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Question
What’s the difference between words like superb, outstanding, and terrific?
—
Reza
,
Iran
Answer
Superb, outstanding, and terrific are synonyms for very good. And there are many other words in English that can have the same meaning. All ten words below can be used to mean very good or excellent.
- awesome
- amazing
- fabulous
- fantastic
- excellent
- great
- incredible
- outstanding
- superb
- terrific
These words can be used in similar ways. For example, any of the words above can be used in sentences like these:
You’ve done an awesome job!
Her latest work is fantastic.
However, there are also differences in their use. Here are some usage patterns to be aware of:
- Great has the lowest intensity or strength. However, if it is spoken with enthusiastic intonation, it will have added intensity.
- Awesome is the most informal, and younger people are most likely to use it.
- Older adults are more likely than younger people to use outstanding, superb, and terrific.
- As an exclamation, speakers are most likely to use amazing, fantastic, or great as in, “That’s amazing!”
- Great can be used sarcastically, as in this dialogue:
A: I can’t find the tickets.
B: Oh great, now what are we going to do? - Terrific, amazing, and incredible are not always used to describe something that is good. They are occasionally used to describe something that is very bad or hard to believe, as in these examples:
- We were hit by a terrific snowstorm last week. (terrific=terrible)
- He showed an amazing lack of concern for others. (amazing=unbelievable)
- It’s incredible to me that such a lazy person could be so successful. (incredible=unbelievable)
I hope this helps to answer your question.
You can read more articles in the archive.
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Synonyms for Very good. (2016). Retrieved 2023, April 11, from https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/very_good
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What is another word for very good?
231 synonyms found
Pronunciation:
[ vˈɛɹɪ ɡˈʊd], [ vˈɛɹɪ ɡˈʊd], [ v_ˈɛ_ɹ_ɪ ɡ_ˈʊ_d]
Table of Contents
-
adj.
• first-class/first-rate (adjective)
- choice,
- shipshape,
- capital,
- top,
- supreme,
- fine,
- sound,
- dandy.
• grand (adjective)
- eminent,
- lofty,
- magnificent,
- unreal,
- haughty,
- large,
- illustrious,
- dynamite,
- rich,
- sublime,
- admirable,
- palatial,
- ostentatious,
- exalted,
- smashing,
- glorious,
- ambitious,
- imposing,
- superb,
- noble,
- pompous,
- outstanding,
- stately,
- dignified,
- opulent,
- pretentious,
- marvelous,
- super,
- luxurious,
- monumental,
- august,
- regal,
- striking,
- first-class,
- elevated,
- awe-inspiring,
- majestic,
- sumptuous.
• Other relevant words: (adjective)
- in a class by itself,
- top-notch,
- upper most,
- terrific,
- splendiferous,
- grandiose,
- highest quality,
- very good,
- grandest,
- Magnific,
- five-star,
- in class by itself,
- grand,
- first class,
- out-standing,
- blue chip,
- splendid,
- very best,
- first-string,
- in a class all by itself,
- tiptop,
- firstclass,
- fab,
- something else,
- topnotch.
• splendid (adjective)
- remarkable,
- proud,
- unsurpassed,
- impressive,
- heroic,
- brilliant,
- resplendent,
- divine,
- exceptional,
- matchless,
- premium,
- superlative,
- gorgeous,
- peerless,
- transcendent,
- renowned,
- great,
- wonderful,
- fantastic,
- Splendorous,
- celebrated,
- rare,
- exquisite,
- unparalleled,
- distinguished.
• terrific (adjective)
- fabulous,
- stupendous,
- swell,
- breathtaking,
- amazing.
• top-notch (adjective)
- uppermost,
- blue-chip,
- a-1,
- top-level,
- superior.
-
Other synonyms:
-
•
- first-rate,
- top-drawer.
• first class
- excellent.
