SIGNIFICANT PHRASES
Here is a huge collection of what we call significant phrases, paired nouns, adjectives and adverbs, which together create an impactful and vivid image of the thought you want to convey. You can use these examples to spice up your creative writing or even in oral presentations, debates, and technical writing.
A
abashed and ashamed
abhorrence and repulsion
abilities and attainments
abject and hopeless
ably and vigorously
abrupt and perilous
absolute and eternal
absorbed and occupied
abstinence and self-denial
abstract and metaphysical
absurd and impertinent
abundant and sustained
abuse and slander
accentual and rhythmic
accidental and temporary
accomplished and popular
accurate and illuminating
achievement and character
acquisition and possession
active and aggressive
actual and immediate
acute and painful
admirable and accomplished
adorned and amplified
adroitness and judgment
adventurous and prodigal
advice and assistance
affable and courteous
affectation and coquetry
affectionate and warm-hearted
affluent and exuberant
affright and abhorrence
agencies and influences
ages and generations
aggrandizement and plunder
agreeable and ingenuous
aggressive and sullen
aghast and incredulous
agility and briskness
agitate and control
agony and despair
aids and auxiliaries
aim and purpose
airy and frivolous
alarm and uneasiness
alert and unsparing
all and sundry
allegiance and fidelity
alone and undistracted
alterations and additions
amazement and admiration
ambiguity and disagreement
ambition and determination
amiable and unpretending
ample and admirable
amusing and clever
analytical and critical
anarchy and chaos
ancient and venerable
anecdote and reminiscence
anger and fury
anguish and hopelessness
animated and effective
anomalies and absurdities
antagonism and opposition
antipathies and distastes
antiquated and obsolete
anxiety and trepidation
apathy and torpor
apologetic and uneasy
appalling and devastating
apparent and palpable
appearance and surroundings
apprehensive and anxious
appropriate and eloquent
approve and admire
apt and novel
archness and vivacity [archness = inappropriate playfulness]
ardent and aspiring
argument and inference
arid and unprofitable
arrangement and combination
arrogant and overbearing
artificial and elaborate
artistic and literary
artlessness and urbanity
ashamed and speechless
aspects and phases
aspiring and triumphal
assiduity and success
assimilated and combined
assuaged and pacified
astonished and curious
astound and perplex
athletic and nimble
atonement and forgiveness
atrocious and abominable
attacks and intrigues
attention and respect
attitudes and expressions
attractiveness and ability
audacity and skill
august and splendid
austere and icy
available and capable
avarice and cruelty
avidity and earnestness [avidity = desire; craving]
awake and active
awe and reverence
awkwardness and crudity
B
babel and confusion
backbone and sinew
baffled and disappointed
balanced and forceful
barbarity and wickedness
bards and sages
base and unworthy
beam and blaze
bearing and address
beautiful and majestic
bedraggled and disappointed
befogged and stupefied
beliefs and practises
bellowing and shouting
benevolence and candor
benign and hopeful
bent and disposition
benumbed and powerless
bewildered and stupefied
bigots and blockheads
billing and cooing
birth and breeding
bite and sting
bits and scraps
bitter and disdainful
black and solitary
bland and ingenious
blasphemous and profane
bleak and unrelenting
blend and harmonize
blessing and benediction
blind and unreasoning
blundering and plundering
blurred and confused
bluster and vulgarity
boast and assertion
bold and haughty
bombast and egotism
bone and sinew
boundless and unlimited
bourgeois and snobbish
brag and chatter
bravado and cowardice
brave and chivalrous
breathless and reverential
brevity and condensation
bribery and corruption
brief and pithy
bright and vivacious
brilliancy and grace
brisk and enlivening
broad and deep
brooding and solemn
brutal and degrading
bulks and masses
bungling and trifling
businesslike and practicable
bustle and business
C
cajoled and bullied
calamity and sorrow
callous and impervious
calmness and composure
calumny and exaggeration [calumny = maliciously lying to injure a reputation]
candor and kindness
cant and hypocrisy [cant = hypocritically pious language]
capable and efficient
capacity and ability
capricious and unreasonable
career and occupation
cares and anxieties
carping and ungenerous
casual and transient
causes and circumstances
cautious and reticent
celebrated and praised
celerity and violence [celerity = swiftness of action]
ceremony and splendor
certain and verifiable
chafe and exasperate
chagrin and despondency
chance and opportunity
change and variety
chaos and confusion
character and temperament
characteristic and complete
charges and insinuations
charm and perfection
chaste and refined
cheap and convenient
checked and thwarted
cheerfulness and gaiety
cherish and guard
chief and paramount
chilled and stiffened
choleric and sanguine [choleric = easily angered; bad-tempered] [sanguine = cheerfully confident; optimistic]
churlishness and violence [churlish = boorish or vulgar]
citation and allusion
civility and communicativeness
civilized and cultured
clamorous and wild
claptrap and platitude
clarity and straightforwardness
classical and perspicuous [perspicuous = easy to understand]
clatter and clang
clear and decisive
cleverness and acuteness
clogged and dulled
clumsy and smudgy
coarse and grotesque
coaxed and threatened
coexistent and correlative
cogent and conclusive
cohesion and sequence
cold and unemotional
comely and vivacious
comfort and security
