Book-Lover.com

The Website for Book Lovers
Book Lover > Vocabulary Builder > Useful Words and Phrases





SIGNIFICANT PHRASES



Significant Impactful Phrases You Can Use to Enrich Your Writing

Here is a huge collection of what we call significant phrases, paired nouns, adjectives and adverbs, which together create an impactful and vivid image of the thought you want to convey. You can use these examples to spice up your creative writing or even in oral presentations, debates, and technical writing.

A

abashed and ashamed

abhorrence and repulsion

abilities and attainments

abject and hopeless

ably and vigorously

abrupt and perilous

absolute and eternal

absorbed and occupied

abstinence and self-denial

abstract and metaphysical

absurd and impertinent

abundant and sustained

abuse and slander

accentual and rhythmic

accidental and temporary

accomplished and popular

accurate and illuminating

achievement and character

acquisition and possession

active and aggressive

actual and immediate

acute and painful

admirable and accomplished

adorned and amplified

adroitness and judgment

adventurous and prodigal

advice and assistance

affable and courteous

affectation and coquetry

affectionate and warm-hearted

affluent and exuberant

affright and abhorrence

agencies and influences

ages and generations

aggrandizement and plunder

agreeable and ingenuous

aggressive and sullen

aghast and incredulous

agility and briskness

agitate and control

agony and despair

aids and auxiliaries

aim and purpose

airy and frivolous

alarm and uneasiness

alert and unsparing

all and sundry

allegiance and fidelity

alone and undistracted

alterations and additions

amazement and admiration

ambiguity and disagreement

ambition and determination

amiable and unpretending

ample and admirable

amusing and clever

analytical and critical

anarchy and chaos

ancient and venerable

anecdote and reminiscence

anger and fury

anguish and hopelessness

animated and effective

anomalies and absurdities

antagonism and opposition

antipathies and distastes

antiquated and obsolete

anxiety and trepidation

apathy and torpor

apologetic and uneasy

appalling and devastating

apparent and palpable

appearance and surroundings

apprehensive and anxious

appropriate and eloquent

approve and admire

apt and novel

archness and vivacity [archness = inappropriate playfulness]

ardent and aspiring

argument and inference

arid and unprofitable

arrangement and combination

arrogant and overbearing

artificial and elaborate

artistic and literary

artlessness and urbanity

ashamed and speechless

aspects and phases

aspiring and triumphal

assiduity and success

assimilated and combined

assuaged and pacified

astonished and curious

astound and perplex

athletic and nimble

atonement and forgiveness

atrocious and abominable

attacks and intrigues

attention and respect

attitudes and expressions

attractiveness and ability

audacity and skill

august and splendid

austere and icy

available and capable

avarice and cruelty

avidity and earnestness [avidity = desire; craving]

awake and active

awe and reverence

awkwardness and crudity

B

babel and confusion

backbone and sinew

baffled and disappointed

balanced and forceful

barbarity and wickedness

bards and sages

base and unworthy

beam and blaze

bearing and address

beautiful and majestic

bedraggled and disappointed

befogged and stupefied

beliefs and practises

bellowing and shouting

benevolence and candor

benign and hopeful

bent and disposition

benumbed and powerless

bewildered and stupefied

bigots and blockheads

billing and cooing

birth and breeding

bite and sting

bits and scraps

bitter and disdainful

black and solitary

bland and ingenious

blasphemous and profane

bleak and unrelenting

blend and harmonize

blessing and benediction

blind and unreasoning

blundering and plundering

blurred and confused

bluster and vulgarity

boast and assertion

bold and haughty

bombast and egotism

bone and sinew

boundless and unlimited

bourgeois and snobbish

brag and chatter

bravado and cowardice

brave and chivalrous

breathless and reverential

brevity and condensation

bribery and corruption

brief and pithy

bright and vivacious

brilliancy and grace

brisk and enlivening

broad and deep

brooding and solemn

brutal and degrading

bulks and masses

bungling and trifling

businesslike and practicable

bustle and business

C

cajoled and bullied

calamity and sorrow

callous and impervious

calmness and composure

calumny and exaggeration [calumny = maliciously lying to injure a reputation]

candor and kindness

cant and hypocrisy [cant = hypocritically pious language]

capable and efficient

capacity and ability

capricious and unreasonable

career and occupation

cares and anxieties

carping and ungenerous

casual and transient

causes and circumstances

cautious and reticent

celebrated and praised

celerity and violence [celerity = swiftness of action]

ceremony and splendor

certain and verifiable

chafe and exasperate

chagrin and despondency

chance and opportunity

change and variety

chaos and confusion

character and temperament

characteristic and complete

charges and insinuations

charm and perfection

chaste and refined

cheap and convenient

checked and thwarted

cheerfulness and gaiety

cherish and guard

chief and paramount

chilled and stiffened

choleric and sanguine [choleric = easily angered; bad-tempered] [sanguine = cheerfully confident; optimistic]

churlishness and violence [churlish = boorish or vulgar]

