When it comes to creative writing, your choice of words can make or break a piece. But what exactly is “ambitious vocabulary” and why does it matter so much?
Using a wide range of sophisticated words not only makes your writing interesting and engaging, but it shows examiners you can express complex ideas with precision. This helps you stand out and unlocks top marks.
In this guide, we’ll explain what ambitious vocabulary means, why it’s so important for creative writing and how you can expand your vocabulary.
Whether you or your child are preparing for 11 Plus, GCSE or A Level English exams, adding flair to a short story or just improving your writing, we’ve got you covered. You’ll also find a list of 100 high-level words and their definitions to help you build a powerful and dynamic word bank.
In this article:
What is ambitious vocabulary in creative writing?
Ambitious vocabulary refers to the use of complex, descriptive and interesting words in your writing. It’s all about selecting words that convey precise meanings and add depth to your stories – going beyond basic, everyday language. This kind of vocabulary makes your writing more engaging, helping readers immerse themselves in the world you’re creating.
If you’ve ever read a book and been wowed by how the author describes a scene or a character, chances are they’ve used ambitious vocabulary. These words create atmosphere, highlight emotions and paint pictures in readers’ minds.
As a result, teachers and exam boards (those marking 11 Plus, GCSE, AS and A Level papers), look for a range of vocabulary in your work. If you can show a confident grasp of language by using sophisticated words, it pushes up your marks.
In short, a well-chosen word turns a simple sentence into something vivid and memorable, which is exactly what teachers want to see.
How do you have an ambitious vocabulary?
Developing an ambitious vocabulary is something that will not only elevate your creative writing, but help you express yourself in all aspects of life. Expanding your word choices takes practice, but it’s more than achievable (and can be fun too!).
Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help boost your vocabulary.
- Read, read, read: One of the best ways to learn new words is reading a variety of materials. This could be novels, non-fiction, poetry, newspapers… the list goes on. Exposure to different styles naturally introduces new vocabulary.
- Use a thesaurus: When you find yourself using the same word repeatedly, look it up in a thesaurus (google is fine too!) and explore alternative options. But be careful. Always choose words that fit the tone and context of your writing.
- Learn new words daily: Set yourself a goal to learn a new word every day. Apps can help, but jotting down unfamiliar words can work wonders. Have a go at creating a “word a day” list. As the weeks, months and years go on, see how many words you remember.
- Keep a word journal: Wherever you come across them, note new words you like and their definitions. Practice using them in sentences or creative writing. The more you use a word, the more naturally it’ll come to you.
- Play word games: Games like Scrabble, crosswords or word searches can be a fun way to reinforce ambitious vocabulary. Even TV quiz shows (like University Challenge) can help build your vocabulary and general knowledge, especially if you look a few things up each time.
- Context is key: Having said the above, remember that fancy words are one thing, but knowing when to use them is another. Always make sure your word choices fit with the sentence and the tone of your story. Get this right, and you’ll improve your creative writing in no time.
As well as ambitious vocabulary, don’t overlook the importance of grammar in your stories. Check out our guides to subordinate clauses, fronted adverbials and “SPaG” to improve your sentence structure.
Ambitious Vocabulary: 100 Examples and Definitions
Here’s where we dive into it. Below, you’ll find ambitious vocabulary words and their definitions, split into various categories. By the end, you’ll have 100 examples to inspire your next creative writing piece.
What are some ambitious vocabulary words?
As we’ve seen, ambitious vocabulary doesn’t just mean “fancy” words. It’s about picking the perfect words that add power to your writing. Why not try…
- Effervescent – lively, enthusiastic
- Auspicious – indicating future success
- Ineffable – too great or extreme to be expressed in words
- Ephemeral – lasting a very short time
- Labyrinthine – intricate and confusing
- Pernicious – having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual way
- Sycophantic – behaving or done in an overly flattering way
- Taciturn – reserved, saying little
- Lustrous – a gentle sheen or soft glow
- Nefarious – wicked or criminal
What are high-level vocabulary words?
These words take your writing up a notch, often used in formal or academic writing. But they can add flair to your creative pieces too. Here are a few ideas.
- Obfuscate – to confuse or obscure
- Epistolary – related to letters or letter writing
- Soporific – tending to induce sleep
- Diaphanous – light, delicate and translucent
- Perfunctory – carried out with minimal effort or reflection
- Altruistic – selfless concern for the well-being of others
- Impecunious – having little or no money
- Quintessential – representing the most perfect example
- Cacophony – a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
- Ubiquitous – present, appearing, or found everywhere
What are twenty tricky words in English?
English is full of tricky words that even native speakers stumble over. These words often feature challenging spellings or obscure pronunciations, so they’re great to practise with!
Here are twenty examples.