command and threaten
common and familiar
commotion and annoyance
compact and complete
comparison and discrimination
compass and power
competent and experienced
complaints and imprecations [imprecation = a curse]
complaisance and readiness
complete and permanent
complex and various
composure and gracefulness
comprehensive and accurate
compression and pregnancy
conceal and deny
conceit and impertinence
conceived and consummated
concentrated and intensified
conception and treatment
concern and wonder
concise and emphatic
concrete and definite
condemned and upbraided
conditions and limitations
confession and doubt
confidence and loyalty
confusion and dismay
congratulations and welcomings
connection and interdependence
conquered and transformed
conquest and acquisition
consciously and purposely
consistent and harmonious
conspicuous and impressive
conspired and contrived
constant and intimate
constructive and vital
contemn and decry [contemn = despise]
contempt and indignation
contentment and serenity
continuous and undeviating
contorted and fantastic
contradictions and inconsistencies
contrast and comparison
contrivance and disguise
conventional and limited
cool and indifferent
copiousness and vivacity
cordial and cheerful
corruption and decay
costly and gorgeous
counselor and guide
countless and indescribable
courage and endurance
courted and feted
courteous and sympathetic
coveted and deserved
coy and furtive
cramped and distorted
creative and inventive
credulity and ignorance
creeds and dogmas
crime and misdemeanor
crippled and maimed
crises and struggles
crisp and sparkling
critical and skeptical
crowded and jostled
crowned and sceptered
crude and primitive
cruel and rapacious
crumbling and shapeless
crushed and bewildered
cultured and refined
cumbrous and diffuse [cumbrous = cumbersome]
cunning and cruelty
curious and inexpressible
curved and channeled
customs and manners
cynical and contemptuous
D
dangers and pitfalls
daring and resolute
dark and starless
dart and quiver
dashing and careless
dates and details
dazzled and confounded
debased and demoralized
debilitating and futile
decencies and restraints
deception and cruelty
decided and definite
declamation and delivery
decline and decay
deductions and inferences
deep and subtle
deface and injure
defame and tarnish
deference and concession
defiant and antagonistic
deficient and unskilled
definite and memorable
deft and offensive
degraded and dishonored
deliberate and effective
delicate and lambent [lambent = effortlessly brilliant]
delight and consolation
delusion and trickery
demands and expectations
demeanor and conduct
demoralizing and enfeebling
denial and defense
dense and luminous
denunciations and censures
deplorable and baneful
depravity and frivolity
depressing and discouraging
depth and richness
derision and skepticism
described and classified
desecration and decay
designs and activities
desires and motives
desolation and wretchedness
despatch and resolution
desperation and defiance
despise and satirize
despoiled and destroyed
despondency and melancholy
despotism and coercion
destitution and misery
desultory and slipshod [desultory = haphazardly; random]
detached and isolated
determined and courageous
detestable and intolerable
development and culture
devoted and unwavering
dictatorial and insolent
diction and pronunciation
differences and disputes
difficult and arduous
diffidence and constraint
diffuseness and warmth
dignified and austere
digressive and wanton
dilatory and hesitating [dilatory = postpone or delay]
diligent and sedulous [sedulous = persevering ]
dim and distant
din and traffic
directed and controlled
disagreeable and painful
disappointed and abashed
disapprobation and condemnation [approbation = warm approval; praise]
disapproval and apprehension
discipline and development
discomfiture and degradation
disconcerted and dismayed
discontent and disquiet
discords and differences
discouraging and distressing
discovery and invention
discretion and moderation
disdain and mockery
disfigured and shapeless
disgrace and ruin
disgust and dismay
dishonor and ruin
disillusioned and ironical
disintegration and decay
disinterested and gracious
disjointed and voluble [voluble = fluent]
dislike and disdain
dislocation and chaos
dismay and apprehension
dispirit and discourage
disposition and power
disquietude and uneasiness
dissolute and hateful
dissolve and disappear
distant and diverse
distended and distorted
distinctive and appropriate
distinguishing and differentiating
distress and humiliation
distrust and aversion
disturbed and anxious
diverging and contracting
docile and obedient
dogma and ritual
dominant and permanent
dormant and subdued
doubt and trepidation
dramatic and sensational
drastic and revolutionary
dread and terror
dreams and ambitions
dreariness and desolation
dregs and sediments
drill and discipline
driveling and childish
drollery and ridicule
drooping and disconsolate
dubious and dangerous
dull and spiritless
dumb and nerveless
dupe and victim
duplicity and equivocation
dust and oblivion
duties and difficulties
dwarfed and obscured
dwindle and disappear
E
eagerness and ecstasy
earnestness and animation
ease and lightness
ebb and flow
eclectic and assimilated
edifying and enchanting
education and skill
effective and competent
efficiency and success
egotism and bigotry
elaboration and display
elation and delight
elegance and gentility
elementary and simple
elevate and ennoble
eligibility and suitableness
elongated and narrow
eloquent and expressive
elusive and exquisite
embarrassed and concerned
embittered and despairing
embodiment and actualization
emerged and flowered
eminent and remarkable
