Synonyms for This: 50 Better Words and Phrases to Use Instead

Common synonyms for this include the present, such, the following, the current, and the aforementioned. For sentences like “this shows,” you can use demonstrates, proves, reveals, or indicates. The best choice depends on what “this” points to in your sentence.

Maya read her essay out loud and stopped. The word “this” showed up nine times in one paragraph. It sounded like a song stuck on repeat, and her teacher would surely notice.

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter; it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

Then she changed one line. “This is important” became “This lesson matters,” and the whole paragraph felt fresh. Small swaps like that make writing smoother.

Why does this help? Students sound more polished in essays. Bloggers keep readers on the page. Content writers avoid dull, repeated phrases. Daily English users speak with more confidence.

“Never use a long word where a short one will do.” George Orwell

1. That

• Meaning: A simple word used to point to something farther away.
• Examples: That plan sounds much better than mine. She loved that idea from the start.

2. This Particular

• Meaning: Points to one exact thing and no other thing.
• Examples: This particular recipe never fails me at all. I chose this particular road for a reason.

3. The Present

• Meaning: Describes something happening or being talked about right now.
• Examples: The present plan needs a few small changes. We will fix the present problem today.

4. The Current

• Meaning: Refers to the one in use at this moment.
• Examples: The current price is lower than before. Please update the current version of the file.

5. Such

• Meaning: Points back to a thing or type already mentioned.
• Examples: Such problems are easy to fix with practice. I never expected such kindness from strangers.

6. The Following

• Meaning: Introduces the thing or list that comes next in writing.
• Examples: Please read the following steps before you start. The following rules apply to every player.

7. The Aforementioned

• Meaning: A formal phrase for something that was already mentioned earlier.
• Examples: The aforementioned report is ready for review. Please check the aforementioned link once more.

8. The Said

• Meaning: A legal style phrase for the thing named before.
• Examples: The said document must be signed today. He returned the said book last week.

9. The Latter

• Meaning: Points to the second one of two things just named.
• Examples: Tea or coffee? I prefer the latter. He offered cash or credit; I took the latter.

10. This Very

• Meaning: Adds strong focus to one exact thing or moment.
• Examples: This very room holds my happiest memories. I need the answer this very minute.

11. Here

• Meaning: Points to the place or point we are discussing now.
• Examples: Here is the key to our success. Here lies the real heart of the story.

12. These

• Meaning: The plural form used for more than one nearby thing.
• Examples: These books changed the way I think. Please send me these photos by noon.

13. It

• Meaning: A short word that replaces a thing already mentioned.
• Examples: It was the best meal of my week. I tried it once and loved it.

14. The Matter at Hand

• Meaning: Describes the topic or problem we are dealing with now.
• Examples: Let us focus on the matter at hand. Her notes were useful for the matter at hand.

15. This One

• Meaning: Points to one item that is close to you.
• Examples: I would pick this one over the others. This one fits better than the blue one.

16. The Given

• Meaning: Refers to something that has already been chosen or provided to us.
• Examples: Solve the problem using the given numbers. At the given time, everyone sat down quietly.

17. The Above

• Meaning: Points to something written earlier on the same page.
• Examples: Please follow the above steps in order. The above chart explains our sales growth.

18. This Kind Of

• Meaning: Points to a group of things that are alike.
• Examples: This kind of music helps me relax at night. I enjoy this kind of quiet weekend.

19. This Type Of

• Meaning: Another way to point to a certain style or group.
• Examples: This type of exercise is gentle on knees. We rarely see this type of weather here.

20. The Same

• Meaning: Describes something that matches the one we have already named.
• Examples: She gave me the same advice yesterday. We ordered the same dish again today.

21. Demonstrates

• Meaning: Shows something clearly, often with proof or an example.
• Examples: The chart demonstrates how fast sales are growing. Her smile demonstrates how happy she feels.

22. Proves

• Meaning: Shows that something is definitely true with solid facts.
• Examples: The test result proves our plan works well. His kindness proves he is a true friend.

