describing words for creative writing

64 Describing Words To Help You Show (Not Tell) Your Story

Effective character description is key for drawing your readers into your story; use our list of describing words to help paint a clear picture for your audience. 

Captivate your readers with extraordinary descriptive words to leave a lasting impression on your readers. Don’t fall into the trap of using the same boring words in your writing, where fear of creativity  can stifle your success. Embrace vivid and exciting words to create enchanting imagery and watch your work come to life.

What Are Describing Words?

Positive describing words, neutral describing words, negative describing words.

Describing words (also known as adjectives) are used to convey information or provide a description of a person, place, thing, or situation. Often, adjectives are used to differentiate one character or setting from another. While it can be tempting to load up on adjectives, using one perfectly fitting word is far more powerful. There are thousands of describing words in English- we’ve compiled a few of our favorites here.

Whether you want your readers to root for your protagonist or begin to see the underdog in a new light, these positive describing words can shine on the object with which they’re paired. Sprinkling these adjectives into the character development process can help your audience get on your character’s side.

1. Adventurous

Joel loved his son’s  adventurous  spirit, as it allowed him to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and other pursuits he loved when he was his son’s age.

2. Ambitious

“Being  ambitious  can help you in your career,” Bethany said, “But you’ll want to be careful that you don’t knock people down on your way to the top.”

3. Beneficial

Connie and Amber realized that being neighbors was mutually  beneficial , as Amber was around to let Connie’s dog out.

4. Confident

The first thing she noticed upon meeting him was his  confidence , and she was impressed with how clear it was that he believed in himself.

5. Courageous

“You were so courageous ,” the pediatrician told Mae after she received her final vaccination in the series.

6. Dazzling

As she drove over the George Washington Bridge , she had to remind herself to focus on the road instead of the  dazzling  New York City skyline.

7. Dedicated

Kim was grateful to have such a  dedicated  team of teachers on her side because managing 140 sixth graders on a field trip was no simple feat.

The staff members at the museum were excited to get to know their  dynamic  new director.

9. Harmonious

Erica couldn’t believe how  harmoniously  her parents were getting along at her wedding, even though they had divorced just a few years prior.

10. Heavenly

The quiche Patricia baked for the potluck brunch was  heavenly , and it was no surprise that it disappeared quickly.

11. Industrious

Steve’s parents were impressed with the  industrious  attitude he took toward the SATs, spending at least an hour studying every day after school. 

12. Kindred

The two best friends had been  kindred  spirits since middle school, and it only made sense that they started a business together. 

Pudge was a  mellow  cat, often preferring napping in the sunlight that shone through the window to chasing birds. 

14. Mysterious

Katie had run on the trail hundreds of times, but the  mysterious  look of the dew steaming off the ground made her choose another route.

15. Noteworthy

His performance in the play was  noteworthy , and several local news outlets marked him as an up-and-coming star.

Lindsay was  proud  of her daughter for sticking with her commitment to the softball team.

17. Radiant

Molly looked  radiant  as she stepped out her front door to meet her date.

18. Reliable

Watching his favorite comedy sketch show at the end of the week was a  reliable , tried-and-tested way to unwind from work stress.

19. Stunning

Even the paparazzi photographers were shocked at how  stunning  Julia looked as she waltzed across the red carpet.

20. Successful

To run a  successful  campaign, Tyler knew he’d have to start fundraising at least a year before the election.

21. Valuable

She knew she was giving up billable hours, but she didn’t mind; nothing was more  valuable  than having lunch with her daughter.

22. Wondrous

“This is even more  wondrous  than I could have imagined,” said Annabelle as she gazed over the Grand Canyon.

23. Wholesome

Matt marveled at how  wholesome  his daughters were as he watched them work together to create the perfect bouquet for Mother’s Day. 

Want to fully describe a noun in your story while remaining impartial? These neutral describing words allow your reader to remain emotionally detached while still fully seeing the picture you’re painting with your words.

Miranda was relieved she had  ample  supplies to bake the five dozen cookies she’d promised for the school bake sale. 

25. Ancient

The tour guide loved seeing the awe on the faces of the people in his tour group as they saw the  ancient  pyramids for the first time. 

26. Classic

He knew the office was modern and informal, but he still felt like it was a smart move to wear a  classic  three-piece suit for his interview.

The accommodations weren’t fancy, but they were  decent  enough for Anne to get a good night’s rest.

28. Demanding

The coach worked hard to strike the right balance between being encouraging and  demanding  with her players.

29. Diligent

Bill knew he had to be  diligent  when auditing the school’s business office, as missing a single detail could cause major tax problems. 

30. Gargantuan

To Alex, the mountain appeared  gargantuan , even though it seemed small last year when he reached the summit on his annual hike.

31. Historical

Erin couldn’t believe how the miles ticked by as she ran the streets of Washington, D.C., amazed by the  historical  buildings. 

32. Inevitable

Robin was sad to leave, though she knew relocation was  inevitable  in her job.

33. Interesting

Mrs. Darcy did a great job of making her Sunday school lessons informative and  interesting  for her second-grade students.

34. Mischievous

“Are you two being  mischievous ?” the pet sitter asked the kittens after seeing a dismantled ball of yarn in the middle of the floor. 

35. Nonchalant

Jessica worked to look  nonchalant  as she walked into the party, even though she knew her ex-boyfriend was likely in the crowd.

36. Obvious

Gloria tried to act like she liked the dessert, but the look on her face made it  obvious  that it wasn’t her favorite.

37. Observant

Kent was  observant  as he met his new coworkers for the first time, looking for how their personalities would mesh.

38. Practical

It wasn’t  practical  to drive past her childhood home, but she couldn’t head back to the city without at least catching a glimpse. 

When they arrived at the lake house, they were pleasantly surprised; it was  quaint  yet sophisticated.

40. Questionable

While his explanation was  questionable , she decided to believe him, even though history had proven this wasn’t a good idea.

The event venue was the perfect balance of  rustic  and sophisticated. 

42. Thrifty

Being  thrifty  was essential for a family of seven, but somehow, they always seemed to find a way to afford everything they needed. 

43. Tolerant

It wasn’t easy, but Martha tried to be  tolerant  of her baby cousin’s constant squealing as she watched the movie.

44. Unbelievable

“This is  unbelievable ,” Andy said when the hostess couldn’t find his name on the list, “I swear, I made a reservation days ago.”

45. Universal

Writing about  universal  truths, like love and loss, can help writers connect with any audience.

She was purposely  vague  when giving Theo directions to his surprise party, as she wanted him to take his time getting there.

Pull up this list when you’re working to convey something  less-than-flattering about a person, place, thing, or situation  in your writing. 

47. Awkward

As hard as she tried, there was no way for Jada to let go of her  awkward feelings on her first day at her new school. 

He knew he’d regret being  cheap , as buying less expensive shoes meant replacing them sooner.

49. Defiant

Nelly stomped her feet in an attempt to be  defiant .

There was no way around it; Skip was becoming a  grumpy  old man.

51. Immoral

Tanya knew to cheat on her math test was  immoral , but she didn’t see any other way to make it through the class and graduate on time.

It wasn’t Jasmine’s fault that she’d become  jaded ;   social work was a tough career.

53. Judgmental

Christie worked hard not to be  judgmental  of her sister but had trouble accepting that she wouldn’t attend their mother’s birthday dinner.

54. Jumbled

Janet struggled to make sense of the words on the page, as they seemed  jumbled , and her teacher began to suspect that Janet may be experiencing dyslexia.

55. Offensive

“It’s not just mean; it’s  offensive ,” Gloria told her professor about his implication that men would have an easier time in his class than women. 

56. Overwhelming

Working full-time, caring for an aging dog, and managing two kids felt  overwhelming  for Trisha.

57. Quarrelsome

The sisters were  quarrelsome , but they always remembered that they loved each other after fighting for a while. 

The teacup ride left Oliver feeling  queasy , even though he had begged his parents to let him go on it for the third time.

59. Reckless

I deserved the  reckless  driving charge, as I was driving far too fast.

60. Terrifying

The movie was  terrifying  to Elizabeth, and she knew that she’d need to watch something funny if she wanted any chance against having nightmares later.

61. Vengeful

Josh felt  vengeful  toward Veronica’s new boyfriend, Tom, as he didn’t treat Veronica well.

62. Villainous

It was easy to start the  villainous  character in the movie, as he had a sinister look from the first scene.

63. Volatile

The weather outside was especially  volatile , and Tana wondered whether she could hold her party that weekend. 

Stephen was glad that his friend had apologized, but he was  wary  of whether his intentions were pure.

Looking for more? Check out our guide on how to use adjectives correctly !

Amanda has an M.S.Ed degree from the University of Pennsylvania in School and Mental Health Counseling and is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. She has experience writing magazine articles, newspaper articles, SEO-friendly web copy, and blog posts.

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Quotes and Descriptions to Inspire Creative Writing Discover, Share, Connect

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19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

"When we make daily choices that are emotionally indifferent, the sort that the money-nexus makes faux-virtues of, we build our capacity for emotional indifference at the direct expense of our capacity for empathy, and thus the conflict between money and love is laid bare."

essential career advice for writers

"For writers in the next half century and beyond, a comprehension of how creative writing, neurology, biology and our environment interact will be essential for a successful career." - a link to the full article is in my bio and on the Descriptionari "About" page. Much love!!! Angela Abraham (Daisy)

walking in the rain

I won't say I love the cold rain. I won't say I love being soaked to the skin. I won't say I'm alright with how long it takes for my boots to dry. But I will say it enlivens me and awakens a part of me that slumbers in the warm and sunny weather. I will say that jumping in puddles is fun and that I'm far too old to be enjoying such things. I will say that a part of me finds a beauty in wondering how many raindrops there are and listening for them in the meditative pitter patter.

blanket fort

In that artistry of wool, within a fabric that told of patient hours of tip-tapping knitting needles, we dwelled within a castle within our home.

I wonder if the roof tiles miss the rain on these long summer days. I wonder if they miss making their together song. Or perhaps they await the tickle of bird feet and a hearth-warm breeze. Or maybe it is the variation that makes these seasons special.

"Adjective and noun associations are worthy of our consideration because by careful linkage of words such as 'black' with strong emotionally positive words (such as in 'black heavens' and 'noble black night') we can start to program subconscious bias from the brain by creating a background neurochemistry that is more positive. This keeps the prefrontal cortex more fully operational and encourages more empathy in both thoughts and behaviours. Thus society develops better through their own choices and evolves. This is part of social evolution and this kind of awareness in writers is essential."

It was a bonny path that chattered day and night, the free leaves upon it and their twig-attached brethren in seasonal conversation.

Killing innocents kills innocence and all that remains is guilt; war is not a 'catch all' excuse.

marvellous school of neurology

"It turns out, as obviousness would have it, that our brains (especially those of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in this case) have been teaching us neurology through comic books and the movies that have come from them." Full article linked to from my profile, click "abraham" below, awesome!!

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Creative Adjectives: Describing Words with Examples

Are you tired of using the same old adjectives to describe your creative projects? Well, look no further! In this article, I’ll be sharing a list of adjectives that are perfect for adding a touch of uniqueness and flair to your creative endeavors. From vivid and imaginative to innovative and groundbreaking, these adjectives will help you paint a vivid picture and captivate your audience. So whether you’re a writer, designer, or artist, get ready to take your creativity to the next level with these descriptive words.

Creativity is all about thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries, and what better way to express that than through the power of words? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll not only provide you with a list of adjectives, but I’ll also give you examples of how to use them effectively. Whether you’re describing a painting, a poem, or a marketing campaign, these adjectives will help you convey the essence of your work in a way that is both engaging and memorable. So let’s dive into the world of adjectives for creative and discover the perfect words to make your projects shine.

Table of Contents

How to Describe creative? – Different Scenarios

As a writer, artist, or marketer, effectively describing creative concepts is crucial for captivating your audience and conveying the essence of your work. In this section, I’ll explore various scenarios and provide examples of how to describe creativity in a vivid and engaging way.

