Synonyms for Common Words

Why Repetition Loses Marks

Lexical Resource specifically penalises "repetitive use of words or phrases." If you use the word "important" four times in an essay, you are signalling that you do not have access to a range of vocabulary. The fix is not to memorize a list blindly — it is to understand which synonym fits which context.

Important / Significant

crucial, vital, essential, critical, fundamental, key, paramount, significant, noteworthy, considerable

Context note: "Crucial" and "vital" suggest that something is necessary for survival or success. "Significant" is more neutral. "Paramount" is the strongest — use it sparingly.

People / Society

individuals, citizens, members of society, the general public, the population, residents, inhabitants, communities, households

Increase / Rise

surge, climb, escalate, expand, improve, advance, accelerate, strengthen, intensify

Decrease / Fall

diminish, reduce, decline, deteriorate, weaken, contract, shrink, lessen

Problem / Issue

challenge, concern, difficulty, dilemma, obstacle, drawback, complication, threat, crisis

Government / Authorities

policymakers, legislators, governing bodies, officials, administrations, regulatory bodies

Young People / Children

adolescents, teenagers, youth, the younger generation, minors, juveniles (in legal contexts)

Old People / Elderly

older adults, senior citizens, the ageing population, the elderly, retirees

Country / Nation

nation, state, society, economy (in economic contexts), community (in social contexts), region, territory

The Most Important Rule

Synonyms are not interchangeable in all contexts. "Issue" and "crisis" are not the same thing — one is neutral, one is severe. Always check whether your synonym fits the exact meaning you intend. A wrong synonym is worse than a repeated word.