emoluments and honors [emoluments = compensation]
emotion and passion
emphasize and magnify
employment and profession
encouragement and stimulus
energy and activity
enfeebled and exhausted
enfold and enwrap
engulfed and buried
enjoyment and satisfaction
enlightenment and progress
enraptured and amazed
enriched and ennobled
enslave and dominate
enterprising and intelligent
entertaining and diverting
enthusiasm and zeal
enticing and alluring
entire and complete
environment and training
envy and despair
ephemeral and feeble [ephemeral = markedly short-lived]
episodes and interludes
epithet and description
equality and solidarity
equity and justice
erratic and confused
errors and infirmities
essential and predominating
estimable and agreeable
eternal and sublime
ethical and religious
ever and anon
evident and manifest
exactitude and completeness
exaggerate and distort
exaltation and enthusiasm
examination and comparison
examples and models
exasperations and paroxysms [paroxysms = outbursts of emotion or action]
excellent and worthy
exceptional and remarkable
excessive and unreasonable
excitable and irritable
exclusive and limited
excusable and justifiable
execration and defiance [execration = curse]
exertion and excitement
exhaustion and fatigue
exhibition and display
exhilarating and beneficial
exigency and requirement [exigency = urgent situation]
expansive and digressive
expediency and utility
expensive and unprofitable
experience and skill
experiment and explorations
expert and vigorous
explanation and elucidation
explore and examine
expressions and exclamations
expressive and effective
exquisite and powerful
extent and importance
extraordinary and unexpected
extravagant and grotesque
extreme and morbid
exuberant and infectious
F
fabulous and fabricated
facile and brilliant
facts and traditions
faculties and powers
faded and withered
failures and misadventures
faint and obscure
fair and impartial
faith and reverence
fallacy and danger
false and fugitive
fame and fortune
familiar and gracious
famous and foremost
fancies and sentiments
fanciful and chimerical [chimerical = highly improbable]
fantastic and meretricious [meretricious = plausible but false]
fascination and awe
fashion and frivolity
fastidious and exacting
fatigued and careworn
faults and delusions
favors and kindnesses
fear and bewilderment
feasible and practical
feebleness and folly
feeling and passion
felicitous and exquisite
ferocious and mercenary
fertility and vigor
fervor and simplicity
feverishly and furiously
fickle and uncertain
fidelity and zeal
fierce and menacing
fiery and controversial
final and irreversible
finish and completeness
firm and decisive
first and foremost
fitful and capricious
fitting and appropriate
fixity and finality
flaming and mendacious [mendacious = lying; untruthful]
flare and flicker
flatness and insipidity
flattery and toadyism
flexible and spontaneous
flickering and ambiguous
flighty and impetuous
flippant and contemptuous
florid and healthy [florid = ornate; flowery]
flotsam and jetsam
flow and fullness
flowery and figurative
fluctuating and transitory
fluency and flippancy
fluttering and restless
focus and concentrate
fogs and complications
foibles and follies
foiled and defeated
folly and indecorum
fools and underlings
force and effectiveness
formal and cold
formidable and profound
formlessness and exaggeration
fortitude and perseverance
foul and ominous
fragile and pale
fragments and morsels
fragrance and beauty
frailties and absurdities
frank and genial
free and independent
frequent and poignant
freshness and fragrance
fretful and timorous
friend and benefactor
frigid and pompous
frivolous and empty
froth and effervescence
frustrated and confounded
fuddled and contradictory
full and sonorous
fumbling and blundering
fuming and bustling
fun and satire
function and aim
fundamental and necessary
furrowed and ragged
furtive and illusive
fury and madness
fussing and fuming
futile and untrustworthy
G
gaiety and grace
gallant and proud
galling and humiliating
gaunt and ghastly
gay and genial
general and universal
generosity and prodigality
generous and humane
genial and refreshing
genius and reputation
gentle and amiable
genuine and infectious
germ and root
gesticulation and emphasis [gesticulation = deliberate, vigorous motion or gesture]
ghastly and inconceivable
gifts and graces
gigantic and portentous
glamour and fascination
glare and pretension
glib and loquacious [loquacious = very talkative]
glitter and glamour
gloomy and morose
glorious and gorgeous
glowing and exaggerated
glum and grim
goodness and rectitude
goodwill and merriment
gorgeousness and splendor
gossiping and grumbling
govern and overrule
grace and dignity
gracious and generous
gradual and progressive
graft and dishonesty
grand and sublime
grandeur and massiveness
grandiose and oracular [oracular = solemnly prophetic; obscure]
graphic and gorgeous
gratification and enjoyment
gratitude and generosity
gratuitous and ungracious
grave and stately
graveyards and solitudes
greatness and stability
greed and covetousness
grief and remorse
grim and sullen
grimaces and gesticulations
grope and fumble
grossness and brutality
grotesque and monstrous
grouped and combined
growth and development
guesses and fancies
guidance and inspiration
gush and hysteria
gusto and effect
H
habits and humors
habitual and intuitive
hackneyed and tawdry
haggard and pale
handsome and amiable
haphazard and dangerous
happiness and pleasantness
harass and pursue
hard and unsparing
hardships and indignities
harmony and beauty
harsh and austere
hasty and unwarranted
hateful and loathsome
haughtiness and arrogance
hauteur and disdain [hauteur = arrogance]