• Describing a Painting: When describing a painting, it’s important to evoke imagery that brings the artwork to life. Use adjectives that capture the colors, textures, and emotions conveyed by the piece. For example:
• “This mesmerizing painting captures the vibrant hues of the sunset, with bold strokes that create a sense of movement.”
• “The artist skillfully blends soft pastel tones, giving the painting an ethereal and dreamlike quality.”
• Describing a Poem: Poetry is all about invoking emotions and painting a profound picture with words. When describing a poem, use adjectives that evoke strong feelings and imagery. Here are a couple of examples:
• “This captivating poem explores the depths of sorrow, unraveling the pain with poignant and evocative language.”
• “The poet’s words dance across the page, weaving a tapestry of joy and wonder, as if each line is a brushstroke in a vibrant masterpiece.”
• Describing a Marketing Campaign: When it comes to marketing campaigns, you want to pique the interest of your target audience. Use adjectives that create excitement and convey the unique selling points of the product or service. Consider these examples:
• “This innovative campaign introduces a revolutionary product that will transform your daily routine, with its sleek design and cutting-edge features.”
• “Our enticing campaign offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, indulging your senses with luxurious destinations and unparalleled adventures.”

Remember, the key to effective description lies in using descriptive adjectives that paint a vivid picture in the minds of your audience. Whether you’re describing a painting, a poem, or a marketing campaign, step outside the box and push the boundaries of your creativity to craft powerful and memorable descriptions.

Describing Words for creative in English

As a writer and a lover of creative expression, I know the importance of using the right adjectives to describe the world around us. When it comes to capturing the essence of creativity, choosing the right words is key. In this section, I will share with you a variety of describing words that can help you vividly explore and express the concept of creativity in English.

To start, let’s take a look at some general adjectives that can be used to describe creative individuals and their work:

• Innovative: bringing fresh ideas and approaches
• Imaginative: having a creative and vivid imagination
• Expressive: able to effectively communicate emotions and ideas
• Original: one-of-a-kind, not copied or imitated from others
• Artistic: having talent and skill in creating visual or performing arts
• Visionary: having an ability to see beyond the present and envision future possibilities

Let’s dive deeper into specific aspects of creativity and explore adjectives to describe them:

• Visual Creativity
• Writing Creativity
• Design Creativity

Adjectives for creative

Positive adjectives for creative with 12 example sentences.

When it comes to describing creativity, there are numerous positive adjectives that can help capture its essence. Here are 12 examples to illustrate the range of positive qualities associated with creativity:

Negative Adjectives for Creative with 5 Example Sentences

While creativity is often celebrated, there may be times when negative aspects are associated with it. Here are 5 examples of negative adjectives that can be used to describe creativity in certain contexts:

Remember, creativity is a multifaceted concept, and these adjectives only scratch the surface of its various dimensions. Whether positive or negative, adjectives provide valuable insights into the world of creativity. So, embrace the power of words and use adjectives to vividly describe and appreciate the wonders of creativity.

Synonyms and Antonyms with Example Sentences

Synonyms for creative.

When it comes to describing creativity, there are many words that can capture its essence. Here are some synonyms for “creative” along with example sentences to help you understand their usage:

Antonyms for Creative

While creativity is often seen as a positive characteristic, there are also antonyms that can describe the absence of creativity or the opposite traits. Here are some antonyms for “creative” along with example sentences:

Remember, creativity is a multifaceted concept, and these words can help you paint a vivid picture of someone’s creative abilities or the absence of it. Incorporating these adjectives into your vocabulary will allow you to appreciate and describe creativity in a more nuanced way.

By exploring a variety of adjectives that can be used to describe creativity, we have expanded our vocabulary and gained a deeper understanding of this multifaceted concept. Throughout the article, we have discovered synonyms and antonyms for the word “creative” that can help us articulate our thoughts and observations more precisely.

Words like innovative, imaginative, inventive, resourceful, and artistic capture the essence of creativity, highlighting its ability to push boundaries and create something new. On the other hand, words like unimaginative, conventional, unoriginal, stagnant, and bland shed light on the opposite end of the spectrum, reminding us that not all ideas are equally innovative or imaginative.

Incorporating these adjectives into our everyday language allows us to appreciate and describe creativity in a more nuanced way. Whether we are discussing a piece of artwork, a business idea, or a problem-solving approach, having a diverse range of adjectives at our disposal enables us to convey our thoughts with precision and clarity.

So, the next time you encounter a creative endeavor, remember to reach for these descriptive words to express your thoughts and insights. Expand your vocabulary, enhance your communication, and embrace the power of adjectives in capturing the essence of creativity.

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A Guide to Descriptive Writing

by Melissa Donovan | Jan 7, 2021 | Creative Writing | 8 comments

What is descriptive writing?

Writing description is a necessary skill for most writers. Whether we’re writing an essay, a story, or a poem, we usually reach a point where we need to describe something. In fiction, we describe settings and characters. In poetry, we describe scenes, experiences, and emotions. In creative nonfiction, we describe reality. Descriptive writing is especially important for speculative fiction writers and poets. If you’ve created a fantasy world, then you’ll need to deftly describe it to readers; Lewis Carroll not only described Wonderland  (aff link); he also described the fantastical creatures that inhabited it.

But many writers are challenged by description writing, and many readers find it boring to read — when it’s not crafted skillfully.

However, I think it’s safe to say that technology has spoiled us. Thanks to photos and videos, we’ve become increasingly visual, which means it’s getting harder to use words to describe something, especially if it only exists in our imaginations.

What is Descriptive Writing?

One might say that descriptive writing is the art of painting a picture with words. But descriptive writing goes beyond visuals. Descriptive writing hits all the senses; we describe how things look, sound, smell, taste, and feel (their tactile quality).

The term descriptive writing can mean a few different things:

• The act of writing description ( I’m doing some descriptive writing ).
• A descriptive essay is short-form prose that is meant to describe something in detail; it can describe a person, place, event, object, or anything else.
• Description as part of a larger work: This is the most common kind of descriptive writing. It is usually a sentence or paragraph (sometimes multiple paragraphs) that provide description, usually to help the reader visualize what’s happening, where it’s happening, or how it’s happening. It’s most commonly used to describe a setting or a character. An example would be a section of text within a novel that establishes the setting by describing a room or a passage that introduces a character with a physical description.
• Writing that is descriptive (or vivid) — an author’s style: Some authors weave description throughout their prose and verse, interspersing it through the dialogue and action. It’s a style of writing that imparts description without using large blocks of text that are explicitly focused on description.
• Description is integral in poetry writing. Poetry emphasizes imagery, and imagery is rendered in writing via description, so descriptive writing is a crucial skill for most poets.

Depending on what you write, you’ve probably experimented with one of more of these types of descriptive writing, maybe all of them.

Can you think of any other types of descriptive writing that aren’t listed here?

How Much Description is Too Much?

Classic literature was dense with description whereas modern literature usually keeps description to a minimum.

Compare the elaborate descriptions in J.R.R. Tolkien’s  Lord of the Rings  trilogy  with the descriptions in J.K. Rowling’s  Harry Potter series  (aff links). Both series relied on description to help readers visualize an imagined, fantastical world, but Rowling did not use her precious writing space to describe standard settings whereas Tolkien frequently paused all action and spent pages describing a single landscape.

This isn’t unique to Tolkien and Rowling; if you compare most literature from the beginning of of the 20th century and earlier to today’s written works, you’ll see that we just don’t dedicate much time and space to description anymore.

I think this radical change in how we approach description is directly tied to the wide availability of film, television, and photography. Let’s say you were living in the 19th century, writing a story about a tropical island for an audience of northern, urban readers. You would be fairly certain that most of your readers had never seen such an island and had no idea what it looked like. To give your audience a full sense of your story’s setting, you’d need pages of detail describing the lush jungle, sandy beaches, and warm waters.

Nowadays, we all know what a tropical island looks like, thanks to the wide availability of media. Even if you’ve never been to such an island, surely you’ve seen one on TV. This might explain why few books on the craft of writing address descriptive writing. The focus is usually on other elements, like language, character, plot, theme, and structure.

For contemporary writers, the trick is to make the description as precise and detailed as possible while keeping it to a minimum. Most readers want characters and action with just enough description so that they can imagine the story as it’s unfolding.

If you’ve ever encountered a story that paused to provide head-to-toe descriptions along with detailed backstories of every character upon their introduction into the narrative, you know just how grating description can be when executed poorly.

However, it’s worth noting that a skilled writer can roll out descriptions that are riveting to read. Sometimes they’re riveting because they’re integrated seamlessly with the action and dialogue; other times, the description is deftly crafted and engaging on its own. In fact, an expert descriptive writer can keep readers glued through multiple pages of description.

Descriptive Writing Tips

I’ve encountered descriptive writing so smooth and seamless that I easily visualized what was happening without even noticing that I was reading description. Some authors craft descriptions that are so lovely, I do notice — but in a good way. Some of them are so compelling that I pause to read them again.

On the other hand, poorly crafted descriptions can really impede a reader’s experience. Description doesn’t work if it’s unclear, verbose, or bland. Most readers prefer action and dialogue to lengthy descriptions, so while a paragraph here and there can certainly help readers better visualize what’s happening, pages and pages of description can increase the risk that they’ll set your work aside and never pick it up again. There are exceptions to every rule, so the real trick is to know when lengthy descriptions are warranted and when they’re just boring.

Here are some general tips for descriptive writing:

• Use distinct descriptions that stand out and are memorable. For example, don’t write that a character is five foot two with brown hair and blue eyes. Give the reader something to remember. Say the character is short with mousy hair and sky-blue eyes.
• Make description active: Consider the following description of a room: There was a bookshelf in the corner. A desk sat under the window. The walls were beige, and the floor was tiled. That’s boring. Try something like this: A massive oak desk sat below a large picture window and beside a shelf overflowing with books. Hardcovers, paperbacks, and binders were piled on the dingy tiled floor in messy stacks.  In the second example, words like  overflowing  and  piled are active.
• Weave description through the narrative: Sometimes a character enters a room and looks around, so the narrative needs to pause to describe what the character sees. Other times, description can be threaded through the narrative. For example, instead of pausing to describe a character, engage that character in dialogue with another character. Use the characters’ thoughts and the dialogue tags to reveal description: He stared at her flowing, auburn curls, which reminded him of his mother’s hair. “Where were you?” he asked, shifting his green eyes across the restaurant to where a customer was hassling one of the servers.

Simple descriptions are surprisingly easy to execute. All you have to do is look at something (or imagine it) and write what you see. But well-crafted descriptions require writers to pay diligence to word choice, to describe only those elements that are most important, and to use engaging language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Instead of spending several sentences describing a character’s height, weight, age, hair color, eye color, and clothing, a few, choice details will often render a more vivid image for the reader: Red hair framed her round, freckled face like a spray of flames. This only reveals three descriptive details: red hair, a round face, and freckles. Yet it paints more vivid picture than a statistical head-to-toe rundown:  She was five foot three and no more than a hundred and ten pounds with red hair, blue eyes, and a round, freckled face.

10 descriptive writing practices.

How to Practice Writing Description

Here are some descriptive writing activities that will inspire you while providing opportunities to practice writing description. If you don’t have much experience with descriptive writing, you may find that your first few attempts are flat and boring. If you can’t keep readers engaged, they’ll wander off. Work at crafting descriptions that are compelling and mesmerizing.

• Go to one of your favorite spots and write a description of the setting: it could be your bedroom, a favorite coffee shop, or a local park. Leave people, dialogue, and action out of it. Just focus on explaining what the space looks like.
• Who is your favorite character from the movies? Describe the character from head to toe. Show the reader not only what the character looks like, but also how the character acts. Do this without including action or dialogue. Remember: description only!
• Forty years ago we didn’t have cell phones or the internet. Now we have cell phones that can access the internet. Think of a device or gadget that we’ll have forty years from now and describe it.
• Since modern fiction is light on description, many young and new writers often fail to include details, even when the reader needs them. Go through one of your writing projects and make sure elements that readers may not be familiar with are adequately described.
• Sometimes in a narrative, a little description provides respite from all the action and dialogue. Make a list of things from a story you’re working on (gadgets, characters, settings, etc.), and for each one, write a short description of no more than a hundred words.
• As mentioned, Tolkien often spent pages describing a single landscape. Choose one of your favorite pieces of classic literature, find a long passage of description, and rewrite it. Try to cut the descriptive word count in half.
• When you read a book, use a highlighter to mark sentences and paragraphs that contain description. Don’t highlight every adjective and adverb. Look for longer passages that are dedicated to description.
• Write a description for a child. Choose something reasonably difficult, like the solar system. How do you describe it in such a way that a child understands how he or she fits into it?
• Most writers dream of someday writing a book. Describe your book cover.
• Write a one-page description of yourself.

If you have any descriptive writing practices to add to this list, feel free to share them in the comments.

Descriptive Writing

Does descriptive writing come easily to you, or do you struggle with it? Do you put much thought into how you write description? What types of descriptive writing have you tackled — descriptive essays, blocks of description within larger texts, or descriptions woven throughout a narrative? Share your tips for descriptive writing by leaving a comment, and keep writing!