citation and allusion

civility and communicativeness

civilized and cultured

clamorous and wild

claptrap and platitude

clarity and straightforwardness

classical and perspicuous [perspicuous = easy to understand]

clatter and clang

clear and decisive

cleverness and acuteness

clogged and dulled

clumsy and smudgy

coarse and grotesque

coaxed and threatened

coexistent and correlative

cogent and conclusive

cohesion and sequence

cold and unemotional

comely and vivacious

comfort and security

command and threaten

common and familiar

commotion and annoyance

compact and complete

comparison and discrimination

compass and power

competent and experienced

complaints and imprecations [imprecation = a curse]

complaisance and readiness

complete and permanent

complex and various

composure and gracefulness

comprehensive and accurate

compression and pregnancy

conceal and deny

conceit and impertinence

conceived and consummated

concentrated and intensified

conception and treatment

concern and wonder

concise and emphatic

concrete and definite

condemned and upbraided

conditions and limitations

confession and doubt

confidence and loyalty

confusion and dismay

congratulations and welcomings

connection and interdependence

conquered and transformed

conquest and acquisition

consciously and purposely

consistent and harmonious

conspicuous and impressive

conspired and contrived

constant and intimate

constructive and vital

contemn and decry [contemn = despise]

contempt and indignation

contentment and serenity

continuous and undeviating

contorted and fantastic

contradictions and inconsistencies

contrast and comparison

contrivance and disguise

conventional and limited

cool and indifferent

copiousness and vivacity

cordial and cheerful

corruption and decay

costly and gorgeous

counselor and guide

countless and indescribable

courage and endurance

courted and feted

courteous and sympathetic

coveted and deserved

coy and furtive

cramped and distorted

creative and inventive

credulity and ignorance

creeds and dogmas

crime and misdemeanor

crippled and maimed

crises and struggles

crisp and sparkling

critical and skeptical

crowded and jostled

crowned and sceptered

crude and primitive

cruel and rapacious

crumbling and shapeless

crushed and bewildered

cultured and refined

cumbrous and diffuse [cumbrous = cumbersome]

cunning and cruelty

curious and inexpressible

curved and channeled

customs and manners

cynical and contemptuous

D

dangers and pitfalls

daring and resolute

dark and starless

dart and quiver

dashing and careless

dates and details

dazzled and confounded

debased and demoralized

debilitating and futile

decencies and restraints

deception and cruelty

decided and definite

declamation and delivery

decline and decay

deductions and inferences

deep and subtle

deface and injure

defame and tarnish

deference and concession

defiant and antagonistic

deficient and unskilled

definite and memorable

deft and offensive

degraded and dishonored

deliberate and effective

delicate and lambent [lambent = effortlessly brilliant]

delight and consolation

delusion and trickery

demands and expectations

demeanor and conduct

demoralizing and enfeebling

denial and defense

dense and luminous

denunciations and censures

deplorable and baneful

depravity and frivolity

depressing and discouraging

depth and richness

derision and skepticism

described and classified

desecration and decay

designs and activities

desires and motives

desolation and wretchedness

despatch and resolution

desperation and defiance

despise and satirize

despoiled and destroyed

despondency and melancholy

despotism and coercion

destitution and misery

desultory and slipshod [desultory = haphazardly; random]

detached and isolated

determined and courageous

detestable and intolerable

development and culture

devoted and unwavering

dictatorial and insolent

diction and pronunciation

differences and disputes

difficult and arduous

diffidence and constraint

diffuseness and warmth

dignified and austere

digressive and wanton

dilatory and hesitating [dilatory = postpone or delay]

diligent and sedulous [sedulous = persevering ]

dim and distant

din and traffic

directed and controlled

disagreeable and painful

disappointed and abashed

disapprobation and condemnation [approbation = warm approval; praise]

disapproval and apprehension

discipline and development

discomfiture and degradation

disconcerted and dismayed

discontent and disquiet

discords and differences

discouraging and distressing

discovery and invention

discretion and moderation

disdain and mockery

disfigured and shapeless

disgrace and ruin

disgust and dismay

dishonor and ruin

disillusioned and ironical

disintegration and decay

disinterested and gracious

disjointed and voluble [voluble = fluent]

dislike and disdain

dislocation and chaos

dismay and apprehension

dispirit and discourage

disposition and power

disquietude and uneasiness

dissolute and hateful

dissolve and disappear

distant and diverse

distended and distorted

distinctive and appropriate

distinguishing and differentiating

distress and humiliation

distrust and aversion

disturbed and anxious

diverging and contracting

docile and obedient

dogma and ritual

dominant and permanent

dormant and subdued

doubt and trepidation

dramatic and sensational

drastic and revolutionary

dread and terror

dreams and ambitions

dreariness and desolation

dregs and sediments

drill and discipline

driveling and childish

drollery and ridicule

drooping and disconsolate

dubious and dangerous

dull and spiritless

dumb and nerveless

dupe and victim

duplicity and equivocation

dust and oblivion

duties and difficulties

dwarfed and obscured

dwindle and disappear

E

eagerness and ecstasy

earnestness and animation

ease and lightness

ebb and flow

eclectic and assimilated

edifying and enchanting

education and skill

effective and competent

efficiency and success

egotism and bigotry

elaboration and display

elation and delight

elegance and gentility

elementary and simple

elevate and ennoble

eligibility and suitableness

elongated and narrow

eloquent and expressive

elusive and exquisite

embarrassed and concerned

embittered and despairing

embodiment and actualization

emerged and flowered

eminent and remarkable

emoluments and honors [emoluments = compensation]

