Ever find yourself stuck trying to express exactly how strong or intense something is? We’ve all been there, reaching for words like “really” or “so” and feeling they just don’t cut it.
That’s where very✨ comes in, but using it correctly isn’t always as simple as it seems. A casual or vague choice can weaken your message or make your writing feel flat.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the power of very, explore creative alternatives, and show you how to amplify your language without sounding repetitive.
By the end, you’ll have the confidence to make your writing sharper, your descriptions livelier, and your everyday communication more impactful. Let’s turn those “just okay” sentences into ones that truly stand out.
Meaning of Other Ways To Say “Very”✨
Very is an English adverb used to intensify adjectives or adverbs, such as in “very important” or “very fast.” It originates from Middle English verai, from Old French meaning “true,” which comes from Latin verus.
Historically, it meant “truly” or “genuinely” and later evolved into a modifier emphasizing degree. Overuse can weaken writing, so alternatives like extremely, highly, absolutely, truly, exceedingly are recommended.
Style guides such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary recognize its role in emphatic language, showing how a word for truth shifted to general intensification in modern English.
Other Ways To Say “Very”✨
- Extremely
- Incredibly
- Absolutely
- Exceptionally
- Unbelievably
- Hugely
- Profoundly
- Tremendously
- Ridiculously
- Immense(ly)
- Supremely
- Significantly
- Exceedingly
- Majorly
- Ultra
- Thoroughly
- Mightily
- Extraordinarily
- Decidedly
- Powerfully
- Vastly
- Uncommonly
- Remarkably
- Overwhelmingly
- Intensely
1. Extremely
Scenario: You just finished a tough workout and you feel wiped out but proud.
Explanation: The word extremely is perfect for adding maximum emphasis to emotions, actions, or qualities. It communicates intensity and significance in a casual, relatable tone without sounding overdone.
Examples:
- I’m extremely excited about our weekend trip.
- This pizza is extremely cheesy and delicious.
- She was extremely happy to see her old friends.
- The weather today is extremely hot, so stay hydrated.
- I feel extremely proud of finishing that project on time.
Why it Works: Extremely works because it clearly amplifies the emotion or action in a sentence. It’s relatable, conversational, and signals high intensity to your reader. Using it naturally makes your writing or speech more engaging and persuasive.
2. Incredibly
Scenario: Your friend just pulled off an impressive magic trick at a party.
Explanation: Incredibly expresses astonishment or admiration. It’s playful, enthusiastic, and perfect for highlighting something surprising or impressive.
Examples:
- That concert was incredibly fun.
- She ran the marathon incredibly fast.
- Your idea is incredibly creative.
- The view from the top was incredibly beautiful.
- He performed the trick incredibly well.
Why it Works: Incredibly works because it conveys strong positive emotion naturally. It feels personal and expressive, making your sentences stand out in conversations or writing.
3. Absolutely
Scenario: You’re agreeing with a friend on your favorite TV show finale.
Explanation: Absolutely adds certainty and enthusiasm to your statements. It’s strong, confident, and works well in casual and formal contexts.
Examples:
- I absolutely love this new song.
- That’s absolutely the best decision we could make.
- She’s absolutely right about that situation.
- I absolutely recommend trying the chocolate cake.
- This is absolutely hilarious.
Why it Works: Absolutely communicates full agreement or intensity, making your language convincing, expressive, and engaging.
4. Exceptionally
Scenario: You just tasted a new restaurant dish that blew your mind.
Explanation: Exceptionally highlights outstanding quality or extraordinary performance. It adds elegance and precision when describing someone or something remarkable.
Examples:
- The chef prepared an exceptionally flavorful meal.
- She performed exceptionally well in the presentation.
- This artwork is exceptionally detailed and inspiring.
- He is an exceptionally talented musician.
- The view from the hill was exceptionally breathtaking.
Why it Works: Exceptionally works because it signals high quality or rarity. It makes descriptions credible, impactful, and memorable.
5. Unbelievably
Scenario: You saw a viral video that left you shocked.