Further Reading: Abolish the Adverbs , Making the Right Word Choices for Better Writing , and Writing Description in Fiction .

I find descriptions easier when first beginning a scene. Other ones I struggle with. Yes, intertwining them with dialogue does help a lot.

I have the opposite experience. I tend to dive right into action and dialogue when I first start a scene.

I came across this article at just the right time. I am just starting to write a short story. This will change the way I describe characters in my story.

Thank you for this. R.G. Ramsey

You’re welcome!

Great tips and how to practise and improve our descriptive writing skills. Thank you for sharing.

You’re welcome, Bella.

Hello Melissa

I have read many of your articles about different aspects of writing and have enjoyed all of them. What you said here, I agree with, with the exception of #7. That is one point that I dispute and don’t understand the reason why anyone would do this, though I’ve seen books that had things like that done to them.

To me, a book is something to be treasured, loved and taken care of. It deserves my respect because I’m sure the author poured their heart and soul into its creation. Marking it up that way is nothing short of defacing it. A book or story is a form of art, so should a person mark over a picture by Rembrandt or any other famous painter? You’re a very talented author, so why would you want someone to mark through the words you had spent considerable time and effort agonizing over, while searching for the best words to convey your thoughts?

If I want to remember some section or point the author is making, then I’ll take a pen and paper and record the page number and perhaps the first few words of that particular section. I’ve found that writing a note this way helps me remember it better. This is then placed inside the cover for future reference. If someone did what you’ve suggested to a book of mine, I’d be madder than a ‘wet hen’, and that person would certainly be told what I thought of them.

In any of the previous articles you’ve written, you’ve brought up some excellent points which I’ve tried to incorporate in my writing. Keep up the good work as I know your efforts have helped me, and I’m sure other authors as well.

Hi Stanley. Thanks so much for sharing your point of view. I appreciate and value it.

Marking up a book is a common practice, especially in academia. Putting notes in margins, underlining, highlighting, and tagging pages with bookmarks is standard. Personally, I mark up nonfiction paperbacks, but I never mark up fiction paperbacks or any hardcovers (not since college).

I completely respect your right to keep your books in pristine condition. And years ago, when I started college, I felt exactly the same way. I was horrified that people (instructors and professors!) would fill their books with ugly yellow highlighting and other markips. But I quickly realized that this was shortsighted.

Consider an old paperback that is worn and dog-eared. With one look, you know this book has been read many times and it’s probably loved. It’s like the Velveteen Rabbit of books. I see markups as the same — that someone was engaging with the book and trying to understand it on a deeper level, which is not disrespectful. It’s something to be celebrated.

Sometimes we place too much value on the book as a physical object rather than what’s inside. I appreciate a beautiful book as much as anyone but what really matters to me is the information or experience that it contains. I often read on a Kindle. Sometimes I listen to audio books. There is no physical book. The experience is not lessened.

I understand where you’re coming from. I used to feel the same way, but my mind was changed. I’m not trying to change yours, but I hope you’ll understand.

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Describing Words: Elevate Your Writing with this Comprehensive Vocabulary Boost

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: September 6, 2023

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In this article, we will explore the world of describing words and how they can be used to enhance your writing and communication skills. We will cover the different types of describing words, such as adjectives, adverbs, and sensory words, and provide examples of how they can be used in sentences. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of using descriptive words in writing and how they can help you create vivid and engaging content.

Describing Words

Understanding Describing Words

Describing words play a crucial role in the English language. They help us to convey information about people, places, things, and ideas. In this section, we will explore the definition and importance of describing words, as well as their role in the English language.

Definition and Importance

Describing words, also known as adjectives, are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They can provide information about the size, shape, color, texture, and other qualities of the noun or pronoun. For example, in the sentence “The big, red apple,” the words “big” and “red” are describing words that provide information about the size and color of the apple.

Describing words are important because they allow us to provide more details and create a clearer picture in the reader’s mind. They make our writing more interesting and engaging, and help to convey our thoughts and ideas more effectively.

Role in English Language

Describing words play a crucial role in the English language. They are used in a variety of contexts, including:

• Describing people: “The tall, handsome man”
• Describing places: “The beautiful, serene beach”
• Describing things: “The shiny, new car”
• Describing ideas: “The complex, abstract concept”

Categories of Describing Words

Describing words are essential in communicating effectively in English. They are used to add meaning and depth to our language, making it more descriptive and interesting. There are four main categories of describing words: nouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. In this section, we will explore each of these categories in detail.

Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. They provide more information about the noun or pronoun and help the reader or listener to create a clear mental picture of what is being described. Here are some examples of adjectives:

Adverbs are words that describe or modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide more information about the verb, adjective, or adverb and help the reader or listener to understand the action, occurrence, or state of being being described. Here are some examples of adverbs:

Describing Words for People

When it comes to describing people, it’s important to choose the right words to accurately convey their appearance, personality, and other characteristics. In this section, we’ll cover some common describing words for men, women, and children.

Describing Words for Men

When describing men, it’s important to consider their physical appearance, personality traits, and other qualities. Here are some words you can use:

Example sentences:

• Mark is an athletic man who enjoys playing basketball and running.
• John is a charismatic speaker who can captivate an audience.
• David is a confident businessman who always takes charge of situations.
• Tom is a handsome model who has been featured in several magazines.
• Mike is an intelligent scientist who has made groundbreaking discoveries.
• James is a masculine man who enjoys working with his hands.
• Steve is a strong leader who can motivate his team to achieve their goals.
• Jack is a thoughtful writer who likes to explore complex topics.
• Peter is a witty comedian who can make people laugh with his jokes.

Describing Words for Women

When describing women, it’s important to be respectful and avoid using words that are derogatory or offensive. Here are some words you can use:

• Sarah is a beautiful actress who has starred in several movies.
• Emily is a confident businesswoman who always speaks her mind.
• Grace is an elegant ballerina who performs with grace and poise.
• Karen is a feminine writer who explores issues related to gender and identity.
• Jane is an intelligent scientist who has made significant contributions to her field.
• Lisa is a kind nurse who cares for her patients with compassion and empathy.
• Olivia is a stylish fashion designer who creates unique and trendy clothing.
• Rachel is a talented musician who can play several instruments.
• Susan is a witty comedian who can make people laugh with her jokes.

Describing Words for Children

When describing children, it’s important to consider their age, personality, and other characteristics. Here are some words you can use:

• The babyish boy was so adorable with his chubby cheeks and big blue eyes.
• The brave girl climbed to the top of the tree without any fear.
• The energetic boy ran around the playground, playing with his friends.
• The imaginative girl created a beautiful painting with lots of colors and patterns.
• The playful boy loved to joke around and make his friends laugh.
• The polite girl always said please and thank you and was very respectful to her elders.
• The smart boy excelled in his studies and always got good grades.
• The sweet girl gave her friend a hug when she saw that she was upset.
• The talkative boy loved to chat and tell stories to anyone who would listen.

Describing Words for Objects and Features

When it comes to describing objects and features, using the right words can make all the difference. Descriptive words help to paint a picture in the reader’s mind, making your writing more engaging and interesting. In this section, we will explore different types of describing words that can be used to describe objects and features.

Size and Shape

Size and shape are important characteristics to consider when describing an object. Here are some examples of words that can be used to describe size and shape:

• The small, round pebble felt smooth in my hand.
• The large, rectangular box was too heavy to lift.

Color and Texture

Color and texture can also be used to describe objects and features. Here are some examples of words that can be used to describe color and texture:

• The rusty old car had seen better days.
• The lime green walls made the room feel bright and cheerful.
• The smooth surface of the marble countertop felt cool to the touch.

Quality and Condition

Finally, quality and condition are important characteristics to consider when describing objects and features. Here are some examples of words that can be used to describe quality and condition:

• The baggy t-shirt hung off her frame.
• The cavernous room echoed with every footstep.
• The damaged vase lay in pieces on the floor.
• The pristine white snow covered the ground.
• The rugged hiking boots were perfect for the rocky terrain .
• The delicate china teacup was passed down from her grandmother.
• The sturdy oak table could withstand years of use.
• The flimsy cardboard box fell apart when I tried to lift it.

Describing Words for Feelings and Moods

When it comes to writing or speaking in English, having a rich vocabulary of words to describe feelings and moods can help you better express yourself and communicate with others. In this section, we’ll explore some common words and phrases to describe positive, negative, and neutral feelings.

Positive Feelings

Positive feelings are those that make us feel happy, content, and satisfied. Here are some words and phrases to describe positive feelings:

• She was delighted with her new job.
• He felt euphoric after winning the race.
• The serene lake was the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Negative Feelings

Negative feelings are those that make us feel sad, angry, or upset. Here are some words and phrases to describe negative feelings:

• She was bitter about not getting the promotion.
• He was upset after his team lost the game.
• The bleak weather matched her depressed mood.

Neutral Feelings

Neutral feelings are those that don’t necessarily make us feel happy or sad, but rather are more neutral in nature. Here are some words and phrases to describe neutral feelings:

• She remained composed during the stressful situation.
• He was indifferent to the outcome of the game.
• The stoic soldier showed no emotion during the battle.

In conclusion, describing words play a crucial role in learning English vocabulary and writing. They help to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind, making the text more engaging and interesting. Here are some key takeaways from this article:

Key Takeaways

• Describing words, also known as adjectives, are words that modify or describe nouns or pronouns.
• They help to add detail and specificity to writing, making it more engaging and interesting.
• Learning new describing words is an important part of expanding your English vocabulary.
• There are many different types of describing words, including adjectives, adverbs, and participles.
• Using a variety of describing words can help to make your writing more dynamic and engaging.

List of Describing Words

Here is a list of some common describing words, along with their meanings:

Overall, describing words are a powerful tool in the English language. By learning and using a variety of them, you can take your writing to the next level and engage your readers in a more meaningful way. Keep practicing and experimenting with different describing words to see what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some powerful descriptive words for creative writing?

Powerful descriptive words can add depth and emotion to your writing. Here are some examples:

• Melancholic

What are some unique descriptive words to use in a story?

Using unique descriptive words can make your writing stand out. Here are some examples:

• Effervescent
• Mellifluous
• Resplendent

What are some examples of describing words?

Describing words, also known as adjectives, are words that describe or modify nouns or pronouns. Here are some examples:

What are 50 adjective examples?

Here are 50 examples of adjectives:

• Magnificent
• Fascinating
• Intelligent
• Knowledgeable
• Understanding
• X-traordinary

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some unique descriptive words to use in a story?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How can I find good describing words for my writing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

There are many resources available to help you find good describing words. Here are some ideas:

• Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for common words.
• Read books in your genre to see how other authors use descriptive words.
• Keep a list of words you come across that you find interesting or useful.
• Use online resources such as vocabulary lists or word generators.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are some examples of describing words?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

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"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Where can I find a vocabulary list for writers?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

There are many websites that offer vocabulary lists for writers. Here are a few options:

• Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Builder
• Vocabulary.com
• Power Thesaurus
• Writing Forward's 100 Exquisite Adjectives
• The Writer's Digest Vocabulary List
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List of 200+ Descriptive Adjectives and Their Definitions

In our last post, we explored the importance of using the right descriptive words, and how doing so can help you write.

In this post, we venture away from any  plural noun, adverb, or different word s to improve your grammar. Instead, we are going heavy on descriptive adjectives.

We go over everything that  YOU   need to know !

We will go over the different  types  of adjectives – which is a  good lesson  for anyone – that will improve your English skills.

This list of  descriptive adjectives  includes many of the common, as well as some less common, adjectives used in creative writing, and they can be used in all types of writing.

The following list is organized alphabetically with the definitions listed first and the common uses for each adjective afterward.

We’ve also included examples to show how these  descriptive words  can be used.

But first! Let’s break down all the different types of adjectives.  And how they can improve your English grammar. 

EXAMPLES OF INTERROGATIVE ADJECTIVES

Here are examples of predicate adjectives:, using adjectives in writing and speech.

When you’re describing something, it can be helpful to use adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe qualities or characteristics of a person, thing, or place. They can make writing more interesting and help you to clarify your ideas.

There are many different types of adjectives, but they all have one thing in common: they add detail to your writing or speech.

Let’s look at some examples.

The flowers are beautiful.

The flowers are red, orange, and yellow.

The flowers are big, brightly colored, and fragrant.