23. Reveals

• Meaning: Lets people see something that was hidden or unknown before.
• Examples: The letter reveals a surprising family secret. Her face reveals how tired she feels.

24. Indicates

• Meaning: Points to a fact or sign without saying it fully.
• Examples: The map indicates a river near the camp. A red light indicates the battery is low.

25. Illustrates

• Meaning: Explains an idea clearly by using an example or picture.
• Examples: This story illustrates the value of honest work. The diagram illustrates how plants make food.

26. Highlights

• Meaning: Draws extra attention to an important point or detail.
• Examples: The report highlights three big problems in sales. She highlights key facts before every test.

27. Suggests

• Meaning: Gives a gentle hint that something may possibly be true.
• Examples: Her tone suggests she is not happy today. The data suggests people sleep better after walking.

28. Confirms

• Meaning: Makes it certain that something is true or correct.
• Examples: The email confirms our meeting at ten o’clock. This photo confirms he was at the park.

29. Signals

• Meaning: Gives a clear sign that something is coming or true.
• Examples: Dark clouds signal a storm is on the way. His yawn signals that he needs some rest.

30. Displays

• Meaning: Shows something openly so that everyone can see it.
• Examples: The shop displays fresh fruit near the door. She displays great patience with young children.

31. Exhibits

• Meaning: Shows a quality, skill, or behavior in plain view.
• Examples: The puppy exhibits lots of energy every morning. He exhibits real talent in every drawing.

32. Underscores

• Meaning: Stresses how important or true something really is to people.
• Examples: This failure underscores the need for better planning. Her speech underscores why kindness matters most.

33. Points To

• Meaning: Suggests that a certain cause or answer is likely.
• Examples: All the clues point to the butler. The numbers point to a bright year ahead.

34. Reflects

• Meaning: Shows the true nature or mood of a person or thing.
• Examples: Her art reflects the joy she feels inside. This menu reflects the culture of our town.

35. Establishes

• Meaning: Proves something beyond doubt so people can accept it.
• Examples: The video establishes who arrived at the door first. Her research establishes a clear link to sleep.

36. Makes Clear

• Meaning: Explains something so well that nobody feels confused.
• Examples: The teacher makes clear what we should study. His note makes clear he wants to help.

37. Brings Out

• Meaning: Helps a hidden quality or detail become easy to notice.
• Examples: Good lighting brings out the colors in paintings. Hard times bring out the best in people.

38. Speaks To

• Meaning: Clearly relates to or says something about a topic.
• Examples: This poem speaks to anyone who feels lonely. Her success speaks to years of hard work.

39. Implies

• Meaning: Suggests an idea without saying it in direct, plain words.
• Examples: His silence implies he does not agree. The sign implies that guests should remove shoes.

40. Verifies

• Meaning: Checks and confirms that something is correct or true.
• Examples: The guard verifies every ticket at the gate. A second test verifies the first result.

41. Shows Us

• Meaning: A friendly phrase for letting people see or learn something.
• Examples: The video shows us how to bake bread. Her journey shows us what courage looks like.

42. Bears Out

• Meaning: Supports an earlier claim by matching the facts later.
• Examples: The final results bear out our early guess. History bears out what the old farmer said.

43. Uncovers

• Meaning: Finds something that was hidden and makes it known.
• Examples: The survey uncovers a surprising habit among teens. She uncovers the truth after reading old letters.

44. Spotlights

• Meaning: Puts strong focus on one person, issue, or idea.
• Examples: The article spotlights young artists in our city. This event spotlights the work of local farmers.

45. Testifies To

• Meaning: Serves as strong proof or evidence of a true fact.
• Examples: Her trophies testify to years of daily practice. The old walls testify to the town’s history.

46. Conveys

• Meaning: Carries a message, feeling, or idea to another person.
• Examples: His letter conveys deep thanks and warm respect. The painting conveys a calm and peaceful mood.

47. Emphasizes

• Meaning: Gives special weight to a point so people notice it.
• Examples: The coach emphasizes teamwork in every practice. This rule emphasizes safety near the pool.

