Descriptive Words
Words that let a reader see, hear and feel the thing.
Description fails when it is general. These words pin down texture, light, sound and movement, so a sentence shows a scene instead of summarising it.
21 words
rugged
adjective
Sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring.
“with a house full of boys you have to have rugged furniture”
coarse
adjective
Of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles.
“coarse meal”
fragrant
adjective
Pleasant-smelling.
tangled
adjective
In a confused mass.
“pushed back her tangled hair”
bumpy
adjective
Causing or characterized by jolts and irregular movements.
“a rough ride”
shiny
adjective
Having a shiny surface or coating.
“glazed fabrics”
hollow
noun
A cavity or space in something.
“hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks”
rough
adjective
Having or caused by an irregular surface.
“trees with rough bark”
smooth
adjective
Having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities.
“smooth skin”
wiry
adjective
Of or relating to wire.
crystalline
adjective
Consisting of or containing or of the nature of crystals.
“granite is crystalline”
brittle
noun
Caramelized sugar cooled in thin sheets.
glossy
noun
A magazine printed on good quality paper.
crisp
noun
A thin crisp slice of potato fried in deep fat.
husky
noun
Breed of heavy-coated Arctic sled dog.
sprawling
noun
An ungainly posture with arms and legs spread about.
plush
noun
A fabric with a nap that is longer and softer than velvet.
sleek
verb
Make slick or smooth.
damp
verb
Deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping.
gleaming
noun
A flash of light (especially reflected light).
soft
adjective
Yielding readily to pressure or weight.