hazard and peril
hazy and indefinite
headstrong and foolish
healthy and vigorous
hearth and shrine
heartless and hypocritical
heat and impatience
heaviness and weariness
hecklings and interruptions
hectic and pitiful
heretics and schismatics
heritage and privilege
heroism and wisdom
hesitation and irresolution
hideous and grotesque
high and conscientious
hilarity and mirth
hints and suggestions
history and tradition
hither and thither
hoarse and rumbling
hobbies and eccentricities
hollowness and unreality
holy and prayerful
homeliness and simplicity
honestly and confessedly
honors and emoluments [emoluments = compensation]
hooted and mobbed
hopes and prospects
horror and ghastliness
hospitality and magnificence
hubbub and confusion
huge and unwieldy
humane and sympathetic
humility and devoutness
humors and singularities
hurry and bustle
hushed and still
husks and phantoms
hypocrisy and impudence
I
ideas and achievements
idle and presumptuous
ignoble and shabby
ignominy and misfortune
ignorance and superstition
illiterate and unfit
ill-tempered and unjust
illuminative and suggestive
illustrative and typical
images and impressions
imagination and memory
imbitter and exasperate
imitators and disciples
immature and unpromising
immediate and instantaneous
immensity and intricacy
imminent and terrible
immovable and unchangeable
impalpable and spiritual
impassioned and energetic
impatient and restless
imperfection and fallibility
imperil and destroy
imperious and ruthless [imperious = arrogantly domineering]
impertinent and personal
impinging and inexorable
implacable and destructive
important and formidable
imposed and enforced
impossibilities and absurdities
impressible and plastic
improvement and progress
imprudent and thoughtless
impulse and indignation
inaccessible and audacious
inactive and supine
inadequate and misleading
inapplicable and alien
inarticulate and confused
inborn and native
incensed and alarmed
inchoate and tentative [inchoate = imperfectly formed]
incoherent and inconclusive
incompetence and ignorance
incomplete and erroneous
incongruity and absurdity
inconvenient and troublesome
incorrigible and irrepressible
incredulous and mortified
indefatigable and irresistible
indefinite and vague
independent and democratic
indifference and brevity
indigence and obscurity
indignation and chagrin
indirectly and unconsciously
indispensable and irreplaceable
indistinct and misty
indolence and indifference
indomitable and dogged
indorsed and applauded
indulge and cherish
industrious and vigilant
ineffective and bungling
inert and uncertain
inevitable and assured
inexhaustible and indomitable
inexperienced and timid
infallible and disdainful
inference and suggestion
infinite and eternal
inflexible and unchanging
influence and authority
informed and competent
ingenious and eloquent
ingratitude and cruelty
inharmonious and irregular
injustice and inhumanity
innocence and fidelity
innuendo and suggestion
inopportune and futile
insanely and blindly
inscrutable and perplexing
insecurity and precariousness
insensibly and graciously
insignificant and transitory
insincere and worthless
insipid and silly
insistent and incongruous
insolence and absurdity
inspiring and animating
instant and momentous
instinctive and rational
insulted and thwarted
intangible and indefinable
integral and indestructible
integrity and honor
intelligence and insight
intense and overpowering
intentness and interest
interesting and engrossing
intimate and familiar
intolerant and bumptious [bumptious = loudly assertive; pushy]
intractable and untameable
intricate and endless
intrusive and unmannerly
intuitive and axiomatic
invasion and aggression
invective and innuendo [invective = abusive language]
investigation and research
invidious and painful [invidious = rousing ill will, animosity]
inviolate and unscathed
invisible and silent
involuntary and automatic
irksome and distasteful
irrational and excessive
irregular and intermittent
irreligious and immoral
irremediable and eternal
irrepressible and insistent
irreverence and ingratitude
irritable and churlish [churlish = boorish or vulgar]
isolated and detached
J
jabber and chatter
jagged and multifarious
jargon and absurdity
jaundiced and jealous
jeer and scoff
jeopardy and instability
jests and sarcasms
jocular and vivacious
jostle and stumble
joy and felicity
jubilant and boastful
judgment and discretion
judicious and acute
juggled and manipulated
jumble and confuse
juncture and circumstance
jurisdiction and authority
justice and virtue
juvenile and budding
K
keen and pertinacious [pertinacious = stubbornly persistent]
kind and forbearing
kindle and intensify
kindred and analogous
kingly and autocratic
knavish and tyrannical
knowledge and conviction
known and recognized
L
labor and drudgery
lame and impotent
lamentable and depressing
languid and indifferent
large and opulent
lassitude and languor [languor = dreamy, lazy mood]
latent and lifeless
latitude and scope
laudable and deserving
laughable and grotesque
lavish and wasteful
lawlessness and violence
laxity and forbearance
laziness and profligacy
leafage and fruitage
learning and austerity
legends and traditions
legitimate and logical
leisure and tranquillity
lengthy and diffuse
lenient and sympathetic
lethargy and sloth
levity and gaiety
liberal and ample
liberty and freedom
license and laxity
likely and plausible
limited and abbreviated
listless and inert
literal and exact
literary and artistic
lithe and sinewy
lively and poignant
loathsome and abject
lofty and sonorous [sonorous = producing a full, rich sound; impressive speech]
logical and consistent
loquacity and exuberance [loquacity = very talkative.]
