Name:

DEAD WORDS
“So avoid using the word ‘very’ because it’s lazy. A man is not very tired, he is exhausted. Don’t use
very sad, use morose. Language was invented for one reason, boys - to woo women - and, in that
endeavor, laziness will not do.” ― Mr. Keating, Dead Poets Society

Below are trite, or “dead”, words and a list of synonyms that can be used to enhance your writing.
Try replacing the words in bold with better alternatives to make your writing stand out.

GOOD BAD VERY SCARED

Splendid Deplorable Tremendously Petrified

Magnificent Crummy Exceedingly Fear-stricken
Exceptional Rotten Immensely Terrorized
Top-notch Abysmal Excessively Horrified
Superb Appalling Vastly Frightened
Remarkable Dreadful Supremely Alarmed
TIRED SAD PRETTY MAD

Fatigued Devastated Stunning Irate

Lethargic Sorrowful Gorgeous Enraged
Drained Dejected Breathtaking Furious
Drowsy Despondent Radiant Livid
Dog-tired Melancholy Alluring Fuming
Weary Crest-fallen Glamorous Indignant

INSTRUCTIONS: Find four vivid and interesting synonyms for each “dead” word. Use one of the synonyms in
a sentence. Example:

Suddenly: Unexpectedly, Instantaneously, Abruptly, Swiftly

The science experiment instantaneously exploded, slimy green goop slopping all over the gym floors.

1. Nice __________________ _____________________ _____________________ ________________________

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2. Said __________________ _____________________ _____________________ _________________________
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3. Laugh _________________ _____________________ _____________________ ________________________
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4. Cry __________________ _____________________ _____________________ _________________________
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5. Happy __________________ _____________________ _____________________ ________________________
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6. Embarrassed __________________ _____________________ ___________________ _____________________
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7. Fun ____________________ _______________________ _____________________ _______________________
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8. Excited ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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Dear Darling Teacher © 2019
9. Funny ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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10. Great ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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11. Run _______________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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12. Tons ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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13. Small _____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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14. Large ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ _________________________
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15. Hungry ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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16. Smart ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ _________________________
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17. Dumb ____________________ _____________________ ___________________ _________________________
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18. Hot ____________________ ______________________ _____________________ ________________________
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19. Cold ____________________ _____________________ _____________________ ________________________
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20. Walk ____________________ _____________________ _____________________ ________________________
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21. Shy ____________________ _____________________ ______________________ ________________________
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22. Loud ______________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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23. Smile _____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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24. Eat _____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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25. Dislike _____________________ _____________________ ___________________ ________________________
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Dear Darling Teacher © 2019