Synonyms for

Description

Verb / dɪˈskrɪpʃʌn / Another word for description — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A statement or account that describes something or someone.

Synonyms & similar words

verbaldescription account explanation narration report story depiction portrait sketch version characterization picture detail commentary elucidation explication interpretation representation definition delineation information

Synonyms by register

Formal

account narration portrayal characterization

Informal

rundown lowdown spiel what it's about

Literary

depiction evocation rendering

Antonyms

summary outline abbreviation gist essence abstract

Common collocations

  • detailed description
  • vivid description
  • brief description
  • description of
  • written description
  • verbal description
  • description language
  • description box

Word family

noun description
verb describe
adjective descriptive
adverb descriptively

Usage note

While 'description' refers to the act or result of describing, 'describe' is the verb form. Avoid using 'description' when a simple summary or outline would suffice.

Example sentences

  1. The description of the sunset was beautiful.
  2. He gave a detailed description of the crime scene.
  3. The job listing had a clear description of the responsibilities.
  4. The artist's description of her painting was poetic.
  5. The tour guide's description of the monument was informative.

Quotes

  • 'A picture is worth a thousand words, but a good description is priceless.' - Unknown
  • 'The best description of a good dinner is when afterwards you can't remember what you ate.' - Lewis Grizzard
  • 'A good description is a sentence that makes a picture.' - Eudora Welty

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