Stop Saying These Verbs — Use These Words Instead

It’s only natural that we tend to repeat the same verbs everyone knows. After all, they’re easy to use and their familiarity helps get a point across. But the more those verbs show up in text and everyday speech, the more that our communication falls flat. Take “eat” and “walk,” for instance — while there’s nothing inherently wrong with those verbs, there are many, many interesting alternatives that can take your communication to the next level. Here are some verbs you should think about replacing, and some intriguing synonyms worth considering instead.

The word “eat” is quite generic — it doesn’t paint a detailed picture or offer any additional context or clues. For instance, are you scarfing down a massive meal or nibbling on a light snack? In the case of the former, a better option might be “devour” — meaning “to eat up greedily or ravenously” — derived from the Latin devorare, which combines de (“down”) with vorare (“to swallow”). 

When having a small bite, try “graze.” Though commonly used in the context of animals eating grass in a field, this verb applies to humans as well. It means “to eat small portions of food throughout the day.”

It’s time to tell the verb “walk” to take a metaphorical walk. There are many far more interesting, descriptive alternatives. One option is “stride,” meaning “to move with or as if with long steps,” which has been in use since before the 12th century.

If you find yourself on a more casual stroll, “saunter” is an excellent option, defined as “to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner.” While the origins of “saunter” are unknown, one theory is that it comes from the French s’aventurer, meaning “to take risks.”

“Make” is a relatively vague term that could refer to physical manufacturing, developing products, or affecting someone else’s mood. For this reason, it’s better to rely on other terms that are more focused on the topic at hand. For instance, if you’re physically creating something, use “construct,” meaning “to make or form by combining or arranging parts.” “Build,” “produce,” and “craft” are also good options.

If you’re producing something creative, try using “compose,” meaning “to create by mental or artistic labor.” And if you’re doing something that affects someone’s mood, think of verbs that are specific to the feelings you’re trying to convey. For example, you might say, “Puppy videos always lift my mood,” instead of “Puppy videos always make me happy.” Or instead of “The movie made me mad,” try “The movie enraged me.”“

The verb “show” leaves so much detail on the table. Are you putting on a performance, demonstrating a theory, revealing the truth, or something entirely different? The alternative “flaunt,” which is defined as “to display ostentatiously or impudently,” is a great option if you’re showing off something you’re proud of, whether it’s a new outfit or vast wealth. 

Another synonym for “show” is “usher,” which you may be familiar with as a term for employees who guide theater guests to their seats. But it can also be used a bit more generally; for instance, you may help usher someone who’s lost to their destination. If you’re revealing the truth, you might try “uncover” or “disclose,” and if you’re showing off a new skill, you can try “demonstrate.”

“Be” (and any conjugations including “was” and “is”) ranks as the most common verb in English. Swapping it out for another viable option helps your writing and speech stand out from the pack. 

If you’re talking about an event that just happened, you could say, “That was the case.” Or you could say the events “transpired,” which is a more eloquent verb meaning “to take place.” Or let’s say you’re discussing a person’s positive personality. Rather than saying, “That person is brave and smart,” you could use “embody” (meaning “to personify”) and say, “They embody bravery and intelligence.”