loss and deterioration
loud and passionate
loving and reverential
low and groveling
loyal and devoted
lucidity and vividness
lucky and propitious [propitious = auspicious, favorable; kindly]
lucrative and advantageous
ludicrous and detestable
lugubrious and unfortunate [lugubrious = dismal, gloomy]
lukewarm and indifferent
lull and silence
luminous and keen
lure and captivate
lurid and fiery
luscious and lasting
luster and resplendence
lusty and big-sounding
luxury and pomp
M
madness and folly
magical and secret
magnificent and luxurious
majestic and imposing
malice and revenge
malignity and spitefulness
manifold and complex
manly and powerful
manner and conduct
marvels and mysteries
massive and compact
masterly and convincing
materialistic and sordid
maternal and filial
maudlin and grotesque [maudlin = tearfully sentimental]
maxims and morals
meager and bare
mean and debasing
meaning and significance
means and materials
mechanical and monotonous
meddling and muddling
meditative and sympathetic
meek and manageable
melody and softness
memorable and glorious
menace and superciliousness [superciliousness = haughty disdain]
merciful and chivalrous
merciless and unpitying
merit and virtue
mighty and majestic
mild and virtuous
mince and temporize
minds and memories
minuteness and fidelity
mirth and joviality
misdemeanors and improprieties
misery and degradation
misrepresented and reviled
misty and indefinite
mobile and expressive
mockery and imposture
moderate and cautious
modes and methods
modest and retiring
molding and upbuilding
momentary and languid [languid = lacking energy; weak]
momentous and appalling
monopoly and injustice
monotony and indecorum
monstrous and insupportable
moody and brooding
moral and religious
morbid and irritable
motionless and commanding
motives and aims
mud and mire
muddled and incoherent
murmurs and reproaches
muscularity and morality
mutable and fleeting
mute and insensate
mutilated and disfigured
muttering and murmuring
mutual and friendly
mysterious and incomprehensible
mystic and wonderful
N
nagging and squabbling
nameless and obscure
narrow and timorous
natural and spontaneous
nauseous and disgusting
neatness and propriety
necessarily and essentially
needs and demands
nefarious and malevolent
negations and contradictions
neglect and evade
negotiate and bargain
nerve and fiber
neutral and colorless
nicety and precision
nimble and airy
noble and powerful
nodding and blinking
noisy and scurrilous [scurrilous = vulgar, coarse, abusive language]
nonsense and absurdity
nooks and corners
notable and conspicuous
noted and distinguished
noteworthy and intelligible
notoriety and prominence
nourish and foster
novelty and freshness
novice and ignoramus
nucleus and beginning
nugatory and ineffectual [nugatory = no importance; trifling]
nullify and destroy
number and variety
numerous and important
O
oaths and revilings
obdurate and impenitent [obdurate = hardened in wrongdoing ] [impenitent = without remorse for sins]
obedient and dutious
obeisance and submission
objectionable and inexpedient
obligation and dependence
obliquity and hypocrisy
oblivious and insensible
obloquy and detraction [obloquy = abusive language]
obnoxious and odious
obscure and enigmatical
obsequies and panegyrics [obsequies = funeral rite] [panegyrics = elaborate praise]
obsequious and conciliating [obsequious = servile compliance; fawning]
observations and reflections
obstacles and disasters
obstinate and stupid
obstreperous and noisy [obstreperous = stubbornly defiant]
obtrusive and vulgar
obtuse and imbecile
obvious and palpable
occasional and contingent
occult and hidden
occupations and habits
odd and dismal
odious and oppressive
offensive and aggressive
official and authoritative
oily and servile
old and decrepit
ominous and untrustworthy
omnivorous and sordid
oneness and unity
onerous and perplexing
open and inviting
opinions and hypotheses
opportunism and inconsistency
opposite and discordant
oppressed and sullen
optimistic and reassuring
opulence and magnitude
oracular and occult [oracular = solemnly prophetic; obscure]
order and uniformity
organic and rational
organization and system
origin and discovery
original and attractive
ornate and variegated
ostensible and explicit
ostentatiousness and gaiety
outlines and appearances
outrageous and scandalous
overburdened and confused
overcome and vanquish
overstep and contravene
overt and unmistakable
overwearied and outworn
overworked and fagged [fagged = worked to exhaustion]
P
pains and penalties
painstaking and cumbersome
pale and anxious
palpable and plain
paltry and inglorious
pampered and petted
parade and display
parched and dry
partial and provisional
particularly and individually
parties and sects
passion and prejudice
passive and indifferent
pastimes and diversions
patent and pertinent
pathos and terror
patience and perseverance
patriotism and reverence
pattern and exemplar [exemplar = worthy of imitation]
peaks and pinnacles
pedagogue and pedant [pedant = exhibits learning or scholarship ostentatiously]
pedantries and affectations