In the first sentence, the author simply states that the flowers are beautiful. But in the second sentence, the author adds more detail by describing the colors of the flowers. And in the third sentence, the author adds even more detail by describing the size, color, and fragrance of the flowers.

As you can see, adjectives can make your writing or speech more interesting and informative. So next time you’re describing something, try using some adjectives to help your readers or listeners visualize and understand what you’re saying. 

Types of Descriptive Adjectives

What are interrogative adjectives.

Interrogative adjectives ask a question about the subject word, for example,  What, Who, When, Why . And they always start with a capital letter. 

They usually begin with the letters  W and H .

What do you think?

Which one do you like better?

Who was in charge of the order?

WHAT ARE POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVE

When you use  “possessive adjectives”   (my, your, our, its, her, his, and their ) before a noun, you are giving more information about the noun that follows.

Your bike was stolen.

My homework is late.

What Are quantitative adjectives?

Quantitative adjectives are adjectives that indicate quantity or amount. They are used to describe how much of something is present. Some common quantitative adjectives are “few,” “many,” “much,” and “little.” 

WHAT IS A COMPOUND ADJECTIVE?

Compound adjectives are a combination of two or more words used to modify a noun or pronoun. This can happen in different ways.

The first way is by using an adjective and noun together as one word.

big picture

simple math

empty bucket

The second way is by using two adjectives together.

nice and warm

soft and gentle

new and popular

What is a limiting adjective?

A limiting adjective is an adjective that restricts the meaning of the noun it modifies to a particular type or group of things. For example, the adjective “unique” is a limiting adjective because it restricts the meaning of the noun it modifies to “one of a kind.” 

This is a small room.

This is not a large room. 

What is a qualitative adjective?

A qualitative adjective is an adjective that describes a quality or characteristic of a person, place, or thing. 

Some qualitative adjectives are: blue, big, happy, and new. 

WHAT IS A DEMONSTRATIVE ADJECTIVE?

Demonstrative adjectives  (this, that, these, those)  are adjectives that point out the noun by indicating a certain example.

It is this book.

That is a good book.

This is my house.

WHAT ARE LIMITING ADJECTIVES

In descriptive writing, adjectives are limiting adjectives when they identify a noun without telling us anything about the thing being described. What are specifically limiting adjectives? 

Let’s take a look at some examples: 

The tall man 

A good car 

He ran fast 

The small building 

I have a big yard 

She is a good student. 

The words “tall,” “good,” and “big” tell us nothing about the people or things being described.

WHAT IS A PREDICATE ADJECTIVE

A predicate adjective is a word or phrase placed after a linking verb and used to describe someone or something. 

The water was cold.  (cold is the predicate adjective)  

He is a smart young man.  (Young is the predicate adjective)

The students worked hard.  (hard is the predicate adjective)

WHAT ARE PROPER ADJECTIVES?

Proper adjectives  are used to describe nouns and they don’t even have to be a proper nouns:

Harry is a  funny  man.

The new dress looks  pretty .

That was a  fascinating  movie.

In each case,  the adjective  ( funny, pretty, fascinating)  describes what kind of thing the noun is.

Simple Adjectives

A Simple Adjectives Adjectives add detail to a noun in their simplest form; by describing, identifying, or quantifying the person, place, thing, or idea that a noun represents.

MEANING OF DETERMINER IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

What is a determiner in Grammar A determiner is a word that is used before a noun or noun phrase to indicate whether the noun is specific or non-specific.

For example , The and An are determiners, as well as many other words such as my, some, these, our, etc.

They clarify and make more specific what the noun will refer to. Then, an and other similar words are called definite articles, because they can help to determine whether the noun is indefinite  (referring to any member of a group)  or definite  (referring to a particular member of a group) .

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ADJECTIVE

Do you sometimes find yourself struggling to choose the right adjective?

We know that choosing the right word to describe something that you are writing about is hard.

If you are a blog writer or use article writing services, descriptive words can really make a difference.

When you are writing an article, it is not just about describing the topic in your own words but doing it in an exciting way to wow your audience. How do you do so?

The answer is simple; use lots of adjectives!

An adjective is a word that describes a noun. 

So, when you are writing, it is important to choose descriptive words so that your audience can have a clear image of what you are trying to describe. 

It can be anything ranging from a person to an object and everything in between.

WHAT IS A LINKING VERB? 

A  linking verb , sometimes known as a connecting verb, is a type of verb that connects two different parts of a sentence. 

It can link two clauses, or it can link a subject with a noun complement. As the term suggests, the verb links these phrases together.

The most common way to use linking verbs is within compound sentences. 

Frequently, they’re used to connect  two  main clauses.

The main linking verb types are:  is, am, are, was, were, be, being, and been.  

LINKING VERB EXAMPLES 

I like to read books, and I like to review them on my blog.

In this sentence, the first main clause uses the present tense version of “to like,” while the second clause uses the present tense version of “to review.”

Linking Verb:  I am proud of you.

Controller Noun: My son is proud of his grades.

Linking verbs are also commonly used in conjunction with nouns to create a noun complement-a noun that characterizes the subject of a sentence.

LIST OF DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES AND THEIR DEFINITIONS

abashed –  embarrassed, ashamed, shy, abashed

abstemious –  moderate in eating and drinking, sparing

abrasive –  causing irritation or anger

abstruse –  difficult to comprehend; incomprehensible

academic –  of or pertaining to or like a student or a scholar

accede –  agree, yield, accede

accident –  by chance, without intention

acclivity –  upward slope, rise, incline

acclimate –  accustom to a particular climate or to unfamiliar circumstances

accost –  approach and speak to someone in a forward manner

accretion –  growth by addition of small amounts. I love this descriptive adjective.

accrue –  descriptive language for collect, gather together by natural growth or accumulation

acerbic –  sour, bitter, sharp, cutting in a manner that wounds feelings

achromatic –  colorless

acicular –  long thin rod-shaped; needle-shaped

acidic –  having or denoting the properties of an acid; sharp

acquiescent –  submissive or acquiescent

acquisitive avid –  grasping; greedy; eager to gain by taking from others

adamant –  insistent on having one’s own way; inflexible in one’s attitude or opinion; unyielding; obstinate

adduct –  draw toward

aesthetic –  artistic, beautiful, or pleasing in appearance… etc.

Baboonish –  Of or pertaining to the species of apes

Baffling –  Confusing or hard to understand.”

Bacchanalian –  very happy and lively.

Brittle –  Crisp, delicate, and easily broken; easily fractured or snapped.

Brawny –  Having great strength; muscular and powerful.

Brainy –  Having exceptional intelligence.

Brackish –  Moderately salty, as a small lake or an area of water.

Baleful –  harmful: malignant.

Bull-headed –  having a head that is difficult to influence or persuade 

Broken-hearted –  feeling or showing sorrow because of a loss or disappointment

Capacious –  Apt to hold or contain; spacious.

Capacity –  The power, ability, or opportunity to contain or hold.

Confused –  not be clear in one’s mind; to have no clear idea or concept of a situation or thing.

Cautious –  proceeding from careful thought or consideration; deliberate: a cautious speech; cautious advice.

Cheerful –  means full of cheer, but a couple of  synonyms  are happy and smiling.

Clumsy –  clumsy in a physical manner; ungraceful

Competent –  the ability to do something at the right time and in the right way

Concerned –  to worry about something or be anxious about it.

Consonant –  A consonant is a speech sound

Certain –  positive, definite, dependable.

Cheery –  Just like cheerful, a couple of synonyms are happy and glad.

Clownish –  characteristic of a clown; ludicrous; buffoonish; silly

Competent –  having the skill and knowledge to do something well.

Conscientious –  thorough, careful, and vigilant.

Daedal –  something that is intricate, complex, and cleverly designed with many details or intricacies. A great descriptive adjective.

Darling –  beloved one.

Dashing –  lively, energetic, and charming.

Dastardly –  fiendishly or scoundrel.

Disagreeable –  Unlikely to agree.

Disastrous –  resulting in a disaster. 

Discouraging –  To make somebody feel bad.

Disgusting –  Gross.

Dishonest –  Not honest.

Disillusioning –  the feeling you get when your ideals are shattered.

Distant –  Far away.

Distinctive –  Something, especially a feature or quality that makes .someone or something stand out from the rest of a group.

Distorted –  Not straightforward or direct; devious or deceitful; misleading or fallacious.

Displeasing –  Causing displeasure or annoyance; annoying.

Eager –  having or showing great desire, keenness, or impatience

Early riser –  a person who gets up very early in the morning.

Easygoing –  people who are relaxed and calm with their life, made easier with  quotes by Epictetus ..

Ebullient –  filled with excitement and energy

Eccentric –  deviating from the commonly or customarily accepted, usual, or normal.

Ecliptic –  the process of omission.

Enthusiastic  – having or showing great excitement and interest 

Energetic –  possessing or showing great energy 

Excitable –  easily excited 

Fabulous – very good or excellent

Fantastic – extremely good or pleasing

Flawless – without any mistakes

Fetching – attractive or appealing

Fierce – very intense or powerful

Flattering – making someone look or feel good

Forgiving – willing to forgive someone’s mistakes

Friendly – pleasant and welcoming

Frisky – lively and playful 

Freckle-faced – having many freckles

Fuzzy – covered with fuzz

Funny – amusing or humorous 

Handsome – having a pleasing appearance 

Hearty – vigorous and strong 

Honest – truthful and sincere 

Helpful: kindly disposed and willing to assist 

Happy – contented and satisfied 

Homey – having a comfortable and familiar atmosphere 

Heavy-handed – using a lot of force

Heartless – without feeling or sympathy

Huge – very large 

High-heeled – having a high heel

Halcyon – idyllically calm and peaceful

Hard – physically tough or robust

Hardworking – taking great pains to do one’s work conscientiously

Harmonious – having a pleasingly consistent sound or effect

Haunting – suggestive of the supernatural; ghostly 

ill-mannered –  behaving badly or rudely 

Impatient –  finding it difficult to wait for something 

Inattentive –  not paying attention 

Inconsiderate –  not thinking of other people’s feelings 

Independent –  not needing other people 

Inflexible –  not able to change your mind 

Insensitive  – not caring about other people’s feelings 

Inexpensive –  not costing a lot of money

Incredibly –  extremely; so as to produce a strong impression

Intense –  strong or vigorous; very severe or violent 

inteligente –  means “intelligent.” 

Long-winded –  having a lot to say; talking a lot

Loquacious –  tending to talk a lot; very talkative

Lengthy –  long in duration; taking a long time

Life-giving –  giving life; supplying vitality or energy 

Majestic:  having or showing great beauty or nobility

Magnificent:  very impressive or large

Marvelous:  extremely good or pleasant

Metallic:  of or relating to metals

Mysterious:  difficult or impossible to understand or explain 

quaint –  describes something that is old-fashioned and unusual

quick –  describes something that is fast or that happens quickly

quiet –  describes something that is calm and peaceful 

quantitative –  A word that describes the quantity of something. 

Sarcastic –  tending to mock or ridicule.

Sardonic –  means having a sneering or cynical quality. 

Short-tempered –   easily angered

Sensitive –  easily hurt emotionally or physically

Self-conscious –  aware of and worried about how you look and act around other people 

Self-centered –   thinking only of oneself and one’s own interests 

Thorough – Having or showing care in every detail; painstaking. 

Terrific – good; excellent. 

Tiny – Very small; tiny. 

Tight-fisted – stingy, not generous with money 

Ugly –  not pretty or attractive

Unique –  being the only one of its kind; not having a duplicate

Under –  lower in rank, status, or quality

Understood –  comprehended or grasped 

Uninterested –  not interested

Ubiquitous –  being present everywhere at the same time

Unbelievable –  too extraordinary or unlikely to be believed

Unpredictable –  not able to be foreseen or predicted 

PERSONALITY ADJECTIVES 

Aggressive –  of, relating to or marked by aggression

Active –  positive words for ready and able to take action.

Adventurous –  full of adventure: an adventurous journey.

Agreeable –  a desire to be in agreement with others.

Ambitious –  having a strong desire for success or achievement.

Analytical –  Advanced or careful consideration

Artistic –  creativity or original ideas in any field of artistic endeavor.

Assertive –  characterized by a confident assurance and readiness to defend one’s opinions or actions.

Authoritative –  of or relating to an authority: of recognized or accepted authority

Beautiful –  handsome, pretty

Calm –  Suitable for a situation that requires patience and quiet behavior.