Explanation: Unbelievably communicates astonishment or extreme surprise. It’s energetic, relatable, and ideal for exciting situations.
Examples:
- That movie was unbelievably funny.
- She solved the puzzle unbelievably fast.
- The magician’s trick was unbelievably realistic.
- This cake tastes unbelievably good.
- He ran the race unbelievably quickly.
Why it Works: Unbelievably works because it amplifies shock, amazement, or intensity, making your sentences dynamic and engaging.
6. Hugely
Scenario: Your startup just hit a major milestone.
Explanation: Hugely emphasizes significant impact or large scale. It’s casual yet persuasive, perfect for exciting achievements.
Examples:
- Our project was hugely successful.
- She is hugely popular among her colleagues.
- This event has been hugely influential.
- The announcement was hugely anticipated.
- The new app is hugely helpful for students.
Why it Works: Hugely works because it communicates size, importance, or influence clearly. It’s simple, strong, and resonates with readers naturally.
7. Profoundly
Scenario: You just finished a book that changed your perspective.
Explanation: Profoundly conveys deep significance or emotional impact. It’s formal yet relatable, adding weight and depth to statements.
Examples:
- I was profoundly moved by the speech.
- The experience changed me profoundly.
- He is profoundly knowledgeable in his field.
- This painting is profoundly meaningful.
- I am profoundly grateful for your help.
Why it Works: Profoundly works because it emphasizes depth and intensity, giving your writing a serious and thoughtful tone.
8. Tremendously
Scenario: Your team just exceeded its sales targets for the quarter.
Explanation: Tremendously conveys great size, intensity, or impact. It’s formal yet energetic, perfect for emphasizing achievements or progress.
Examples:
- The new strategy improved sales tremendously.
- She is tremendously skilled in public speaking.
- The film was tremendously popular with audiences.
- His contribution was tremendously valuable.
- I was tremendously impressed by her performance.
Why it Works: Tremendously works because it highlights magnitude and importance. It makes statements strong, persuasive, and memorable.
9. Ridiculously
Scenario: You just saw an unbelievable bargain at a store.
Explanation: Ridiculously emphasizes extreme or surprising intensity. It’s casual, playful, and adds a sense of fun or exaggeration.
Examples:
- This deal is ridiculously cheap.
- She runs ridiculously fast.
- The movie was ridiculously funny.
- The mountain view is ridiculously stunning.
- He is ridiculously talented at painting.
Why it Works: Ridiculously works because it creates shock value and humor. It’s highly relatable and draws attention naturally.
10. Immensely
Scenario: Your friend just helped you with a challenging project.
Explanation: Immensely expresses very large scale or strong intensity. It’s formal yet conversational, perfect for gratitude, impact, or achievement.
Examples:
- I am immensely grateful for your support.
- The book was immensely helpful for learning.
- She is immensely talented in music.
- This opportunity is immensely valuable.
- He contributed immensely to the project.
Why it Works: Immensely works because it emphasizes magnitude or importance while maintaining a polished, professional tone.
11. Supremely
Scenario: You just tasted the finest dessert at a five-star restaurant.
Explanation: Supremely indicates highest quality or excellence. It’s formal and confident, perfect for describing ultimate success or perfection.
Examples:
- The chef’s dish was supremely delicious.
- She is supremely confident in her abilities.
- The performance was supremely impressive.
- This artwork is supremely detailed.
- The experience was supremely enjoyable.
Why it Works: Supremely works because it conveys top-tier quality or intensity, making your language elegant and impactful.
12. Significantly
Scenario: Your company implemented a new system that improved efficiency.
Explanation: Significantly shows notable change, impact, or importance. It’s formal, precise, and ideal for data, results, or achievements.
Examples:
- Sales increased significantly after the campaign.
- Her skills improved significantly over the year.
- The weather changed significantly overnight.
- This policy affects employees significantly.
- The results are significantly better than expected.
Why it Works: Significantly works because it highlights meaningful impact, giving your statements clarity and authority.