48. Marks

• Meaning: Shows an important point, moment, or change in a clear way.
• Examples: This day marks the start of something new. A small bell marks the end of class.

49. Underlines

• Meaning: Draws strong attention to a point so it stands out.
• Examples: The news underlines how much we need help. Her words underline the value of good friends.

50. Attests To

• Meaning: Gives formal proof that something is real or true.
• Examples: The signed paper attests to his honest work. Many reviews attest to the quality of food.

Before you move on, remember one simple rule of good writing.

“Vigorous writing is concise.” William Strunk Jr.

Synonyms for This Shows

When you write “this shows,” the reader often feels a flat, repeated beat. Try demonstrates for proof, reveals for hidden facts, or suggests for a gentle hint. Choose confirms when facts agree with each other. 

Each verb adds a clear shade of meaning. Pick the one that matches how sure you are, and your sentence will sound stronger right away.

Synonyms for This Is Important

Saying “this is important” again and again weakens your point. Swap it for this matters, this is vital, or this is essential in serious writing. In casual talk, this counts or this is a big deal sounds natural. 

Think about your audience first. A short, clear phrase often hits harder than a long, fancy one, so keep your wording honest and simple.

Synonyms for This Experience

An experience is something that happens to you and teaches you something. Instead of “this experience,” try this event, this episode, this adventure, or this ordeal if it was hard. For work, this assignment or this encounter may fit better. 

Match the word to the mood, so readers feel it too: adventure feels fun, ordeal feels painful, and episode feels neutral and short.

Synonyms for This Process

A process is a set of steps that lead to a result. Instead of “this process,” you can write this procedure, this method, this routine, or this workflow. Use procedure for official steps and workflow for teamwork tasks. 

Method works well when you explain how something is done. Pick a word that tells readers exactly how serious or flexible the steps are.

Synonyms for This Idea

An idea is a thought or plan in your mind. Instead of “this idea,” try this concept, this notion, this thought, or this proposal. Use concept for bigger, smarter thoughts and notion for a loose or light belief. 

Proposal works best when you offer a plan to others. These small swaps help your ideas sound clear, fresh, and confident in every paragraph.

People Also Ask: Quick Answers

What is a better word than this?

A better word than “this” is usually the exact noun you mean. Instead of “this is hard,” write this task is hard or this problem is hard. Naming the thing removes confusion and makes your sentence stronger. 

You can also use such, the current, or the present when you want a formal tone. Always ask yourself what “this” points to, then say it plainly.

What can I use instead of this?

In speaking, you can use that, it, or these in place of “this.” Use that for things farther away and these for more than one. In writing, add a noun after the word, like this plan or these results.

This tiny habit stops readers from wondering what you mean and keeps your message easy to follow. It also saves time when you edit.

What is another way to say this?

Another way to say “this” in formal writing is the aforementioned, the above, or the following. In essays, the present study or the current case sounds polished. For emails, this is polite and clear. 

Match your choice to your reader. If you write to a teacher or boss, formal words fit well. For friends, a simple word works just fine.

What’s a better word for this?

Often the better fix is a stronger verb, not a new pronoun. Replace “this is” with this feels, this seems, or this becomes to add feeling. Replace “this shows” with this proves or this reveals for punch. 

Reading your sentence aloud helps you spot weak spots. If it sounds dull, swap one word and read it again. Small edits make big changes.

Conclusion

Learning synonyms is one of the easiest ways to grow as a writer. Fresh words make your essays clearer, your blog posts livelier, and your speech more confident. When you stop repeating “this,” readers stay interested and understand you faster.

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” Ludwig Wittgenstein

Now put the list to work. Open your last email or essay and count how many times “this” appears. Replace three of them with words from this guide. 

Try demonstrating this concept in a report, this concept in a class note, or the following in an instruction. Small habits, repeated daily, build a rich vocabulary.

Be patient with yourself. Every writer starts with a small word list, and your list is already growing. Keep this guide nearby, practice a little each day, and soon these words will feel like your own.

“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” Stephen King

---