty
tart rotted

· · · 25 · · ·

Taste
zBoring: The cake tasted good.
LInteresting:  He savored each heavenly
mouthful of the rich, chocolaty cake.

To Taste
lick sample savor sip slurp

A Taste
bite morsel mouthful nibble sample
s

Tasteless o

bland nasty
delish distasteful
dull dull nauseating
insipid
divine flat
Bad-tasting fishy tasteless
Good-tastin bland flat flavorful flavorless
g appetizing burnt flavorless flavorsome gross
delectable detestable luscious insipid
mouthwaterin
delicious disgusting loathsome
g palatable vapid unpalatable ,

repellent n

pleasant unpleasant l

repugnant
e

pleasing unflavored repulsive unripe n

unsavory savorless tasty unsavory i

sickening well-prepared unseasoned ©

dr

well-seasoned vapid
o

offensive tainted W

n
g

oily rich tasteless zestful i

h
n

c r

a
o

rancid savory unappealing

e

T
B

h
c
s
i

rank scrumptious unappetizing t

s
i

a
a

l
B

raunchy tantalizing unseasoned undesirable o

· · · 26 · · ·
 buttery
candied
candy-coated
chocolaty

Sour
s

c
curdled
a

T
decomposed
c

s fetid
a

Sharp
c

t
acidic
l

h acrid
S

e
acidic astringent
l

biting
i

Spicy
Rotten
s

dr

o
biting
W

n
cinnamic
i

B
distinctive
h

Salty
n

Sweet acrid
alkaline
 rancid

fiery seasoned rotted

gingery hot offensive snappy spoiled
overripe spiced tainted
cinnamic saccharine
putrid
citrus brackish sugar-coated
cloying briny sugared pungent tangy
coconut sugary tart

Tas
garlicky salted
harsh vinegary
medicinal

te
briny soured
curdled sourish spirited
peppery zesty
sweetened
piquant zippy
foul rancid syrupy
fruity racy
gross rank toothsome
honeyed
moldy repulsive vanilla well-flavored
nectarous
highly well-seasone
rich
flavored d
biting metallic tart
over-salted
bitter pungent vinegary
fermented
burning stinging

· · · 27 · · ·

Touch
zBoring: The blanket felt soft.
LInteresting: 
I snuggled up in the cozy, satin blanket. To Touch
brush cuddle embrace baking blistering
caress dab feel boiling
Hot blazing
burning fiery snuggle strike tacky
flaming squeeze stroke
Cold flushed tag
arctic humid lukewarm tap
biting ovenlike tickle
bitter roasting searing
bleak chilly scalding sizzling
brisk cool scorching steamy s

