It’s no secret that online writers love using the word killer. They want to create “killer posts” with “killer titles” all wrapped up in a “killer design.”
The truth is: killer is a noun. The expression “killer posts” isn’t even grammatically correct. Nevertheless, the slang has moved through pop culture and into the lives of many a blogger.
So how do we convey our killer message to our readers? If I want to write an article on “how to create outstanding headlines,” how do I explain that the headlines you’ll be writing will, in fact, be so amazing that they slay every other headline in the vicinity?
Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of adjectives that mean “killer.” To be more specific, I’ve compiled 50 words that you can use instead of the word “killer.”
50 Words to Use Instead of “Killer”
- Outstanding
- Exceptional
- Mesmerizing
- Captivating
- Superior
- Phenomenal
- World-Class
- Magnificent
- Marvelous
- Fantastic
- Compelling
- Noteworthy
- Memorable
- Remarkable
- Extraordinary
- Notable
- Excellent
- Wonderful
- Premium
- Cutting-Edge
- Amazing
- Astonishing
- Fascinating
- Awesome
- Stunning
- Unbelievable
- Unfathomable
- Astounding
- Electrifying
- Staggering
- Bewildering
- Miraculous
- Stupendous
- Wondrous
- Stupefying
- Breathtaking
- Exciting
- Awe-Inspiring
- Impressive
- Thrilling
- Spine-Tingling
- Incredible
- Glorious
- Superhuman
- Mind-Blowing
- Eye-Opening
- Mind-Boggling
- Intriguing
- Inspiring
- Engrossing
What Do You Think?
Do you use the word “killer” too often when writing articles or blog posts? What other words are overused in the online world? Share your thoughts and opinions below!
Oh I’ve definitely seen this waaaaay to much, especially in the design community. I’m going to retweet the person who linked to this article.
Thanks for the tips by the way, a worthy read and bookmark.
Over the last few weeks I’ve been writing down my own list of words to use more and this list will give me a lot of words to use.
Thanks for sharing
Hey Corey,
Excellent post. Some expressions, which often get overused, tend to lose their value. You’ve listed some good replacements.
Great blog!
Thanks,
Swastik
@Nokadota
This expression is definitely exploited in just about every industry, especially the “creative” ones. It’s time for a revolution!
Thanks for stopping by!
@Blaine
Thanks for the comment! I’m glad I could give you more to add to your list. I’m always looking for new words to work into my content as well.
@Swastik
Thanks for stopping by! It’s definitely true that with each use, we diminish a term’s originality. Used sparingly, terms retain their meaning, but if you use them all over the place with no rhyme or reason, you just get a “filler” word.
I’ve got another one: 51) Exemplary
Also, that’s a very good point about Killer being a noun. I’ve never thought about that. By the way, your design is coming together nicely!
@Nick
Now you’ve made it an uneven number! Haha. Thanks for sharing your word. Not many people consider the idea that “killer” isn’t even an adjective, just as the word “creative” is used as a noun when it is an adjective. I guess I have another post to write…
Hey Corey,
As you know I love lists!
And I was pleasantly surprised to see how beautiful your blog is getting to be.
I can’t believe the skills you have.
The future is your playground.
Courtney James
Obvious Writer
@Courtney
Thank you! I work very hard. I really like how the design has turned out as well.
I always use a thesaurus when writing ANYTHING. I hate when people use “amazing” in an article or sales page 23 times, make a word up if you have to, it just irks me.
Anyway, love the blog, you’ve got yourself a new reader
@Ardit
I often find myself falling victim to the word “awesome.” I don’t know why. Luckily, thesaurus.com is here for us.
Thanks for the list of 50 words. saved a copy on my HDD!
nice, i often pass some words through a thesaurus but this is perfect.
Cheers for the list!
@designussion
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the list.
Great stuff. Worth a retweet. This is truly kille… oops, I mean, uhh (turns to list at random) SUPERHUMAN information!
Seriously though, lists like this help us to keep headlines fresh and original, so thanks again.
@Paul
Obviously, these words have subtle variations, but they mostly mean “exceptional.”
I’m glad you find this list useful.
Wow cool list and once again an innovative idea for the article.
Really liked the concept as well as the words given. Keep rocking !
@Enk
I do my best to be as unique as possible, haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Nice list. Bookmarked this post
Corey! I love your killer article!
Thanks for the list time to kill the killer word.
There should be a coma there.
“Thanks for the list, time to kill the killer word.”
Thank you so much for this list! Using “killer” as an adjective has been one of my pet peeve with the recent influx of design round-ups.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s bothered by it! Thanks for stopping by.
I never use the word killer, but this is a killer post! Will bookmark this and try to use some of the words in my future headlines.
.-= Shane Hudson – Be Motivational´s last blog ..The Birth Of The Internet =-.