pedigree and genealogy
peevishness and spleen
pellucid and crystal [pellucid = transparently clear]
penetrating and insidious
penned and planned
peppery and impetuous
perception and recognition
peremptorily and irrevocably [peremptorily = not allowing contradiction]
perilous and shifting
permanent and unchangeable
permeate and purify
pernicious and malign
perplexity and confusion
persistent and reiterated
personal and specific
perspicuous and flowing [perspicuous = clearly expressed]
perturbed and restless
perverted and prejudicial
pessimistic and disenchanted
pestilence and famine
petted and indulged
pettiness and prudence
petulance and acrimony
pharisaical and bitter [pharisaical = hypocritically self-righteous and condemnatory]
pictorial and dramatic
picturesque and illustrative
pilgrim and crusader
pillage and demolish
piquant and palatable [piquant = agreeable pungent taste]
pith and brevity
pitiful and destitute
place and power
plagued and persecuted
plainness and severity
plaintive and mournful
plans and projects
plastic and ductile
plausibility and humbug
pleasant and pungent
pleasurable and wholesome
pliant and submissive
plot and verisimilitude
plunder and sacrilege
poetical and pastoral
pointless and ineffective
polite and elegant
political and sociological
pomp and pageantry
ponderous and unwieldy
poor and barren
possession and dominion
potent and prevailing
power and luxury
praise and commend
precedence and usage
precision and efficiency
preference and prejudice
pregnant and suggestive
prejudice and predilection [predilection = preference]
presence and address
present and tangible
prestige and authority
presumptuous and futile
pretentious and inept
pretty and enchanting
pride and indignation
primary and essential
priority and predominance
probity and candor [probity = integrity; uprightness]
prodigal and careless
profile and outline
profound and philosophical
profuse and tearful
prolix and tedious [prolix = prolonged; wordy]
prominence and importance
promise and performance
promptitude and dispatch
proneness and readiness
pronounced and diversified
proof and illustration
propensity and desire
proportion and consistency
propriety and delicacy
prostration and loss
protection and safety
protesting and repelling
protracted and fruitless
provincialism and vulgarity
prudent and sagacious [sagacious = keenly discerning]
puerile and sickly [puerile = immature; childish]
puffy and dissipated
puissant and vigorous [puissant = with power, might]
punctilious and severe [punctilious = precise; scrupulous]
purity and simplicity
purpose and intention
pusillanimous and petty [pusillanimous = cowardly]
puzzled and affected
Q
quackery and incompetence
quaintness and oddity
qualities and gifts
quarrel and wrangle
queer and affected
querulous and plaintive [querulous = complaining; peevish]
quibble and fabricate
quickness and agility
quiet and unobtrusive
quintessential and nuclear [quintessential = perfect example]
quips and cranks
quirks and graces
quivering and fearful
quizzical and whimsical
R
racked and oppressed
racy and incisive
rage and apprehension
rank and learning
rant and gush
rapacity and villainy [rapacity = plundering]
rapidity and precision
rapt and silent
rapture and enthusiasm
rare and exquisite
rashness and heedlessness
ready and spontaneous
real and positive
realistic and effective
reasonable and practical
rebellion and disloyalty
rebuffs and anxieties
receptive and responsive
recognized and honored
recoil and reaction
reconciliation and peace
recondite and abstruse [recondite = concealed; hidden] [abstruse = difficult to understand]
reconnoiter and explore
recreation and amusement
rectitude and delicacy
redeeming and transforming
refined and dignified
refreshing and invigorating
regard and esteem
regret and remorse
regular and symmetrical
rejection and scorn
reliable and trustworthy
relief and redress [redress = set right; remedy]
remarkable and interesting
remorseful and sullen
remote and distant
rend and devastate
repellent and ungracious
repetition and reiteration
repress and silence
repugnance and aversion
repulsive and loathsome
resentment and indignation
reserve and coyness
resistless and implacable
resolution and effort
resonant and tuneful
resourceful and unscrupulous
respected and obeyed
responsibilities and burdens
restive and bored
restless and impatient
retaliation and revenge
reticence and repose
revered and cherished
reverses and disasters
revised and corrected
revolution and sedition [sedition = insurrection; rebellion]
rhapsodies and panegyrics [panegyrics = elaborate praise]
richness and fertility
ridicule and censure
right and praiseworthy
rigid and inexpressive
ripeness and plenitude
rivals and antagonists
roar and ring
robust and rugged
rococo and affected [rococo = elaborate ornamentation]
romantic and pathetic
rough and barren
roundabout and complicated
roused and stimulated
rude and fiery
rugged and inaccessible
rumors and impressions
rushing and gurgling
rust and disuse
S
sad and melancholy
sagacity and virtue [sagacity = farsighted; wise]
sane and simple