crisp summery sweltering c

Dry
r

cutting sweaty tepid o

arid freezing frigid tropical e

baked frosty torrid g

frozen numbing
i

bald warm h

bare glacial piercing a

Wet
e

barren icy polar

T

damp dehydrated shivering snowy

i

dank shuddering stinging a

dewy droughty tingling h

drenched drizzling foggydusty trembling

S

dripping humid parched powdery wintry

n

misty sapped
l

Sticky
e

moist shriveled S

clammy muggy stale n

gloppy pouring rainy thirsty

i

frisk gluey showery slushy torrid

L

grab gooey slippery snowy s

hug
dr

grasp soaked o

graze itch soaking soggy g

nudge gummy
n

handle sodden sopping i

hit pat gunky steamy

o

paw poke teary h

pinch rub pasty watery n

scratch sweaty B

feverish smooth sting

syrupy
 · · · 28 · · ·
S

Soft
n

dr

Smooth bearded
brambly
bristly
s
bumpy
e

r
bushy
u

o
chapped
s

Sharp
R

g creamy
n
barbed
i

flat
briery
h

a
flowing
e

T horned
c

t
Rough jagged
s

Hard
l

S
callous
,

n dense
o

l
firm
e

h
 Tou ethereal
feathery

fluid
ch
flush
glassy
glossy
polished silky
choppy satiny sleek
coarse slick
craggy
grainy
jagged
gritty ragged
knotty
hairy ridged
leathery
lumpy rocky
matted rugged sandy
knife-edged prickly scraggy
needlelike
peaked
pointy pronged ridged
ragged serrated
raggedy spiked
iron razor-sharp spiky
leathery
metal
packed solid
comfy stiff
rigid
cozy doughy stony
rocky
creamy downy
cushy feathery
fluffy foamy powdery
Heavy
beefy furry satiny
bulky fuzzy silky
fleshy mushy spongy
chunky
hefty
Light leaden
airy loaded pulpy
bubbly massive stout
dainty meaty swollen
downy
 tough
wooden
fluffy scratchy spiny thick
frothy stony splintery weighted
tangled tapered squashy weighty
unshaven thorny squishy
slippery wiry tender
velvety waxy woolly velvety powdery
thick sheer

· · · 29 · · ·

Conditions
zBoring: The room was a mess.
LInteresting:  The disheveled room
was littered with beat-up toys and filthy clothes. Messy
bedraggled archaic immaculate new-fashione old-fashioned
botchy broken-down kempt d outdated
careless cast-off meticulous grubby outmoded
cluttered crusty natty ill-kempt out-of-date snug
dirty lax outworn spick-and-spa
disheveled littered primitive n spruce
disordered New muddled tidy
advanced dated mussy trig
brand-new decayed nasty
Neat contemporary decrepit newfound
chipper current deteriorated new-sprung
clean-cut cutting edge dilapidated novel primordial
combed disorderly discarded orderly original raggedy
detailed disorganized dowdy organized recent rickety
fastidious filthy faded prim raunchy run-down
foul hackneyed shipshape ruffled rusty
frowzy snappy rumpled scruffy
Old frumpy shabby shabby
abandoned grimy slack shoddy
aged fresh slapdash stale
ancient latest historical slipshod
antiquated modern moth-eaten
antique groomed modernistic neglected
 r

wrinkly threadbare up-to-date

e

o
T

time-worn youthful c

t
h

traditional s

l
i

used
a
o

stylish h

c
B

trendy trim worm-eaten S

ultramodern uncluttered worn

n

unwrinkled worn-out
t

unfamiliar e

well-groomed wrinkly
h

unspoiled S

n
s

sloppy well-pressed e

c
e

slovenly
r
e
u

L
o

uncombed s

e
©

unkempt untouched
R
s

dr
g
o

untidy untrodden n

tattered
i W

wrinkled unused c

a
g

· · · 30 · · ·

Conditions
Dirty
 blemishedflawless murky spotted
broken full nasty squalid
Clean burnt intact polluted
burst greasy raunchy
busted grimy scummy
collapsedgrubby scuzzy squeaky
grungy slimy stainless
icky taintless
Undamage impure tidy
s

e
d mangy unblemished
sanitary
c

u
mildewed unpolluted
o

e
moldy shining
R
shiny
sparkling
g

c
blank spick-and-spamutilated
peeling
a

T
bright fresh n spotless
c

i
cleansed hygienic pulverized
ripped
t

a
clear immaculate
l

o dirtless impeccable ruptured

dismembered
h

S
flawless laundered separated
,

n
pure flawed severed
o

t fractured shattered
Damaged
l

h fragmented
S

n
impaired
e

i
cracked injured
e

L crippled mangled steady

©
crumbled marred unblemished
s

dr

o
demolished unbroken
W
destroyed uncut
undefiled
g

i
dinged
discolored secure undivided
r

h
disintegrated set unharmed
s

n
settled unified
a

B
shipshape stained
black solid sullied
contaminated mint sound sully
cruddy perfect stable tainted
dingy permanent steadfast tarnished
draggled plenary smeared unclean
dreggy preserved smudged unsanitary
complete replete soiled
dungy unsightly
entire rooted soily unswept
dusty
faultless safe sooty
filthy beat-up
firm mucky sordid
bent
fixed muddy splotched
 untainted slivered unmarred
untarnished smashed unruffled
washed split unscathed
unsoiled white shivered tattered unimpaired untouched
unsullied shot wrecked uninjured whole
shredded unmarked

