In informal, everyday speech, the word "literally" is often used incorrectly as an intensifier.
Source: tatoeba (1955554)
Intensifier
Synonyms for "intensifier" (66 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (14)
Noun(13 words)
adjective intensifiersadjective modifieradjective of degreeadverb of degreeaggravatoramplifierscomparative adverbdegree adverbdegree adverbsdegree descriptordegree markerdegree modifierdegree word
Verb(1 words)
court a ruling
Strong matches (19)
Related words (33)
Adjective(7 words)
linguistic qualifiermaddeningmore urban ecosystem resilientmotherfuckingunholierutmost degreewhatsoever
Noun(15 words)
mass coral bleachingmodifiermodifiersmore animal kingdommore catalanmore extramore numeral-systemmore repetitivemost criminalmost microbialmost nonediblemotherfuckernot at allqualifierqualifier term
Determiner(9 words)
more cultural continuitymore mass-dependent energymore roman historymore watering canmost canarianmost national programmost numbermost number-systemsuch
Adverb(2 words)
spectacularlywell organized classroom
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: adjective intensifiers, adjective modifier, adjective of degree, adverb of degree, aggravator.
- Sentence evidence is available for intensifier, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from derived_reverse, opengloss, wordnet.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "intensifier".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "intensifier"
Keep "intensifier" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "intensifier" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "intensifier", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "intensifier" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
4 entriesMore specific
2 entriesCollocations
5 entriesdegree modifiergrammatical functionintensifier usagelinguistic intensifiermodifying word
Inflections
1 entriesDerivations
2 entriesSample sentences
5 total sentences available.
Tom uses "wicked" as an intensifier.
Source: tatoeba (12960178)
In New England, the word "wicked" functions as an intensifier.
Source: tatoeba (13048728)
On the West Coast of the United States, the word "hella" is used as an intensifier, from "hell of a."
Source: tatoeba (13048732)
Showing 4 of 5 available sentences.
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "intensifier"?
Closest matches include adjective intensifiers, adjective modifier, adjective of degree, adverb of degree, aggravator.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "intensifier"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.