Caring –  Feeling or showing concern for the well-being of others

Charismatic –  the quality of being alluring or attracting; drawing power

Clever –  observant, expeditious, and ingenious

Cooperative –  agreeable, willing to work together towards a common goal

Courteous –  having or showing courtesy : polite

Curious –  that describes a person who is curious or inquisitive.

Daring –  having or showing a readiness to do bold or daring things

Decisive –  acting with or characterized by quick, firm determination; resolute. 

Deliberate –  to think about something carefully.

Dependable –  worthy of being depended on.

Meticulous –  Having extreme attention to detail.

Rational –  Making judgments based on reason rather than emotions.

Spontaneous –  Not planned or premeditated.

Haughty –  having or showing an offensively superior attitude; behaving as if you are better than other people

DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES FOR FOOD

I got an email from a friend who is a professional food writer, and she said  “We’re often asked to describe a dish or a meal using only words that describe food” , and here is an example of some adjectives and  positive words  to describe food.

Appetizing 

Palatable 

Gourmet –  only used in  a singular form.

Divine –  Also only used in a singular form.

Mouth-Watering

Scrumptious

Crackling –  descriptive language for crisp, juicy, but not so sweet as to be cloying. Used to describe the fruit. 

Creamy –  Smooth, rich, not at all lumpy. Used more to describe different types of dessert items.

Substantial –  healthy with enough protein and fiber 

Light –  low-calorie packaged foods ideal for dieting or reducing weight

Healthy –  fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains

Low Carb Diet –  cutting carbs from your diet and counting calories

Meat Eater- no plant-based items like fruits or vegetables.

Acidic –  having acid

Bitter –  having an unpleasantly sharp taste

Bland –  tasteless or unseasoned

Buttery –  of, or relating to butter; “buttery spread”; “a buttery flavor”

Citrusy –  having the flavor of citrus fruit or juice.

Decadent –  luxurious and sensuous; voluptuous

Delectable –  very great pleasure and enjoyment from a meal. 

Good Descriptive Adjectives

1. Beautiful 

2. charming 

3. funny 

6. intelligent

9. friendly

10. loving 

common adjective

Nationality adjective.

Nationality adjectives examples – The noun adjectives that refer to nationality, or similar concepts.

American, Brazilian, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Russian, Spanish 

List of different descriptive adjectives

1. Beautiful

4. handsome

7. adorable

8. stunning

9. impressive

10. fantastic 

JUST FOR FUN SPANISH ADJECTIVES

Note: This is just for fun, and while I think they are correct, I am not fluent in Spanish, and the gender rules might change them. So double check the gender rule and meaning before you use these adjectives.

Looking for Spanish Adjectives or want the definition of a Spanish adjective?

Follow these quick examples on how to find them and their definitions:

•  ‘aburrido’  is a Spanish adjective meaning ‘boring’.

•  ‘fuera’  is a Spanish adjective meaning ‘outside’.

•  ‘fuertemente’  is a Spanish adjective meaning ‘strongly’.

•  ‘Caliente’  is a Spanish adjective meaning ‘hot’.

•  ‘Seguro’  is a Spanish adjective meaning ‘sure’.

•  ‘grande’  is a Spanish adjective meaning ‘big’.

Bueno –  Good.

Just for More Fun Descriptive Adjectives French

1. beau 

2. bon 

3. charmant

6. généreux

9. intelligent

10. intéressant

12. lumineux

13. magnifique

15. passionnant

16. sympathique

17. talentueux

18. terrible 

In conclusion,  descriptive adjectives  are words that describe the qualities or features of a person, place, or thing. They can be used to make writing more interesting and vivid, and to help the reader get a better understanding of what is being described. There are many different  types of descriptive adjectives , and they can be used to create different effects.

Describing a Smile in Writing: A Guide with Creative Examples

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Describing a smile in writing can be a challenging task for any writer. It requires a certain level of creativity and attention to detail to accurately convey the emotions and feelings behind a smile. Whether it’s a shy smile, a mischievous grin, or a warm and welcoming smile, each one tells a unique story.

To help writers master the art of describing a smile, this guide provides 700 creative examples that can be used as a reference. From the subtle nuances of a half-smile to the infectious joy of a full-blown laugh, this guide covers it all. It also includes tips and tricks for using descriptive language effectively to bring a smile to life on the page.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, this guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their writing skills. Describing a smile may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big impact on the overall tone and mood of a piece of writing. With this guide, writers can confidently capture the essence of a smile and bring their characters to life.

The Anatomy of a Smile

A smile is one of the most powerful and universal expressions of emotion. It can convey a range of emotions, from joy and happiness to amusement and contentment. Understanding the anatomy of a smile can help writers accurately describe this expression in their writing .

Facial Muscles and Expressions

A smile is created by the movement of several facial muscles, including the zygomaticus major, orbicularis oculi, and levator labii superioris. These muscles work together to pull the lips upward and outward, exposing the teeth and creating a pleasant expression.

In addition to the movement of the facial muscles, a smile is also characterized by the expression in the eyes. A genuine smile will cause the muscles around the eyes to contract, creating crow’s feet and a bright, warm expression.

Types of Smiles

There are many different types of smiles, each with its unique characteristics and meanings. Some common types of smiles include:

• The gentle smile: This is a soft, understated smile that conveys a sense of warmth and kindness. It is often accompanied by a slight upward tilt of the head.
• The broad smile: This is a wide, open smile that exposes the teeth and conveys a sense of happiness and joy. It is often accompanied by a boisterous laugh.
• The soft smile: This is a subtle, gentle smile that conveys a sense of contentment and peace. It is often accompanied by a relaxed posture and a soft, soothing voice.
• The radiant smile: This is a bright, glowing smile that conveys a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. It is often accompanied by a wide-eyed expression and animated gestures.

When describing a smile in writing , it is important to consider the type of smile being expressed and the emotions it conveys. By paying attention to the movement of the facial muscles and the expression in the eyes, writers can accurately capture the essence of a smile and bring their characters to life.

Emotions Behind Smiles

Smiling is a universal expression of joy, happiness, and contentment. However, a smile can also convey a range of other emotions that may not be immediately apparent. Understanding the emotions behind a smile can help you better interpret the feelings of the person you are interacting with.

Joy and Happiness

A smile that is accompanied by sparkling eyes, raised cheeks, and a relaxed mouth is a clear indication of joy and happiness. This type of smile is often seen in social situations where people are enjoying themselves or in response to good news. The emotions behind this type of smile are positive and uplifting, and they can be contagious.

Nervousness and Fear

A smile that is forced or strained can indicate nervousness or fear. In this type of smile, the mouth is closed or only slightly open, and the eyes may not be engaged. This type of smile is often seen in social situations where people are uncomfortable or in response to a stressful situation. The emotions behind this type of smile are negative and can be a sign of discomfort or unease.

Sorrow and Regret

A smile that is sad or regretful is often accompanied by downcast eyes and a downturned mouth. This type of smile can indicate feelings of sadness, regret, or disappointment. This type of smile is often seen in social situations where people are trying to mask their true feelings or in response to a negative situation. The emotions behind this type of smile are negative and can be a sign of sadness or regret.

Understanding the emotions behind a smile can help you better connect with the person you are interacting with. By paying attention to the subtle cues of a smile, you can gain insight into a person’s emotional state and respond accordingly.

Describing Smiles in Literature

When it comes to describing a smile in literature, writers have a plethora of options to choose from. Whether it’s a subtle smirk or a wide grin, the right words can paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. In this section, we’ll explore two techniques that can be used to describe a smile in writing : similes and metaphors, and creating context with descriptions.

Using Similes and Metaphors

Similes and metaphors are often used to describe a smile in literature. A simile is a comparison between two things using “like” or “as,” while a metaphor is a direct comparison between two things. Here are a few examples of similes and metaphors that can be used to describe a smile:

• Her smile was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
• His smile was as warm as a summer breeze.
• The smile on her face was a bright beacon in the darkness.
• His smile was a mask that hid his true emotions.

By using similes and metaphors, writers can create a powerful image in the reader’s mind, making the description of a smile more engaging and memorable.

Creating Context with Descriptions

Another way to describe a smile in literature is by creating context with descriptions. This involves using other descriptive words to paint a picture of the situation and the character’s emotions. Here are a few examples:

• She smiled nervously, her lips trembling slightly.
• He smiled confidently, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
• A small smile played at the corners of her mouth, betraying her true feelings.

By providing context with descriptions, writers can create a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of a smile, making it feel more authentic and relatable.

Overall, the key to describing a smile in literature is to choose the right words and techniques that fit the character and the situation. Whether it’s through similes and metaphors or creating context with descriptions, a well-written smile can add depth and emotion to any story.

The Impact of a Smile

A smile can have a profound impact on both the person smiling and those around them. It can convey a wide range of emotions, from happiness and joy to kindness and understanding. In this section, we will explore the psychological and social effects of a smile.

Psychological Effects

A smile can have a powerful effect on a person’s mental and emotional state. Research has shown that smiling can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase feelings of happiness and well-being, and even improve cognitive function. This is because when we smile, our brains release endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that help reduce pain and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

Furthermore, a smile can help improve one’s self-esteem and confidence. When we smile, we feel more positive about ourselves and our abilities, which can help us tackle challenges with greater ease and confidence.

Social Interactions

A smile is also an important tool for social interactions. It can help build rapport and trust between people, and make others feel more comfortable and at ease. A genuine, infectious smile can help break down barriers and create a sense of connection and belonging.

On the other hand, a forced or fake smile can have the opposite effect. It can come across as insincere or disingenuous, and may even make others feel uncomfortable or uneasy.

A beautiful smile, whether gentle or wide, can leave a lasting impression on those who see it. It can convey warmth, kindness, and sincerity, and can help build strong and meaningful relationships.

In conclusion, a smile is a powerful tool that can have a significant impact on both the person smiling and those around them. Whether it’s a genuine, infectious smile or a forced, fake one, the effects of a smile can be felt both psychologically and socially.

Crafting Authentic Characters

Creating authentic characters is one of the most important aspects of writing. Without realistic characters, a story can fall flat and fail to engage readers. One way to develop authentic characters is through their smiles. A character’s smile can reveal a lot about their personality, emotions, and motivations.

Character Development through Smiles

A smile can be a powerful tool for character development. By describing a character’s smile, writers can reveal their inner thoughts and feelings. For example, a shy character may have a small, hesitant smile, while a confident character may have a wide, toothy grin.

Describing a character’s smile can also help readers connect with them on a deeper level. By showing their vulnerabilities and insecurities through their smile, readers can relate to them and empathize with their struggles.

Nonverbal Communication Cues

Smiling is just one example of nonverbal communication cues that can help develop authentic characters. Writers can also use body language, facial expressions, eyes, head, hands, voice, and tone to reveal a character’s personality and emotions.

For example, a character who is nervous may fidget with their hands or avoid eye contact, while a character who is angry may clench their fists and have a harsh tone of voice. By using these nonverbal cues, writers can create realistic and relatable characters that readers can connect with.

In conclusion, crafting authentic characters is vital for creating a compelling story. By using a character’s smile and other nonverbal communication cues, writers can develop characters that feel real and relatable to readers.

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106 Ways To Describe Sounds – A Resource For Writers

Writers know that using the senses is a great way to make stories come alive. Use this comprehensive list of words that describe sounds when you write.

According to Oxford Dictionary, to hear is to ‘perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something)’.  Sounds  are ‘vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person’s ear’.

You have to use the five senses when you write. Readers want to experience what your characters see, smell, hear, taste, and touch. Using the senses is one of the best ways for writers to learn how to show and not tell.

Writers Write is a resource for writers and we have written about words that describe taste , smell , and  touch  in previous posts. (We even have one for words that describe colours .) In this post I have included words that describe sounds.

106 Ways To Describe Sounds

General words describing sounds.

