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Writing Tips: Synonyms for Good and Bad

The words “good” and “bad” express how we feel about something. However, they’re also overused, which means they can lack impact.

To make your writing more powerful, then, you might want to use some of the synonyms for “good” and “bad” from below.

Synonyms for “Good”

“Good” has many uses as a noun and an adjective. Here, we’ll focus on the adjectival uses, where its basic meaning is “desirable” or “of a high standard.”

Note, though, that the best alternative will depend on what you’re trying to say. Here’s a list of some common uses of “good” and suitable synonyms:

Definition

Example

Synonyms

Acceptable in quality or degree

We have a good sense of how to proceed.

adequate, fair, satisfactory, sufficient

High quality or desirable

Ghostbusters is a good film.

brilliant, excellent, great, outstanding, superb

Useful or beneficial

Regular exercise is good for your health.

advantageous, helpful, positive, valuable

Morally good or agreeable

A good person helps those in need.

admirable, decent, respectable, virtuous

Skilled or capable

He is a very good singer.

accomplished, proficient, skillful, talented

Pleasant or pleasing

That flower smells good.

delightful, enjoyable, nice, pleasurable, satisfying