- Quixotic – idealistic but impractical
- Recondite – difficult to understand
- Obsequious – overly obedient or attentive
- Inchoate – just begun, not fully formed
- Vicissitude – a change of circumstances or fortune
- Anachronistic – belonging to a period other than the one portrayed
- Ebullient – cheerful and full of energy
- Recalcitrant – having an obstinately uncooperative attitude
- Ignominious – deserving or causing public disgrace
- Perspicacious – having a ready understanding of things
- Soliloquy – an act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself
- Verisimilitude – the appearance of being true or real
- Mellifluous – pleasingly smooth and musical to hear
- Supercilious – behaving as though superior to others
- Bucolic – relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside
- Lugubrious – looking or sounding sad and dismal
- Phlegmatic – calm, unemotional
- Surreptitious – kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of
- Benevolent – well-meaning and kindly
- Cognisant – having knowledge or being aware
What are rich vocabulary words?
Rich vocabulary refers to words that are colourful, expressive and add a certain texture to your writing. They’re those lovely phrases that create an unforgettable atmosphere, whether it’s someone’s emotions, their surroundings or the natural world.
Here are some rich vocabulary words to inspire your writing.
- Incandescent – glowing, emitting light
- Voracious – having a strong desire for something, usually food
- Ethereal – extremely delicate and light, too perfect for this world
- Zealous – showing great energy or enthusiasm
- Capricious – given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood
- Obstinate – stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion
- Furtive – attempting to avoid notice or attention
- Opulent – richly luxurious or lavish
- Vindictive – having or showing a strong desire for revenge
- Stentorian – loud and powerful in sound
What are some strong vocabulary words?
Strong vocabulary words are those that convey clear and bold meanings. They add weight to your writing and make your point stand out. Here are some examples.
- Tenacious – persistent, determined
- Indomitable – impossible to subdue or defeat
- Intransigent – unwilling or refusing to change one’s views
- Magnanimous – generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival
- Intrepid – fearless, adventurous
- Vigilant – keeping careful watch for possible danger
- Resolute – admirably purposeful and determined
- Pugnacious – eager or quick to argue or fight
- Steadfast – firmly loyal, unwavering
- Audacious – showing a willingness to take bold risks
What are ten unfamiliar words?
There are loads of words that aren’t commonly used in everyday language. This makes them all the more powerful in creative writing. Just make sure you’re using them in the correct context!
Here are ten words you won’t see too often.
- Abjure – to renounce or turn away from
- Abscond – to leave hurriedly and secretly
- Frisson – a sudden strong feeling of excitement or fear
- Quiddity – the inherent nature or essence of someone or something
- Sesquipedalian – characterised by long words; long-winded
- Serendipity – happy or beneficial things happening by chance
- Risible – provoking laughter
- Tessellate – to decorate or cover a surface with repeated patterns
- Vellichor – the strange wistfulness of used bookstores
- Luculent – clear or easy to understand
What are some mystic words?
Mystic words add an air of mystery, magic or the unknown to your writing. These words often evoke a sense of wonder or otherworldliness. For instance:
- Arcane – understood by few; mysterious or secret
- Occult – relating to mystical, supernatural, or magical powers
- Seraphic – characteristic of or resembling an angel
- Esoteric – intended for or likely to be understood by a small group
- Eldritch – strange or eerie, often used in ghost stories
- Chthonic – relating to the underworld
- Numinous – having a strong religious or spiritual quality
- Preternatural – beyond what is normal or natural
- Runic – having a secret or mysterious meaning
- Empyrean – relating to the highest part of heaven or the sky
What’s bombastic vocabulary?
Bombastic words are big, grandiose words used to impress. But they can sometimes come off as overblown. So be careful! Used sparingly, however, they can add flair and dramatic emphasis to your creative writing.
Here are some of our favourites.
- Grandiloquent – pompous or extravagant in language
- Munificence – the quality of being very generous
- Intoxicating – exhilarating or exciting
- Panegyric – a public speech or text in praise of someone
- Peremptory – insisting on immediate attention or obedience
- Aplomb – self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation
- Fawning – excessively flattering
- Bombastic – high-sounding but with little meaning
- Imperturbable – unable to be upset or excited; calm
- Flamboyant – tending to attract attention because of exuberance or confidence
What’s a rare word for beautiful?
If you want to avoid overused adjectives like “beautiful” or “pretty” (yawn!), there are loads of more specific words that might work even better, depending on the context.
Why not consider…
- Pulchritudinous – physically beautiful
- Resplendent – attractive and impressive, especially through rich colour
- Ravishing – delightful, sensual, entrancing
- Sublime – of such excellence or beauty as to inspire admiration or awe
- Iridescent – luminous colours that change from different angles
- Exquisite – extremely beautiful and delicate
- Beauteous – poetic term for beautiful
- Arresting – striking or eye-catching
- Divine – of, from, or like God; exceptionally good
- Luminous – bright or shining, especially in the dark
And like that, we’ve made it to 100 ambitious vocabulary words! Why not use some of the words we’ve featured in this blog to elevate your next story?
Remember, impressive vocabulary isn’t just about using complex words. It’s about picking the perfect word to express your ideas – using the right word in the right place, at the right time. So keep reading, learning and practising, and soon ambitious vocabulary will come naturally.
Does your child need help with their English skills?
At Achieve Learning, we understand that mastering English skills can unlock a world of opportunity. Whether it’s preparing for 11 Plus, GCSE or SATs, or simply wanting to boost reading confidence, our expert tutors are here to guide you. Get in touch today to discover how we can support your child’s learning journey.