• audible – a sound that is loud enough to hear
• broken – a sound that has spaces in it
• emit – to make a sound
• grinding – a sound of one hard thing moving against another
• hushed – a sound that is quiet
• inaudible – a sound that is difficult to hear
• monotonous – a sound that is always the same and never gets louder or quieter, or higher or lower
• muffled – a sound that is not easy to hear because it is blocked by something
• plaintive – a sound that has a sad quality
• rhythmic – a sound that has a clear, regular pattern
• staccato – a sound where each word or sound is clearly separate

Describing Pleasing Sounds

• dulcet – soft and pleasant
• lilting – a sound that has a rising and falling pattern
• listenable – easy to listen to
• mellow – a soft, smooth, pleasant sound
• melodic – beautiful sound
• musical – sounds like music
• pure – a clear, beautiful sound
• rich – a sound that is strong in a pleasant way
• soft – quiet and peaceful
• sonorous – a sound that is deep and strong in a pleasant way
• sweet – a pleasant sound

Describing Noisy Sounds

• at full blast – as loudly as possible
• almighty – used for emphasising how loud something is
• brassy – a sound that is loud and unpleasant
• deafening – a sound so loud you cannot hear anything else
• ear-splitting – extremely loud
• explosive – a sound that is loud and unexpected
• howling – a continuous, low, loud noise
• insistent – a continuous, loud, strong noise
• loud – a sound that is strong and very easy to hear
• noisy – a sound that is full of  noise
• percussive – a sound that is short, like someone hitting a drum
• piercing – a sound that is very  loud, high, and unpleasant
• pulsating – strong, regular pattern
• raucous – rude, violent, noisy
• resounding – a sound that is loud and that continues for a while
• riotous – lively and noisy
• roaring – a deep, loud noise
• rowdy – noisy and causing trouble
• sharp – a sound that is sudden and loud
• shrill – a sound that is loud, high, and unpleasant
• thundering – extremely loud
• thunderous – loud
• tumultuous –  a sound that includes noise, excitement, activity, or violence
• uproarious – extremely noisy

Words That Help You Show And Not Tell

Many of these words that help you show and not tell are examples of onomatopoeia . These words imitate natural sounds. ‘It creates a sound effect that mimics the thing described, making the description more expressive and interesting.’

Here are some examples:

• The bees buzzed outside my window.
• The wind sighed .
• The leaves crackled and crunched under his feet.

Use this list to make your writing come alive.

• babble – a gentle, pleasant sound of water as it moves along in a river
• bang – to move, making loud noises
• beep – a short high sound or several short high sounds
• blare – to make a loud and unpleasant noise
• blast – to make a loud sound with a car horn
• bleep – a short high sound or several short high sounds
• boom – to make a deep loud sound that continues for some time
• caterwaul – an unpleasant loud high noise
• chime – a high ringing sound like a bell or set of bells
• chink – a high ringing sound when knocked together, or to make something do this
• clack -to make a short loud sound like one hard object hitting against another
• clang – a loud, metallic sound
• clank – a short, loud sound
• clash – a loud, metallic sound
• clatter – a series of short, sharp noises
• click – a short sound like the sound when you press a switch
• clink – to make the short high sound of glass or metal objects hitting each other, or to cause objects to make this sound
• cluck – to make a short, low sound with your tongue
• crash – a sudden loud noise, as if something is being hit
• creak – if something creaks, especially something wooden, it makes a high noise when it moves or when you put weight on it
• drone – to make a low continuous noise
• fizz – a soft sound that small gas bubbles make when they burst
• groan – a long, low, sound
• growl – a low, unpleasant noise
• grunt – to make a short low sound in your throat and nose at the same time
• gurgle – the low sound water makes when it is poured quickly from a bottle
• honk – to make a loud noise using a horn, especially the horn of a car
• hoot – to make a short loud sound as a warning
• mewl – crying with a soft, high sound
• moan – a long, low sound
• neigh – to make a high loud sound like a horse’s neigh
• peal – if a bell peals, or if someone peals it, it makes a loud sound
• peep – if a car’s horn peeps, it makes a sound
• ping – to make a short high sound like the sound of a small bell
• pipe – to make a very high sound, or to speak in a very high voice
• pop – a sudden noise like a small explosion
• putter – a short, quiet, low sound at a slow speed
• ring – to make a bell produce a sound
• roar – to make a continuous, very loud noise
• rumble – a continuous deep sound
• scream – to make a very loud high noise
• screech – to make a loud, high, and unpleasant noise
• scrunch – to make a loud noise like something being crushed
• sigh – a long, soft, low sound
• squeak – to make a short, high noise
• squeal – to make a long high sound
• squee – to make a loud high noise because you are excited or happy
• thrum- to make a low regular noise like one object gently hitting another many times
• thud – a dull sound when falling or hitting something
• thump – to hit against something with a low loud sound
• tinkle – to make a high, ringing sound
• wail – to make a long, high sound
• wheeze – a high sound, as though a lot of air is being pushed through it
• whine – a high, loud sound
• whirr – a fast, repeated, quiet sound
• whisper – to make a quiet, gentle sound
• whistle – to make a high sound by forcing air through your mouth in order to get someone’s attention
• yelp – a short, loud, high sound, usually caused by excitement, anger, or pain
• yowl – a long, loud, unhappy sound or complaint

Use these words to describe sounds and make your writing come alive.

Top Tip : Find out more about our workbooks and online courses in our shop .

© Amanda Patterson

If you enjoyed this post, read:

• 75 Words That Describe Smells
• 20 Words Used To Describe Specific Tastes And Flavours
• 209 Words To Describe Touch
• Three Simple Ways To Show And Not Tell
• 12 Crucial Things To Remember About Setting
• Cheat Sheets for Writing Body Language
• 20 Fun Ways To Find An Idea For A Plot

Sources: https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/miscellaneous-words-used-to-describe-sounds https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/describing-sounds-that-are-unpleasant-to-listen-to https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/describing-sounds-that-are-low-and-or-deep https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/describing-sounds-that-are-quiet-and-or-soft https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/describing-sounds-that-are-high-and-short https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/to-make-a-loud-sound https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/to-make-a-high-sound https://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus-category/british/to-make-a-quiet-or-low-sound

• Description , Show Don't Tell , Writing Resource , Writing Tips from Amanda Patterson

6 thoughts on “106 Ways To Describe Sounds – A Resource For Writers”

Nice one, Amanda. I’m finding your website extraordinarily useful. I’m very new to the novel-writing scene, and for all my working life, the stuff I wrote was mainly serious business items – frightfully formal. Minutes of meetings, reports, training manuals – these were my bread-and-butter. Creative writing is proving to be much more fun, and I’m enjoying spreading my verbal wings. Many thanks for your help and guidance.

Thank you so much, Anne. Creative writing is much more fun. We’re so glad you’re finding the site to be useful.

I found this really useful. Thank you. The first thing I’m going to do is show it to my daughter, too! We’ve been talking about her using her senses more in her writing and your list is so practical. I’m sure it will really help her writing. I’m looking forward to exploring your links to the other sensory words, as well.

BTW – is there a typo in the heading ‘show and note tell’?

Thank you, Rowena. We really appreciate the feedback. And we fixed the typo.

This list will be quite useful for my poetry and Gothic Horror novel. If you don’t have one already, I’d love to see a list of touch, taste, and smell words.

Thanks, Sarah. We have these for taste: https://writerswrite.co.za/20-words-used-to-describe-specific-tastes-and-flavours/ and these for touch: https://writerswrite.co.za/209-words-to-describe-touch/ and these for smell: https://writerswrite.co.za/75-words-that-describe-smells/

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BRYN DONOVAN

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Master List of Physical Description for Writers

I created this list of ways to describe people

because physical description, when done well, helps the readers see characters in their minds. But sometimes when you’re in the middle of writing, it can be hard to think of physical adjectives and distinguishing features for characters. I find that describing facial features can be especially tricky!

That’s why I created this long list of physical characteristics. It’s kind of like a character description generator, and it’ll help you when you’re trying to think of how to describe a character’s appearance.

Eyes – General

 For all the words about describing facial features, I’m focusing more on physical descriptions rather than emotional expressions, though there’s a little crossover! You can also check out my long list of facial expressions.

heavy-lidded

fringed with long lashes

with sweeping eyelashes

with thick eyelashes

By the way, this post on how to describe (and not describe) the eyes of an Asian character  is really great. Check it out.

Eyes – Color

Brown is the most common eye color by far. Green is quite rare.

chocolate brown

cocoa brown

coffee brown

sienna brown

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If you like what I do, please support me on Ko-fi!

cornflower blue

Arctic blue

glacial blue

crystal blue

electric blue

slate blue / slate gray

storm blue / storm gray

silver / silver gray

concrete gray

gunmetal gray

Skin – Color

Josh Roby made a great chart of skin tones and descriptor words, and I got a lot of these words from him. You can get that here .

The quote from N.K. Jemisin interested me: “I get really tired of seeing African-descended characters described in terms of the goods that drove, and still drive, the slave trade—coffee, chocolate, brown sugar. There’s some weird psychosocial baggage attached to that.” 

cream / creamy

rose / rosy

Skin – General

Some of these are better for the face, and some are better for other parts of the body.

translucent

luminescent

with large pores

weather-beaten

Face – Structure

heart-shaped

high forehead

broad forehead

prominent brow ridge

protruding brow bone

sharp cheekbones

high cheekbones

angular cheekbones

hollow cheeks

jutting chin

pointed chin

receding chin

double chin

dimple in chin

visible Adam’s apple

People don’t write much about noses, but they can be distinguishing features for characters!

Cupid’s bow

straight teeth

gap between teeth

gleaming white teeth

Facial Hair (or lack thereof)

clean-shaven

smooth-shaven

mutton-chop sideburns

a few days’ growth of beard

five o’ clock shadow

Hair – General

I threw a few hairstyles in here, though not many.

shoulder-length

neatly combed

slicked down / slicked back

buzzed / buzz cut

widow’s peak

Hair – Color

There are some repeats here from the eye color section!

salt and pepper

charcoal gray

brown sugar

tawny brown

toffee brown

Titian-haired

strawberry blonde

butterscotch

sandy blond

fair-haired

Body Type – General

average height

barrel-chested

heavy / heavy-set

pot-bellied

full-figured

leggy / long-legged

broad-shouldered

sloping shoulders

stubby fingers

long fingers

ragged nails

grimy fingernails

ink-stained

This list and many more are in my book Master Lists for Writers: Thesauruses, Plot Ideas, Character Traits, Names, and More . Check it out if you’re interested!

And if you don’t want to miss future writing posts, follow the blog, if you aren’t already — there’s a place to sign up on the lefthand side of the blog. Thanks for stopping by, and happy writing!

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127 thoughts on “ master list of physical description for writers ”.

Thanks, Bryn! This list has sparked a spark in my brain. I haven’t seen one of those for a while. I was getting worried I’d lost my flint!

I’m so glad you like it!

I love this, do you mind if we share on our blog WritersLife.org ?

Thanks for the positive feedback! You can’t reproduce it on your blog, but you can share an excerpt of 200 words or less plus a link to my site.

As a new novel writer all I can say is thank very much for sharing with us this wonderful list.

Ah you’re welcome! Thanks for visiting!

This is amazing! Thank you very much!

Thanks for the kind words–glad it seems helpful!

Reblogged this on looselyjournalying.

Reblogged this on Of Fancy & Creativity .

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Aw thank you for this it helped so much! I’m 15 and I’m trying to write a novel and this was sooooo helpful so thank you a billion 🙂 Best wishes.

Ah you’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by. Good for you for working on a novel, and good luck–I bet it will go great!

Hi, Bryn Thank you for doing these lists. They helped me a lot. Can you make a list on how to describe emotions like sadness or anger.

It’s funny you should ask 🙂 There’s a list like that in my book MASTER LISTS FOR WRITERS coming out this fall! I haven’t officially announced it yet, but hey 🙂

You can get a free copy when it comes out if you agree to give it an honest review. SIgn up for my newsletter if you’re interested!

Reblogged this on Kalynn Bayron and commented: Yes! This is great!

Was just looking for this type of lists.Great work.

This is so helpful.

I love your blog, btw. Your posts are informative and/or inspirational.

Are you on any social medial where I can follow you?

Oh, thank you so much! I just checked out your blog — I love the dream casting post! http://sbhadleywilson.com/blog/pull-ideal-cast-2/

I’m @BrynDonovan on Twitter, just followed you!

VERY helpful. I need to get basic descriptions of people done and out of the way to move on with plot. This quickens any details that might have taken me a long time to think through, or strain a sentence. Yuck. I know my females characters would pay attention to lots of physical details. not so with the males. Thanks!

Oh, so glad it’s helpful! That’s always what I’m trying to do with my lists — speed things up. I hate getting stuck on a detail and losing my momentum 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

godsent list! Bryn, I wish you more brains.

Reblogged this on Jessica Louis and commented: This list is beyond helpful. Who knew there were so many eye colors!?

Thanks Bryn your list was amazing. I’m an aspiring writer and it really helped me a lot. When I can I’m going to get a copy of your book. I think it would help me become a better writer. My genre of choice is erotic, but it is so hard to get out there, but I’m hopeful one day I will. It’s what I love to do and I’m going to keep trying.