• Other relevant words:
- charisma,
- boon,
- mark,
- artfulness,
- cleverness,
- image,
- quality,
- illustration,
- proficiency,
- cunning,
- science,
- moxie,
- character,
- weal,
- competency,
- health,
- sophistication,
- odds,
- ability,
- property,
- knowledge,
- efficiency,
- acquirements,
- accomplishment,
- feat,
- assistance,
- characteristic,
- Hability,
- skill,
- facility,
- dexterity,
- felicity,
- goodness,
- portrayal,
- wellness,
- trick,
- Dexterousness,
- excellency,
- craftsmanship,
- practice,
- interest,
- blessing,
- dextrality,
- pleasure,
- excellence,
- benefit,
- preference,
- technique,
- figure,
- behaviour,
- model,
- possession,
- capability,
- understanding,
- deftness,
- means,
- matter,
- positivity,
- art,
- stuff,
- representation,
- morality,
- well-being,
- prowess,
- faculty,
- well,
- subtlety,
- trait,
- convenience,
- point,
- work,
- advantage,
- picture,
- Skilfulness,
- privilege,
- passive,
- ingenuity,
- acquirement,
- welfare,
- adeptness,
- knack,
- competence,
- attribute,
- hand,
- quantity,
- depiction.
• Other relevant words (noun):
- braw,
- estimable,
- famous,
- a-ok,
- sterling,
- good,
- helpful,
- exemplary,
- skillful,
- cogent,
- nice,
- valid,
- fair,
- kind,
- virtuous,
- commendable,
- elegant,
- useful,
- skilful,
- advantageous,
- sensational,
- expedient,
- benevolent,
- royal,
- profitable,
- healthy,
- pleasant,
- auspicious,
- favourable,
- bonny,
- all right,
- favorable,
- laudable,
- beneficial,
- goodly,
- ace.
How to use «Very good» in context?
There is no shortage of adjectives when describing something as «very good.» Truly excellent, perfect, terrific. These are all synonyms for what we usually mean when we say «good.» But what makes something truly great?
The answer, it turns out, is not simple. On one hand, there is simply the undeniable feeling of satisfaction that comes with being thoroughly impressed with something — something that is truly worth experiencing. On the other hand, there is the intangible quality of excellence that goes beyond just meeting basic standards.
Hello, everyone!
Are you tired of always saying that something is “good” or “very good”? Don’t you wish that there was another way of emphasising how good something is? Well, if that is your dilemma, then you have come to the right place!
Using new vocabulary in English can help boost your knowledge and confidence and help you speak English fluently.
Take a look at 5 of the many different ways of saying that something is very good:
great awesome fantastic excellent superb
All five of the above adjectives are strong adjectives (extreme adjectives) so you don’t put “very” in front of them; instead put adverbs like “absolutely” and “really” in front of them.
Great
This adjective can be used to describe both people and things.
Examples:
- My parents finally got me a new skateboard for my birthday.
That’s great! When shall we try it out? - He is a great artist. I wish I could paint like him!
Awesome
The word “awesome” meaning to inspire or display awe has been in the English vocabulary for a long time. Nowadays, however, it is more commonly used as a slang word to describe something excellent or outstanding. It is commonly used in American English but less so in British English in this context.
Example:
- Wow, that was a totally awesome movie! I can’t wait for the the sequel!
Fantastic
The word “fantastic” is informal.
- I think Johnny Depp is an absolutely fantastic actor.
- Her first film was good but the second one was fantastic!
Excellent
We often say someone is very well or something is of high quality or really good using the word “excellent”. It can be used as a response to someone asking “How are you?” to show you are pleased about something or feeling great.
Examples:
- How are you today, Tom?
- Excellent! I went for a run this morning and I feel great.
- Your exam results are absolutely excellent. Let’s celebrate!
Superb
As you can see, the word “superb” starts with the word super, and this will make it much easier for you to remember 😉 It describes something as being brilliant or extremely good.
Examples:
- He is a superb football player.
- Adele’s new CD is superb.
Now you have 5 great, awesome, fantastic, excellent and superb ways to avoid always saying “very good”!
If you would like to read other similar articles Click here!
By
Last updated:
December 6, 2022
Are you tired of always saying “good”?
Looking forward to using more vivid and creative ways to describe people, places and experiences that you enjoy?
