20 Words to Instantly Improve Your Vocabulary

Does using complex words make you sound smarter? According to a study by the education platform Preply, the answer is yes - but only if you know how to use them. On the flip side, some believe that people who use big words are insecure, pretentious, or do so to try and sound smarter than they really are. Regardless of what side of the lexical fence you fall on, here are 20 words you can use to make you sound smarter, according to Americans.

1. Abysmal

This adjective means extremely poor or bad. It can also describe something that is immeasurably low or wretched, offering a dramatic way to discuss something dismal.

2. Accolade

A noun that signifies a mark of acknowledgment, like an award or an expression of praise. Use it when commending someone’s exceptional efforts.

3. Adept

As an adjective, it describes being thoroughly proficient or an expert. When used as a noun, it refers to a highly skilled individual. This word is perfect when acknowledging someone’s skills or expertise.

4. Adequate

This adjective means sufficient or good enough for a specific need or requirement, often implying just meeting a standard.

5. Adulation

A noun that stands for extreme or excessive admiration or flattery. It’s a stronger alternative to praise, useful in discussing fans’ reactions to celebrities or idols.

6. Ambiguous

This adjective describes something doubtful or uncertain, especially from being unclear or having multiple possible interpretations.

7. Anomaly

A noun that means something different, abnormal, or not easily classified. Use this when something stands out from the norm.

8. Articulate

As an adjective, it describes someone capable of expressing themselves clearly and effectively. As a verb, it means to express thoughts and ideas clearly.

9. Aesthetic

Relating to beauty or the appreciation of beauty. As a noun, it can also refer to a set of principles underlying the work of a particular artist or artistic movement.

10. Brevity

A noun meaning shortness of duration or conciseness of expression. It’s especially useful in writing or speaking about effective communication.

11. Candor

This noun means being frank, open, honest, and sincere in expression - a trait admired in personal and professional contexts.

12. Caveat

A noun meaning a warning or caution. It’s typically used to advise caution or to point out specific stipulations, exceptions, or limitations.

13. Exacerbate

A verb meaning to make a situation worse or more severe. It’s often used in discussions about conflict or illness.

14. Fastidious

An adjective used to describe someone very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. It can convey a sense of meticulousness or sometimes, excessive particularity.

15. Juxtapose

A verb that means to place two or more things together, especially in order to suggest a link between them or emphasize the contrast.

16. Misnomer

A noun that refers to an incorrect or unsuitable name or term for something or someone, highlighting a kind of error in naming.

17. Quintessential

This adjective describes the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. When used as a noun, it refers to the most typical representation or purest example of something.

18. Repertoire

A noun used to describe a set of skills, or types of behavior that a person habitually uses. It’s a great way to discuss someone’s skills or prepared pieces in performance arts.

19. Vacillate

A verb that means to alternate or waver between different opinions or actions, indicative of indecision.

20. Vernacular

Relating to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region. As a noun, it refers to everyday language, in contrast to more formal language.

Using these words wisely can not only make you sound smarter, but can also help you express your thoughts more clearly. Just remember, the key to sounding smarter isn’t just knowing these words, but understanding what they mean and knowing how to use them correctly.

References: Words that make you sound smarter, according to Americans | Merriam-Webster Dictionary