Hi Beth! Thank you so much for the kind words. If you do get the book, I hope you like it! And good luck on writing erotica — I’m doing a “WIP Wednesday” this Wednesday where you can share a bit of your work in progress, if you like 🙂

That would be great. I have some short stories publish on a site called Literotica. I have some editing issues that I’m trying to work out, nothing a few classes wouldn’t help. How do I share my work.

I am so sorry! I missed this comment before. The next WIP Wednesday on the blog is Dec. 2… if you’re following the blog you’ll see the post! (The follow button is on the righthand side of this page.) Hope your writing’s going well 🙂

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Reblogged this on PRINCE CHARMING ISN'T HERE and commented: what an amazing list! I always have a hard time describing features! words sometimes fail me!

i loved this list! thank you so much for making it! 🙂

So glad it was helpful!

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Thank you! This is so helpful to have for reference. Occasionally I’ll have a particular word in mind and can’t think of it, and I can usually pop over here and find it right away!

I absolutely love your master lists. They have helped me so much in diversifying the words I use when I’m writing. 🙂

Ohhh thank you! That is so great to hear. 🙂 Hope your writing projects are going great!

Thank you, and they are. I’m just about to publish a works I’ve been working on for the past couple of months, which is so exciting. XD Hope all your writing projects are going great as well. 🙂

What a wonderful and thorough list Bryn. Thanks for sharing it! I will at some point ‘link back’ to this fabulous article (I’ll let you know when I do.) I’m new to your site, but will certainly be back for more! I’m fascinated to learn that you’re also a home-grown KC girl. =0) Although, I remarried and moved to California 9 years ago, KC still tugs my heart-strings.

Hey, so glad you like it! Yeah, Kansas City is a special place. Come visit anytime 🙂 And thanks for visiting my blog! — I LOVE your username, by the way. Made me smile.

thanks for following my blog!

Reblogged this on A Bundle of Cute.

Reblogged this on A Blissful Garden and commented: I find this very important!

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Reblogged this on Insideamoronsbrain and commented: Wow!!

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Thanks for sharing this list! It is amazing and so helpful !

I’m going to save this as a favorite. You always provide great information Bryn. Continue with your success.

Oh, thank you so much, Christopher! I really appreciate the kind words. So glad you like this!

This list is so complete! I haven’t worked on fiction in a long while, but lately I’ve been wanting to get back into it. I know this is going to be a great help when i sit down to create my characters!

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This is absolutely perfect for aspiring writers so that we don’t have to use Microsoft Word synonyms that tend to nit have what we’re searching for. Your introductory paragraph about readers falling in love with characters’ personalities and not theit physical attributes was spot on. Thank you thank you, thank you!

Chunny! Thank you so very much for the kind words. I’m so glad you found it helpful!!

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This is amazing! Thank you! I hope it’s alright if I use this as a reference in a blog post for character development.

Hi Jacquelyn! So glad you like it. That’s fine, just please link to the post!

I read this over and over, thank you for creating this! Can I just ask, when thinking of clothing and how to describe it, what are some things you would put? (I’m making a book draft and have never needed clothing described to me as much as now)

Thank you! It’s so important that we don’t reuse the same words too often, so this will help a lot with that problem.

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Thanks for helping me. It really made a big difference of helping me come up with something.

Hi Joseph! Sorry for the delayed reply! I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for the kind words!

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Your book “Master Lists for Writers” has helped me incredibly. I’ve always wanted to be a romance writer but didn’t have the nerve until now. I am currently working on a short story about a college girl who is assaulted by a classmate. It was based on a dream I had a few nights ago. I haven’t developed how she gets her revenge on him. I know the story line seems dark but the dream stuck with me so much, I felt the urge to turn it into a story. Thank you again for your awesome book. What a great resource

Rhonda! Thank you so much for the kind words. I am so happy that the book is helpful, and even gladder that you’re going for it and writing! Sending you best wishes on your story!

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Great advice in this post, Bryn! Thank you.

Used this for school! It was really helpful!

Oh yay! So glad it was helpful!

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This is a great list! So comprehensive, and just what I was looking for. I struggle with physical descriptions of people and have a tendency to write the same kins of attributes. So this list is fab!

This is great!

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keep up the good work

Hey thanks 🙂

This is so helpful!!!!!

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Tiptoeing out there to publish my first book (I’ve been writing a long time). This post helped so much. Thanks!

oh my gosh, thank you! You have put a lot of effort in this list. I def appreciate it 🙂

Thank you I´m always using this when I´m creating new characters.

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Incredibly helpful! Thanks a lot :3

Thank you for sharing this!

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More extensive than my general list. My wizened goatee and elder Fu Manchu thank you for sharing your time and devotion to the craft.

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Very useful for ready reference. Thank you very much.

Thanks, Mohan! So glad you liked it!

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I’ve been writing for a while, mostly for fun, but this was the one thing I could never get down, but this list is great! all around solid, and incredibly useful, I see myself using it every time I need to make a new character, good job!

You’re a legend! This is fantastic, thank you!

Hahaha, thanks for the kind words! 🙂 Glad it’s helpful!

I am following your prompts and valuable advice for writing a fantasy teen fiction novel. I think you are amazing. You might not know it but I was able to clear hundreds of my doubts through your help. Please keep up the good work and providing your valuable support to all of us upcoming writers.

Hey, thank you so much for the kind words—you made my day! It’s wonderful to hear that you’re working on YA fantasy. I’m so glad I could help, and I wish you every success!

I honestly would not recommend this as good writing advice. The focus is too much on describing someone’s physical features using analogies for food. That is not a good thing, it becomes trite and overdone. If used sparsely it’s okay but almost every word in this list is food related.

Hi, Larissa! Thanks for taking your valuable time to share your opinion.

You have done a great job preparing this Master List. Those who think such precise words for describing someone hurt their sensibilities, move on to another URL. I appreciate every bit of your effort.

Hi, Pradeep! I am so glad you like the list. Thanks so much for commenting!

Bryn, I love your master list book and use it all the time!

Ohh, thank you so much! I’m so glad it’s helpful!

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This is a godsend. I owe you my soul.

I work 20 hours per day, (regular business and writing the memoir). Just ordered the Master List–seems like having my own research assistant. I may be able to get 5 hours sleep now. Thanks

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No jaw descriptions? ;(

You saved my day with your wonderful, descriptive words! Now I’ve found the perfect features for my handsome male character. Thank you!

That is a lot of hours for books but I guess if you keep pushing it will happen.

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Hi Bryn, thanks so much for this information! I always appreciate your lists because I like comprehensive material all in one location as a reference (then if I decide to break the rules, at least I know what the rules are “supposed to be” first!). Have you considered making comprehensive lists of creative writing genre conventions (tropes, archetypes, settings, devices, etc.)?

Hello, and thank you for the valuable and useful information. I agree with Eleanore regarding the list of genre conventions. I’m more than pleased I found you website.

Thank u so much ❤️ that was so helpful

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100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School – 2024

April 15, 2024

Some high school students dream of writing for a living, perhaps pursuing an English major in college, or even attending a creative writing MFA program later on. For other students, creative writing can be useful for school assignments, in English and other subjects, and also for preparing their Common App essays . In a less goal-oriented sense, daily freewriting in a journal can be a healthy life practice for many high schoolers. Not sure where to start? Continue reading for 100 creative writing prompts for middle school and high school students. These middle/high school writing prompts offer inspiration for getting started with writing in a number of genres and styles.

Click here to view the 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing .

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Similar to how an academic essay prompt provides a jumping-off point for forming and organizing an argument, creative writing prompts are points of initiation for writing a story, poem, or creative essay. Prompts can be useful for writers of all ages, helping many to get past writer’s block and just start (often one of the most difficult parts of a writing process).

Writing prompts come in a variety of forms. Sometimes they are phrases used to begin sentences. Other times they are questions, more like academic essay prompts Writing prompts can also involve objects such as photographs, or activities such as walking. Below, you will find high school writing prompts that use memories, objects, senses (smell/taste/touch), abstract ideas , and even songs as jumping-off points for creative writing. These prompts can be used to write in a variety of forms, from short stories to creative essays, to poems.

How to use Creative Writing Prompts

Before we get started with the list, are a few tips when using creative writing prompts:

Experiment with different formats : Prose is great, but there’s no need to limit yourself to full sentences, at least at first. A piece of creative writing can begin with a poem, or a dialogue, or even a list. You can always bring it back to prose later if needed.

Interpret the prompt broadly : The point of a creative writing prompt is not to answer it “correctly” or “precisely.” You might begin with the prompt, but then your ideas could take you in a completely different direction. The words in the prompt also don’t need to open your poem or essay, but could appear somewhere in the middle.

Switch up/pile up the prompts : Try using two or three prompts and combine them, or weave between them. Perhaps choose a main prompt, and a different “sub-prompt.” For example, your main prompt might be “write about being in transit from one place to another,” and within that prompt, you might use the prompt to “describe a physical sensation,” and/or one the dialogue prompts.  This could be a fun way to find complexity as you write.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students (Continued)

Write first, edit later : While you’re first getting started with a prompt, leave the typos and bad grammar. Obsessing over details can take away from your flow of thoughts. You will inevitably make many fixes when you go back through to edit.

Write consistently : It often becomes easier to write when it’s a practice , rather than a once-in-a-while kind of activity. For some, it’s useful to write daily. Others find time to write every few days, or every weekend. Sometimes, a word-count goal can help (100 words a day, 2,000 words a month, etc.). If you set a goal, make sure it’s realistic. Start small and build from there, rather than starting with an unachievable goal and quickly giving up.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Teens

Here are some prompts for getting started with your creative writing. These are organized by method, rather than genre, so they can inspire writing in a variety of forms. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you, and enjoy!

Prompts using memories

• Begin each sentence or group of sentences with the phrase, “I remember…”
• Describe a family ritual.
• Choose an event in your life, and write about it from the perspective of someone else who was there.
• Pick a pathway you take on a regular basis (to school, or to a friend’s house). Describe five landmarks that you remember from this pathway.
• Write about your house or apartment using a memory from each room.
• Write an imaginary history of the previous people who lived in your house or apartment.
• Write about an ancestor based on stories you’ve heard from relatives.
• What’s your earliest memory?
• Who was your first friend?
• Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen since childhood.
• Write about yourself now from the perspective of yourself twenty, or eighty, years from now.
• Write about the best month of the year.
• Write about the worst day of the year.
• Rant about something that has always annoyed you.
• Write about the hottest or coldest day you can remember.
• Visualize a fleeting moment in your life and as though it’s a photograph, and time yourself 5 minutes to write every detail you can remember about the scene.
• Draw out a timeline of your life so far. Then choose three years to write about, as though you were writing for a history book.
• Write about a historical event in the first person, as though you remember it.
• Write about a memory of being in transit from one place to another.

Objects and photographs as creative writing prompts

• Describe the first object you see in the room. What importance does it have in your life? What memories do you have with this object? What might it symbolize?
• Pick up an object, and spend some time holding it/examining it. Write about how it looks, feels, and smells. Write about the material that it’s made from.
• Choose a favorite family photograph. What could someone know just by looking at the photograph? What’s secretly happening in the photograph?
• Choose a photograph and tell the story of this photograph from the perspective of someone or something in it.
• Write about a color by describing three objects that are that color.
• Tell the story of a piece of trash.
• Tell the story of a pair of shoes.
• Tell the story of your oldest piece of clothing.

Senses and observations as creative writing prompts

• Describe a sound you hear in the room or outside. Choose the first sound you notice. What are its qualities? It’s rhythms? What other sounds does it remind you of?
• Describe a physical sensation you feel right now, in as much detail as possible.
• Listen to a conversation and write down a phrase that you hear someone say. Start a free-write with this phrase.
• Write about a food by describing its qualities, but don’t say what it is.
• Describe a flavor (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.) to someone who has never tasted it before.
• Narrate your day through tastes you tasted.
• Narrate your day through sounds you heard.
• Narrate your day through physical sensations you felt.
• Describe in detail the physical process of doing an action you consider simple or mundane, like walking or lying down or chopping vegetables.
• Write about the sensation of doing an action you consider physically demanding or tiring, like running or lifting heavy boxes.
• Describe something that gives you goosebumps.
• Write a story that involves drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day.
• Write a story that involves entering a warm house from a cold snowy day.
• Describe someone’s facial features in as much detail as possible.