After reading the descriptions and examples we have below, you’ll be able to move beyond just describing everything as “good.”
Contents
- Cool
- Excellent
- Wonderful
- Perfect
- Fantastic
- Exceptional
- Terrific
- Outstanding
- Pleasant
- Awesome
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Cool
In addition to being used to describe temperature, “cool” also means very good or fashionable. For example, you might describe stylish clothes as “cool” or a performance by a musician that you really enjoy.
It can also be used to express acceptance when someone makes a suggestion. For example, if someone suggests meeting to go to a movie, you could say “Cool! I’ll see you at 6 p.m.” Like “awesome,” “cool” is a popular expression for younger people, and you shouldn’t use it in more formal conversations.
Excellent
“Excellent” is used to describe something very good or of high quality. Almost anything you can describe as “good,” you can also describe as excellent. It can be used when speaking to friends, family, or coworkers when you want to emphasize that something is not just ok or good, but very good.
If someone asks “how are you,” you can respond “excellent.” Or, similar to this restaurant review, you could say “Have you been to the new restaurant downtown? The food there is excellent.”
Wonderful
“Wonderful” means great or very good. People can be wonderful, experiences can be wonderful and things can be wonderful. You can use this word in both formal and casual settings.
For example, you could say “The paintings at the art exhibition last night were wonderful,” or “I think you’ll like her. She’s a wonderful person.”
Perfect
Perfect describes something that is flawless or exactly matching the need in a particular situation.
If you have a very good day and everything happens exactly as you want it to, you could describe it as a “perfect day.” A hotel could be “perfect for families” or an actor in a movie could be “perfect for the role.” If someone suggests an idea that you like, you can say “That’s perfect” or “That sounds perfect.”
Fantastic
The word “fantastic” is used to describe something very good or exciting. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. It’s a very enthusiastic, positive word, so you should say it with some emphasis or exclamation.
For example, if someone asks you about your trip to Thailand, you could say “It was fantastic!”
Exceptional
“Exceptional” means that someone or something is above average. This adjective has a slightly more formal tone, and it’s a good word to use when you want to sound a little more sophisticated.
For example, you could say “I think Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The scenery is exceptional.”
Terrific
“Terrific” means very good or great. You can use it the same way you use “good.” It’s another very enthusiastic adjective, so only use it if you’re describing something you really like a lot.
You could describe someone’s idea or performance as “terrific,” such as “I’m very happy with the results. She did a terrific job on this project.”
Keep in mind that “terrific” can also be used to describe something very bad depending on the noun it’s paired with. For example, you could also talk about a “terrific storm” or a “terrific explosion.”
Outstanding
“Outstanding” describes something that “stands out” or is noticeably better than the alternatives. An “outstanding” book is better than all the other books you’ve read recently, or an “outstanding” hotel is one of the nicest hotels you’ve ever stayed in. This adjective is appropriate to use in casual or formal conversations.
Note that “outstanding” can also mean “unpaid” depending on the situation. So if you have an “outstanding” bill, it means that you have a bill that needs to be paid, not a “very good” bill.
How do you know which meaning is being used? Context is super important for this. That’s why when you’re learning new words, you should try to learn them in sentences. You can also use immersion programs to see words in different scenarios. On FluentU, for example, you can search for specific words in the program’s library of authentic videos to see how they’re used by native English speakers.
Pleasant
“Pleasant” describes something that is enjoyable or likable. It can be used to describe people, places, or experiences. “Pleasant” is a little less strong than words like “outstanding,” “terrific” or “fantastic” and it can be a good word to use if something was nice, yet not the absolute best thing imaginable.
For example, you could say “We had a nice time at dinner. It was a very pleasant evening.”
Awesome
Technically, “awesome” describes something that inspires awe or wonder. Typically, however, “awesome” is used to describe people, experiences or places that are very good or impressive.
For example, you could say “I love your new watch. It looks awesome.” It’s an adjective that is particularly popular with younger people, and it’s not an expression that you would want to use in a formal or business situation.
Say goodbye to “good!” Now you have some awesome, terrific, wonderful synonyms to improve your English vocabulary way beyond the basics.
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)