13. Exceedingly
Scenario: You received outstanding feedback on your presentation at work.
Explanation: Exceedingly emphasizes extreme degree or intensity. It’s formal, precise, and ideal for showing exceptional performance or quality.
Examples:
- She is exceedingly talented in design.
- The task was exceedingly difficult.
- I am exceedingly grateful for your help.
- The movie was exceedingly well-made.
- His efforts were exceedingly appreciated.
Why it Works: Exceedingly works because it communicates exceptional level or intensity, making statements strong, credible, and persuasive.
14. Majorly
Scenario: You just completed a huge milestone in your career.
Explanation: Majorly conveys great significance or impact in a casual, conversational tone. It’s ideal for informal speech and exciting announcements.
Examples:
- The event was majorly successful.
- I am majorly impressed by her work.
- This change will majorly improve productivity.
- He was majorly excited about the news.
- The movie was majorly entertaining.
Why it Works: Majorly works because it emphasizes importance or scale naturally, making your language relatable and engaging.
15. Ultra
Scenario: You just bought a state-of-the-art gadget with advanced features.
Explanation: Ultra indicates extreme degree or quality. It’s modern, trendy, and works for technology, performance, or style contexts.
Examples:
- This smartphone is ultra fast.
- The camera produces ultra sharp images.
- The workout was ultra intense.
- She is ultra confident in her presentation.
- The hotel offers ultra luxury accommodations.
Why it Works: Ultra works because it signals cutting-edge quality or intensity, making your statements trendy, catchy, and persuasive.
16. Thoroughly
Scenario: You just reviewed a report to ensure accuracy before submission.
Explanation: Thoroughly expresses complete attention or depth. It’s formal yet conversational, ideal for emphasizing careful effort or detailed work.
Examples:
- I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.
- She checked the document thoroughly.
- The investigation was thoroughly conducted.
- He understood the topic thoroughly.
- The house was thoroughly cleaned before the party.
Why it Works: Thoroughly works because it conveys complete effort or depth, making your statements trustworthy and authoritative.
17. Mightily
Scenario: You just overcame a big obstacle at work or in life.
Explanation: Mightily conveys strong effort or influence. It’s slightly formal but energetic, perfect for highlighting strength, power, or achievement.
Examples:
- He fought mightily to achieve his goals.
- The team worked mightily on the project.
- She resisted the temptation mightily.
- The storm affected the town mightily.
- I am mightily impressed by his courage.
Why it Works: Mightily works because it emphasizes power and determination, making your writing impactful and memorable.
18. Extraordinarily
Scenario: You witnessed a performance that exceeded all expectations.
Explanation: Extraordinarily emphasizes exceptional quality or degree. It’s formal, persuasive, and ideal for highlighting remarkable achievements or experiences.
Examples:
- She is extraordinarily talented in singing.
- The project was extraordinarily successful.
- The weather was extraordinarily beautiful.
- He handled the situation extraordinarily well.
- The cake was extraordinarily delicious.
Why it Works: Extraordinarily works because it highlights exceptional qualities or intensity, making your statements strong, credible, and impressive.
19. Decidedly
Scenario: You are making a firm choice or expressing a strong opinion.
Explanation: Decidedly communicates clear certainty or distinction. It’s formal, confident, and works well for opinions, decisions, or evaluations.
Examples:
- I am decidedly in favor of the proposal.
- She is decidedly more skilled than her peers.
- The results are decidedly positive.
- He responded decidedly to the criticism.
- The new design is decidedly better than the old one.
Why it Works: Decidedly works because it signals confidence and clarity, making your statements authoritative and persuasive.
20. Powerfully
Scenario: You watched a speech that left a strong emotional impact.
Explanation: Powerfully conveys strength, influence, or emotional intensity. It’s formal yet accessible, perfect for communication, writing, or performance contexts.
Examples:
- The speaker delivered his message powerfully.
- She expressed her feelings powerfully in the letter.
- The movie ended powerfully with an emotional scene.
- This image communicates the concept powerfully.