· · · 31 · · ·

Body
zBoring: The ballerina was thin.
LInteresting:  Petite and
slender, the ballerina twirled like a dainty flower. Thin
angular potbellied
bony Strong pudgy
emaciated beefy gangly pint-sized robust round
dainty brawny giant runty rotund shapeless
ethereal squat solid
Fit stocky
Heavy frail effeminate stunted stout
beefy gangly emaciated lanky stubby thick
big-boned gaunt lofty stumpy wide
bloated lanky
brawny lean burly
broad firm feeble skyscraping tiny
bulging malnourished flaccid stick undersized
bulky burly narrow wee
chubby petite
Short chunky puny muscular fragile
compact dense rawboned powerful frail stretched
dwarfed elephantine scrawny towering
dwarfish full-bodied skeletal
gargantuan skin-and-bone robust
heavy-set
Tall skinny rugged puny
husky
alpine lumpy slender slight sickly
beanstalk little massive slim
low obese stick
Weak miniature oversized plump twiggy solid
decrepit paunchy plumpish underweight strapping
delicate portly
 e h g
c
c
S n
i
r i
t
u r
n
s
o e o
a
s l
l B
i
e
o
e
R h
h
L s
c
g i
S
n © n

i , a

s
h n
B

c dr
o
o
a t

l
e
W
e
T
s

athletic healthy shapely toned trim

· · · 32 · · ·

Hair
zBoring: She had pretty hair.
LInteresting:  Long, flowing locks of
strawberry blonde hair curled down her back. Hair
t

clean
o
s
B
a

h
h

i
coarse
c

S
n

a
dingy
, B

drab
cut
n

dry
o

fuzz
dull
e

h
s

S
e

c
fine
Condition
r n

e
u
l
o
i
s

Length
e
e
L
R

©
g

n
s
i
dr
h o

W
a

e
g
T

c
n

r
bouncy
i
 braided mane messy straggly
bun neat straw-like
buzz oily shoulder-lengt
flaky puffy h waist-length
Color flowing raggedy shaved
fluffy ratty short
flyaway shaggy
frizzy
glistening pinned
glossy mid-length pleated
grimy receding ponytail
ringlets
shaved
buzzed cropped kinky slicked
chin-length long knotted spiked
layered
Style nappy
cowlick mohawk platinum
crimped permed raven
curled pigtail red
curly russet
feathered sandy blonde stiff
flattop flaxen silver straight
gelled frosted silvery teased
golden snowy white tussled
gray tufts twisted
chestnut highlighted jetwisps uneven
coal black black light wavy
copper pale
dark tendrils stringy
dirty blonde tresses tangled straw
amber fair thick strawberry
ash-blonde fake thin blonde
auburn fiery red shiny tidy streaked
black mop silky trimmed tawny
afro bleached strands sleek wiry towheaded
bangs blond smooth unkempt washed out
bobbed bronze soft white
bowl cut brunette springy
groomed yellow
locks

· · · 33 · · ·
 Face
zBoring: He had an unusual face.
LInteresting:  He had
droopy eyes, pointy ears, and a crooked nose. Cheeks
bony dimpled hollow puffy
chipmunk full round
Chin high sunken
chubby

dimpled double long pointy square

s

Ears s

elephant elf floppy pointy shell-like i

Eyebrows h

arched high thick S

n
s

dr

broad narrow thin wide e

Eyelashes
W
i
o

penciled-in t

l
e

L
g

bushy defined e

h
©

dark full long short thick n

Eyes
almond-shap bloodshot
ed beady
 bright droopy round slanted
bug narrow oval
Facial Hair cat
beard sideburns
bristles scruffy whiskers
mustache shaven
clean-shaven scratchy slit
Forehead goatee puffy squinty wide