emotion and passion

emphasize and magnify

employment and profession

encouragement and stimulus

energy and activity

enfeebled and exhausted

enfold and enwrap

engulfed and buried

enjoyment and satisfaction

enlightenment and progress

enraptured and amazed

enriched and ennobled

enslave and dominate

enterprising and intelligent

entertaining and diverting

enthusiasm and zeal

enticing and alluring

entire and complete

environment and training

envy and despair

ephemeral and feeble [ephemeral = markedly short-lived]

episodes and interludes

epithet and description

equality and solidarity

equity and justice

erratic and confused

errors and infirmities

essential and predominating

estimable and agreeable

eternal and sublime

ethical and religious

ever and anon

evident and manifest

exactitude and completeness

exaggerate and distort

exaltation and enthusiasm

examination and comparison

examples and models

exasperations and paroxysms [paroxysms = outbursts of emotion or action]

excellent and worthy

exceptional and remarkable

excessive and unreasonable

excitable and irritable

exclusive and limited

excusable and justifiable

execration and defiance [execration = curse]

exertion and excitement

exhaustion and fatigue

exhibition and display

exhilarating and beneficial

exigency and requirement [exigency = urgent situation]

expansive and digressive

expediency and utility

expensive and unprofitable

experience and skill

experiment and explorations

expert and vigorous

explanation and elucidation

explore and examine

expressions and exclamations

expressive and effective

exquisite and powerful

extent and importance

extraordinary and unexpected

extravagant and grotesque

extreme and morbid

exuberant and infectious

F

fabulous and fabricated

facile and brilliant

facts and traditions

faculties and powers

faded and withered

failures and misadventures

faint and obscure

fair and impartial

faith and reverence

fallacy and danger

false and fugitive

fame and fortune

familiar and gracious

famous and foremost

fancies and sentiments

fanciful and chimerical [chimerical = highly improbable]

fantastic and meretricious [meretricious = plausible but false]

fascination and awe

fashion and frivolity

fastidious and exacting

fatigued and careworn

faults and delusions

favors and kindnesses

fear and bewilderment

feasible and practical

feebleness and folly

feeling and passion

felicitous and exquisite

ferocious and mercenary

fertility and vigor

fervor and simplicity

feverishly and furiously

fickle and uncertain

fidelity and zeal

fierce and menacing

fiery and controversial

final and irreversible

finish and completeness

firm and decisive

first and foremost

fitful and capricious

fitting and appropriate

fixity and finality

flaming and mendacious [mendacious = lying; untruthful]

flare and flicker

flatness and insipidity

flattery and toadyism

flexible and spontaneous

flickering and ambiguous

flighty and impetuous

flippant and contemptuous

florid and healthy [florid = ornate; flowery]

flotsam and jetsam

flow and fullness

flowery and figurative

fluctuating and transitory

fluency and flippancy

fluttering and restless

focus and concentrate

fogs and complications

foibles and follies

foiled and defeated

folly and indecorum

fools and underlings

force and effectiveness

formal and cold

formidable and profound

formlessness and exaggeration

fortitude and perseverance

foul and ominous

fragile and pale

fragments and morsels

fragrance and beauty

frailties and absurdities

frank and genial

free and independent

frequent and poignant

freshness and fragrance

fretful and timorous

friend and benefactor

frigid and pompous

frivolous and empty

froth and effervescence

frustrated and confounded

fuddled and contradictory

full and sonorous

fumbling and blundering

fuming and bustling

fun and satire

function and aim

fundamental and necessary

furrowed and ragged

furtive and illusive

fury and madness

fussing and fuming

futile and untrustworthy

G

gaiety and grace

gallant and proud

galling and humiliating

gaunt and ghastly

gay and genial

general and universal

generosity and prodigality

generous and humane

genial and refreshing

genius and reputation

gentle and amiable

genuine and infectious

germ and root

gesticulation and emphasis [gesticulation = deliberate, vigorous motion or gesture]

ghastly and inconceivable

gifts and graces

gigantic and portentous

glamour and fascination

glare and pretension

glib and loquacious [loquacious = very talkative]

glitter and glamour

gloomy and morose

glorious and gorgeous

glowing and exaggerated

glum and grim

goodness and rectitude

goodwill and merriment

gorgeousness and splendor

gossiping and grumbling

govern and overrule

grace and dignity

gracious and generous

gradual and progressive

graft and dishonesty

grand and sublime

grandeur and massiveness

grandiose and oracular [oracular = solemnly prophetic; obscure]

