A Synonym for Very Guide – Definition, Antonyms, and Examples

There are two main uses for “very.” As an adverb, it describes the extent or degree of something. As an adjective, “very” emphasizes a specific thing or person. Finding a synonym for very can be challenging because of the variations in its meanings.

This guide will teach you to find synonyms for the adverb form of the word “very.”

Definition of the Word “Very”

According to the English dictionary, the adverb form of “very” implies that something is of a greater degree than usual. 

Sentence Examples:

• Instead of saying “good,” try saying “very good.”
• The Tough Mudder was very challenging.
• He was very sleepy. He had been awake for nearly 72 hours.
• I’m very thrilled you could make it to my party. 

Synonyms for Very – Exploring Words with Similar Meanings

The main idea behind the word “very” is that it should imply that something is of a great extent. The following similar terms do not only meet this criterion, but they also have their specific use cases. Let’s delve deeper by using the adverbs below.

Extremely

The word “extremely” connotes an intensity of the highest degree. It is a general word that is applicable in most contexts. The other examples are better alternatives depending on the context they relate.

For example:

• You were extremely brave to face your fears.
• The North and South Poles are extremely cold.

Deeply

The word “deeply” is also used to describe that something is of a greater degree, but it mainly relates to emotions and thoughts. (i.e., the depth of thoughts and feelings.)

For example:

• The passage in the book deeply troubled him.
• He was deeply immersed in his imagination.

Particularly

This adverb is different from “very” and “deeply” in that it refers to a specific detail in something.

It also refers to a particular degree. The word “Particularly” draws emphasis toward an exact thing or detail. (In a sentence, it is often followed by the thing or person it specifies.)

For example:

• I particularly like the way the walls were painted.
• Jason was particularly skilled in basketball.

Remarkably

The word “remarkably” implies something worthy of notice and praise. It usually connotes something positive.

For example:

• His maneuvers were remarkably precise. 
• The stones were remarkably hot.

Antonyms – Exploring Words with Opposite Meanings

Remember that the main idea behind the adverb “very” is that it implies that something is of a greater extent or degree. Therefore, words that indicate something typical or usual can serve as antonyms. Here are some examples.

Commonly

This adverb implies that something is of common or usual quality or occurrence. Something familiar doesn’t stand out. 

For example:

• Sneezing without covering your mouth is commonly disliked.
• A memo is commonly released to convey a company-wide message.

Unremarkably

This adverb describes that something is unworthy of praise and attention. It usually relates something in contrast to a standard. To say that something is unremarkable connotes that it is ordinary and boring.

For example:

• His food is unremarkably bland.
• It was his unremarkably handsome face that ultimately convinced her.

Takeaway

The English language can be complex sometimes. This is one of those instances. Describing the word “very” can be challenging. But the general rule is that we need to focus on a word’s meaning to determine its best application.