broad flat high long pronounced

· · · 34 · · ·

e
Lips
cracked full pouty pursed thin wide
fat plump puckered supple

Mouth
Fac
crooked gaping open slack-jawed wide

s
Nose
e

crooked Roman ski

o S
s
s

a
e n
l

R
o

h
blunt delicate jump slender
g

broad Nostrils flat straight tiny

c
n

i S

a
,

n bulbous button hooked long upturned

o
e

T
t

l bumpy crinkled pointy wide

e
c

i
h
pug
 e
broad flared narrow pointy wide
l

n
Skin
i

blushing fair milky white rosy supple

h

a bruised flushed moley rough swarthy

B

aged clammy freckled oily ruddy tan

albino freckly old sallow taut
ashen ghastly white olive scarred washed-out
ashy Teeth ghostly white pale sensitive weathered
baby clear glowing pallid sickly white
blanched cold healthy pasty white smooth wrinkled
bleached dark leathery pimply soft wrinkly
blotchy dimpled light pockmarked splotchy youthful

bucked chipped crooked pointy straight

· · · 35 · · ·

Character Traits
zBoring: The nurse was nice to her patient.
LInteresting:  The tender and
compassionate nurse never left her patient’s side.
forceful adventurous dauntless valorous spineless
bossy intimidating audacious fearless timid
aggressive overbearing bold gallant cowardly weak
controlling tyrannical chivalrous heroic fearful
demanding courageous knightly gutless crazy
domineering brave daring valiant passive demented
disturbed unmanageable gracious noble undependable devoted
insane unruly magnanimous selfless unreliable faithful
lunatic merciful self-sacrificing untrustworthy steadfast
maniacal driven unselfish
industrious friendly jealous
creative sedulous affable hard-workin covetous
artistic studious amiable g ambitious envious
clever amicable assiduous green-eyed
gifted energetic congenial diligent possessive
imaginative active convivial
ingenious animated cordial honest kind
innovative enthusiastic genial honorable caring s

inspired high-spirited good-natured forthright compassionat r

e considerate
o

inventive lively warm sincere s

original sprightly straightforwar courteous R

fun
g

unique vivacious d trustworthy gentle n

enthusiastic amusing gracious

h

truthful c

determined ardent convivial loving e

hostile
T

driven eager enjoyable soft-hearted c

entertaining aggressive
t

persevering earnest sweet s

persistent excited exciting antagonistic sympathetic l

steadfast imaginative argumentative tender

c

exuberant S

passionate lively belligerent thoughtful ,

dishonest playful combative warm

o

zealous l

corrupt funny contentious e

evil pugnacious lazy

S

deceitful amusing n

deceptive quarrelsome heavy-footed

e

corrupt comical
l

devious fiendish idle e

entertaining humble indolent

L

disingenuous hateful hilarious

©

untruthful meek languorous s

immoral humorous
dr

modest
o

monstrous slothful W

disobedient hysterical self-effacing slow-moving g

sinful witty
n

irresponsibl unmotivated
i

defiant sinister
r

insubordinate generous e careless

B

vile loyal h

lawless wicked benevolent flighty s

rebellious charitable forgetful committed n

forgiving
B

undisciplined magnanimous inattentive dedicated

 · · · 36 · · ·

Character Traits
S

boastful malicious
n

l
moral polite conceited punitive
i

e chaste affable egotistical retaliatory

L

©
ethical civil haughty spiteful
s

dr
noble cordial narcissistic vengeful
principled courteous
o

W
pompous vindictive
pure gracious smug rude
g

r righteous respectful vain

o
boorish
B
virtuous positive churlish
h

s
cheerful respectable
negative discourteous
i

a
hopeful admirable
B
critical honorable disrespectful
mean idealistic impertinent
cynical laudable
optimistic
s

c barbarous defeated impolite

r

sanguine praiseworthy
u

brutal hopeless impudent

o

reputable
practical
s

e
cold-hearted pessimistic inconsiderate
R
upright
g cruel sarcastic level-headed insolent
responsible
n