graphic and gorgeous

gratification and enjoyment

gratitude and generosity

gratuitous and ungracious

grave and stately

graveyards and solitudes

greatness and stability

greed and covetousness

grief and remorse

grim and sullen

grimaces and gesticulations

grope and fumble

grossness and brutality

grotesque and monstrous

grouped and combined

growth and development

guesses and fancies

guidance and inspiration

gush and hysteria

gusto and effect

H

habits and humors

habitual and intuitive

hackneyed and tawdry

haggard and pale

handsome and amiable

haphazard and dangerous

happiness and pleasantness

harass and pursue

hard and unsparing

hardships and indignities

harmony and beauty

harsh and austere

hasty and unwarranted

hateful and loathsome

haughtiness and arrogance

hauteur and disdain [hauteur = arrogance]

hazard and peril

hazy and indefinite

headstrong and foolish

healthy and vigorous

hearth and shrine

heartless and hypocritical

heat and impatience

heaviness and weariness

hecklings and interruptions

hectic and pitiful

heretics and schismatics

heritage and privilege

heroism and wisdom

hesitation and irresolution

hideous and grotesque

high and conscientious

hilarity and mirth

hints and suggestions

history and tradition

hither and thither

hoarse and rumbling

hobbies and eccentricities

hollowness and unreality

holy and prayerful

homeliness and simplicity

honestly and confessedly

honors and emoluments [emoluments = compensation]

hooted and mobbed

hopes and prospects

horror and ghastliness

hospitality and magnificence

hubbub and confusion

huge and unwieldy

humane and sympathetic

humility and devoutness

humors and singularities

hurry and bustle

hushed and still

husks and phantoms

hypocrisy and impudence

I

ideas and achievements

idle and presumptuous

ignoble and shabby

ignominy and misfortune

ignorance and superstition

illiterate and unfit

ill-tempered and unjust

illuminative and suggestive

illustrative and typical

images and impressions

imagination and memory

imbitter and exasperate

imitators and disciples

immature and unpromising

immediate and instantaneous

immensity and intricacy

imminent and terrible

immovable and unchangeable

impalpable and spiritual

impassioned and energetic

impatient and restless

imperfection and fallibility

imperil and destroy

imperious and ruthless [imperious = arrogantly domineering]

impertinent and personal

impinging and inexorable

implacable and destructive

important and formidable

imposed and enforced

impossibilities and absurdities

impressible and plastic

improvement and progress

imprudent and thoughtless

impulse and indignation

inaccessible and audacious

inactive and supine

inadequate and misleading

inapplicable and alien

inarticulate and confused

inborn and native

incensed and alarmed

inchoate and tentative [inchoate = imperfectly formed]

incoherent and inconclusive

incompetence and ignorance

incomplete and erroneous

incongruity and absurdity

inconvenient and troublesome

incorrigible and irrepressible

incredulous and mortified

indefatigable and irresistible

indefinite and vague

independent and democratic

indifference and brevity

indigence and obscurity

indignation and chagrin

indirectly and unconsciously

indispensable and irreplaceable

indistinct and misty

indolence and indifference

indomitable and dogged

indorsed and applauded

indulge and cherish

industrious and vigilant

ineffective and bungling

inert and uncertain

inevitable and assured

inexhaustible and indomitable

inexperienced and timid

infallible and disdainful

inference and suggestion

infinite and eternal

inflexible and unchanging

influence and authority

informed and competent

ingenious and eloquent

ingratitude and cruelty

inharmonious and irregular

injustice and inhumanity

innocence and fidelity

innuendo and suggestion

inopportune and futile

insanely and blindly

inscrutable and perplexing

insecurity and precariousness

insensibly and graciously

insignificant and transitory

insincere and worthless

insipid and silly

insistent and incongruous

insolence and absurdity

inspiring and animating

instant and momentous

instinctive and rational

insulted and thwarted

intangible and indefinable

integral and indestructible

integrity and honor

intelligence and insight

intense and overpowering

intentness and interest

interesting and engrossing

intimate and familiar

intolerant and bumptious [bumptious = loudly assertive; pushy]

intractable and untameable

intricate and endless

intrusive and unmannerly

intuitive and axiomatic

invasion and aggression

invective and innuendo [invective = abusive language]

investigation and research

invidious and painful [invidious = rousing ill will, animosity]

inviolate and unscathed

invisible and silent

involuntary and automatic

irksome and distasteful

irrational and excessive

irregular and intermittent

irreligious and immoral

irremediable and eternal

irrepressible and insistent

irreverence and ingratitude

irritable and churlish [churlish = boorish or vulgar]

isolated and detached

J

jabber and chatter

jagged and multifarious

jargon and absurdity

jaundiced and jealous

jeer and scoff

jeopardy and instability

jests and sarcasms

jocular and vivacious

jostle and stumble

joy and felicity

jubilant and boastful

judgment and discretion

judicious and acute

juggled and manipulated

jumble and confuse

juncture and circumstance

jurisdiction and authority

justice and virtue

juvenile and budding

K

keen and pertinacious [pertinacious = stubbornly persistent]

