30 fancy words that will make you sound smarter

Try: Bespoke. This fancy word sounds gorgeous to say out loud when describing anything from custom-made jewellery, a finely tailored suit cut to your exact measurements, or anything else that is being designed and produced just for you.

Try: Resplendent. The official definition from Merriam-Webster is “shining brilliantly: characterised by a glowing splendour.” This word is sure to make that special someone swoon when she’s all dressed up for a night on the town and you tell her she looks resplendent.

Here are 11 ways to improve your vocabulary in just one day.

Try: Erudite. This swap will make you sound smarter while describing yourself or someone else who is intelligent and knowledgeable. You can also work in erudition when a fancy noun is needed to do the job of discussing how cultured you are.

We know you can’t resist Gen Z slang words.

Try: Ennui. You’ve probably heard this word before, but maybe you never knew how to use it in everyday conversation. We’re about to rectify that! Use ennui when you want to have a fancier way to dress up your listlessness resulting from boredom or dissatisfaction. Last week, I was almost overcome by ennui.

Try: Diatribe, meaning a nasty (and usually lengthy) tirade, whether spoken or written. Are you prone to diatribes when you’re upset? They are the perfect excuse to use fancy words that the person you’re ranting at may not understand.

Here are 11 adjectives everyone should use more often.

Try: Vitriolic. The word vitriol originally referred to sulphates. It evolved over time but kept the “corrosive” and “destructive” connotations from its association with sulphuric acid. Now, it’s used to describe a nasty, scathing comment or action. Charlie wrote a vitriolic letter to the person who knocked down his mailbox.

Try: Pusillanimous. The Wizard of Oz himself uses this one, telling the Scarecrow that “every pusillanimous creature that crawls on earth or slinks through slimy seas has a brain!” Bonus: It’s a lot of fun to say. Who knew you could learn vocab from famous movie quotes?

Try: Bloviate to speak or write in a showy, grandiose way. You might be guilty of bloviating if you loudly boast about your achievements. You might also be guilty of bloviating if you fill your speech with fancy words to make yourself sound smarter.

Try: Rococo. The artistic style that ruled the early 18th century was fanciful and highly ornamented. The term for it is just as fancy – no, rococo – and has come to mean “excessively ornate.” Use it the next time you spot an elaborately designed piece of furniture or art.

Try: Aplomb, meaning total composure and self-assurance, particularly in a skill. If you lack confidence in the way you speak, using some of these vocabulary words skilfully will help you speak with great aplomb.