sarcastic and cruel
sayings and quibbles
scant and incidental
scattered and desultory [desultory = haphazard; random]
scenes and associations
scholastic and erudite [erudite = learned]
scientific and exact
scintillating and brilliant
scoffing and unbelief
scope and significance
scorched and shriveled
scorn and loathing
scrupulous and anxious
scrutiny and investigation
searching and irresistible
seared and scorched
secondary and subsidiary
secretive and furtive
sedate and serious
selfish and overbearing
sensational and trivial
senseless and unreasoning
sensibilities and emotions
sensitive and capricious
sententious and tiresome [sententious = pompous moralizing; terse and energetic]
sentiment and passion
serene and quiet
serious and studious
severe and saturnine [saturnine = melancholy or sullen]
shabbiness and vulgarity
shadowy and confused
shame and mortification
shams and hypocrisies
shaped and sculptured
sharp and vigorous
shelter and safeguard
shifts and compromises
shivering and chattering
shocked and astonished
short and precarious
shreds and tatters
shrewd and diligent
shrill and piercing
shrinking and nervous
shy and subdued
significant and sinister
signs and tokens
silence and obscurity
similarities and resemblances
simple and straightforward
simpletons and nincompoops
sincerity and frankness
sinewy and active
skill and coolness
skulk and shirk
sleek and languid [languid = lacking energy or vitality; weak]
slight and precarious
slipshod and untidy
slothfulness and perversity
slow and sluggish
slumbering and unsuspected
small and hampered
smirched and tarnished
smoothness and artifice
sneering and sentimental
soberly and truthfully
softness and effeminacy
solemn and dramatic
solitary and idle
solitude and depression
sonorous and musical
sons and scions [scions = descendant or heir]
soporific and sodden [soporific = inducing sleep]
sordid and stupid
sorrow and lamentation
soulless and mindless
sovereign and independent
spacious and lofty
sparkling and spontaneous
spasmodic and hysterical
speedy and inevitable
spicy and pungent
spiritual and invisible
spiteful and sordid
splash and dash
splendor and glory
spontaneity and intensity
sportive and playful
sprightly and vigorous
spur and impulse
spurious and misleading
squalid and dismal [squalid = wretched, dirty, repulsive]
stare and gasp
stately and ponderous
statesmanship and character
staunch and influential
stay and solace
steadfast and resolute
steadily and patiently
stealthy and hostile
stern and unbending
stiff and cumbersome
stifling and venomous
still and translucent
stimulating and wholesome
stings and stimulants
stir and tumult
stolid and soulless
strain and struggle
strange and incomprehensible
stratagems and plots
strenuous and energetic
strictly and absolutely
strife and contention
striking and picturesque
strong and youthful
structure and organization
struggles and misgivings
studied and artificial
stunned and insensible
stupor and despair
sturdy and manly
style and temperament
suave and winning
sublime and aspiring
submission and patience
subordinate and dependent
substance and basis
subtle and elusive
suddenness and vehemence
suffering and desperation
suffused and transfigured
suggestions and stimulations
sullen and fierce
summarize and epitomize
sumptuous and aromatic
sunshine and smiles
superb and showy
supercilious and obstinate [supercilious = haughty disdain]
superficial and obvious
superfluous and impertinent
suppressed and restrained
surmises and suggestions
surprise and wonder
susceptibility and vulnerability
suspense and excitement
suspicion and innuendo [innuendo = indirect derogatory implication]
sustained and measured
sweet and wholesome
swelled and bloated
swift and stealthy
swoop and range
symbolism and imagery
sympathetic and consoling
T
taciturn and laconic [taciturn = untalkative] [laconic = terse]
tactful and conciliatory
talkative and effusive
tame and insipid
tangible and sufficient
tangled and shapeless
tardy and belated
tartness and contradiction
taste and elegance
tattle and babble
taunt and reproach
tawdry and penurious [tawdry = gaudy, cheap] [penurious = stingy]
tears and lamentations
tedious and trivial
temperament and taste
temperately and judiciously
tempest and violence
temporal and evanescent [evanescent = vanishing like vapor]
tenacity and coherence
tender and emotional
tense and straining
tentative and experimental
terrible and satanical
testiness and crabbedness
thankfulness and acknowledgment
theories and speculations
thorough and effective
threatening and formidable
thriftless and unenterprising
thrilling and vitalizing
ties and associations
time and opportunity
timid and vacillating
tiresome and laborious
tolerant and kindly
tone and treatment
topics and instances
tormented and tantalized
tortuous and twisted
tottering and hopeless
touched and thrilled
tractable and gracious
traditions and practises
training and temperament
tranquillity and benevolence
transfuse and irradiate
transitory and temporary
transparent and comprehensible
treacherous and cowardly
tremble and oscillate