kind and forbearing

kindle and intensify

kindred and analogous

kingly and autocratic

knavish and tyrannical

knowledge and conviction

known and recognized

L

labor and drudgery

lame and impotent

lamentable and depressing

languid and indifferent

large and opulent

lassitude and languor [languor = dreamy, lazy mood]

latent and lifeless

latitude and scope

laudable and deserving

laughable and grotesque

lavish and wasteful

lawlessness and violence

laxity and forbearance

laziness and profligacy

leafage and fruitage

learning and austerity

legends and traditions

legitimate and logical

leisure and tranquillity

lengthy and diffuse

lenient and sympathetic

lethargy and sloth

levity and gaiety

liberal and ample

liberty and freedom

license and laxity

likely and plausible

limited and abbreviated

listless and inert

literal and exact

literary and artistic

lithe and sinewy

lively and poignant

loathsome and abject

lofty and sonorous [sonorous = producing a full, rich sound; impressive speech]

logical and consistent

loquacity and exuberance [loquacity = very talkative.]

loss and deterioration

loud and passionate

loving and reverential

low and groveling

loyal and devoted

lucidity and vividness

lucky and propitious [propitious = auspicious, favorable; kindly]

lucrative and advantageous

ludicrous and detestable

lugubrious and unfortunate [lugubrious = dismal, gloomy]

lukewarm and indifferent

lull and silence

luminous and keen

lure and captivate

lurid and fiery

luscious and lasting

luster and resplendence

lusty and big-sounding

luxury and pomp

M

madness and folly

magical and secret

magnificent and luxurious

majestic and imposing

malice and revenge

malignity and spitefulness

manifold and complex

manly and powerful

manner and conduct

marvels and mysteries

massive and compact

masterly and convincing

materialistic and sordid

maternal and filial

maudlin and grotesque [maudlin = tearfully sentimental]

maxims and morals

meager and bare

mean and debasing

meaning and significance

means and materials

mechanical and monotonous

meddling and muddling

meditative and sympathetic

meek and manageable

melody and softness

memorable and glorious

menace and superciliousness [superciliousness = haughty disdain]

merciful and chivalrous

merciless and unpitying

merit and virtue

mighty and majestic

mild and virtuous

mince and temporize

minds and memories

minuteness and fidelity

mirth and joviality

misdemeanors and improprieties

misery and degradation

misrepresented and reviled

misty and indefinite

mobile and expressive

mockery and imposture

moderate and cautious

modes and methods

modest and retiring

molding and upbuilding

momentary and languid [languid = lacking energy; weak]

momentous and appalling

monopoly and injustice

monotony and indecorum

monstrous and insupportable

moody and brooding

moral and religious

morbid and irritable

motionless and commanding

motives and aims

mud and mire

muddled and incoherent

murmurs and reproaches

muscularity and morality

mutable and fleeting

mute and insensate

mutilated and disfigured

muttering and murmuring

mutual and friendly

mysterious and incomprehensible

mystic and wonderful

N

nagging and squabbling

nameless and obscure

narrow and timorous

natural and spontaneous

nauseous and disgusting

neatness and propriety

necessarily and essentially

needs and demands

nefarious and malevolent

negations and contradictions

neglect and evade

negotiate and bargain

nerve and fiber

neutral and colorless

nicety and precision

nimble and airy

noble and powerful

nodding and blinking

noisy and scurrilous [scurrilous = vulgar, coarse, abusive language]

nonsense and absurdity

nooks and corners

notable and conspicuous

noted and distinguished

noteworthy and intelligible

notoriety and prominence

nourish and foster

novelty and freshness

novice and ignoramus

nucleus and beginning

nugatory and ineffectual [nugatory = no importance; trifling]

nullify and destroy

number and variety

numerous and important

O

oaths and revilings

obdurate and impenitent [obdurate = hardened in wrongdoing ] [impenitent = without remorse for sins]

obedient and dutious

obeisance and submission

objectionable and inexpedient

obligation and dependence

obliquity and hypocrisy

oblivious and insensible

obloquy and detraction [obloquy = abusive language]

obnoxious and odious

obscure and enigmatical

obsequies and panegyrics [obsequies = funeral rite] [panegyrics = elaborate praise]

obsequious and conciliating [obsequious = servile compliance; fawning]

observations and reflections

obstacles and disasters

obstinate and stupid

obstreperous and noisy [obstreperous = stubbornly defiant]

obtrusive and vulgar

obtuse and imbecile

obvious and palpable

occasional and contingent

occult and hidden

occupations and habits

odd and dismal

odious and oppressive

offensive and aggressive

official and authoritative

oily and servile

old and decrepit

ominous and untrustworthy

omnivorous and sordid

oneness and unity

onerous and perplexing

open and inviting

opinions and hypotheses

opportunism and inconsistency

opposite and discordant

oppressed and sullen

optimistic and reassuring

opulence and magnitude

oracular and occult [oracular = solemnly prophetic; obscure]

order and uniformity

organic and rational

organization and system

origin and discovery

original and attractive

ornate and variegated

ostensible and explicit

ostentatiousness and gaiety

outlines and appearances

outrageous and scandalous

overburdened and confused

overcome and vanquish

overstep and contravene

overt and unmistakable

overwearied and outworn

overworked and fagged [fagged = worked to exhaustion]