h
heartless logical surly
insensitive outgoing
c

e
pragmatic conscientious uncivil
T

malevolent convivial rational dependable

c

t malicious extroverted realistic dutiful selfish

s

l ruthless gregarious reasonable mature egocentric

o

c
uncaring personable sensible reliable greedy
S

unkind sociable trustworthy miserly

prideful
,

vicious social parsimonious

revengeful
o

e unreserved arrogant self-centered

h
stingy clever headstrong artistic merciless
ingenious obstinate brilliant uncaring resentful
serious intellectual persistent experienced apathetic
austere intelligent stiff-necked expert callous unsocial
humorless knowledgeabl strong-willed gifted cold introverted
intense e quick-witted willful ingenious heartless reclusive
solemn sharp skilled indifferent reserved
somber strange stupid skillful insensitive solitary
stern brainless unsympathetic standoffish
awkward
foolish tricky unsociable
silly bizarre
idiotic conniving understandi withdrawn
childish eccentric ng accepting
imbecilic crafty
clownish mysterious
mindless cunning empathetic wise
immature odd perceptive discerning
moronic devious
nonsensical outlandish sensitive enlightened
simple mischievous
senseless peculiar sympathetic insightful
unintelligentscheming
unusual judicious
witless shrewd unforgiving perceptive
smart weird
sly begrudging
bookish
stubborn talented sneaky prudent
bright accomplished wily bitter sagacious
hardheaded embittered
brilliant adept
· · · 37 · · ·

Emotions / Feelings
zBoring: The singer on the stage was scared.
LInteresting:  Trembling in terror,
the panic-stricken singer stood frozen on stage.
faint-hearted shaken fuming riled grouchy
afraid fearful shocked furious vexed grumpy
aghast frightened spooked heated wrathful ill-tempered
alarmed frozen startled incensed irritable
apprehensive horrified stunned
indignant annoyed irritated
blanched inflamed agitated moody
intimidated terrified
cowardly infuriated bothered peeved
panicked terror-stricken
irate crabby peevish
cowed panicky trembling
maddened cranky petulant
daunted panic-stricken angry outraged disgruntled sulky
disheartened petrified boiling provoked displeased sullen
dismayed rattled cross temperamenta
rabid dissatisfied
distressed scared enraged raging frustrated l vexed
fiery
 dazed disheartened
o

relaxed mortified h

ashamed reposeful disconcerted disillusioned shamed S

apologetic dissatisfied
n

restful disoriented o

excited
l

contrite serene distracted downhearted e

disappointed soothing dizzy embittered agitated

S

mournful still flummoxed frustrated animated

e

penitent stormless flustered resentful L

regretful tranquil muddled saddened ©

remorseful undisturbed mystified thwarted dr

repentant unruffled perplexed ungratified g

rueful waveless puzzled unsatisfied i

sorrowful vanquished B

windless stumped h

sorry s

unglued s
i

embarrasse
n
e

confused disappointe
a
c

r
B

calm d abashed
u

d
o

abashed s

harmonious ashamed
e

addled disconcerted
mellow chagrined g

discontented
n

baffled i

peaceful disconcerted h

discouraged
c

placid befuddled a

disgraced e

bewildered disenchanted T

quiescent humbled c

confounded disgruntled t

quiet humiliated
s

· · · 38 · · ·

Emotions / Feelings
 charged lighthearted restless heartsore agape
delighted merry skittish heavy-hearted aghast
eager mirthful tense inconsolable amazed
emotional overjoyed uneasy languishing
astonished
enthusiastic peppy uptight low-spirited
astounded
feverish perky worried lugubrious
hyper playful melancholy awestruck
miserable dumbfounded
hysterical pleasant proud
jumpy morose dumbstruck
pleased contented
lively mournful flabbergasted
sunny dignified
passionate thrilled gratified somber floored
s

c
stirred upbeat honored sorrowful overwhelmed
troubled
r

o thrilled pleased shocked

s

wild lonely satisfied weeping speechless

R

g
disconsolate wistful staggered
n

happy sad
i

h
forlorn startled
shy
c

e
blessed forsaken bereaved stunned
bashful
T

i
blissful isolated brokenhearte thrown
t

blithe d crestfallen cautious

s

a
lonesome thunderstruck
l

cheerful coy
o

h
reclusive crushed
c

cheery demure
S
rejected dejected upset
,

chipper humble
n

secluded depressed
o

t
introverted agitated
l

chirpy solitary despairing

bothered
e

h
meek
S
content unsocial despondent
n
modest disconcerted
e

l
contented withdrawn devastated
i
mousy dismayed
e
convivial disconsolate
quiet
L

