The word good has a simple meaning. If something is positive or favorable, we associate it with being good. However, good has various meanings, from flawless, to adequate, to the lesser of two evils. Using synonyms for good can add depth to a mundane word.
Aspiring writers should pay attention to how often they use good in their writing. It is one of the most commonly overused words. Overusing any word can hurt a text. Additionally, good is a weak and featureless word that does not add much value. Another word for good can help improve writing.
Are There Better Synonyms for Good?
There are always stronger synonyms for good. It is an adjective that sees a lot of use throughout the day, from good mornings and nights, to good lucks and jobs, to good deeds and to-gos. Adding variation to a word that is heavily relied on is a quick way to punch up your writing.
English is ripe with similar words that have equivalent meanings. This list is not complete: there are many good synonyms English that are interchangeable. Aspiring writers should be conscious of repetition and look for metonyms to enhance their work.
Consider these synonyms for good:
Synonyms for Good With Examples
Able
The ability or opportunity to do something; skillful or proficient.
Example:
The diver was good to jump out of the helicopter at a moment’s notice.
The diver was able to jump out of the helicopter at a moment’s notice.
Acceptable
Suitable, tolerated, allowed.
Example:
That tie will not be good for a formal dinner.
That tie will not be acceptable for a formal dinner.
Adequate
Acceptable, sufficient, satisfactory.
Example:
The room has good amenities for a budget hotel.
The room has adequate amenities for a budget hotel.
Advantageous
Favorable circumstances that provide benefit or advantage.
Example:
The team is in a good position at the end of the period.
The team is in an advantageous position at the end of the period.
Appropriate
Suitable for or pertinent.
Example:
Composting is a good topic for a gardening magazine.
Compositing is an appropriate topic for a gardening magazine.
Beneficial
Favorable, resulting in a positive.
Example:
There are a lot of good outcomes from regular exercise.
There are a lot of beneficial outcomes from regular exercise.
Big
Of considerable size or importance.
Example:
This play is a good event to put on my resume.
This play is a big event to put on my resume.
Convenient
Fitting, easy, of little to no difficulty.
Example:
It was good the bucket was stored close to where the leak started.
It was convenient the bucket was stored close to where the leak started.
Decent
Acceptable or respectable.
Example:
That was a good first try at riding a bicycle.
That was a decent first try at riding a bicycle.
Desirable
Wanted, wished for, desired.
Example:
That is a good car- how much does it cost?
That is a desirable car- how much does it cost?
Efficient
Competent and practical (with minimal waste or effort).
Example:
A calculator is good at solving complex math problems.
A calculator is efficient at solving complex math problems.
Excellent
Remarkable, marvelous, outstanding.
Example:
Little Timmy did a good job on his writing test.
Little Timmy did an excellent job on his writing test.
Exceptional
Unusual and unique, remarkable.
Example:
A propane grill gives the steak a good flavor.
A propane grill gives the steak an exceptional flavor.
Favorable
Approving, beneficial, advantageous.
Example:
The hiring manager had a good opinion of him.
The hiring manager had a favorable opinion of him.
Flawless
Without any blemishes, without flaw, perfect.
Example:
Nancy looked around to ensure nothing was missed- the room was good.
Nancy looked around to ensure nothing was missed- the room was flawless.
Friendly
Warm, kind, not harmful.
Example:
Our new neighbors seem good.
Our new neighbors seem friendly.
Fruitful
Productive, useful; Producing beneficial results.
Example:
Sarah’s trip to the library had been good.
Sarah’s trip to the library had been fruitful.
Great
Above average; beyond normal abilities, qualities, or expectations.
Example:
The choir gave a good performance.
The choir gave a great performance.
Healthy
In good health.
Example:
John looked good despite having fainted a few moments ago.
John looked healthy despite having fainted a few moments ago.
Helpful
Useful, providing aid or assistance.
Example:
It is good to carry cash in case debit cards don’t work.
It is helpful to carry cash in case debit cards don’t work.
Honest
Truthful and sincere.
Example:
He’s a good man and would never tell a lie.
He’s an honest man and would never tell a lie.
Large
Big, grand; of a wide range.
Example:
Take a step back and take a good look around.
Take a step back and take a large look around.
Legitimate
Conform to rules, laws, or customs.
Example:
Paul had a good reason for being late- he had a flat tire.
Paul had a legitimate reason for being late- he had a flat tire.
Long
A great distance or period.
Example:
She took a good look at the canyon.
She took a long look at the canyon.
Marvelous
Extremely good, extraordinary, or outstanding.
Example:
That bag looks good when complemented with that dress.
That bag looks marvelous when complemented with that dress.
Normal
Standard, usual, expected.
Example:
Everything Linda said sounded good to me.
Everything Linda said sounded normal to me.
Perfect
Without fault or defect.
Example:
“That poem was good,” her mother smiled.
“That poem was perfect,” her mother smiled.