P

pains and penalties

painstaking and cumbersome

pale and anxious

palpable and plain

paltry and inglorious

pampered and petted

parade and display

parched and dry

partial and provisional

particularly and individually

parties and sects

passion and prejudice

passive and indifferent

pastimes and diversions

patent and pertinent

pathos and terror

patience and perseverance

patriotism and reverence

pattern and exemplar [exemplar = worthy of imitation]

peaks and pinnacles

pedagogue and pedant [pedant = exhibits learning or scholarship ostentatiously]

pedantries and affectations

pedigree and genealogy

peevishness and spleen

pellucid and crystal [pellucid = transparently clear]

penetrating and insidious

penned and planned

peppery and impetuous

perception and recognition

peremptorily and irrevocably [peremptorily = not allowing contradiction]

perilous and shifting

permanent and unchangeable

permeate and purify

pernicious and malign

perplexity and confusion

persistent and reiterated

personal and specific

perspicuous and flowing [perspicuous = clearly expressed]

perturbed and restless

perverted and prejudicial

pessimistic and disenchanted

pestilence and famine

petted and indulged

pettiness and prudence

petulance and acrimony

pharisaical and bitter [pharisaical = hypocritically self-righteous and condemnatory]

pictorial and dramatic

picturesque and illustrative

pilgrim and crusader

pillage and demolish

piquant and palatable [piquant = agreeable pungent taste]

pith and brevity

pitiful and destitute

place and power

plagued and persecuted

plainness and severity

plaintive and mournful

plans and projects

plastic and ductile

plausibility and humbug

pleasant and pungent

pleasurable and wholesome

pliant and submissive

plot and verisimilitude

plunder and sacrilege

poetical and pastoral

pointless and ineffective

polite and elegant

political and sociological

pomp and pageantry

ponderous and unwieldy

poor and barren

possession and dominion

potent and prevailing

power and luxury

praise and commend

precedence and usage

precision and efficiency

preference and prejudice

pregnant and suggestive

prejudice and predilection [predilection = preference]

presence and address

present and tangible

prestige and authority

presumptuous and futile

pretentious and inept

pretty and enchanting

pride and indignation

primary and essential

priority and predominance

probity and candor [probity = integrity; uprightness]

prodigal and careless

profile and outline

profound and philosophical

profuse and tearful

prolix and tedious [prolix = prolonged; wordy]

prominence and importance

promise and performance

promptitude and dispatch

proneness and readiness

pronounced and diversified

proof and illustration

propensity and desire

proportion and consistency

propriety and delicacy

prostration and loss

protection and safety

protesting and repelling

protracted and fruitless

provincialism and vulgarity

prudent and sagacious [sagacious = keenly discerning]

puerile and sickly [puerile = immature; childish]

puffy and dissipated

puissant and vigorous [puissant = with power, might]

punctilious and severe [punctilious = precise; scrupulous]

purity and simplicity

purpose and intention

pusillanimous and petty [pusillanimous = cowardly]

puzzled and affected

Q

quackery and incompetence

quaintness and oddity

qualities and gifts

quarrel and wrangle

queer and affected

querulous and plaintive [querulous = complaining; peevish]

quibble and fabricate

quickness and agility

quiet and unobtrusive

quintessential and nuclear [quintessential = perfect example]

quips and cranks

quirks and graces

quivering and fearful

quizzical and whimsical

R

racked and oppressed

racy and incisive

rage and apprehension

rank and learning

rant and gush

rapacity and villainy [rapacity = plundering]

rapidity and precision

rapt and silent

rapture and enthusiasm

rare and exquisite

rashness and heedlessness

ready and spontaneous

real and positive

realistic and effective

reasonable and practical

rebellion and disloyalty

rebuffs and anxieties

receptive and responsive

recognized and honored

recoil and reaction

reconciliation and peace

recondite and abstruse [recondite = concealed; hidden] [abstruse = difficult to understand]

reconnoiter and explore

recreation and amusement

rectitude and delicacy

redeeming and transforming

refined and dignified

refreshing and invigorating

regard and esteem

regret and remorse

regular and symmetrical

rejection and scorn

reliable and trustworthy

relief and redress [redress = set right; remedy]

remarkable and interesting

remorseful and sullen

remote and distant

rend and devastate

repellent and ungracious

repetition and reiteration

repress and silence

repugnance and aversion

repulsive and loathsome

resentment and indignation

reserve and coyness

resistless and implacable

resolution and effort

resonant and tuneful

resourceful and unscrupulous

respected and obeyed

responsibilities and burdens

restive and bored

restless and impatient

retaliation and revenge

reticence and repose

revered and cherished

reverses and disasters

revised and corrected

revolution and sedition [sedition = insurrection; rebellion]

rhapsodies and panegyrics [panegyrics = elaborate praise]

richness and fertility

ridicule and censure

right and praiseworthy

rigid and inexpressive

ripeness and plenitude

rivals and antagonists

roar and ring

robust and rugged

rococo and affected [rococo = elaborate ornamentation]