©
delighted nervous dismal disquieted
s
rabbity distraught
dr

o
ecstatic anxious doleful
reserved distressed
W

elated apprehensive downcast

g
reticent disturbed
n

i exultant concerned forlorn

r

self-conscious
o

gleeful distressed gloomy stressed

sheepish
B

gratified flustered glum troubled

skittish
s

jolly high-strung grief-stricken unglued

timid
a

joyful jittery grieved

aroused unassertive unsettled
awakened joyous jumpy heartbroken surprised worried
jubilant nervy heartsick
· · · 39 · · ·

Big / Small
 zBoring: The cat was big and the mouse was small.
LInteresting: 
The monstrously oversized cat towered over the teensy mouse. Big

Small
jumbo voluminous undersized wee
ample petite
magnificent whopping piddling
behemoth
major
baby pint-sized
broad
mammoth pocket-sized
bulky bite-sized
massive puny
burly bitty
s

mighty cramped runty

e

capacious r

mountainous diminutive scanty

o

colossal
s

monstrous dwarfish scrubby

considerable g

enormous monumental inconsequential short

h

expansive overgrown inconsiderable shrimp

T

oversized
t

extensive insignificant light skimpy

s

giant prodigious limited slight

h

gigantic roomy little smallish

,

sizable
l

grand meager stubby e

great spacious microscopic mini stunted n

hefty staggering teeny e

miniature L

huge stupendous teensy

©

miniscule s

dr

hulking
o

substantial minor tiny W

humongous titanic toy

n

minute r

husky towering
B

modest trifling h

immeasurable tremendous
i

narrow trivial n

immense B

unrestricted vast paltry truncated

 · · · 40 · · ·

Beautiful / Ugly
zBoring: The haircut was ugly.
LInteresting:  The
frightful haircut bordered on grotesque.

Beautiful Ugly
majestic
e

S
bewitching fair
n

e
breathtaking fascinating marvelous
l

e
captivating fetching mesmeric
charming pleasant
L

©
fine
s

dr
classy glamorous pleasing
o

s W
comely good-looking pretty
e

u
g

i
cute gorgeous radiant
dazzling graceful
r
o

e
o

B
ravishing
R
h delightful grand refined
s
g

i
i

n divine handsome resplendent

a
h

c B

elegant ideal shapely

adorable
a

T
enchanting impressive sightly
c
alluring
i

t
engaging interesting splendid
s

appealing
a

l
enthralling inviting statuesque
o

attractive
h

c enticing lovely stunning

S
beckoning luring
,
excellent sublime
n

becoming
o

l
exquisite magnificent superb
tantalizing disagreeable grungy nauseating terrible
well-formed disfigured hag-like obnoxious odd unalluring
well-groomed disgusting hard-featured outlandish unappealing
winsome distasteful hideous piggish unattractive
wonderful distorted homely plain uncomely
abnormal eerie horrid repellent undesirable
appalling foul horrifying repugnant uninviting
awful freakish ill-favored repulsive unnatural
bad-looking frightful inelegant revolting unpleasant
beastly grisly loathsome shocking unseemly
bizarre gross misshapen sickening sordid unsightly vile
creepy grotesque monstrous nasty sorry weird
deformed strange wretched

· · · 41 · · ·

Good / Bad
zBoring: The weather was bad, but we had a good day.

LInteresting:  Despite the foul weather, we still had a sensational day at

the park. Good Bad
extraordinary mind-blowing striking abominable
admirable
fabulous miraculous stunning appalling
amazing
fantastic notable stupendous atrocious
astonishing
fine noteworthy superb awful
astounding
glorious outrageous superior base
awe-inspiring
illustrious outstanding terrific beastly
awesome
impressive overwhelming thrilling contemptible
beautiful
incredible phenomenal unbelievable cursed
breathtaking
inspiring prodigious unreal deplorable
brilliant
legendary remarkable unrivaled despicable
commendable
lofty sensational valuable detestable
distinguished
magnificent spectacular wonderful disagreeable
excellent
marvelous splendid wondrous disgusting
exceptional
memorable stirring abhorrent dreadful
exciting
 o