- He argued powerfully for the cause.
Why it Works: Powerfully works because it emphasizes strength and impact, making statements memorable and persuasive.
21. Vastly
Scenario: You notice a large improvement or change in performance.
Explanation: Vastly emphasizes great extent or magnitude. It’s formal, precise, and suitable for performance, scale, or influence.
Examples:
- The situation has improved vastly.
- His knowledge has expanded vastly over the years.
- Technology has advanced vastly.
- The opinions on this topic vary vastly.
- Our understanding of the issue has grown vastly.
Why it Works: Vastly works because it communicates large scale or intensity, giving your writing clarity and authority.
22. Uncommonly
Scenario: You experience a rare or remarkable quality in someone or something.
Explanation: Uncommonly emphasizes rare or exceptional traits. It’s formal, descriptive, and ideal for unique experiences or characteristics.
Examples:
- She is uncommonly gifted in art.
- The solution was uncommonly effective.
- His bravery was uncommonly impressive.
- This dish is uncommonly flavorful.
- The idea is uncommonly creative.
Why it Works: Uncommonly works because it highlights rarity and distinction, making statements stand out and feel exceptional.
23. Remarkably
Scenario: You notice a surprising or impressive improvement.
Explanation: Remarkably conveys noticeable or striking quality. It’s casual yet professional, perfect for improvements, achievements, or observations.
Examples:
- Her skills improved remarkably in a short time.
- The city has changed remarkably over the years.
- He performed remarkably well under pressure.
- The results are remarkably accurate.
- The painting is remarkably detailed.
Why it Works: Remarkably works because it draws attention to noticeable changes or qualities, making writing engaging and informative.
24. Overwhelmingly
Scenario: You receive a massive response or emotional impact.
Explanation: Overwhelmingly conveys strong, dominant effect or intensity. It’s formal, persuasive, and ideal for emotions, reactions, or statistics.
Examples:
- The team was overwhelmingly supportive.
- The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
- She felt overwhelmingly happy after the announcement.
- The evidence was overwhelmingly convincing.
- The victory was overwhelmingly celebrated.
Why it Works: Overwhelmingly works because it emphasizes dominant impact or emotion, making your statements powerful and convincing.
25. Intensely
Scenario: You feel strong focus or emotion in a situation.
Explanation: Intensely expresses high energy, strong feelings, or concentrated effort. It’s formal yet accessible, ideal for emotional, mental, or physical contexts.
Examples:
- She studied intensely for the exams.
- He is intensely passionate about music.
- The competition was fought intensely.
- I was intensely focused on completing the project.
- The scene was intensely dramatic.
Why it Works: Intensely works because it highlights strong concentration, emotion, or energy, making writing engaging, vivid, and impactful.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve seen how very much can transform everyday language, helping you express intensity, emotion, and emphasis with clarity and style.
When you want to make your writing more engaging, describe experiences more vividly, or simply communicate strong feelings effectively, understanding the power of very and its alternatives gives you the tools to do it confidently.
Don’t let ordinary words hold you back, experiment with words like extremely, incredibly, absolutely, and more to make your sentences truly stand out.
Save this guide for future reference, share it with friends who love to enhance their language, and keep exploring ways to make every word impactful and expressive.
FAQS About “Very”
1. What to use instead of very?
Use alternatives like extremely, incredibly, absolutely, exceptionally, profoundly, or remarkably to add emphasis without overusing “very.”
2. How do you politely say very?
You can politely say highly, truly, genuinely, exceptionally, or considerably depending on the context, keeping your tone respectful and refined.
3. What is a fancy way of saying very?
Exceedingly, supremely, extraordinarily, decidedly, or immensely are elegant ways to replace “very” in writing or speech.
4. How do you say it in a formal way?
In formal contexts, use significantly, exceedingly, markedly, or remarkably to convey intensity professionally.
5. How can I make my writing more powerful without using very much?
Focus on strong adjectives, descriptive language, and precise adverbs like exceptionally, immensely, or profoundly to make your sentences more impactful and vivid.