romantic and pathetic

rough and barren

roundabout and complicated

roused and stimulated

rude and fiery

rugged and inaccessible

rumors and impressions

rushing and gurgling

rust and disuse

S

sad and melancholy

sagacity and virtue [sagacity = farsighted; wise]

sane and simple

sarcastic and cruel

sayings and quibbles

scant and incidental

scattered and desultory [desultory = haphazard; random]

scenes and associations

scholastic and erudite [erudite = learned]

scientific and exact

scintillating and brilliant

scoffing and unbelief

scope and significance

scorched and shriveled

scorn and loathing

scrupulous and anxious

scrutiny and investigation

searching and irresistible

seared and scorched

secondary and subsidiary

secretive and furtive

sedate and serious

selfish and overbearing

sensational and trivial

senseless and unreasoning

sensibilities and emotions

sensitive and capricious

sententious and tiresome [sententious = pompous moralizing; terse and energetic]

sentiment and passion

serene and quiet

serious and studious

severe and saturnine [saturnine = melancholy or sullen]

shabbiness and vulgarity

shadowy and confused

shame and mortification

shams and hypocrisies

shaped and sculptured

sharp and vigorous

shelter and safeguard

shifts and compromises

shivering and chattering

shocked and astonished

short and precarious

shreds and tatters

shrewd and diligent

shrill and piercing

shrinking and nervous

shy and subdued

significant and sinister

signs and tokens

silence and obscurity

similarities and resemblances

simple and straightforward

simpletons and nincompoops

sincerity and frankness

sinewy and active

skill and coolness

skulk and shirk

sleek and languid [languid = lacking energy or vitality; weak]

slight and precarious

slipshod and untidy

slothfulness and perversity

slow and sluggish

slumbering and unsuspected

small and hampered

smirched and tarnished

smoothness and artifice

sneering and sentimental

soberly and truthfully

softness and effeminacy

solemn and dramatic

solitary and idle

solitude and depression

sonorous and musical

sons and scions [scions = descendant or heir]

soporific and sodden [soporific = inducing sleep]

sordid and stupid

sorrow and lamentation

soulless and mindless

sovereign and independent

spacious and lofty

sparkling and spontaneous

spasmodic and hysterical

speedy and inevitable

spicy and pungent

spiritual and invisible

spiteful and sordid

splash and dash

splendor and glory

spontaneity and intensity

sportive and playful

sprightly and vigorous

spur and impulse

spurious and misleading

squalid and dismal [squalid = wretched, dirty, repulsive]

stare and gasp

stately and ponderous

statesmanship and character

staunch and influential

stay and solace

steadfast and resolute

steadily and patiently

stealthy and hostile

stern and unbending

stiff and cumbersome

stifling and venomous

still and translucent

stimulating and wholesome

stings and stimulants

stir and tumult

stolid and soulless

strain and struggle

strange and incomprehensible

stratagems and plots

strenuous and energetic

strictly and absolutely

strife and contention

striking and picturesque

strong and youthful

structure and organization

struggles and misgivings

studied and artificial

stunned and insensible

stupor and despair

sturdy and manly

style and temperament

suave and winning

sublime and aspiring

submission and patience

subordinate and dependent

substance and basis

subtle and elusive

suddenness and vehemence

suffering and desperation

suffused and transfigured

suggestions and stimulations

sullen and fierce

summarize and epitomize

sumptuous and aromatic

sunshine and smiles

superb and showy

supercilious and obstinate [supercilious = haughty disdain]

superficial and obvious

superfluous and impertinent

suppressed and restrained

surmises and suggestions

surprise and wonder

susceptibility and vulnerability

suspense and excitement

suspicion and innuendo [innuendo = indirect derogatory implication]

sustained and measured

sweet and wholesome

swelled and bloated

swift and stealthy

swoop and range

symbolism and imagery

sympathetic and consoling

T

taciturn and laconic [taciturn = untalkative] [laconic = terse]

tactful and conciliatory

talkative and effusive

tame and insipid

tangible and sufficient

tangled and shapeless

tardy and belated

tartness and contradiction

taste and elegance

tattle and babble

taunt and reproach

tawdry and penurious [tawdry = gaudy, cheap] [penurious = stingy]

tears and lamentations

tedious and trivial

temperament and taste

temperately and judiciously

tempest and violence

temporal and evanescent [evanescent = vanishing like vapor]

tenacity and coherence

tender and emotional

tense and straining

tentative and experimental

terrible and satanical

testiness and crabbedness

thankfulness and acknowledgment

theories and speculations

thorough and effective

threatening and formidable

thriftless and unenterprising

thrilling and vitalizing

ties and associations

time and opportunity

timid and vacillating

tiresome and laborious

tolerant and kindly

tone and treatment

topics and instances

tormented and tantalized

tortuous and twisted

tottering and hopeless

touched and thrilled

tractable and gracious

traditions and practises

training and temperament

tranquillity and benevolence

transfuse and irradiate

transitory and temporary

transparent and comprehensible

treacherous and cowardly

tremble and oscillate

trenchant and straightforward [trenchant = effective, and vigorous]