foul horrid repellent wretched h

frightening horrific reprehensible ,

frightful horrifying repugnant

o

ghastly loathsome lousy repulsive

e

grim lurid revolting

n

mean
i

grisly scandalous scary s

e
e

gruesome nasty shameful

c

u
©

s
o

hateful nauseating shocking

s

e
dr

R W

heinous obnoxious sickening g g

n n

obscene
i i

hideous terrible h

c
r

odious
B

horrendous terrifying
e

T h

horrible offensive unpleasant vile

c

t
i

a
s

raunchy a

l
B

· · · 42 · · ·

Interesting / Boring
zBoring: The book was boring.
LInteresting:  The dull,
monotonous book left me feeling uninspired.

Interesting Boring
 absorbing striking
alluring thought-provoking
amusing unusual
appealing colorless
arresting commonplace dead
s
captivating drab
charismatic dreary
e

s
compelling drudging
curious dull
e

i
delightful flat
h

a
enchanting ho-hum
e

T
engaging humdrum
c

t
engrossing insipid
s

l
entertaining interminable lackluster
o

c
enthralling lifeless
S

,
entrancing monotone
n

t
exceptional monotonous
exciting platitudinous repetitious
l

n
exotic routine
e

i
fascinating spiritless
e

L gripping stale
©

impressive stereotypical stodgy

s

dr

o intriguing tedious
tiresome
W

g
provocative
n

r
refreshing trite
unanimated unexciting
o

B riveting
h

i
spellbinding uninspired uninteresting
n

a
stimulating vapid
B

stirring wearisome

· · · 43 · · ·

A Little / A Lot
zBoring: The night sky had a lot of stars.

LInteresting:  The stars were numberless in the night

sky. A Little A Lot
 abundant
a few bounteous
a handful of a scattering bountiful
of a sprinkling of copious
inconsequential countless
s

inconsiderable infrequent endless

r

insufficient immeasurable
e

limited incalculable infinite

g

meager innumerable limitless

h

minor many T

minute
i

multifarious multiple t

negligible multitudinous myriad

l

occasional
c

numberless numerous S

paltry plentiful
n

petty plenty of e

piddling scads of n

rare several i

scant swarming with teeming ©

scanty
s

with uncountable dr

scarce unlimited
W

scarcely any skimpy voluminous

i

slight B

slim i

some B

sparse
 · · · 44 · · ·

Easy / Hard
zBoring: The homework was easy, but the test was hard.

LInteresting:  The homework was manageable, but the test was

complicated. Easy Hard
t

h
direct
S

e
effortless
l

L
elemental
©

s
elementary
dr

c
o

W
evident
r

facile
g
u
n
o
i
s
r

manageable
o

R
B

g
h
n

h
s

i obvious
n

c
a
a

e
B
painless
T
accessible
c

i plain
t

s apparent
a

l routine
o

h basic
c

S
self-explanatory simple
, clear-cut
n

o
smooth bothersome involved
straightforward burdensome challenging laborious
uncomplicated complex painful
undemanding complicated confusing perplexing problematic
understandable demanding difficult puzzling
uninvolved exacting strenuous
workable exhausting formidable troublesome trying
arduous
grueling unclear
backbreaking

· · · 45 · · ·

Compare / Contrast
zBoring: Tennis is played on a court, and baseball is played on a field.

LInteresting:  Tennis is played on a court, whereas baseball is played on

a field. Comparing Words Contrasting

Words
like by contrast
alike likewise contrast
at first glance on the one hand resemble conversely
besides resemblance despite
both share differ
by comparison similarities differences
comparable similarity different
compare similarly different from even
compared to similar to though
in common the same however
in comparison to in the the same as in contrast
same manner in the same although instead
way just as at first glance but on the contrary on the
 other hand opposite
c