Songs, books, and other art

• Choose a song quote, write it down, and free-write from there.
• Choose a song, and write a story in which that song is playing in the car.
• Choose a song, and write to the rhythm of that song.
• Choose a character from a book, and describe an event in your life from the perspective of that character.
• Go to a library and write down 10 book titles that catch your eye. Free-write for 5 minutes beginning with each one.
• Go to a library and open to random book pages, and write down 5 sentences that catch your attention. Use those sentences as prompts and free-write for 5-minutes with each.
• Choose a piece of abstract artwork. Jot down 10 words that come to mind from the painting or drawing, and free-write for 2 minutes based on each word.
• Find a picture of a dramatic Renaissance painting online. Tell a story about what’s going on in the painting that has nothing to do with what the artist intended.
• Write about your day in five acts, like a Shakespearean play. If your day were a play, what would be the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution?
• Narrate a complicated book or film plot using only short sentences.
• Read a short poem. Then write a poem that could be a “sister” or “cousin” of that poem.

Abstract ideas as creative writing prompts

• Write about an experience that demonstrates an abstract idea, such as “love” or “home” or “freedom” or “loss” without ever using the word itself.
• Write a list of ways to say “hello” without actually saying “hello.”
• Write a list of ways to say “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”
• Do you believe in ghosts? Describe a ghost.
• Invent a mode of time travel.
• Glass half-full/half-empty: Write about an event or situation with a positive outlook. Then write about it with a miserable outlook.
• Free-write beginning with “my religion is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with organized religion as you’d like).
• Free-write beginning with “my gender is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with common ideas of gender as you’d like).
• Write about a person or character that is “good” and one that is “evil.” Then write about the “evil” in the good character and the “good” in the evil character.
• Write like you’re telling a secret.
• Describe a moment of beauty you witnessed. What makes something beautiful?

Prompts for playing with narrative and character

• Begin writing with the phrase, “It all started when…”
• Tell a story from the middle of the most dramatic part.
• Write a story that begins with the ending.
• Begin a story but give it 5 possible endings.
• Write a list of ways to dramatically quit a terrible job.
• Write about a character breaking a social rule or ritual (i.e., walking backwards, sitting on the floor of a restaurant, wearing a ballgown to the grocery store). What are the ramifications?
• You are sent to the principal’s office. Justify your bad behavior.
• Re-write a well-known fairytale but set it in your school.
• Write your own version of the TV show trope where someone gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger, or a secret love interest, or a nemesis.
• Imagine a day where you said everything you were thinking, and write about it.
• Write about a scenario in which you have too much of a good thing.
• Write about a scenario in which money can buy happiness.
• Invent a bank or museum heist.
• Invent a superhero, including an origin story.
• Write using the form of the scientific method (question, hypothesis, test, analyze data conclusion).
• Write using the form of a recipe.

Middle School & High School Creative writing prompts for playing with fact vs. fiction

• Write something you know for sure is true, and then, “but maybe it isn’t.” Then explain why that thing may not be true.
• Write a statement and contradict that statement. Then do it again.
• Draft an email with an outlandish excuse as to why you didn’t do your homework or why you need an extension.
• Write about your morning routine, and make it sound extravagant/luxurious (even if it isn’t).
• You’ve just won an award for doing a very mundane and simple task. Write your acceptance speech.
• Write about a non-athletic event as though it were a sports game.
• Write about the most complicated way to complete a simple task.
• Write a brief history of your life, and exaggerate everything.
• Write about your day, but lie about some things.
• Tell the story of your birth.
• Choose a historical event and write an alternative outcome.
• Write about a day in the life of a famous person in history.
• Read an instructional manual, and change three instructions to include some kind of magical or otherwise impossible element.

Prompts for starting with dialogue

• Write a texting conversation between two friends who haven’t spoken in years.
• Write a texting conversation between two friends who speak every day and know each other better than anyone.
• Watch two people on the street having a conversation, and imagine the conversation they’re having. Write it down.
• Write an overheard conversation behind a closed door that you shouldn’t be listening to.
• Write a conversation between two characters arguing about contradicting memories of what happened.
• You have a difficult decision to make. Write a conversation about it with yourself.
• Write a conversation with a total lack of communication.
• Write a job interview gone badly.

Final Thoughts – Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School 

Hopefully you have found several of these creative writing prompts helpful. Remember that when writing creatively, especially on your own, you can mix, match, and change prompts. For more on writing for high school students, check out the following articles:

• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics
• 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• Good Transition Words for Essays
• High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

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Word lists, cheat sheets, and sometimes irreverent reviews of writing rules. kathy steinemann is the author of the writer's lexicon series..

400+ Ways to Describe Temperature: A Word List for Writers

Temperature Embodies More Than Heat and Cold

Applied effectively in prose or poetry, heat or lack of it can express subtleties of emotion, hence terms such as hot-tempered and cold-hearted .

Ambient temperature affects sleep patterns, productivity, and emotions.

Excessive heat irritates tempers. Your characters might quarrel without realizing they’re responding to the environment. Or your protagonists could blame their bad mood, blushing , or sweating on temperature while hiding the true reasons for their behavior.

Cold surroundings can draw people together to share body heat. Men have exploited this fact for centuries to entice women into their arms.

Temperature may indicate good or ill health, pleasant or unpleasant weather, good or bad omens.

People expect certain types of food, such as soup, to be hot. Serve a guest cold gazpacho, and you might expect a surprised reaction.

Hot liquids stain more readily than their cold counterparts. Story fodder? Perhaps your protagonist deliberately spills hot coffee into someone’s lap to spur the removal of pants or skirt?

Young women who are not ready to get pregnant sometimes have their eggs frozen in order to bear children later in life. What would happen if one of these women met a sperm donor at a reproduction clinic and they started dating?

Although today’s technology can’t reanimate corpses, some people choose to have their bodies vitrified and cryogenically preserved after death in hopes that future scientists will be able to revive them.

A chase through the hot desert will require different props and plotlines than a similar event at the South Pole.

Heat sterilizes objects and food. Freezing doesn’t. That’s why frozen corpses of animals and humans can endanger modern generations: They harbor microorganisms that could be dangerous to a non-immune population.

Someone trying to save money might turn the heat down in the winter; likewise with air conditioning during summer months. This could cause complications with health, pets, and houseplants.

Incinerators burn confidential documents. “Oops! I swear, boss, Findlay tripped when he was disposing of the top-secret files. The burns on my hands ? I … uh … tried to rescue him. Yeah, that’s it. I tried to rescue him.”

Story Prompts Ahead

Some of the preceding paragraphs may have given you ideas for stories or plot twists. Please enjoy a few more.

• A patient’s temperature reads several degrees lower than usual.
• Wife repeatedly turns the heat down. Husband turns it back up.
• Thirteen months of stifling summer weather stumps scientists.
• Bears decide to hibernate three months early.
• A three-acre patch of ice forms in the Bay of Bengal.
• A pendant grows warm whenever anyone nearby tells a lie.
• A talking refrigerator develops a personality.

The following lists contain more than 400 words that will help you include temperature in your writing.

Hot Adjectives

A to F ablaze, afire, aflame, Africa-hot, baking, blazing, blistering, boiling, branding, broiling, burning, charring, extreme, febrile, fevered, feverish, feverous, fiery, flaming

H to R hyper-heated, hyper-hot, hyperthermic, intense, melting, molten, muggy, oppressive, overheated, parching, piping, poker-hot, roasting

S to W scalding, scorching, searing, shriveling, singeing, sizzling, smoking, smoldering, steaming, stifling, sultry, sweaty, sweltering, torrid, tropical, withering

A to E ash, asphalt, barbecue, blast furnace, blaze, bonfire, coffee, conflagration, cooking oil, desert, dragon’s breath , ember, exhaust pipe, exploding meteor

F to I fever, fire, firecracker, fireplace, fireworks, French fries, frying pan, furnace, geyser, glue gun, Hades, Hell, incalescence, infected wound, inferno, incinerator, iron

K to R kiln, magma, mineral spring, molten lava, molten metal, pavement, radiator, rocket exhaust

S to W sidewalk, solar flare, soldering iron, soup, stage lights, steam bath, stove burner, summer sun , tin roof, volcano, wok

A to C arc, autoclave, bake, barbecue, blaze, blister, boil, braise, brand, broil, brown, bubble, burn, burst into flames, carbonize, catch fire, cauterize, char, commit arson, cook, cremate

D to I deep-fry, defrost, detonate, disinfect, explode, fan the flames, fire, flame, flare, flash, fry, fuel, glow, go off, go up in flames, grill, heat, ignite, immolate, incinerate

K to R kindle, light, liquefy, melt, microwave, nuke, overcook, overheat, pan-fry, parboil, perspire, poach, reduce to ashes, refry, reheat, rewarm, roast

S sanitize, sauté, scald, scorch, scramble, sear, set a match to, set alight, simmer, singe, smolder, solder, spark, steam, steam-clean, sterilize, stew, stir-fry, strike a match, sweat, swelter

T to Z thaw, toast, torch, warm, zap

Warm Adjectives

A to P agreeable, balmy, blood-warm, clement, comfortable, comfy, cozy, enjoyable, fair, fine, homey, lukewarm, mellow, mild, moderate, pleasant

R to W restful, room-temperature, slightly warm, snug, summery, temperate, tepid, toasty, warm, warmish

B to F baby toes, baby’s laugh, bathwater, breath, clothes from the dryer, cow manure, dog/cat vomit, dog/cat doo-doo, ear muffs, flannel, freshly baked bread/buns, freshly laid egg

G to M gloves, groin, handshake, hand warmers, happy book/movie, just-vacated seat, kiss, kitten, lover’s body/ smile , memory foam, milk before bed, mitts, mother’s smile

P to W parka, puppy, rope/rug burn, sunshine, sweater, welcome, wool socks

Empty list. If something is cold, you require a hot verb to warm it; if it’s hot, you need a cold verb to bring it to a warm state.

Cold Adjectives

A to C algid, Antarctic, Arctic, austere, benumbed, biting, bitter, bitterly cold, bleak, bone-chilling, bracing, brisk, brumal, chilly, congealed, cool, crisp, cryogenic

D to H desolate, drafty, dreary, exhilarating, extreme, freezing, fresh, frigid, frigorific, frore, frosty, frozen, gelid, glacial, harsh, hibernal, hiemal, hoary, hypothermic

I to P icebound, icebox, ice-capped, ice-cold, ice-kissed, icicled, icy-cold, icy, intense, invigorating, keen, nippy, numbed, numbing, penetrating, piercing, polar

R to W raw, refrigerated, rimy, severe, sharp, shivery, sleety, Siberian, snappy, snowy, stimulating, stinging, subzero, wintry

B to G banana split, blizzard, brain freeze, dark side of the moon, deep sea, dry ice, ex’s heart/scorn, father’s criticism, freezer, frozen fish, Fudgesicle, glacier

H to P hoarfrost, iceberg, ice chest, ice-cream cone, ice cube, igloo, liquid nitrogen, milk shake, North Pole, penguin, Plutonian crater/mountain, polar bear, popsicle

S to W sherbet, skating rink, ski hill, sled dog, snow angel, snowbank, snowflake, snowman, South Pole, winter, witch’s toe

A to H air-condition, bite, chill, congeal, cool, crystalize, deep-freeze, flash-freeze, freeze, frost, gel, glaciate, harden

I to P ice, ice over, ice up, infrigidate, jell, keep cold, lose heat, lower the temperature, preserve, put on ice

R to V refrigerate, rime, set, solidify, sting, turn to ice, vitrify

Other Adjectives

A to C abnormal, above-zero, absolute, adiabatic, air, ambient, annual, atmospheric, average, axillary (armpit), basal, below-zero, body, calescent, Celsius, critical

D to I daily, daytime, decalescent, diurnal, elevated, environmental, external, extreme, Fahrenheit, favorable, fixed, global, high, ideal, indoor, inside, internal

L to P low, maximum, mean, metabolic, minimum, minus, moderate, monthly, ocean, optimum, oral (mouth), outdoor, outside, oven, overall, peak, plus, preferred

R to S raised, recalescent, recommended, recorded, rectal, reduced, regulated, relative, requisite, room, seasonal, soil, stable, standard, static, subnormal, substrate, surface

T to Y temporal (forehead), thermodynamic, thermogenic, tympanic (ear), underground, uniform, volatile, water, yearly

Other Nouns

H to T homeostasis, lyophilization, thermocline, thermocouple, thermogram, thermometer, thermoreceptor, thermoregulator, thermos, thermostat

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2 thoughts on “ 400+ Ways to Describe Temperature: A Word List for Writers ”

This helped me so much with my writing. I definitely will be turning to this gorgeous website more often for all my describing word needs.

Thanks, Lily!