trenchant and straightforward [trenchant = effective, and vigorous]
trials and tribulations
tricks and stratagems
trifling and doubtful
trite and commonplace
trivial and ridiculous
troublous and menacing
truisms and trivialities
trust and confidence
truth and righteousness
turbid and noise some
turgid and bombastic [turgid = excessively complex] [bombastic = pompous]
turmoil and shouting
twisted and perverted
type and forerunner
tyrant and oppressor
U
unaccountable and grotesque
unaffected and undaunted
unapproached and unapproachable
unassuming and unpretending
unchangeable and enduring
unconsciously and innocently
uncouth and barbarous
unctuous and irresistible [trenchant = insincere earnestness]
undeveloped and ignorant
undignified and futile
uneasiness and apprehension
uneducated and inexperienced
unfamiliar and distant
unfettered and vigorous
unforced and unchecked
unfortunate and unparalleled
unfounded and incredible
ungracious and reluctant
unhappiness and discomfort
unique and original
unity and completeness
unjust and ungrateful
unlimited and absolute
unnatural and harmful
unobserved and unsuspected
unobtrusive and tactful
unparalleled and inexhaustible
unpleasant and bewildering
unpopular and unimpressive
unprecedented and objectionable
unpremeditated and heartfelt
unpromising and scanty
unprotected and friendless
unreal and unsubstantial
unreasoning and uncompromising
unrecognized and unrewarded
unseemly and insufferable
unseen and unsuspected
unsmiling and critical
unswerving and unfaltering
unthinking and careless
untutored and infantine
unusual and unexpected
unuttered and unutterable
unwholesome and vile
upright and credible
uproar and confusion
upstart and braggart
urbanity and unction [unction = exaggerated earnestness]
utter and disastrous
V
vacillation and uncertainty
vague and indistinct
vain and profitless
validity and value
vanities and vices
vapory and chaotic
varied and animated
varnish and falsehood
vassals and inferiors
vast and superlative
vehement and clamorous
veiled and unreadable
venality and corruption
venerable and interesting
veracity and fidelity
verbally and literally
versatility and sympathy
vexation and anxiety
vibrating and sonorous
views and experiences
vigilant and inflexible
vigorous and graphic
violent and ill-balanced
virtuous and wise
virulence and invective [invective = abusive language]
visible and apparent
visionary and obscure
vistas and backgrounds
vital and vigorous
vitiate and poison [vitiate = reduce the value]
vituperation and abuse [vituperation = abusive language]
vivacious and agreeable
vivid and varied
void and nothingness
volatile and fiery
volubly and exuberantly [volubly = ready flow of speech]
volume and impetus
voluminous and varied
voluntarily and habitually
vulgar and artificial
W
wandering and erratic
wanton and unnecessary
war and revelry
warp and woof [warp = lengthwise threads] [woof = crosswise threads]
wasteful and circuitous
waxing and waning
weak and perfidious
wealth and distinction
wearisome and dull
weighed and winnowed
weighty and dominant
weird and fantastic
wheezing and puffing
whims and inconsistencies
wholesome and beautiful
wholly and solely
wicked and malicious
widened and amplified
wild and irregular
wily and observant
winking and blinking
winning and unforced
wise and beneficent
wistful and dreamy
wit and jocularity [jocularity = given to joking]
withered and wan
woe and lamentation
wonder and delight
work and utility
worldly and ambitious
worth and excellence
wrath and menace
wretched and suppliant
Y
yearning and eagerness
yielding and obedience
yoke and bondage
young and fragile
youthful and callow [callow = immature]
Z
zeal and vehemence
zenith and climax
zest and freshness
zigzag and deviating
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See also these useful collections of phrases, similes and word groups:
- Prepositional Phrases - Sets of paired adjectives that together add up to more than the sum of their parts.
- Significant Phrases - aired nouns, adjectives and adverbs, which together create an impactful and vivid image of the thought you want to convey.
- Public Speaking Sample Phrases - huge collection of examples and phrases are designed to make your oral presentations and debates more impactful and clear.
- Business Phrases - These phrases will help you say what you mean with emphasis and let you stand out from the usual corporate memo and report.
- Conversational Phrases - parts of sentences that you can use as building blocks for larger conversations.
- Striking Similes - similes and figures of speech that you can use to make your writing more emphatic and vivid.
- Literary Expressions - a vast collection of literary phrases, allusions and similes that you can use to spice up your writing and make it more impactful and noteworthy.
- Impressive Phrases - These phrases and groups of related adjectives are meant to make an impact on the reader or listener.
- Felicitous Phrases - Groupings of three words that fit perfectly together and use repetition to create emphasis and striking imagery.