Positive
Optimistic, beneficial, helpful.
Example:
Writing every day has a lot of good outcomes.
Writing every day has a lot of positive outcomes.
Profitable
Useful or beneficial; of financial gain.
Example:
Working with the garage at the end of town will be a good business venture.
Working with the garage at the end of town will be a profitable business venture.
Proper
Suitable or appropriate.
Example:
You can’t leave the country without a good farewell party!
You can’t leave the country without a proper farewell party!
Reliable
Consistently dependable; trustworthy.
Example:
Quincy was always on time for practice and was a reliable team player.
Quincy was always on time for practice and was a good team player.
Respectable
Proper, reputable, honorable.
Example:
Cindy’s father is a good lawyer.
Cindy’s father is a respectable lawyer.
Safe
Protected or shielded; cautious or timid.
Example:
This is a good place to set up a tent for the night.
This is a safe place to set up a tent for the night.
Satisfactory
Adequate or acceptable, but out outstanding.
Example:
Huck was rushed, but he did a good job painting the fence.
Huck was rushed, but he did a satisfactory job painting the fence.
Satisfying
Fulfilling, rewarding, or enjoyable.
Example:
Washing her car every weekend was a good experience.
Washing her car every weekend was a satisfying experience.
Solid
Firm, rigid, or sound.
Example:
That ledge looks like a good place to dive in.
That ledge looks like a solid place to dive in.
Sound
In good condition; Reliable or grounded; secure.
Example:
That is a good piece of advice to give to an expecting mother.
That is a sound piece of advice to give to an expecting mother.
Stable
Firm, solid, or secure.
Example:
This ground is good enough to set up the camera.
This ground is stable enough to set up the camera.
Sterling
Exceptional, first-rate, or valuable.
Example:
That organization has a good reputation for its work with wildlife.
That organization has a sterling reputation for its work with wildlife.
Sufficient
Adequate or enough.
Example:
The bandits had good supplies to outlast the King’s men.
The bandits had sufficient supplies to outlast the King’s men.
Suitable
Appropriate or apt for.
Example:
There were no good candidates to invite to the gala.
There were no suitable candidates to invite to the gala.
Super
Very good.
Example:
Thank you for shopping with us- have a good day.
Thank you for shopping with us- have a super day.
Superb
Impressive, excellent.
Example:
The actor gave a good performance.
The actor gave a superb performance.
Talented
Having natural skill or ability.
Example:
Larry was a good basketball player.
Larry was a talented basketball player.
True
Accurate or authentic; loyal or devoted.
Example:
Samwise was a good friend to Frodo.
Samwise was a true friend to Frodo.
Useful
Functional and practical.
Example:
It is good to keep a spare phone charger in the glovebox.
It is useful to keep a spare phone charger in the glovebox.
Valid
Reasonable or officially accepted.
Example:
The boy gave his parents a good reason for coming home late.
The boy gave his parents a valid reason for coming home late.
Valuable
Precious, extremely important, worthy.
Example:
A heavy coat is good to have in the middle of winter.
A heavy coat is valuable to have in the middle of winter.
Wonderful
Inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration.
Example:
“There is a good shop in that part of town you must visit,” John replied.
“There is a wonderful shop in that part of town you must visit,” John replied.
Worthwhile
Valuable or essential; worth time, effort, or value.
Example:
Learning another language is a good investment.
Learning another language is a worthwhile investment.
Why Using Synonyms for Good Matters
Good has a range of meanings, from barely acceptable to amazingly extraordinary, and everything in-between. It is a weak and uninspiring word that can lead to weak and uninspired writing. A dull text leads to a bored and uninterested reader.
Consider the following example:
“That snack was good,” he commented.
This simple dialogue conveys a simple message: the speaker approves of the meal they consumed. However, there is no other information to take away from this line and no real way for a reader to gauge how good it was. Synonyms for good create subtext for a reader to engage.
Consider these upgraded examples:
“That snack was healthy,” he commented.
“That snack was acceptable,” he commented.
“That snack was perfect,” he commented.
More specific words in place of good can add depth to a text. There is more context provided to engross readers and keep them interested. Overusing any word in a piece of writing can also create repetition and bore readers. Take a look at a piece of writing- if everything is good, and people are feeling good, and having good experiences, consider synonyms for said to add some variety. It was used three times in the previous sentence and did not convey anything.
Wordcraft is vital in writing, but a deeper lexicon can help beyond the page. A rich vocabulary helps with expression. Introducing new terms could improve your communication and verbalization skills, even if you are not looking to write in poetic verse.
Aspiring writers should take time to select their words- they are the most valuable commodity in the writing world. Commonplace terms and uninspiring phrases will reflect in any piece of text. Most importantly, they will not hold the interest of readers. Substituting synonyms for good can be an excellent starting point to understanding common and overused words and making a replacement to expand your vocabulary and improve your writing.
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