trials and tribulations

tricks and stratagems

trifling and doubtful

trite and commonplace

trivial and ridiculous

troublous and menacing

truisms and trivialities

trust and confidence

truth and righteousness

turbid and noise some

turgid and bombastic [turgid = excessively complex] [bombastic = pompous]

turmoil and shouting

twisted and perverted

type and forerunner

tyrant and oppressor

U

unaccountable and grotesque

unaffected and undaunted

unapproached and unapproachable

unassuming and unpretending

unchangeable and enduring

unconsciously and innocently

uncouth and barbarous

unctuous and irresistible [trenchant = insincere earnestness]

undeveloped and ignorant

undignified and futile

uneasiness and apprehension

uneducated and inexperienced

unfamiliar and distant

unfettered and vigorous

unforced and unchecked

unfortunate and unparalleled

unfounded and incredible

ungracious and reluctant

unhappiness and discomfort

unique and original

unity and completeness

unjust and ungrateful

unlimited and absolute

unnatural and harmful

unobserved and unsuspected

unobtrusive and tactful

unparalleled and inexhaustible

unpleasant and bewildering

unpopular and unimpressive

unprecedented and objectionable

unpremeditated and heartfelt

unpromising and scanty

unprotected and friendless

unreal and unsubstantial

unreasoning and uncompromising

unrecognized and unrewarded

unseemly and insufferable

unseen and unsuspected

unsmiling and critical

unswerving and unfaltering

unthinking and careless

untutored and infantine

unusual and unexpected

unuttered and unutterable

unwholesome and vile

upright and credible

uproar and confusion

upstart and braggart

urbanity and unction [unction = exaggerated earnestness]

utter and disastrous

V

vacillation and uncertainty

vague and indistinct

vain and profitless

validity and value

vanities and vices

vapory and chaotic

varied and animated

varnish and falsehood

vassals and inferiors

vast and superlative

vehement and clamorous

veiled and unreadable

venality and corruption

venerable and interesting

veracity and fidelity

verbally and literally

versatility and sympathy

vexation and anxiety

vibrating and sonorous

views and experiences

vigilant and inflexible

vigorous and graphic

violent and ill-balanced

virtuous and wise

virulence and invective [invective = abusive language]

visible and apparent

visionary and obscure

vistas and backgrounds

vital and vigorous

vitiate and poison [vitiate = reduce the value]

vituperation and abuse [vituperation = abusive language]

vivacious and agreeable

vivid and varied

void and nothingness

volatile and fiery

volubly and exuberantly [volubly = ready flow of speech]

volume and impetus

voluminous and varied

voluntarily and habitually

vulgar and artificial

W

wandering and erratic

wanton and unnecessary

war and revelry

warp and woof [warp = lengthwise threads] [woof = crosswise threads]

wasteful and circuitous

waxing and waning

weak and perfidious

wealth and distinction

wearisome and dull

weighed and winnowed

weighty and dominant

weird and fantastic

wheezing and puffing

whims and inconsistencies

wholesome and beautiful

wholly and solely

wicked and malicious

widened and amplified

wild and irregular

wily and observant

winking and blinking

winning and unforced

wise and beneficent

wistful and dreamy

wit and jocularity [jocularity = given to joking]

withered and wan

woe and lamentation

wonder and delight

work and utility

worldly and ambitious

worth and excellence

wrath and menace

wretched and suppliant

Y

yearning and eagerness

yielding and obedience

yoke and bondage

young and fragile

youthful and callow [callow = immature]

Z

zeal and vehemence

zenith and climax

zest and freshness

zigzag and deviating



PHRASES
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

See also these useful collections of phrases, similes and word groups:

  • Prepositional Phrases - Sets of paired adjectives that together add up to more than the sum of their parts.

  • Significant Phrases - aired nouns, adjectives and adverbs, which together create an impactful and vivid image of the thought you want to convey.

  • Public Speaking Sample Phrases - huge collection of examples and phrases are designed to make your oral presentations and debates more impactful and clear.

  • Business Phrases - These phrases will help you say what you mean with emphasis and let you stand out from the usual corporate memo and report.

  • Conversational Phrases - parts of sentences that you can use as building blocks for larger conversations.

  • Striking Similes - similes and figures of speech that you can use to make your writing more emphatic and vivid.

  • Literary Expressions - a vast collection of literary phrases, allusions and similes that you can use to spice up your writing and make it more impactful and noteworthy.

  • Impressive Phrases - These phrases and groups of related adjectives are meant to make an impact on the reader or listener.

  • Felicitous Phrases - Groupings of three words that fit perfectly together and use repetition to create emphasis and striking imagery.







Heptameron
The Heptameron: The Very Naughty Book By Margueritte de Navarre

Princess Belle Etoile
The Beautiful Illustrations of a Dark Fairy Tale

WW1 Poster
World War One Propaganda Posters



Charles Dickens Mistress
A Victorian Scandal: Charles Dickens and The Actress

Art of Albrecht Durer
The Art of Albrecht Durer