unlike
n

variations e

varied n

s l

i
e

vary c

r
e

whereas o

e
©

dr
R

while g
o

yet h

c
g

a r

e o

T
B

c
h
i
s
t
i
s
n
a

l a

o B

· · · 46 · · ·

Be Specific! How to avoid

using the word “thing.” zBoring: Frogs and toads have
many things in common.
LInteresting:  Frogs and toads have many
characteristics in common.
 feeling undertaking affair focus
idea encounter question
notion enterprise subject
opinion escapade theme
position event topic
theory exploration
understanding exposure item
s
view involvement article
e

r
ordeal belonging
chance object
u

s participation
e

R opportunity undertaking particular

g

n
possibility venture possession
product
i

c
prospect
a

characterist enjoyment
e

part
c

t ic aspect activity aspect

s

l attribute amusement component

o

h
distinction diversion detail
c

feature entertainment element

,

o peculiarity hobby factor

t

e property interest feature

h

S
quality pastime particular
trademark section
n

L
trait segment
choice place
©

alternative
dr

W
area
g
decision locale
option
n

r
location
possibility scene
o

i
preference setting
n

a
selection spot
B

effect site
achievemen vicinity
aftermath
t goal
consequence problem
accomplishme outcome aim
challenge
nt ambition
ramification concern
advancement result ideal
conflict
contribution intention difficulty
feat effort objective dilemma
improvement action plan disadvantage
progress attempt recreation frustration
success issue
endeavor hardship
step experience argument
belief adventure controversy obstacle
stride predicament
conviction
quagmire verification event power pattern worth
quandary happening skill sort
struggle reason incident strength variety way
trial argument issue approach
trouble explanation matter type value course
weakness justification occasion category advantage direction
motive occurrence description benefit manner
proof pretext example importance method
talent
data rationale form meaning mode
ability
evidence genre merit style
fact situation capability
group purpose system
statistic circumstance genius kind significance technique
episode gift
testimony model use
· · · 47 · · ·

50 Boring Words and Phrases

to Avoid
Don’t get stuck in old writing habits! When you find yourself
about to use these tired words and phrases, search for more
specific and lively ones!

Boring Word/Phrase Page Boring Word/Phrase Page

. . . . . . . . . . . 36 Happy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23,
A little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 A lot . . . . . . . . . 39 Hard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 45 Hear . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . 44 Asked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ate . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Hot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Bad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kind . . . . . . .
25, 26, 42 Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Big . . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Black . . . . . . . . . . . . Fast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Found . . . . . . . .
. . . . . 18 Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Brown . . . . . . . . 10 Loud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Boring . . . . . . . . . . . . . Made . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
s

. . . 43 Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Cold . . . New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

e

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Dirty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c

31 Dry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Easy . . . . . . . s

Old . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
. . . . . . . . . . 45 Good . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 26, e

42 Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fun . . . . . . . g

i
 o

Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
h

c
Slow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
W
a

e
g

T
n

Purple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 o

t
Short . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
B

a h
l
s

o i

h n

Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
c
Small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
a

S
B

Smell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Sound . . . . . . .
o

Sad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
t

e
. . . . . . . . . 22 Sweet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 27
h

n
Tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Thing . . . . . . . .
See . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
e
. . . . . . . . . 47 To end this paper . . . . . . . . . . .
l

e
5 Ugly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Wet . . . . . . . . .
L

. . . . . . . . . 28 White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Said . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14–15
©

s
Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
d

· · · 48 · · ·

My Own List of Interesting

Words

Instead of…
moved, I could use _____________,
_____________, _____________
_____________,
said, I could use _____________
(see page 7)
_____________,

s
(see page 14)
big, I could use
e

u
_____________, _____________, _____________
 o

R
(see page 40)

g
small, I could use
n

t
_____________, _____________, _____________
s

h
beautiful, I could use
(see page 40)

n
_____________, _____________, _____________
e

L
(see page 41)

©
ugly, I could use
s

n
_____________, _____________, _____________
i

(see page 41)

good, I could use
h

_____________, _____________, _____________

_____________,
bad, I could use _____________
(see page 42)
_____________,
 interesting, I could use
(see page 42)

_____________, _____________,
_____________
_____________,
boring, I could use _____________ (see page 43)
(see page 43)
_____________,

· · · 49 · · ·