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Synonyms for "Good"

Elevate your writing with precise alternatives to one of the most overused words in English.

Better Words Than "Good"

"Good" is perhaps the most generic positive descriptor in English. Replacing it with more specific synonyms can dramatically improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

Intensity Levels

  • Mild: Acceptable, adequate, satisfactory, decent, fair
  • Medium: Good, fine, nice, pleasant, positive
  • Strong: Excellent, outstanding, exceptional, superb, magnificent

Context-Based Alternatives

Quality Assessment

When evaluating quality: excellent, superior, high-quality, premium, or first-rate. These convey specific levels of excellence.

Performance or Results

For describing outcomes: effective, successful, productive, or favorable. Example: "The campaign produced favorable results."

Personal Character

When describing people: virtuous, honorable, ethical, moral, or righteous. These emphasize moral quality.

Skill or Ability

For competence: skilled, proficient, capable, competent, or accomplished. More precise than "good at something."

Formality Ratings

  • Casual: Nice, great, awesome, solid, decent
  • Neutral: Good, fine, positive, favorable
  • Formal: Satisfactory, acceptable, commendable
  • Academic: Exemplary, meritorious, praiseworthy

Specific Contexts

Good Food → Delicious, Tasty, Flavorful

Instead of "good food," use sensory descriptions: delicious, savory, flavorful, appetizing, or mouthwatering.

Good Idea → Brilliant, Innovative, Clever

For concepts: brilliant, innovative, ingenious, clever, or insightful provide more specificity.

Good Weather → Pleasant, Beautiful, Favorable

Weather descriptions: pleasant, beautiful, perfect, ideal, or favorable are more evocative.

Good Performance → Excellent, Outstanding, Impressive

For achievements: excellent, outstanding, exceptional, impressive, or remarkable carry more weight.

Related Searches

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Why Replace "Good"?

Using specific alternatives to "good" improves your writing by:

  • Providing precise meaning instead of vague approval
  • Demonstrating vocabulary depth
  • Creating more engaging, descriptive prose
  • Avoiding the monotony of overused words
  • Matching tone and formality to your audience

Examples in Context

Vague: "She did a good job on the presentation."

Specific: "She delivered an outstanding presentation."


Vague: "This is a good book."

Specific: "This is a captivating book."


Vague: "He's a good person."

Specific: "He's a compassionate person."

Common Collocations

  • Excellent condition, quality, performance, service
  • Outstanding achievement, contribution, work, talent
  • Exceptional skill, ability, circumstances, case
  • Favorable outcome, conditions, response, impression
  • Effective method, strategy, solution, approach
  • Proficient in, at, with (skills and abilities)

The Power of Precision

The difference between "good" and a precise synonym is the difference between generic approval and meaningful description. Each context deserves the most accurate word to convey your exact meaning.

Find Your Perfect Word

Explore our contextual synonym tools for more precise language