I know that some of you reading this love words just as much as I do. I feel lucky as a writer that with the amount of reading I do and the research I undertake, that I have a wide vocab. But, I’m also one of those that likes to use words to impress, win an argument or just sound smart. The next time you’re looking for a clever word, try one of these:
1. Avant-Garde
Something in French always sounds smarter, right!? Avant-garde is a term for anything in a unconventionally experimental or unorthodox way.
2. Bravado
You might use the word bravado to describe a person who is full of a false kind of courage that masks a hidden fear.
3. Caustic
Instead of saying that somebody is sarcastic or over-critical in an annoying way, you can describe them as being very caustic.
4. Ennui
This is a really interesting word that is used to capture that feeling you sometimes get of weariness, discontent or a real lack of interest in the thing that you are supposed to be doing.
5. Esoteric
Something can be described as esoteric when it is created solely for the understanding or enjoyment of a set of people with a very specific knowledge or interest.
6. Fastidious
A fastidious person is a person who is very hard to please and likes things to be done a particularly high level.
7. Hedonist
A hedonist is the type of person who lives their life to the full, in pursuit solely of things that will bring them gratification and pleasure.
8. Idiosyncratic
This word alludes to a particular characteristic or quirk that a person might have that is completely individual to them and tells them apart from others.
9. Maudlin
The word maudlin can be used to describe any person or thing that is sentimental to the point of foolishness, or overly emotional and tearful.
10. Nouveau Riche
This is term that is used to describe anybody who is newly rich rather than from rich stock. Sometimes used in an offensive way to highlight a lack of etiquette or class.
11. Quintessence
A word that means the very most perfect embodiment of a particular thing.
12. Scintillating
Something can be said to be scintillating if it is particularly brilliant, witty or clever.
13. Elucidate
To elucidate something is to make it as perfectly clear as you can for the person to whom you are explaining it.
14. Liminal
Liminal means maintaining a position that is on both sides of a particular situation or argument, such as being stuck in the middle of two fighting friends.
15. Perfunctory
To perform a task with as minimal effort as is possible to get it completed.
16. Equidistant
Being at equal distance from one place as you are from another. This can allude to physical position or something more psychological and emotional.
17. Polemical
Something becomes polemical if it garners strong criticism, controversy and debate.
18. Vitriol
To spout vitriol at somebody means to say the meanest things possible in order to try to upset them.
19. Solipsistic
This word describes an elevated kind of narcissism, the theory that your own existence is the only existence that can be proved to be real.
20. Tenuous
Something can be described as tenuous in a conversation if it had extremely little to do with the original talking point.
21. Obfuscate
If your obfuscate something, you make it unintelligible or really unclear.
22. Anomaly
An anomaly is something that stands out of the normal in a particular situation. For example, a point on graph that is vastly different to the rest of the data.
23. Harbinger
A harbinger is something that signals that arrival or event of another thing. For example, lightning is the harbinger of thunder.
24. Cavalier
If you are cavalier about something, it means that you go in to it head first without thinking about the consequences.
25. Litany
The word litany is used to describe something that is frequent and incessant, like receiving a litany of complaints or a litany of insults.
I love all these words. Please share some of your favourite not-so-ordinary words.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some smart words girls can use to sound intelligent?
- Words like 'articulate,' 'astute,' and 'eloquent' help express intelligence clearly.
- How can I use sophisticated words without sounding pretentious?
- Use smart words naturally in conversations and make sure you understand their meanings.
- Are there easy-to-remember words to boost my vocabulary?
- Yes, words like 'keen,' 'insightful,' and 'perspective' are simple but effective.
- Can using intelligent words improve my confidence?
- Absolutely! Knowing and using smart words can make you feel more self-assured.
- How do I practice using new vocabulary daily?
- Try incorporating new words in your texts, social media posts, or casual talks with friends.
- Is it important to know the meaning before using a new word?
- Yes, understanding a word fully prevents misuse and helps communicate better.
- What’s a good word to describe someone who thinks deeply?
- 'Contemplative' is a great word for someone who engages in deep thought.
- How can I remember new words more easily?
- Associate new words with images or relate them to personal experiences for better recall.
- Are there words that make writing sound more professional?
- Words like 'analytical,' 'comprehensive,' and 'precise' add professionalism to your writing.
- How do I avoid sounding like I’m showing off with vocabulary?
- Balance complex words with simple language to keep conversations natural and relatable.