30 Advanced Essay Words to Improve Your

Grades


 Posted byby Learn English Every Day
 September 13, 2023
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Use these advanced essay words to improve your essays and sound more persuasive in
writing.

In this guide, you’ll find 30 advanced essay words to use in academic writing. Advanced English
words are great for making academic writing more impressive and persuasive, which has the
potential to wow teachers and professors, and even improve your grades.

30 Advanced Essay Words

1. Ubiquitous
o Definition: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
o Example: The smartphone has become ubiquitous in modern society.
o Replaces: Common, widespread, prevalent.
2. Eloquent
o Definition: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
o Example: Her eloquent speech captivated the audience.
o Replaces: Well-spoken, articulate.
3. Mitigate
o Definition: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
o Example: Planting more trees can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
o Replaces: Alleviate, lessen, reduce.
4. Conversely
o Definition: In contrast or opposite to what was previously mentioned.
o Example: Some believe in climate change; conversely, others deny its existence.
o Replaces: On the other hand, in opposition.
5. Ostensible
o Definition: Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.
o Example: His ostensible reason for the delay was a traffic jam.
o Replaces: Apparent, seeming, supposed.
6. Myriad
o Definition: A countless or extremely great number.
o Example: The internet offers a myriad of resources for research.
o Replaces: Countless, numerous.
7. Superfluous
 o Definition: Exceeding what is necessary or required.
o Example: His lengthy introduction was filled with superfluous details.
o Replaces: Excessive, redundant.
8. Precipitate
o Definition: To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
o Example: The economic crisis precipitated widespread unemployment.
o Replaces: Trigger, prompt.
9. Ineffable
o Definition: Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.
o Example: The beauty of the sunset over the ocean was ineffable.
o Replaces: Indescribable, inexpressible.
10. Cognizant
o Definition: Having knowledge or awareness of something.
o Example: She was cognizant of the risks involved in the project.
o Replaces: Aware, conscious.
11. Pertinent
o Definition: Relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
o Example: Please provide only pertinent information in your report.
o Replaces: Relevant, related.
12. Meticulous
o Definition: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
o Example: The researcher conducted a meticulous analysis of the data.
o Replaces: Thorough, careful.
13. Efficacious
o Definition: Capable of producing the desired result or effect.
o Example: The medication has proved to be efficacious in treating the disease.
o Replaces: Effective, successful.
14. Aforementioned
o Definition: Mentioned earlier in the text or conversation.
o Example: The aforementioned study provides valuable insights.
o Replaces: Previously mentioned, previously discussed.
15. Exacerbate
o Definition: To make a problem, situation, or condition worse.
o Example: His criticism only served to exacerbate the conflict.
o Replaces: Worsen, intensify.
16. Ubiquity
o Definition: The state or capacity of being everywhere, especially at the same time.
o Example: The ubiquity of social media has changed how we communicate.
o Replaces: Omnipresence, pervasiveness.
17. Invariably
o Definition: In every case or on every occasion; always.
o Example: The professor’s lectures are invariably informative.
o Replaces: Always, consistently.
18. Epitomize
o Definition: To be a perfect example or representation of something.
 o Example: The city’s skyline epitomizes modern architecture.
o Replaces: Symbolize, represent.
19. Cacophony
o Definition: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
o Example: The cacophony of car horns during rush hour was deafening.
o Replaces: Discord, noise.
20. Sycophant
o Definition: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain
advantage.
o Example: He surrounded himself with sycophants who praised his every move.
o Replaces: Flatterer, yes-man.
21. Obfuscate
o Definition: To render unclear, obscure, or unintelligible.
o Example: The politician attempted to obfuscate the details of the scandal.
o Replaces: Confuse, obscure.
22. Sagacious
o Definition: Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
o Example: Her sagacious advice guided the team to success.
o Replaces: Wise, insightful.
23. Redundant
o Definition: Not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous.
o Example: His repeated explanations were redundant and added no value.
o Replaces: Unnecessary, surplus.
24. Intransigent
o Definition: Unwilling or refusing to change one’s views or to agree about something.
o Example: The intransigent negotiators couldn’t reach a compromise.
o Replaces: Unyielding, stubborn.
25. Ostentatious
o Definition: Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract
notice.
o Example: The mansion’s ostentatious decorations were overwhelming.
o Replaces: Showy, extravagant.
26. Proclivity
o Definition: A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or
predisposition.
o Example: She had a proclivity for taking risks in her business ventures.
o Replaces: Tendency, inclination.
27. Enigmatic
o Definition: Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
o Example: The artist’s enigmatic paintings left viewers puzzled.
o Replaces: Mysterious, cryptic.
28. Pernicious
o Definition: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
o Example: The pernicious influence of gossip can damage reputations.
o Replaces: Harmful, destructive.
29. Resplendent
 o Definition: Shining with great brightness.
o Example: The bride looked resplendent in her wedding gown.
o Replaces: Radiant, splendid.
30. Sanguine
o Definition: Optimistic, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
o Example: Despite the setbacks, he remained sanguine.
o Replaces: Optimistic, hopeful.

Using these advanced words in your essays can elevate your writing, making it more precise,
engaging, and impactful.

As you work on your essays, consider the nuanced meanings and applications of these advanced
words, and use them judiciously to enhance the quality of your academic writing.